Takapuna, Central Auckland Provisional Soviet
The Jet Turbine roared as the Tank lurched off the landing craft and gracefully hit the sand. Overhead, Scout helicopters swept the area, with heavier attack helicopters following. The Tank's cannon glimmered in the evening light, revealing her name: Cherri Lady.
"I went to Auckland when I had leave a few years back; it's a shame it turned into this." The Tank commander says as she peers out of the hatch before closing and locking it.
"Hey, Misty, doesn't your brother live here?" The Gunner responds, still gazing through the sight.
"Jack? Yeah. I'm not concerned if he's dead or not; he's alive. He did not spend months in SERE training just to get got by some farmer with a rifle." She pauses for a bit before saying in a jovial tone, "You're lucky the Drill Sergeant wasn't around to hear that flagrant violation of protocol; he would have made you run for days."
The Gunner scoffs slightly before replying, "Whatever, Lieutenant."
The Abrahms continues its movement, busting down a rusted chainlink fence and reaching a dilapidated road. Behind it, Strykers followed suit as the second wave of Landing craft hit the Shore, carrying IFVs.
"I wonder where everyone went when the country collapsed. Million people aren't the easiest thing to hide," The Driver questions.
"Most fled to the next largest city, Hamilton. But then FFF forces moved in from Tauranga, and that's when things became hard to track. Have you not read anything that you were given?" Misty replies, covering her face with her hand. When she removes it, she quickly barks a halt command to the driver, who immediately screeches the Tank to a halt. Behind the front wall of a wrecked building, a large cannon barrel stuck out of a window, with its origin faintly visible in the dusk.
"What is that? Im switching to NV," Misty says, flipping the switch. Her viewscreen is blanketed in a hazy green, and the Tank becomes much more discernable.
"Soviet SPG, dead ahead. Load Sabot-" Her commands stopped as the tank crew climbed out of the SPG and stumbled towards the tank. Their skin was loose over their malnourished bodies, their FFF identification hanging off.
Several curses could be heard in the tank as the crew took in the heartbreaking sight. Even though they were enemies, they weren't prepared for this.
"Grab the Carbine and an MRE. they need food and shelter," Misty orders before popping the hatch on the tank.
The Free City of Mondstat, Mondstat
"So, remind me what the components of this rifle are," Jack asks, pointing at the rifle on the table in front of Aether.
"So you've got the Magazine, trigger, stock, barrel, under the barrel, and the….."
"Sight. Currently, the rifle has its default sight or iron sight. It does what it needs to do, but there are far better alternatives."
Aether nodded before Jack continues
"Now, the number one thing you must remember when handling any firearm is this: You do not point that rifle at something if you are not ready to kill. This thing will kill if you use it properly or improperly. Unfortunately, the Legion still has to learn this, but I'm hoping that they will in time."
The sound of the tank engine revving up stirs the duo from their impromptu training, and both of them looked outside to see what was happening.
The Tank lurched forward, nearly knocking down a pillar as it did so. People ran to and fro, hauling ammo and crates back into the trucks. Knights stood around, confused as to why everyone suddenly began running around. One Knight walked up to Aether and asks
"Was passiert hier? Wir haben jemanden etwas schreien gehört, und jetzt packen sie alles zusammen" (What's going on? We heard someone yelling something and now they're packing everything up)
Aether was about to respond before Jack smiled, turns to the Female Knight, and says
"Ich weiß nicht so viel wie er, was hier vor sich geht. Bleib hier einen Moment, ich werde gehen und nachfragen" (I don't know what's going on as much as he does. Stay here for a minute, I'll go ask)
Jack approaches one of the men, barking orders to the panicked crowd. He doesn't notice him before he yells
"What's going on? Why are we all packing up? Did we find the bastards?"
The man turned around, glared at Jack, then responds
"Your friends in the Marine Corps showed up. They're trying to take the Gate. We're going to give them a bloody nose, then die horribly."
The Man pauses, then continues in a tired tone
"That was a stupid joke. The least they'll do is take us prisoner, right?"
"Maybe, maybe not. SOP is they'll try and take us alive, but it's up to you guys to ensure that nobody acts up if we surrender. I'll do what I can. Has anybody seen Isla?"
"Nobody's seen Isla since that whole thing with the Grandmaster. I don't think they're with her, but who knows?" He shrugs.
Jack thinks of his friend for a moment. Where would Isla go when they encountered something emotionally draining?
