The Vanadis, the Armored Personnel Carrier used as a portable headquarters, was located in the center of the formation. Its priority was keeping the people inside safe, so the heavy armor came with the price of speed and mobility. Guns attached to the rear of the vehicle made it capable of self-defense, but it didn't stand a chance in a confrontation with Dinosauria, even a Löwe was a substantial threat.
Officer Erwin Marcel wasn't a pessimist, but the raindrops hitting the cockpit of the Vanadis promised mud, that made controlling this heavy machine much harder. It wasn't a smooth start as they had hoped.
"Colonel, if the rain doesn't stop soon, we will have to consider the way around. Lightweight units like the Reginleifs can cross those fields without getting stuck in the mud, but supply and heavily armored units have to go along a more stable route." Marcel reported.
"The road along the mountains will take us an additional two days. How long do we have until the planned route will be out of the question, Officer?" Lena asked.
"With this kind of heavy rain? Half a day at most. The fields are turning into one big swamp. The upside is, that as our heavy units are incapable of moving in this kind of terrain, so are the Legion's. Only an Ameise could try crossing without getting stuck, so we have a low chance of being attacked." Erwin responded.
Lena frowned, if she decided to go to the mountain road now, she could save maybe a few hours of additional march, but there was no going back if the weather cleared later. Time was ticking, and Colonel came up with a risky idea. What if they had split? That way, they could have the urgent information about what the situation was in the Republic's border, without putting the whole convoy on hold. The girl activated the Para-RAID, knowing that the recipient wouldn't go along with the new plan without a fight.
"Captain Nouzen, I have a request. Could you tell me the Legion's position along the mountain range? I will send you the map with the attached coordinates." Lena said.
"What's wrong Colonel, weren't we supposed to go through the fields? They are almost empty." Shin replied, a little perplexed. To this point, they hadn't encountered any units that weren't here just as a recon, so the journey was uneventful.
"Our heavy units won't be able to move freely if this rain continues, so there is a change of plans. The longer route is necessary, we have no idea how long it will take fields to be passable again for such a big column. However, I plan to send Spearhead Squadron through the fields as previously planned. I believe you are fully capable of getting a reconnaissance unnoticed and clear the path from the end side if necessary." The girl spoke with a matter-of-fact tone, knowing that this was an order and not a request.
"Lena... I mean, Colonel Milizé, it's an unreasonable request. I was tasked with escorting the Vanadis throughout the journey and I plan to do so." Shin said sternly.
"Captain, we do not have the luxury of waiting for better conditions. Captain Iida and the Brísingamen Squadron will take over your duties. Without your ability avoiding the Legion would be almost impossible, so your presence there is required. If you clear the path before the non-combat units arrive we'll be able to make up for the lost time." She explained step by step what the plan was and how should they carry it out. Deep down both of them knew, that Shin's ability to hear the voices of the Legion played a crucial role in the success of the recon mission. Sure, there were many talented Processors, but none would be able to detect Legion by their wailing as he could.
"Colonel... If I separate from the convoy you won't know about any units that may move later on." He tried negotiating, despite already knowing he lost.
"Captain Nouzen. We were fine without your ability for the most time, so any intel you will provide us should be more than enough to carry out the mission. Besides, soon not only our troops but theirs too will be unable to move through the mud, so there shouldn't be many surprises." Lena said confidently, but she knew inside that this wasn't entirely true. Shin's ability would be very useful to have at all times, but if there was a trap waiting on the other side they would be entirely helpless. Their priority was humanitarian help, not engaging in battles, so half of their column was completely vulnerable if attacked in a plain field. Mountain range was a primary spot for an ambush, but the Legion didn't know about them in advance, so they were hoping that there wouldn't be any bigger forces hidden away. The risk would have been taken either way, but sending a Squadron without their Captain had far worse odds for survival, than the convoy on the isolated mountain road. Besides, other Squadrons, such as her loyal Knights, were more than capable in closed space combat, as the battle in Liberté et Égalité made them fight in between all the capital's buildings. It was completely different than navigating in an open plain, making them forcibly learn how to use the tight spaces to their advantage.
"I'll do it Colonel, but please, if we still are in the short-distance communication area and something dangerous happens, you will inform us and let us abandon our mission to help you instead." Shin pleaded. In any other conversation between military members this sort of demand, from someone who pledged to obey the orders of their superior, would be unheard of. He knew, however, that what they had allowed him to bind those rules a little, not resulting in an immediate reprimand.
