Fort Amaranthine...
A few days had long passed since the meeting between Welkin, Alicia and the Cadians. Something still irked him about kids like that being able to fight, but here they were, in an alliance with them and awaiting for the reinforcements to arrive... After being assigned a squad and making a deal with the Third Regiment's commander to be allowed to bring the Edelweiss into combat, Welkin Gunther, now Lieutenant to the Seventh Platoon and Alicia Melchiott, his second in command and at Sergeant rank, walked out into the marshalling yard to try and find the hangar where their squad had been assigned.
"Any news on where the Cadians went?" Alicia asked Welkin, looking at him. The boy shook his head.
"None so far. Though word has it they're building their own fortification not too far up the road." The man said as they approached the Hangars. "Wonder if they'll join us on our first assignment." He murmured to himself. Before they could arrive to the hangar, however, their questions were promptly answered. Hearing the thundering of boots and the rumbling of engines and treads, the duo watched as their squad dashed out of its hangar, Isara with them. Alicia and Welkin exchanged quick looks, before following the Gallians rushing out to see their allies... And the noise of singing...
Mine eyes have seen the battlefields of gore and blood
And dispelled the wrath of our vilest foes of old!
I was trained in the Art of War, man's greatest ancient word
And been blessed to be His holy Sword!
His truth is calling all!
Catching up with his sister, Welkin watched the main road as the rumble of engines intensified. From over a hill, the first line of soldiers emerged... A Battalion marching in a narrow formation to keep to the road leading into the fort. And as they marched, their voices resounded crystal clear into a fast marching song. The children of the Cadian 13th bore smiles on their faces as their steps thundered like drums against the road of hardened dirt. A chorus of warrior children, their bayonets glistening in the sunlight, weapons held by the straps on their backs. And leading them, a banner-bearer hauling the standard of the Guard Regiment. Written above, was the numbering:XIII and below Fortiores Una ad Victoriam. Many of the Gallians present watched with wide eyes... And listened intently.
Glory, Glory, Holy Terra!
Glory, Glory, Holy Terra!
Glory, Glory, Holy Terra!
His truth is calling all!
The centerpiece of the banner was the colored imagery depicting a sort of icon. A woman with angel's wings resided in the middle, a sword in hand. Flanking her were two Cadian troopers with rebreathers on and bayonets affixed. It was like a mural of a warrior goddess leading her men into battle and it was awe-inspiring. The grinning children walked into the marshalling yard of the Fort, followed by a second battalion of more heavily-armored soldiers, among them being Amy, a smile on her face as she too sang. Isara stared with surprise as she listened to the lyrics unfold.
I have listened to Holy Preaches, which by many priests were told
By ancients these were written in burnished rows of gold!
With His pride and word as guide and rifle in my hand
I have sworn to defend this ancient Holy Land!
As His truth is Calling all!
"... What are they singing?" Alicia wondered aloud, mouth agape.
"We can probably ask them after they're done..." Welkin answered. Captain Varrot, a black-haired woman with glasses and her officer's uniform, joined them, eyes wide. In her hand she held a clipboard and watched with as much awe as those under her command while the armored vehicles came next. A dozen very large tanks of varrying loadouts, ranging from what looked like normal cannons to some powered cannon types with radiators rolled in a row of two by six into the yard. Atop, out of the turrets' hatches, female and male commanders alike joined in the singing... Some were older and seemingly more battle-hardened than the First Youth.
Glory, Glory, Holy Terra!
Glory, Glory, Holy Terra!
Glory, Glory, Holy Terra!
His truth is calling all!
The Captain hummed, awed, as she let the parade unfold. Following those vehicles were casemate-style... What she could only assume were self-propelled heavy artillery pieces. The crew aboard waved, smiling as they sang and some of the Gallians, the more cheerful ones that was, waved back. Some cheered and whistled, others stared with smiles and others seemed simply dumbfound... The vehicles neatly aligned in front of them and the crew disembarked and formed up into rows.
