Chapter 10: "Priority: Siege of Italica"
-HSS Normandy, 9th Terra Fleet, High Orbit Over Spes-
Date 20th May, 3001 Earth Time.
The bridge of the HSS Normandy buzzed with controlled chaos as officers coordinated the fleet's next moves. Beyond the bridge's massive viewport, construction ships swarmed like mechanical bees around a towering scaffold, piecing together the framework of an Interstellar Gate. The Gate, designed to connect seamlessly to the hub system built during the fleet's voyage, would secure a critical supply and reinforcement line back to UNE space. It was a feat of engineering that showcased humanity's mastery over the stars.
Two Bastion-class planetary dropships, Normandy B1 and Normandy B2, were being prepared for deployment. Massive clamps released the enormous vessels from the Normandy's underbelly, their thrusters roaring to life. B1 and B2 began their synchronized descent toward Spes, their dark hulls shimmering as they pierced the planet's atmosphere.
"B1 is heading for Fort Alnus," came the report from a tactical officer. "B2 is en route to Italica, ETA synchronized with ground forces."
Admiral Hackett, standing at the heart of the command center, nodded approvingly. "Ensure timing is precise. The relief force must arrive in Italica simultaneously with B2. We can't afford a gap in support."
"Yes, Admiral," responded the operations officer. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, but the crew operated with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine.
-Ground Forces Deployment-
The relief force, a carefully coordinated blend of heavy armor and infantry, was already mobilizing. SD-20 Super Transport Ships, hulking machines built to carry the 2nd Armor Company's tanks and armored vehicles, roared to life. Their engines rumbled as they took off, heading for Italica at high speed. Alongside them, D-20 Transport Ships ferried the 4th Marine Brigade, their disciplined ranks ready to secure the embattled city. Above the formation, four GS-12 Gunships, sleek and deadly, took up escort positions.
Onboard one of the transports, Major Ryan Carter, commanding officer of the 4th Marine Brigade, briefed his troops. "Marines, our mission is clear. We're securing Italica, providing relief to allied forces, and showing the locals exactly what UNE forces are capable of. Stay sharp, and remember, you're the tip of the spear."
The response from the Marines was a thunderous "Yes, sir!" Their armor gleamed under the transport's lights, weapons locked and loaded. Adrenaline coursed through the troops as they prepared for what awaited them below.
The holographic display of Spes and its surrounding system shimmered before Admiral Owen Hackett, a vast, intricate model showing troop deployments, planetary terrain, and orbital assets. The battle plan for Italica was laid out with precision, UNE forces would strike the North and West simultaneously, splitting the relief force to crush the concentrated bandit forces from both sides. The Bastion-class ship descending from Fort Alnus would cut off retreat from the East, ensuring no enemy could escape.
Hackett leaned back in his command chair, his steel-gray eyes locked on the hologram as he engaged in a call with General Nguyen, whose image hovered to the side.
"Admiral," Nguyen began, his voice steady, "the situation near the planetary shield breach is developing. I'm going to need your construction team to assist in building a port there. We've designated the site Fort Ruby."
Hackett paused, recognizing the significance of the name. "Ruby…" His voice softened, shedding its usual commanding edge. "You named it after her."
Nguyen gave a curt nod, the weight of the moment visible in his expression. "It's the least I can do for her memory and for Ava. Ruby deserves to be remembered."
The name struck a personal chord. Ruby Bennett had been a cherished figure, not only as the wife of Hackett's late friend but as a mother figure to Ava. Hackett's friendship with the Bennett family went back centuries, forged in the halls of the naval academy and strengthened over years of shared trials. The loss of both Ava's parents in separate tragedies had left scars on everyone, especially Ava, now a commander in the field.
"Do we have any intel on her?" Hackett asked, his voice dropping to a rare, informal tone.
Nguyen sighed. "Not yet, but we're digging hard. We'll find her, Owen, one way or another."
Hackett's jaw tightened, his usual stoic demeanor slipping. "How's Ava holding up?"
Nguyen paused, his tone turning reflective. "She's tough. A natural leader and a hell of a soldier. She's holding everything together, even with all this weighing on her. But losing both parents... no matter how strong you are, it takes a toll."
Hackett nodded, the lines on his face deepening. "War hasn't changed, has it? No matter how advanced we get, our tech, our tactics, it still rips families apart. I just hope she's got enough left in her to make it through this."
"She will," Nguyen replied firmly. "She's a Bennett, after all. They don't break."