"The bottle," Jack says out loud, then snaps to the man
"Where's the nearest bar, tavern, or alcohol store?"
Diluc Ragnvindr was a man lost in thought. He served customers left, right, and center barely a week ago, joyfully unaware of the catastrophe that loomed near them. Of course, he couldn't fault the LOA for not knowing where their enemies went, but he still thought there was something more to it. Although the Knights were more than welcome to host and work alongside their new comrades, he found it strange how they ignored the Civilians around them, who hid in doorways when they came around. He wanted them gone. Unfortunately, Mondstat was weak. Few Knights had died during the conflict, their visions and training allowing them to survive. Keyword: survive. Half of the Knights were on medical rest, and most uninjured ones were tending to them. That left Two Companies of Knights and The LOA to defend against anything that may try and take advantage of this vulnerability. So, for now, he would play nice and wait to see how things would play out.
As if Venti himself heard his thoughts, the door opened, revealing a man wearing an unknown uniform. It was obviously from the other world, but it was highly unique. The hard-brimmed hat was topped with…. Was that farming tools? Diluc squints more as he approaches the bar table. The Logo on the front of his hat was a Hammer and Sickle, crossed together at the center, With a red star behind it. The rest of his uniform was vaguely sheznayan, but screamed, "Im an officer!"
Isla sits at the bar table, lost for words. That feeling was back and wouldn't go away so easily this time. The raw feeling of trauma. Of a person who had to grow up far beyond their age. Of someone already struggling before the war, as collapsing health systems led to most Kiwis going without essential support. They were about to order before someone pulled up a chair beside them. Isla turns to see the face of the Knight that had nearly killed them a few days ago. She stares at Isla, before a look of recognition comes across her face, mixed with a slight tinge of embarrassment.
"Meine Ehre verlangt, dass ich mich für unser kleines... Zwischenfall bei deiner Ankunft entschuldige. Ich wollte dir nicht schaden, aber du hast dich fast in den Weg meiner Rache gestellt. Um es wiedergutzumachen, werde ich die erste Runde übernehmen. Was möchtest du trinken?" (My honor demands that I apologize for our little... Incident when you arrived. I wished not to harm you, but you nearly got in the way of my vengeance. To make it up to you, I will cover first round. What do you drink?) She says, her tinge of embarrassment fading as she apologised.
"Ich habe keine Ahnung, was ihr hier auf Lager habt. Du kannst für mich wählen... Entschuldigung, wie ist dein Name?" (I have no idea what you guys have in stock. You pick for me... I'm sorry, what is your name?)
"Eula Lawrence, die Spindrift-Ritterin," She says, putting her hand over her heart.
"Isla…. Lawrence. Oh, was für ein Zufall. Ich hoffe, sie sind nicht so böse wie die in meiner Welt." (Huh, what a coincidence. I hope they aren't evil like mine are.) Isla says jokingly before seeing Eula's mood immediately flip into a somber and moody one.
"Diluc. Zwei Flaschen Löwenzahnwein" (Diluc. Two bottles of Dandelion Wine) She says flatly. They stay silent until the drinks arrive. She quickly wastes no time in swigging the bottle, before turning to Isla.
"Sie waren also Sklavenhändler. Sie beherrschten einst Mondstadt, bevor eine gewaltsame Revolution sie stürzte und die Regierung installierte, die bis heute besteht. Sie verlieren jeden Tag an Macht, und wir haben es sogar geschafft, sie bei Verschwörungen mit den Fatui zu erwischen. Gut, dass sie verschwunden sind" (They were Slavers. They used to rule Mondstat, before a violent revolution toppled them and installed the government that lives to this day. They're losing power every day, we've even managed to catch them conspiring with the Fatui. Good riddence)
Isla follows her lead, Feeling the harsh liquor roll down their throat, nearly coughing at the strength of it all.
"Meine sind Kriegsverbrecher" (Mine are War criminals) Isla says bitterly.
"Kriegsverbrecher?" (War Criminal?)