"Captain Shinei Nouzen, don't cross the line, you promised to obey the orders during the rescue mission." She didn't give in so easily, knowing that on her orders depended the lives of everyone here and the people of the Republic. "I will do what is deemed necessary according to the situation we will find ourselves in, that's all that I can promise. Could you send me the mountain range map with updated Legion locations?"
"Thank you, Colonel. Give me a few minutes." He replied with a soft smile, appreciating that she did her best to humor him.
When a call ended the Processor, known on the battlefield as the Reaper, closed his eyes and focused on the voices he tried to ignore.
"Helpmehelpmehelpme"
"Mom, I'm scared..."
"Honey, no, please, anyone but you"
"It hurts... I'm cold..."
"KILLMEPLEASE"
"I can't feel my legs...oh no... they are coming..."
"Daddy, why mom is still sleeping? Why is she so cold?"
"Vera, I love you. I always will. I hope we will be together soon."
"Make it stop..."
All the desperate pleas of the dead never have left his side, always buzzing in his head, begging to be heard. Recently he noticed that the amount of voices he had been hearing had risen, making him feel worse. When he added the proximate units locations based on his sixth sense, he noticed, that Lena was right, and the mountains seemed to only have singular units, without any bigger formation that could be a threat to the convoy, up until the last segment. There was no way to know what awaited at the end, as the swarm of voices had merged into an indistinguishable mass. When he focused on the fields they seemed almost frighteningly silent, confirming that the Legion was aware of its limitations and stepped back most units before the mud could swallow them.
"All locations of enemy units set on the map, Colonel. Confirming that the recon mission for five Reginleifs is possible with a low chance of being detected. No large Legion forces currently visible in the Main Column's path, up until the descent, I hear a large crowd nearby, possibly the aforementioned factory." When Shin had said that, Lena felt the wave of uncertainty. Were they walking straight into the jaws of the enemy? Until someone assessed the real situation, there was no way to know whether it would be possible to get down from the mountains without fighting. Nonetheless, she was glad to have received the intel. Sure, everyone connected to him could hear the Legion's wailing, but no one mastered localizing them like the Undertaker himself. When he confirmed her suspicions, that splitting up was imminent, she strengthened her resolve and opened Para-RAID communication with all the commanders taking part in the mission.
"To all units. Change of plans. Implementing scenario 1.7, the path through the mountain range. Spearhead Squadron is tasked with reconnaissance mission, separate from ours. Brísingamen Squadron is now in charge of protecting the core of the formation. Nordlicht Squadron is tasked with clearing the road ahead and Claymore Squadron is closing the Column. All the other units should maintain their prior positions." Colonel Milizé commanded, knowing that only time would tell if this was the correct decision.
Hearing the idea becoming reality Shin felt an unfamiliar squeeze in his stomach. He couldn't explain it rationally, but the idea of splitting from the main part of the convoy, or more specifically the Colonel residing in the Vanadis, didn't sit right with him. He was used to getting orders from someone far away, but the idea that she would be in the danger zone and there would be nothing he could do filled him with anxiousness. Suddenly he realized, that this was what Lena had to be feeling all the time while being their Handler. Powerlessness, combined with a sea of potential worries and "what could go wrong", was like a poison, making a person unable to focus. How did she manage to lead their missions while keeping her head cool? The Undertaker wasn't used to not being in a safer position than others, being able to worry, while having no combat to keep him occupied. With this mess in his head, he connected with his Squadron.
"You've heard the new orders. Each of us has to grab the supplies from the back of the Column, and we venture out through the mud. Fido is going with us. Any questions?"
"Why is the boring part up to us? We all saw the updated map, it'll be endless nothing for days..." Theo whined, but deep inside he felt happy to spend the time only with his friends. Under his seat was an old, worn out bag with his lumber and tools inside. Packing it was a pure impulse, but it looked like there was going to be a lot of time to kill.
"Maybe this is our reward! Instead of a slow line of vehicles, we get a fast pass. There might be even a few days of rest if the other side will be as empty as here." Anju's smile was felt in her tone, welcoming the pleasant contrast to their usual missions. She had her crochet kit hidden in the small drawer of the Reginlief.
"I call dibs on the bigger tent!" Theo exclaimed and Kurena started to argue that it's unfair.
"Now, I know you're excited, but save the enthusiasm for later, when you get bored of seeing only mud for hours" Shin joked, while deciding to save his worries for himself.
Trigger warning! - unwanted sexual advances
March 5th Republic Year 368 (Stellar Year 2149)
172 days until the Legion's Large-Scale Offensive
Two girls were getting ready in a spacious living room. The visibly antsy one, sitting on a pink fluffy ottoman, had a heavy makeup done by the other. As the plan formed in their head progressed, it was now time for Lena to get out of her comfort zone and proceed in securing the ammunition. She and Annette brainstormed it for weeks, but the only solution they came up with was this strategy.