Hackett's resolve hardened as he straightened in his chair. "When you find her, I want to know immediately. If I have to unleash the full might of the 9th Terra Fleet to bring her back, I will."
Nguyen allowed a faint smile. "I'd expect nothing less from you, Owen."
Hackett's tone shifted back to formal as he pivoted the discussion. "On to system updates. The Uros system is clear for now. However, our sensors have detected some fascinating anomalies: a ringworld orbiting Uros and ruins of what appear to be ancient cities on the third planet. Likely Prothean in origin. I'm dispatching two task forces to investigate further. Expect intel updates once we have boots on the ground."
Nguyen nodded. "Understood. Let me know if you find anything significant. Good luck out there."
"Hackett out."
The hologram of Nguyen flickered and disappeared, leaving Hackett alone with his thoughts for a brief moment. He glanced at the image of Spes again, his mind lingering on Ava. She was a capable leader, forged in the crucible of conflict, but the weight she carried was more than anyone should bear.
-Italica-
The 5th SIF took their positions along the northern wall of Italica, facing the sprawling enemy camp just beyond the city. From her vantage point, Commander Ava Bennett surveyed the scene with a calculated eye, the glow of campfires dotting the horizon like embers of an approaching storm. Her orders had been precise, her defenses meticulous.
To Princess Pina, however, Ava's presence was a convenient shield. The UNE forces, with their advanced technology, were to bear the brunt of the bandit army's assault. Meanwhile, Pina's knights and legionaries were stationed along the western wall, where enemy numbers were fewer. The poorly trained and ill-equipped militia of Italica, riddled with low morale, were assigned to the eastern wall, where the threat was minimal based on UNE reconnaissance.
Ava's tactical mind had left nothing to chance. Sentry guns, sleek and deadly, were positioned along the northern wall beside the SAT8 combat units. Behind the wall, TACNet-controlled mortars stood ready to rain destruction on the advancing enemy. The APCs and IFVs were parked at a distance from the gate but maintained a clear line of sight to intercept any breach attempt. Darkness cloaked the UNE positions, as Ava ordered all torches extinguished to mask their numbers and locations.
Above, recon drones patrolled the skies, their advanced optics ensuring no enemy movement went unnoticed. Ava had left Rob and Lucas in the keep to act as liaisons with Pina, while other SIF operatives were stationed on the west and east walls to maintain communication and coordination.
Ava herself knelt behind a parapet, her sharp eyes scanning the enemy camp through her visor. The glow of distant fires reflected faintly in her emerald-green irises, their brilliance undimmed even in the shadowed night. Her ginger hair, tied tightly beneath her TAC helmet, framed her face like a fiery crown whenever she removed it. There was an undeniable presence about her, commanding yet compassionate, as though the weight of leadership only sharpened her humanity.
Her silent observations were interrupted by the soft sound of boots on stone. She turned to see Lelei and Tuka ascending the stairs toward her position.
"Keep your heads down," Ava hissed, motioning for them to crouch. "What are you doing up here? It's dangerous."
Lelei, ever calm, responded with her usual measured tone. "We came to see if we could help you, Commander. I know you and your soldiers are powerful, but my magic can be of assistance. Tuka, as an elf, is skilled with both the bow and enhancement spells."
Ava admired their courage but tempered it with caution. "Alright, you can stay, but you will only engage when I give the order. And for heaven's sake, keep your heads low. Understood?"
"Understood, Commander," Tuka replied, her voice steady. Lelei nodded in agreement, her determination evident despite her delicate frame.
Ava gestured for a SAT8 unit to join them, its sleek metallic form moving with an almost predatory grace. The combat unit quickly fabricated two sets of earpieces, which Ava handed to the pair after explaining their use.
As Lelei adjusted her earpiece, she turned to Ava, her curiosity piqued. "Commander, there's something I don't understand. Yesterday, you could have turned back and left. Why did you stay? These people are your enemies."
Ava regarded the young mage thoughtfully before answering. "You're partly right. The knights and legionaries may be our enemies, but the people of Italica? They're innocent. Harmless. If we left, they'd likely be slaughtered, or worse. They need help, and we're in a position to give it."
Lelei pressed further, her inquisitive nature unwavering. "But why? You're putting your life and the lives of your soldiers at risk for people you don't even know. What do you gain from it?"
Ava's gaze softened, though her tone remained resolute. "Our history is one of conflict," she began, her voice steady but tinged with an undercurrent of sorrow. "Wars that grew more devastating with each generation, until one almost destroyed our civilization entirely. We learned the hard way that life, every life, is fragile and precious, no matter who or what you are."