Isla took a breath, then replied "Kriegsverbrecher sind diejenigen, die Gesetze des Krieges gebrochen haben, die in einer Form oder einer anderen seit etwa zweihundert Jahren existieren. Das Töten von Nicht-Kämpfern, Plündern und der Einsatz bestimmter Arten von Waffen verstoßen gegen diese Kriegsgesetze. Meine Eltern stellen chemische Waffen für unsere Feinde her. Sie haben viele Menschen getötet, Menschen, die mir am Herzen lagen" (War Criminals are those who have broken laws of war that have been around in one form or another for about two hundred years. Murdering non-combatants, looting, and the use of certain forms of weapons break those laws of war. My parents manufacture chemical weapons for our enemies. They killed a lot of people, people I cared about) Isla's voice cracked slightly as the last part exited their mouth.
Eula stared at them for a moment, before saying in an apologetic tone "Ich habe Gerüchte von Lisa gehört, was Jean während dieser Vision gesehen hat. Ich habe ihnen nicht geglaubt, bis zu dem, was du gerade gesagt hast. Ich hoffe, sie werden gefunden und vor Gericht gebracht, wo immer sie sich auch befinden mögen. Wenn du dabei Hilfe benötigst, bin ich mehr als bereit zu helfen. Ich möchte nicht, dass deine Rache gestoppt wird" ( I heard rumors from Lisa of what Jean saw during that vision. I did not believe them until what you just said. I hope they are found and brought to justice, wherever they may be. If you need help with that, I'm more than willing to assist. I would hate for your vengeance to be stopped) She smiles wryly as she says that last sentence, which earns her an equally wry smile from Isla.
The door slams open, And Jack rushes in and runs towards the pair, speaking in German so Eula could understand
"Wir verlassen diesen Ort. Das Marine Korps rückt auf das Tor vor, und wir verteidigen es" (We're leaving. The Marine Corps are advancing on the gate, we're defending it)
Eula nods at Jack, then Isla, before standing up and running out of the bar. Isla and Jack run out as well, heading towards the mass of People at the entrance to Mondstat.
"How many troops do you think they have?" Isla asks as they fast-walk.
"If I were commanding, I would have a complete Marine Expeditionary Unit, roughly 4500 Troops. We've seen them engage remaining VFF positions with Abrahms, so there are most likely Army Tank brigades embedded with the strike force, which would add another 3-5 thousand troops on top of that. They've probably got carriers parked outside the harbor, most likely the Ford alongside some older carriers. In short: We're fucked. We've got height and the Gate to give us cover, but since the domain would be clear of any civilian targets, they could just scramble F-35s off the Ford to deal with us. We, on the other hand, have a T-55, a PT-76, a few DSHK, and about 500-780 Riflemen. We could only hope to hold out for half an hour, maybe less"
"So what? You expect us just to throw our hands up and surrender? To leave the Mondstatians defenseless to their exploitation?" Isla responds, slightly frustrated at his words.
"Im just giving it to you straight, Isla. I'm not expecting you to go down without a fight. I'm just saying it doesn't look good at all. We're going to give them a bloody nose; what happens after, who knows?"
Isla nods before stepping up on the back of the PT-76, Shouting so everyone could hear them
"Comrades! Lend me your ears! Today is our finest hour!" This statement was followed by cheering and clapping before subsiding.
"Today, the fascist pigs of America come onto our shores! They laid in their dungeon for six months, watching our suffering as entertainment!" Jeers rose up from the crowd, then tapered off.
"And now, when we have something they want, they come in force, speaking of 'liberation' and 'restoration of freedoms. ' I tell you this: Where is the freedom they promised in Iraq? Where is the freedom they Promised in Afghanistan? We have seen firsthand what their freedom means! Comrades, today we fight not only for the defense of all we love, we fight to defend this world from Imperialist tyranny! Let us throw ourselves on the American Dogs like the Soldiers we are! Long live Aotearoa! Long live Teyvat!"
"Long live Aotearoa! Long live Teyvat!" The crowd screamed back, Isla's propagandized speech filling everyone with a cold fury and will to fight.
Distantly, a door opened, and Isla could hear the clinking of metal on cobblestones once more. Knights flooded towards them, their blades shining and Visions ready. Eula led the Knights, the soldiers parting to let her through.
"Ich habe es Jean mitgeteilt. Sie ist im Moment... nicht verfügbar, aber sie hat jedem Ritter, der sich freiwillig gemeldet hat, erlaubt zu gehen. Diese Ritter stehen zu deinem Befehl, und ich stehe auch zur Verfügung" (I told Jean. She's... unavailable at the moment,but she allowed any Knight that volunteered to go to leave. These Knights are at your command, and so am I)
Isla bows slightly in gratitude before saying thanks. Without a pause, Isla points their rifle toward the exit, and the Combined force begins to march.