"Repeat after me: I'm hot, confident and men want me." Annette grabbed both Lena's cheeks and stared fiercely into her eyes.
"I...I'm hot...and confident... and men... No, I can't do it, you have to replace me." Vladilena Milizé, dressed in a provocative red dress with a low-cut back, was blushing immensely, burning from embarrassment.
"You were the one who came up with this idea! They won't listen to facts, but men go crazy trying to impress a hot chick!" Annette was convinced that this was how it would end because her friend was as innocent as a lamb when it came to seduction. Nonetheless, her friend strenuously had claimed that she was ready to do it, up until the day had come.
"How do you manage to be so poised and charming, I'm nervous even thinking about it. What if he tries to ki...kiss...me...?" Lena panicked again, as all of her eighteen years of life were spent as a single. She was used to ignoring courtships and lewd comments, but it was the first time she had to respond to them actively. The scheme relied on her getting the approval of the financial magnate Alexander Pivot, whom they planned to reach through his son. The thirty-seven lowlife Nicholas spent his entire days at the local club, drinking the most expensive alcohol at his father's expense. However technically, he had a high management position in a factory dealing, among other things, with supplying the army. If they managed to convince him or his father to move the warehouses on the Milizé's land, there was a chance to get access to all the weaponry during the attack, without it requiring prior authorization. It was a challenging task, as it had to look like an unimportant change, not to raise a military's suspicion.
"Then close your eyes and imagine somebody's else face. I hope it won't come to that, but if you feel threatened during the meeting, call my para-RAID, and I'll smack him with a stun gun. Your safety is my priority, but please, remember that it might be our only chance." It was an uncomfortable dilemma of how much Lena would do for the cause. Her friend was open to backing out, but the long-haired girl knew they ended up on this plan for a reason. They simply couldn't find another way.
"Okay. I can do it. This is nothing." Lena mumbled more to herself than to her accomplice.
"Exactly! You're doing great! My newest fiancé told me that as long as the girl is pretty, they'll have no problem getting that jerk's attention in the club. Remember, you don't have to seal the deal today, just establish a point of contact." Annette encouraged her friend knowing, that her reputation as a femme fatale who changes her men like gloves, she was not a fit to secure a long-term contract.
"Annette, how you f-flirt with a man..." A blush had crept in again, but this time, there was more resolve in her expression.
"You know what, men love virgins like you, just act the usual. Imagine you talk with your favorite Captain and don't punch anyone, no matter how raunchy the remark is." After hearing those words Lena's face got dangerously red, reminiscent of a plump strawberry added to yesterday's cake.
"L-l-let's g-go..." She groaned, not being able to withstand any more of her naughty comments. The finishing touch was the black high-heels, complemented with a set of onyx jewelry.
When the two women walked down the street, there wasn't a man who didn't follow Lena with his eyes. Annette's sense of fashion and understanding of the male heart proved to be an invincible combo, creating the breathtaking seductress out of the Republic's most uptight bride candidate. The main entrance to the nightclub was visible to the public, but thanks to the insider, her newest groom-to-be, they knew that the VIP entry was located two buildings away. The shabby door in a narrow alley didn't arouse suspicion of the passer-byes. A few specific-length knocks and pauses allowed them to get inside without any issues.
The interior contrasted with an unkempt entrance, with neon lights subtly illuminating the dark walls and luxurious lounges, filled with the highest quality furniture. Each room was separated by a satin curtain, and a corridor at the back of the club had countless doors with unknown ends. The smell of cigarettes and lesser-known stimulants filled the air, and sensual live music put one into a trance. No windows or clocks were noticeable, so the track of time was virtually non-existent. As they had located Nicolas Pivot Annette sat down at the end of the bar and connected her Para-RAID. Now everything was up to Lena. The dress she wore purposely focused the attention on her chest and bare back while acting as a turtleneck covering the device underneath it. Lena put on an indifferent face and sat down opposite the bartender.
"What's today special?" She said nonchalantly, trying to mask that it was her first time in this kind of place.
"For you Miss, White Lady on the house." The bartender responded with a suave smile and prepared a vintage cocktail in a broad glass. She savored the drink slowly, surprised by its rich flavor. She was warned about how treacherous alcohol can be but did not expect enjoyment from drinking it. Lena hadn't finished her first glass when a tall, broad man from their target's lounge approached her.
"Are you waiting for someone miss?" He inquired in a low baritone.
"That depends on who's asking..." She responded in an apathetic tone.