She glanced back at the enemy camp, the flickering flames casting eerie shadows. "War is a terrible thing, an atrocity often committed in the name of survival. We kill our enemies, or they kill us. But those who don't fight, civilians, don't deserve to pay the price. That's why we have rules, Lelei. Laws that govern how we treat prisoners and non-combatants. It's not perfect, but it's what keeps us human. It reminds us of what we're fighting for."
Lelei and Tuka listened in silence, the weight of Ava's words settling over them like the cool night air. The commander's conviction was unshakable, her sense of duty extending far beyond the battlefield.
Tuka glanced at Ava, her gaze steady but curious. "What are you fighting for?" she asked softly.
Ava didn't hesitate. "Freedom and the right to live," she replied, her voice firm and unwavering.
Before Tuka could respond, the sound of boots landing lightly on stone drew their attention. Rory Mercury, ever graceful despite the weight of her weapon, appeared in a sudden leap, landing effortlessly on the wall beside them.
"There's more to it, isn't there?" Rory said, her crimson eyes gleaming with mischief as she studied Ava.
Ava frowned and gestured sharply. "Keep your head down, Rory," she ordered, her tone low and commanding. But after a moment, she added, "You're not wrong. Part of this is about showing the Princess what we're capable of. I want her to fear us, fear what we can do, and understand that peace with us is the only logical choice."
Rory tilted her head, a sly smirk curling across her lips. "In other words, you want the Empire to surrender on your terms," she said, her voice lilting with amusement.
Ava met her gaze without flinching. "Yes," she said simply.
Rory's smirk widened into a full grin, her sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight. "You people are cunning," she purred. "I like it." With a sudden, fluid motion, she leapt onto the parapet, balancing effortlessly despite the precarious edge. "I'll help you achieve your goal."
Ava's sharp eyes narrowed as she watched Rory's movements, both amused and exasperated by the demigoddess's theatrics. "Just don't get yourself killed," she muttered, her tone softer now but still edged with the weight of command.
Rory laughed lightly, twirling her massive halberd as though it weighed nothing. "Oh, Commander," she said, her voice playful yet unsettling. "You underestimate me. Death and I are old friends."
Tuka and Lelei exchanged glances but said nothing, the tension of the moment mingling with an unspoken respect for Ava's determination, and the strange, chaotic energy Rory brought to their group.
As Rory perched on the wall like a dark angel, Ava returned her attention to the enemy camp, her mind already formulating the next steps of her strategy. Rory's grin lingered in the corner of her vision, a reminder that while the UNE's technology and discipline were unmatched, it was the unpredictability of their new allies that might tip the scales in their favor.
Suddenly, the chaos unfolded swiftly, the quiet tension of the night shattered by the sudden eruption of violence.
"Get down!" Ava barked, grabbing Rory's arm and pulling her into cover behind the parapet. Rory staggered slightly, caught off guard by the UNE Commander's strength. For someone so composed, Ava possessed a startling physicality. Rory tilted her head, a bemused smile forming. It wasn't every day someone could manhandle an apostle.
Ava didn't waste time. She pressed an earpiece into Rory's hand. "Here. Put this on. Let me show you how it works."
Before Rory could respond, Ava's earpiece crackled to life. "Commander, Bravo movement outside the West wall. Over," Ashley's voice came through, calm and professional. Inside the APC, her eyes scanned the holographic recon feed, taking in every detail.
"Copy that," Ava replied swiftly. "This is Hermes Lead to West wall position, alert the knights. Prepare for contact. Over."
Another voice cut in over the comms. "Roger that, Hermes Lead. Requesting reinforcements. Over," came the urgent report from a stationed SIF.
Ava glanced at her TACNet screen, quickly analyzing the data. "They're on their way. Over." She turned to Ashley with a decisive nod. "Ash, take four men, three sentries, one mortar, and two SAT8s. Go now!"
"Roger that, on my way," Ashley confirmed, leaping from the APC. Four SIFs followed her, grabbing heavy equipment with practiced ease before scaling rooftops and heading for the West wall.
Ava activated her comms again. "HQ, this is Hermes Lead. The enemy is attacking the city walls. Repeat, Italica is under siege. We'll hold as long as we can. Have the missiles on standby."
Chris's voice replied without hesitation. "Roger that, Hermes Lead. Reinforcements ETA one hour. Missiles are ready to launch on your call. Over."
-West Wall, Italica-
Norma and Grey sprinted along the battlements, shouting orders as they worked to keep the knights and legionaries in formation.