Isla looks around the Gate area. What forces were left in the city had withdrawn to the gate, and with that came more men and emplacements. Sandbags were erected, trenches were being dug, and the Knights were flung through the most basic education of modern warfare possible.
"Modern warfare is extremely complicated and hard, but I'm going to give you a few basic principles that'll help you get through this" Isla instructs, speaking through Jack as a translator.
"The number one rule of modern warfare is: Always have a plan to get into cover. Warfare these days, as you saw in Mondstat, is much more brutal than the battlefields. We know that the armor you all wear can tank a bullet, but there are a lot more than bullets to worry about. The forces we are going against have no regard for using Shells, bombs, and various other explosives on us. The cover doesn't have to be deep: it can be a wall, an Indent in the ground, a foxhole, or even the water. Anything that you put between yourself and the enemy will increase your chances of survival. Rule Number Two: The enemy does not know how to fight in melee. They have limited training with bayonets, which cannot compete with the Swords, spears, and claymores you all carry. If you encounter the enemy, Rush them to melee range and immediately engage. In most cases, they will stop firing in fear of hitting their own, and you will be able to dispatch them."
Isla pauses for a moment, allowing Jack to catch up before continuing.
"Rule Three: Use your Visions. Besides us, nobody on this planet has knowledge of them. Any use of them will sow confusion. The more intimidating the use, the better. You're up against a group of 19-28-year-olds; if they see someone rushing towards them while a crapton of people are writhing on the ground from electricity, they are going to be scared as all hell. The final Rule is to Stay alive. You were not ordered to come here; you volunteered. You all have families to return to; not many of us can say the same. The Legion will not forget this, nor will the people of this land." Isla salutes the crowd of Knights before stepping off.
"You're going to want to hear this sir. Highlanders have reached the reconnaissance point, they've discovered some interesting things" A Voice behind him stated, as the slight rocking of the USS Flagstaff caused a pencil to fall from the table in the command room.
"This Is Colonel Chad Jackson. What do you see?" The man stated towards the radio, impatiently waiting for a reply.
"Sir, the enemy is heavily entrenched. They've established HMG emplacements at critical junctures, and they're supported by mortar teams, tanks, and IFVs. Estimated enemy rifle strength exceeds one thousand. Now, for the unusual part: it appears we're also facing three to four hundred hostiles of extraterrestrial origin. They're equipped with medieval armor and weaponry, which should be relatively easy to counter. The X-factor here is elemental capabilities; one of my subordinates reported witnessing an individual raise an earthen barrier with a simple hand gesture. Over"
"What is this? Lord of the Rings?" Chad scoffed in disbelief before replying, "Your men must be seeing things. Send coordinates for air strike-"
A gruff voice interrupts his order, belaying it. "Belay that order, Captain. Our orders are not to antagonize the Kiwis, especially not to antagonize the otherworlders. You and your men are to go to them under the flag of truce and ascertain the otherworlders stance and which party the New Zealanders belong to. Colonel, Please transfer to the Ford to meet with me as soon as you can"
Chad swore into the air, then began to walk off.
A man runs to Isla, panting heavily. He takes a few seconds to collect his breath, then says in an exhausted tone.
"Comrade Isla, we've just seen four humvees approach us from the Viaduct. They come bearing white flags"
"They must have seen the knights. They're going to be extremely diplomatic, make a good impression on us and the Teyvatians," Jack also responds, already brushing down his antique 2000s-era US officer uniform.
"Never knew the Marine Corps to be diplomatic," Isla responds dryly before waving Eula over to them.
"Sie kommen unter der Flagge des Waffenstillstands zu uns. Wir werden uns mit ihnen treffen und versuchen, so gut wie möglich zu übersetzen" (They're coming to us under the flag of truce. we're going to meet them. we'll try and translate to the best of our abilities) Eula responds with a curt nod, before barking a few short commands in German to the rest of her Knights.
"All right, let's go face the music, everyone," Isla says before walking down to the convoy approaching them.
The Convoy stopped halfway between the city blocks and the Gate, lush scenery slowly reclaiming the various paths and other areas. Marines leaped out of the Humvees, forming a Guard, rifles slung over their backs. Several officers walked towards them, one bearing a folder. Upon seeing Jack, they all snapped to attention, far more than Isla expected them to. Jack returned the salute, warmly approached the leader, and embraced him.