He has sounded forth our trumpet, it shall never call retreat!
His blade sifts out the traitors from the righteous like grains of wheat!
"Let ye deal with My condemners, as with you My Grace shall deal,
And called upon you will fight with My own Holy Zeal!"
The God-Emperor calls all!
Many a Gallian took a moment and some doubled-over from the mention of an "emperor". But most were already briefed about the Cadians not being of the same heritage as the East Empire, rather a more... Divine or odd one, Varrot couldn't tell. Yet even more surprises came as a dozen APCs came while the refrain was sung again by the marching army corps, smiles on their faces.
"They're intimidating... And cheerful..." A voice spoke next to Welkin. That of a young man he knew...
"Yup... Take a look at'em though... They're young as can be." Another spoke... Welkin turned his head to see three of his friends beside him, with more farther back... Matthew Siegfried, son of William Siegfried and Grandson of Erich Siegfried sat beside him, with David Tasmen Wolfe and Ragna at his side. Beside them were also Axel and Kai... The four-man team of besties Welkin had got back in Randgriz U.
He turned, with a smile... And heard gasps as the rumbling, thundering engine of their Superheavy appeared... And the song hit a solemn note... He looked to Isara, who seemed to blush upon noticing Matias Telos atop the armored vehicle, smiling as they approached the base camp. He joined the chorus in the final part of the song, a more calm and prideful moment...
In the beauty of the Palace, His loyal sons were born on holy seas!
With a glory in their bosom that transfigures you and me!
As they died to make men holy, let us die to bring them safety,
While the Emperor is watching on!
Captain Varrot's, as well as a dozen other Gallian officers' jaws were on the floor. The 11-gun monstrosity joined in the formation of a hundred or so troops and the Colonel and his officer cadre disembarked, jumping out from the top. The Colonel stepped up in front of the formation, while the officers, including the Commissar and his platoon of Schola Progenium cadets, took their spots. He turned to face the Gallians and said "Cadian First Youth, at ease!"
He swiveled his gaze toward the Gallian crowd, to see Welkin, Isara and Alicia in the crowd. He smiled and nodded to them, then watched as, from among them, the Captain and Regiment commander, presumably, appeared. The boy had noticed her rank pins, so it was easy to discern that. She brought her hand up in salute and Matt responded in kind, before extending his hand and saying "You must be the commander of the Third Regiment of Militia. I'm Colonel Telos, Cadian 13th. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Varrot looked for a moment at the armored boy, a slight surprise tangible in her movements and otherwise deadpan facial expression. She gripped the Colonel's hand and said "A pleasure to meet you, Colonel. I'm Captain Eleanor Varrot. Let me be the first to welcome you to Fort Amaranthine. From what I understood, you have your own encampment due south of here?"
"A few kilometers down the road, yes." Telos nodded. "It's under construction, however. And until it is operational, we would like to proceed to where the front is."
Varrot nodded, then turned toward he gathered Gallian crowd and said "All soldiers are to return to their squads! Lieutenants and Sergeants, with me, please! We've got our first assignment for the day and I'd like to brief you." and, calmly, she turned to the Colonel and said "If you'd like, your officers could also join us in the briefing." politely. She watched as the Colonel turned back and gave a hand signal to the squadron. His officers, among which a more old-looking boy, bearing more scars, joined the crew.
"If you would lead the way, Captain." Matt nodded. He gave a welcoming smile to Welkin and Alicia, as well as their newly-added companion. And the group walked off toward the large building in the center of Fort Amaranthine.
Matias walked up beside Welkin and Alicia and said "It's good to see you both. And surprising to see you as part of the Militia."
Welkin nodded "Well, Gallia did want a type of armed neutrality. For that ,they started teaching us from a young age how to do everything from using weapons to maintenance and such."
The Colonel snorted "So, Cadians on another planet to some degree. Very respectable."