Suddenly, the night came alive with light as thousands of torches flared to life, illuminating the bandit army beyond the walls. But these were no ordinary bandits. Clad in remnants of Imperial armor and moving with precision, the enemy formation revealed their true nature, they were all ex-Imperial legionnaires, battle-hardened and disciplined.
Norma's face drained of color. "By the gods...how many are there?"
The leader of the opposing force, an imposing figure with an air of authority, raised his hand. At his signal, the archers moved forward and unleashed a volley of arrows with deadly accuracy.
A SIF stationed on the wall spotted the movement. "Arrows incoming!" he shouted, his TAC suit allowing him to see the danger before it reached them.
Grey and Norma froze, straining to see. "What? I don't…" Grey's words were cut off by the distant hiss of arrows slicing through the air.
"Arrows!" Norma screamed, dropping to cover as the deadly rain descended. Most defenders ducked behind the parapets, but a few knights, slower to react, were struck down. Cries of pain echoed along the wall.
Grey roared over the noise. "Archers! Return fire!"
A small contingent of defending archers scrambled to loose arrows, but the disparity in skill was evident. Their shots fell short, scattering harmlessly on the ground below.
Ashley and her team arrived like a whirlwind. "Set the mortar on the roof! Sentries there, there, and there!" she commanded, pointing to strategic positions. The SIFs moved with clockwork precision, guided by TACNet.
"Fire!" Ashley ordered.
The defenders watched in stunned silence as the sentry guns roared to life, spraying bullets with mechanical efficiency. The mortar launched with a thump, and its payload detonated in a deafening explosion amidst the enemy ranks. The SAT8s added their weight to the carnage, tearing through the disciplined formations of the ex-legionnaires.
Norma gripped his sword tightly, his knuckles white. "What... what sorcery is this?" he whispered, trembling as he watched the carnage unfold.
Grey's voice was grim, his expression dark. "This is no sorcery. This is their power, technology far beyond anything we know. And this is just a handful of them." The thought of the Rose Order being obliterated by UNE weaponry sent a shiver through him. "Imagine what an army of thousands could do."
"The enemy is charging!" a SIF called out.
Despite the staggering losses inflicted by the UNE's firepower, the disciplined ex-legionnaires pressed forward. Their leaders barked orders, maintaining cohesion as they rushed the walls with ladders and siege equipment. The UNE's weapons cut them down by the dozens, but the sheer number of attackers allowed some to reach the top, and the battle descended into brutal melee combat.
Amidst the chaos, Jimmy's voice came over Ava's earpiece. "Commander, something's happening to Rory!"
Ava turned sharply, her heart pounding as she saw Rory slumped against the parapet. Her face was flushed, and she looked uncharacteristically drained.
"Rory, talk to me!" Ava called, rushing to her side. Rory's crimson eyes fluttered open briefly, meeting Ava's gaze before she leaned heavily against the stone. Whatever was happening, it was clear that something was wrong, and Ava's concern deepened as the battle raged around them.
The battle raged on, but Rory's crimson eyes burned with an intensity beyond the chaos around her. She clutched her halberd tightly, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
"All these souls... they're coming too fast! I can't hold it anymore! Please, let me fight!" Rory yelled, her voice a mix of desperation and frenzy.
Ava hesitated for only a moment. Though she didn't fully understand what Rory was experiencing, the way Rory trembled and her flushed skin made it clear something was wrong. Ava recalled Rory's earlier claim that apostles couldn't be harmed by normal men with normal weapons. If fighting was the release Rory needed, so be it.
"Alright, go!" Ava commanded, stepping aside.
Rory's face broke into a manic grin, her exhaustion melting away as she sprang into the fray with a terrifying ferocity.
Ava's earpiece crackled as Jimmy's voice came through. "Commander, the enemy on the North is rushing to reinforce the West wall as well."
"Roger that," Ava replied, scanning her TACNet. The additional pressure on the West wall was dangerous. She turned to her squad. "You guys, follow me! We're taking the IFV."
With quick, decisive gestures, Ava left behind a small contingent: four SIFs, a few sentries, two SAT8s, and the mortar team to guard the North wall against a potential sneak attack.
As Ava led her team toward the West, Lelei called out. "Wait, Commander! We want to come as well!"
Ava nodded sharply. "Both of you, get in the IFV!" she ordered, motioning for Lelei and Tuka to climb aboard.
A new report came through, this time from Rob. "Commander, the princess is rushing to the front line."
Ava's stomach sank. "Damn it. Roger that." Turning to Jimmy, she barked, "Jimmy, go find the Princess! She must not die!"