"Master Nicolas invites the young lady to his private room." The lackey stated.
"If such a prominent gentleman wishes to see me, who am I to decline." Lena smiled cheekily and thanked the barman for her drink. The huge man led her all the way, and she looked Annette in the eyes for the last time.
"Hello Miss Milizé, fancy seeing you here. I've heard about your social flourishing, but the rumors don't do your beauty justice. What brings you to our humble place?" Nicolas Pivot was a strapping man approaching the forties. Fifteen years ago he could've been regarded as a handsome guy, but years of addiction took a toll on his body. His white hair was tied in a ponytail and the tuxedo he was in was unbuttoned. Lena swallowed the bitterness of what she had to do now and mustered her most charming smile.
"You flatter me. I'm just doing my best after reflecting on my juvenile foolishness. Now that I am an adult, I try my hardest to repent for my shameful actions..." The woman looked at him innocently, at odds with her provocative appearance. Luckily the man took the bait, mesmerized by the skin the dress showed.
"I must say, it's very honorable of you." Nicholas responded, with a lustful gaze hidden behind his dark glasses. "What can I do to help you?"
"As I disgraced the Republic's military with my words and actions, I feel obliged to repent for my actions in a way that is beneficial to our nation. Milizé family would like to offer our lands in sectors 3, 8, 16, and 29 as military storage free of charge. It would lift the burden off your company, as I know the currently rented space is quite costly."
Lena knew that this offer was absurdly favorable to the Pivot family, but she had to rush the relocation as much as she could. There was no telling how much time they had left, so every day counted. Frustratingly she knew that Alexander Pivot was not known for his haste, making his son the only possible target for time pressure.
"What a lovely idea miss, but I feel like a scoundrel for using your innocence..." Nicolas said with a pretended concern, clearly not using his upper brain. "It would be a different topic if we were a family, I could even help you impress your commanders so much, that maybe you would've gotten your rank back... After all, this war business will soon be closing down, so we would love to strengthen our ties with the military while there is a need."
The man, drunk on desire and vodka, misunderstood Lena's ploy as an ambitious teenager's naive attempt to prove her father's legacy, inadvertently offering a better deal. If she had access to all their factories and warehouses, the issue of firepower would be solved instantly. Instead of joy from this unimaginable occasion, Lena felt incapacitating disgust, as Nicolas shamelessly put his hand on her thigh. All her instincts screamed to shake his hand off and run away to the safety of the street. The only thing keeping her in place was the promise to fight with all her might. Suddenly a voice rang in her head.
"It's almost over Princess. You were so brave, honey. Tell him that if he's serious, he has to contact your family by official channels, and get out of there!" Annette felt sorry for putting her best friend in a tough spot, but the harsh reality was, that an opportunity like that won't happen again.
"Nicholas, if you allow me to call your name. As you probably know, I'm not versed in the world of courtships, but If you're genuine in your affection, bring up this matter officially."
"Dear Lena, but of course, anything for an angel like you. I will promptly suggest our proposal to my father, as you may know, he is eager to see me settling down. But have no worries, a young maiden from such a respectable family like yours will be surely accepted as an addition to our lineage. Both of us are the sole heiresses, so imagine the power our future children will be wielding..." The man drunkenly rumbled, luckily using both his hands to gesture vigorously. Lena felt she was about to throw up, so she decided to wrap up the conversation quickly.
"Thank you for your affection, I will humbly await the official inquiry, as my mother is quite conservative. I pray that this conversation will stay in your memory for a long time"
As soon as she finished, she jumped up and ran straight to the bathroom. The tears started flowing out from her eyes, as her best friend held her hair up and gently patted her back. She had just one drink, much too little to trigger any effects, but the loathsome interaction made her puke anyway.
"You did so well Lena, the plan was a full success!" Annette said reassuringly, but she knew this sort of situation was new and traumatic for her best friend. "Remember, it's only an engagement, as soon as the situation is over, you will dump his ass in the most humiliating way possible!"
Lena chuckled over the toilet seat, but the tears did not stop. She drank the water Annette had handed to her and calmed herself in her embrace.
"Vladilena Milizé, I underestimated you. You have changed in the past few months. I can't believe I'm saying this, but we might make a difference in this war." She continued, while gently caressing her friend's long silver hair. When the girl eventually calmed down, both women sat down on the club's bathroom floor, quietly listening to the muffled music from the bar. Sometime later, the silence was broken by the familiar silver-bell voice.
"We did it, Annette. I did it. We will have the weapons." Lena sounded joyful, but even she couldn't tell if this new stream of tears on her face was a sign celebrating their victory.