"To some degree?" Welkin shrugged "We don't really know your people's behavior relating to war, but going by the fact that you're a Colonel, I'd say yeah."
"Fair point, Lieutenant." The Cadian nodded as they marched forward. Entering into the building that overlooked most of the massive military compound and acted as its administrative center, the group were led down some halls, before entering a large briefing and conference room, just across from the Captain's own office. Taking their seats while captain Varrot went to prepare the briefing, Matias, Colin and Amy exchanged looks, before turning to the still-shocked Gallians across the table from them.
Varrot cleared her throat and placed a map of Gallia onto a tripod stand, before saying "Ladies and gentlemen of the officer Corps of the Cadian 13th and of the Third Regiment. Just after the formation of the Militia squads earlier today, I have received a high-level communique pertaining to the current situation in the war. Several locations have been occupied by the East Imperial military in their latest operations, among which are two main objectives in need of immediate recapture. Number one:The Fortress of Aslone, due east of Randgriz. It served as the most important defense point within the city's defensive perimeter. Its loss could prove a boon for the Imperials should they wish to launch an attack on the capital. Half of our active forces are tasked with retaking Aslone..."
The woman activated a projector and turned off the lights. She began flicking through images of the breached walls, retreating Gallian Regular infantry and the Imperials pouring into Aslone and spoke "It is vital that the fortress be recovered at the Imperials pushed back with an immediate counterattack, as intelligence suggests that their numbers are growing even as we speak."
"Major MkVenner can handle the attack on Aslone. She'll be supported by a company of Artillery and our own Infantry, of course..." Matias suggested, eyeing his Kasrkin major. She grinned, bumped her fists together and said "Aye, I got it. Just gimme and my boys a target and we'll make'em hurt!" most jovially. The Captain partly smiled, partly felt scared at the excitement the heavily-armored girl before her had just shown.
... She needed to remember the Cadians weren't exactly normal children...
"Right..." She nodded, pursing her lips. She pressed a button and the projector showed another image, this time of a city. The woman spoke calmly "This is Vasel. It has been occupied around the same time as Aslone and it serves as the rear gateway to the city and one of the only major crossings over the eponymous river that runs through it. Situation suggests a battalion's worth of Light Armor is stationed in the town currently, with extra reinforcements in the form of three infantry companies. They're digging in, according to scout platoons sent into the city. This is the Third Regiment of Militia's objective."
"The Cadian 13th's Mechanized Infantry Company will gladly follow you into battle, Captain." Colin spoke calmly. "Us and the Colonel will assist the 3rd Militia in their endeavor to retake Vasel, with all armored support we have brought into Fort Amaranthine."
"It is much appreciated, uhm..." The Captain took a moment, looking to the Lieutenants of the various Militia Squads and turning back to Colin...
"Major Commissar Colin Markath, of the First Youth, ma'am. I enforce discipline among the ranks of the Regiment." The boy spoke calmly, staring the woman right in the eyes. She felt a shiver shoot up her spine as she saw how calmly he had spoken to her. He maintained a blank expression, turning toward the Gallian Lieutenants and speaking "Our men and women will not falter, nor retreat. We expect to see much of the same from your people."
"Right..." The Captain pursed her lips "I will provide troop dispositions and intel as the situation develops, until we deploy... All of you are dismissed to your units for now."
The Colonel and Majors stood up first, before turning to walk first out of the place. Welkin and Alicia seemed surprised... They saw Captain Varrot approach and stood at attention, saluting. The woman responded in kind, then said "At ease... Did you know the Cadians are this hyper about everything?"
"We didn't expect them to be so... Upbeat about going to war either, ma'am..." Welkin shook his head. The trio began to walk to the exit. "They've shown some high levels of skill you wouldn't see even in some of our best-trained soldiers."
"Their zeal is also a factor in their combat prowess, as far as I can tell." Varrot hummed.