Jimmy nodded confidently. "Copy that, Commander. Don't worry—I'll keep her safe." Without another word, he peeled away from the team, moving toward Pina's position.
Meanwhile, on the wall, Ashley directed the remaining SIFs and SAT8 units with calculated precision. "Hold the stairways! Keep the bandits from breaching the city!" she ordered.
The SAT8s performed with devastating efficiency. Their sharp claws tore through flesh while their mounted guns unleashed devastating bursts of fire, cutting down waves of bandits. However, the sheer number of attackers began to overwhelm one of the SAT8s.
Desperate bandits clung to the machine's legs, trying to immobilize it. Others threw ropes over its limbs, tugging with all their strength. Despite the SAT8's powerful claws and relentless gunfire, it couldn't kill fast enough to free itself. Bandits swarmed it, attempting to destroy the mechanical beast with axes and swords, but their weapons barely scratched the reinforced armor.
Grey, seeing the struggle, charged into the fray. With precise strikes, he stabbed one bandit in the back and parried another's attack before kicking him off the wall. Slashing through the remaining enemies, he cut the ropes binding the SAT8 and stepped back as the machine reoriented itself.
For a brief moment, the SAT8 stared at Grey, its glowing optics scanning him. The knight felt a chill run down his spine, but before he could react, more bandits rushed toward them. The SAT8's mounted gun roared to life, mowing them down in seconds.
Grey gripped his sword tightly and stood shoulder to shoulder with the machine. "You and me, metal beast," he muttered, slashing down another attacker with grim determination.
Norma and another knight fought valiantly, back to back against the unending tide of bandits. Suddenly, an arrow whistled through the air and struck the knight in the neck. She stumbled, choking on her blood as she collapsed. Gritting his teeth, Norma raised his shield, deflecting a second volley of arrows aimed at him. With a desperate thrust, he stabbed a bandit rushing at him, sending the attacker toppling over the wall.
A sharp burst of noise from behind startled him, and he spun around, sword raised, expecting the worst. To his astonishment, three bandits collapsed with burning holes seared through their bodies. He looked up and saw a soldier, one of the otherworlders, standing atop the wall. Ashley's rifle smoked faintly, her cold, calculated gaze scanning for the next target. Norma locked eyes with her, nodding his thanks. She returned the nod briskly before resuming her deadly work.
Norma glanced around, quickly assessing the chaos. Grey fought alongside one of the UNE's metal beasts, holding the line with relentless precision. Looking down the path to the keep, he spotted Princess Pina and Hamilton galloping toward the battle, their faces pale but resolute.
A roar of defiance from the bandits yanked Norma back into the fight. More and more of them surged over the wall, overwhelming the defenders despite the UNE soldiers' strange and devastating weapons. The sentry guns continued to fire, but their effectiveness was stretched thin as the bandits poured in faster than they could be mowed down.
The tide suddenly shifted as Ava and her reinforcements arrived. From nearby rooftops, the UNE commander and her SIFs unleashed precise and devastating fire, picking off bandits on the wall with cold efficiency. Unlike the defenders, who relied on close combat, Ava's team stayed at a distance, using their advanced weaponry to devastating effect. Each shot found its mark, dropping enemies one by one and raising the defenders' morale.
The bandits, pinned down by the onslaught, faltered, their momentum stalled.
"They're ramming the gate!" a panicked legionary shouted.
Norma's eyes darted toward the gate just in time to see the massive wooden barrier groaning under the force of the ram. It buckled after a few more strikes, splintering wide open. Bandits poured through the breach, flooding into the gate's square and overwhelming the knights waiting there.
Ava assessed the situation in an instant. The defenders couldn't hold the square. Her earpiece crackled with Rory's wild laughter, drawing her attention. She turned to see the apostle dancing among the enemy ranks, her massive halberd carving through bandits in armor like paper.
"Rory, get to the gate and stop them from pouring in!" Ava commanded sharply.
Rory's laughter quieted for a moment, and she looked back at Ava with a playful smirk. "Understood, Commander," she replied in a flirty tone before leaping off the wall.
She landed in the square with a thunderous crash, the force of her impact scattering the bandits closest to her. Without pausing, she spun her halberd in a deadly arc, cutting down a dozen enemies in an instant. Blood sprayed as she moved with inhuman speed, her movements a blend of grace and sheer brutality.
Ava turned to two SIFs standing nearby. "You two, get down there and help hold the gate!"