"Isla, This is far better than I could have hoped. This is the 25th Armored Reconnaissance Unit 'Highlanders,' my old Unit!" Before breaking the embrace, Jack says, "This is Alfred Moran, the guy who took over me when I got 'asked to resign' from the Corps."
Alfred looked at Jack with warm eyes, then surveyed the other group.
"You're a sight for sore eyes, Jack. Misty's here as well. Last time I heard, she was moving into Ponsonby with the 44'th Armored. Enough about us; I've got command screaming endlessly into my ear about this," Alfred turns to Isla and puts his hand out. "Colonel Alfred Moran, 25'th Armored Recon. On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States of America, I would like to convey a message of assistance in whatever affairs you need. We're here to help"
Isla coldly returned the handshake before responding, "General Secretary Isla Lawrence. The knight next to me is Eula Lawrence, Knight-Commander of all Knights of Favonious forces this side of the gate." Eula, hearing her name, bows lightly towards Alfred.
"I can't say your help will be welcome here, Alfred. There's a lot of good people here that would have lived if it hadn't taken six months and a deus ex machina before aid arrived" Isla says coldly, their voice carrying a tone of anger and irritation.
Alfred lowers his head, a tone of empathy creeping into his voice. "I'm sorry. The Midterm elections weren't in our favor, and the bill to authorize deployment was deadlocked in Congress. This deployment is about as legal as the War in Iraq; The President decided to bypass the Senate and put an Executive Order out, giving us the green light once we heard about the gate. Alot of us aren't happy with how long it took. We're not here to conquer; we're here as humanitarians. The folder in my hand will explain more, but to put it simply, the United States is willing to recognize your 'government' as the legitimate government of New Zealand. No strings attached, besides allowing us into the Gate. We have the Army Corps of Engineers in Landing crafts off the coast of the Great Barrier Island and enough civilian contractors, aid supplies, and equipment to reestablish critical infrastructure in less than a year and a half for the entire North Island."
Isla freezes, the retort on their lips silenced by their offer. Their distrust of the West clashes hard with their offer to repair almost everything lost an effort that would usually take decades. Isla makes the only logical choice: accept the deal. Isla takes the folder and nods.
"The Legion of Aotearoa will not attack your men, I'll make sure of that. Your aid supplies will be a lifesaver for all of us. We thank you for your offer. Please start your efforts as soon as you can."
The two leaders break away, both radioing commands to their respective forces. Isla, Jack and Eula finish first, and stroll over to the Highlanders.
"You said that this Knight speaks for the People on the other side of the Gate? Do they Understand me?" Alfred questions.
"They speak a Dialect of German. We haven't discovered any major alterations so far, but there are words there that our dialect of German doesn't have, and ones they haven't invented yet. I speak some German, but I think you know who to ask to translate," Isla responds, their pose slowly relaxing.
"Sir, do you mind?"
"No problem, Alfred, just give me what you want to say."
"Introduce me, the Unit, and give the usual Spiel we give about the US. Ask her if we can move some forces to the other side to start setting up a FOB. We would also like to see if the rest of my command staff and I can meet with your superiors to initiate the first contact between our two nations."
After Jack finishes translating to Eula, she nods before saying. " Wir haben etwas Land in der Nähe des Tores, das wir möglicherweise übergeben könnten, aber jedes Angebot müsste durch die Ritter und die zivile Verwaltung gehen. Was deinen Besuch betrifft, wir würden uns freuen, dich in unseren Ländern willkommen zu heißen, edle Krieger von fern jenseits dieser Küsten" (We do have some land close to the gate that we could possibly turn over, but any offer would have to go through the Knights and the civilian administration. As for your offer of visit, We would be glad to welcome you to our lands, noble warriors from far beyond these shores) She follows this by bowing slightly and putting her fist over her chest, a gesture that Isla saw prominently amongst the Knight
"We…. also have some sensitive information we can discuss at a later time. We haven't pushed too far into the city, but some things advanced recon units have uncovered-" Alfred was quickly interrupted by Isla, who casually states
"By 'advanced recon' you mean the CIA operatives that have themselves holed up in the ASB building up near the viaduct? We've known they've been there for a month, maybe two. They got too brazen and accidentally lit up the building when connecting some generators they found. Just tell me what they found, it can't be too bad, other than the whole 'Hey we had people here since the civil war started.'
"Isla, your parents are in Mondstadt"