Alicia looked to them, but didn't say anything. She had seen the skills of the Cadian infantry first hand, when they came to rescue them. Them and their Walkers and armored vehicles. The slaughter they wrought upon the Imperial troops was an incredible sight to behold at first and right now, it scared her to the core. Children that had the training of lifelong veterans... It was scary...
As the group walked out, they heard the rumble of engines and saw them, the Cadian troopers. All were aligned neatly in front of one of their transports as, atop it, Colin stood, blade and pistol stowed for now. He looked around, his gaze sweeping the semi-circle of soldiers before him. With a voice of steel, hard, yet smooth, the Commissar cried out in address to his men "Men and women of the Imperial Guard! The Tide of War has once more found its way into the lands of the Innocent! A False Empire numbering in the hundreds of millions has plunged the world we stand on into a Great War! The enemy is numerous, battle-hardened and well-equipped! They aim to fight for every inch of soil and make us and our allies pay in blood for their victories!"
He started pacing back and forth atop the AFV, proudly espousing the words he had been taught since a young age at the Schola Progenium "But do not underestimate yourselves or those who fight beside you! You, soldiers of the Imperium, are those which stand between the people we cherish and the vile arch-enemies of Mankind! You are the united Hammer of the Emperor! You, those who go in the millions upon the shattering battlefields and who do the Bloody Work of the Imperium in the trenches are a combined force to be feared! You are strong together, you are the line drawn in sand past which no foe will go! YOU ARE THE WALL AGAINST WHICH THE TIDAL WAVE OF THE FALSE IMPERIALS, THE PRETENDERS, THE DAEMONS AND TRAITORS SHALL BREAK UPON!"
He drew his power sword and said "You stand as the testament, the bloody war cry of a wounded, but revived Imperium against the horrors of the universe! YOU, WHO FOUGHT ON YOUR HOMEWORLD EVEN AS IT CRACKED BELOW YOUR FEET! YOU, WHO STOOD PROUDLY AGAINST THE ARMIES OF THE DESPOILER! YOU, MERE GIRLS AND BOYS, SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF CADIA, FRESH OUT OF TRAINING! YOU ARE THE ONES WHO THE ENEMIES OF MANKIND AND OF THE TRUE IMPERIUM WILL LEARN TO FEAR! THOSE THAT OUR ALLIES WILL LEARN TO RESPECT! AND THOSE THAT THE INNOCENT SHALL LOOK TO FOR GUIDANCE IN TIMES OF WAR AND PRAISE IN TIMES OF PEACE! YOU ARE THE UNBREAKABLE WALL OF THE IMPERIUM, THE INFINITE TIDE OF GUNS AND SOULS! YOU ARE THE IMPERIAL GUARD! AND NONE WILL FIND YOU WANTING!"
He raised his power sword into the air as the engines of the dozen armored vehicles roared to life and yelled in unison with the men.
"THE PLANET BROKE BEFORE THE GUARD DID! HOORAH!"
A thundering battle cry escaped from the mouths of hundreds of warrior children as they raised their rifles into the air, bayonets glistening in the sunlight. A terrifying and emboldening display of raw patriotic strength. The cry resounded throughout the hills and buildings of the Fort as the vehicles' tracks began to spin. The Major shouted proudly "MAN YOUR VEHICLES! PREPARE FOR BATTLE! WE MARCH TO WAR!"
... Watching the almost parade-like formations of the kids boarding Armored Fighting Vehicles was an awe-inspiring event. Alicia felt a knot in her throat and spoke "Dear God, I'm worried for our enemies right now..." She laughed awkwardly "I didn't think it was possible to actually feel sorry for the people ransacking your entire country, but here we are... "
"Mhm..." Varrot nodded in agreement, watching the massive armored vehicles of the Imperial Guard begin to roll out. She looked to Welkin and the others and said "Go join your squad and prepare to head out... You can get introduced to them on the way over, but for now, we need all hands on deck." And she saluted "Good luck Lieutenant, Sergeant. I'll see you in Vasel."