"Roger that, Commander," they replied in unison. With practiced ease, they jumped from the wall into the square, landing with precision. Pulling grenades from their belts, they hurled them into the densest part of the enemy formation. The explosions rocked the square, sending dozens of bandits flying in pieces.
The remaining bandits hesitated, their advance faltering in the face of the UNE's overwhelming response.
At the same time, Ava directed the recently arrived IFV. "Protect the civilians. Prioritize keeping their retreating route clear."
The vehicle rumbled to life, its mounted turret swiveling to cut down any bandits who strayed too close to the fleeing townsfolk. Its armored hull shielded civilians as they ran for safety, its powerful engine grinding over debris and enemies alike.
Pina and Hamilton arrived with their guards, but a volley of arrows rained down from above.
Jimmy reacted instantly, grabbing Pina and covering her with his body. His personal energy shield activated, deflecting the arrows with ease. However, before the arrows could even reach them, a powerful force swept through the air, altering their trajectory. The arrows veered off course, embedding harmlessly into nearby buildings.
Jimmy glanced up and saw Lelei, her glowing eyes dimming as she nodded toward him.
Nearby, Tuka stood tall, her bow in hand as she loosed arrow after arrow at the bandits on the wall. Each shot was precise, her elven eyes finding weak points in the enemy's armor with unerring accuracy. Together, Lelei's magic and Tuka's marksmanship ensured the princess remained safe.
Jimmy gave Lelei a quick thumbs-up before turning back to Pina. "You're safe, Princess, but stay close to me."
Pina nodded, her face pale but determined. The battle wasn't over yet, but with the UNE's devastating tactics and relentless firepower, there was still hope for Italica.
A small group of bandits spotted Princess Pina and immediately charged toward her. Ava, perched on a nearby rooftop, leapt into position, rifle at the ready. But before she could fire, the bandits crumpled to the ground, lifeless. Her TACNet displayed a glowing line of fire originating from the keep's rooftop.
"You're welcome, Commander," Rob's voice chimed over the radio.
Ava rolled her eyes, smirking. "You stole my kills!"
"Hey! There's plenty here you can take care of. We could really use some help!" Ashley's voice broke in, followed by the sound of a gunshot. Ava glanced over to see Ashley kick a bandit backward and finish him off with a shot to the face.
Surveying the battlefield, Ava quickly realized the growing problem. The SIFs, standing tall and unharmed, continued their brutal work, but the bandits had shifted tactics. They began to ignore the SIFs, focusing their attention on the knights and legionaries. Despite the knights' bravery, they were being overwhelmed.
"This isn't good," Ava muttered before shouting, "Everyone fall back! Princess, tell your people to retreat!"
Before Pina could respond, a new voice broke through Ava's comms.
"Belay that order! This is Colonel Noah Miller of the 4th Marine Brigade. Reinforcements are here. Let's show these bandits what we're capable of!"
Ava's face lit up with relief as she replied, "A little late to the party, sir."
Miller chuckled. "Apologies, Commander. We'll make up for it by rocking the house. To all units: weapons are free. I repeat, weapons are free."
"Give them hell, sir," Ava replied with a grin, which Miller could see on his helmet's holoscreen feed.
On the horizon, the UNE reinforcements came into view. Massive SD-20 and D-20 transports flew in formation, escorted by nimble GS-12 gunships. The transports carried tanks and troops within their holds, while APCs and IFVs dangled beneath them, secured by magnetized clamps.
As the transports neared Italica, they stopped approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) from the city's walls and the main body of the bandit army. One by one, the APCs and IFVs detached from the transports, landing on the ground with mechanical precision. Moments later, the transports landed to unload infantry and armor.
The GS-12 gunships roared ahead, their AI-controlled guns blazing. In a single devastating pass, they cleared the walls of bandits with pinpoint accuracy, avoiding all friendly forces. The defenders on the walls stared in awe at the sheer precision and lethality of the UNE's aerial firepower.
Once the UNE ground troops deployed, they advanced with terrifying efficiency. As they opened fire, the bandits' confusion turned to panic. Their crude formations dissolved into chaos, the mob reduced to little more than terrified, fleeing bodies. It was a massacre, an industrialized slaughter that turned the battlefield into a killing field.
A new voice crackled over Ava's comms. "This is Hunter 1-1 to Special Forces Unit. Be advised, we're preparing to clear the gate square. Please ensure it's free of friendlies."
Ava immediately relayed the message, shouting to Pina. "Princess, tell your men to pull back from the square now!" She then turned to Rory, who was still wreaking havoc in the square, her oversized halberd a blur of deadly arcs.
"Rory, retreat!" Ava commanded.
But Rory, lost in her bloodlust and high on adrenaline, ignored the order. Her laughter echoed through the chaos as she continued to tear through the bandits.
"Damn it," Ava cursed. "Ash, I need you to get Rory off the square now!"
Ashley didn't hesitate. She leapt from the wall, landing gracefully in the chaos below. Sprinting toward Rory, she dodged bandits and debris with practiced ease. When she reached Rory, she grabbed her by the waist, lifting her effortlessly.
"Hey, let me go! I'm not done yet!" Rory protested, swinging her halberd wildly.
"You'll thank me later!" Ashley shot back, leaping away with Rory in tow just as the GS-12 gunships opened fire.
The scene that followed was pure devastation. SWARM pods launched from the gunships, spreading destruction across the square. Rotary guns spun to life, shredding the bandits with a relentless hail of bullets. What had been a chaotic battlefield moments before was now eerily silent, the bodies of bandits littering the ground.
The knights and legionaries who had witnessed the display stood frozen in horror and awe. They had never seen such a precise and merciless display of power.
Ava watched from her perch, her expression hard. "And that's how it's done," she muttered, though her voice carried a hint of unease. Even she knew the scale of destruction could leave a lasting impression, not just on the bandits, but on Italica's defenders as well.
The knights and legionaries stood frozen, their faces pale with disbelief and fear as they watched the UNE forces systematically annihilate the bandits. From atop the walls, within the city, and beyond, they were captivated by the destruction wrought by these foreign weapons and machines.
Some clung to their weapons out of instinct, others gripped the stone battlements for support, unable to comprehend the carnage unfolding before them. The UNE forces weren't fighting, they were exterminating, as if the bandits were nothing more than pests.
Pina, accompanied by her knights, rushed to the battlements. Reaching the top, she found Norma and Grey already there, their faces drained of color. Both stared silently at the field beyond the walls, unable to find words for what they were seeing.
Pina followed their gaze and immediately understood their shock.
Hamilton clutched Pina's arm, trembling. "Metal dragons… metal beasts… monsters," she whispered, her voice quivering as she watched a Lancer fire its main gun. The shell hit a dense cluster of bandits, exploding in a massive burst of fire and shrapnel. The resulting blast left nothing but scorched earth and scattered fragments of what had once been dozens of men.
The knights around her gasped, their faces a mix of horror and awe.
David, standing next to the knights, broke the silence with an excited laugh. "Haha, like shooting fish in a barrel!"
Grey turned to him, his face contorted in confusion. "Shooting… fish? In a barrel?"
David smirked and shrugged. "Old Earth saying. It means easy."
Pina looked at David, frowning. "Earth?"
He waved her question off with a chuckle. "It's… never mind."
Suddenly, the radio crackled to life in Ava's ear. "This is Normandy Bastion 1 to all units, we're joining the party," announced the commanding officer of the Normandy-class airborne fortress.
From the clouds above, a massive metallic colossus descended, emerging from the smoke and haze like an apparition from the heavens. Its hull bristled with weaponry, firing plasma beams and projectiles that tore through the remaining bandits. GS-12 gunships poured out from its hangars, their sleek forms diving into the battlefield, accompanied by SF-40 fighters that streaked across the sky, raining destruction upon the enemy.
The sight of the Bastion's sheer size and firepower left the knights speechless. Even the most stoic among them whispered prayers to their gods, certain that they were witnessing the descent of a divine force.
On the ground, the bandits finally broke. Any semblance of order disintegrated as panic overtook them. Realizing their hopeless situation, many threw down their weapons and dropped to their knees, raising their hands in surrender. Others tried to flee but were cut down by gunfire or explosions before they made it more than a few paces.
Pina gripped the cold stone of the battlements as the reality of their situation washed over her. Her mind raced as she connected the dots. The rumors, the devastating defeat at Alnus, the destruction of the Empire's most elite legions, the tales of metal dragons and unbeatable weapons, all of it was true.
The UNE had created a military force that rivaled the gods themselves. This was no ordinary army. This was a war machine, engineered for absolute dominance.
Pina's voice wavered as she murmured, "Is this the full strength of the other worlders?"
Grey, still staring at the Bastion in awe, turned to her. "Is this the reinforcement the commander spoke of?"
Hamilton whispered, her voice shaky. "This is who we went to war with?"
Pina turned to her knights, who looked to her for guidance, their faces a mixture of fear and helplessness. "This is the end of the Empire," she said quietly, the weight of the words crushing her spirit. "There's no other way. If we continue to fight them, we'll be destroyed. The only way to save the Empire is to make peace."
From a high tower, Rory Mercury watched the UNE forces at work, her crimson eyes wide with fascination. She had seen armies decimated by smaller, well-trained forces before, but this was different. This wasn't just a battle; it was a calculated, systematic annihilation.
The UNE troops operated with cold precision and ruthless efficiency, their tactics perfectly executed. The coordination between their soldiers, vehicles, and aircraft spoke of an army that had spent millenniums mastering the art of war.
Rory's gaze followed the vapor trail of an explosive round as it struck a group of bandits. The impact left nothing behind but scorched earth and vaporized bodies. Her lips curled into a sly grin, but behind it, there was unease. She had faced countless warriors and survived the deadliest of battles, but this…
"Even I could die to them," she murmured. For the first time in centuries, she wasn't sure if she was the apex predator on the battlefield.
The UNE's might wasn't just overwhelming, it was terrifying.
Ava stood in the gate square, overseeing the aftermath of the battle. Marines were rounding up the surviving bandits, organizing them into groups for a headcount. Prisoners sat huddled in fear, their faces pale as UNE soldiers moved with swift, calculated efficiency. Overhead, gunships patrolled the skies, their imposing silhouettes a constant reminder of UNE dominance. Transports hovered nearby, dropping off medical supplies that were quickly distributed to treat wounded civilians, knights, legionaries, and bandits alike.
Ava scanned the scene, her expression calm but focused. Her TAC suit was splattered with dirt and ash, a testament to the chaos of the battle. She was taking note of damages when a voice called out behind her.
"Commander, may I have a moment of your time, please?"
Turning, Ava saw Princess Pina standing a few feet away. Behind her were Grey, Norma, and Hamilton, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and unease.
"Yes, Your Highness?" Ava replied, her tone respectful but neutral.
Pina took a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Thank you for saving us. You could have left us to fend for ourselves, but instead, you brought the full might of your military to rescue Italica. We and the people of this city owe you a debt we can never repay."
Ava offered a small, polite smile. "You're welcome, Your Highness. But I must clarify, this wasn't the full might of our military. What you saw here was just a tiny fraction of what we're capable of. It's nothing compared to our full strength."
Pina's face went pale, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Ti… tiny?" she stammered. "You mean… this was… I need to speak with your leader."
Before Ava could respond, Ashley approached at a brisk pace, saluting. "Commander, General Nguyen is en route. ETA is two hours."
Ava nodded. "Perfect timing. Your Highness," she turned back to Pina, "you'll have the opportunity to speak with my superior officer about whatever you wish to discuss. We'll meet you in the keep."
Pina hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Thank you, Commander." She turned and began leading her knights back toward the keep.
As they walked through the streets of Italica, the aftermath of the battle was impossible to ignore. UNE soldiers moved among the civilians, distributing supplies and tending to the injured with professionalism and care. Knights and legionaries, many of whom had been skeptical or dismissive of the UNE, now watched them with a mix of awe and uncertainty.
The UNE soldiers worked tirelessly, their actions devoid of malice or disdain. They treated wounded knights and legionaries with the same diligence as they did the townsfolk, reinforcing the surreal image of an army not driven by conquest or cruelty, but by purpose and discipline.
Pina's eyes swept over the scene, her thoughts a chaotic storm. "Are we so insignificant to them? This horrible power… and they call it a tiny force? How could we ever hope to fight against such strength? Can the gods themselves stand against them?"
Hamilton, walking beside her, remained silent, her face pale and troubled.
Norma, however, spoke up, his voice laced with fear but tinged with determination. "Maybe there's still hope, Princess. Perhaps if we unite all of Falmart against them, we could…"
Pina abruptly stopped, turning to face him with fire in her eyes. "Are you blind, Norma? Did you not see what they did today? Did you not hear what the Commander said? This was a tiny force. What do you think will happen if they bring their full might upon us? There is no hope in fighting them. We must seek peace, there's no other way for the Empire to survive."
Norma looked down, chastened, as her words hung heavy in the air.
Grey stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Pina's shoulder. "We are here for you, Princess. Whatever decision you make, the Rose Order will stand by you until the end."
Pina looked at him, her resolve hardening. "Then we must ensure peace. It's the only way forward."
As they continued toward the keep, the shadow of UNE's power loomed large over their thoughts. What they had seen today was more than a display of military strength, it was a clear message: the UNE was unstoppable.