"Thanks to the Templar Natilite, she provided us with the Verliance Aristocracy military structure. General Sherman, the information is below. I have already started sharing this information with the frontline troops so we can allocate troops more effectively.
Brigaton – comparable to an American Division. Each one is named after the commander who leads an organization with the belief that the leader's honor and reputation are at stake. There are between two and three Orders
Order – The primary deployable unit, equal to a Brigaton. Typically has three to four Groups
Group – Like a Battalion
Section- Like a company
File – Like a platoon
Special Roles:
Packs – Tactical Squads, usually filled by a single species except for specific roles.
Levy – attached units from a third party, either adventurers, militia, or other non-professional soldiers.
We are filtering this information into Oracle, our Programable Intelligence database. Intelligence believes USAM forces around Salva and Indolass are engaged by two Brigatons, with a third securing the rear of their formations. This does not include local allies and the Unity, as we are still gathering information on their structure and force strength." – Oracle
March 17th, 2069 (military calendar)
Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore
*****
Standing in the newly created Minutemen Operations center in what Mathew Ryder believed to be the Palace throne room, the Comanche Captain watched the many screens of US soldiers fighting the Verliance Aristocracy across the river. The intention was to buy time while the US Army finished preparing the city of Salva for a lengthy siege.
In the distance, they could see flashing lights and echoes from the raging battle further inland. Hostile artillery bombarded the makeshift American lines that were ordered to hold out as long as they could. All to delay time so they could fortify Salva for the upcoming siege that looms over everyone.
"What do you see?" Hackett said as he walked in.
"Probing action," Ryder said. "It seems the Aristocracy is testing our front line before another main assault. When that comes, the outer perimeter won't hold."
"It is not supposed to," Hackett said. "Just long enough to get ready for round three."
Ryder looked confused. He had seen many broken defenses when he first arrived in this city. While the Army could quickly refine concrete walls with enough time, his people could not manufacture more of those hardening crystals that the city walls of Alagore had in their defensive relevance.
"We can do that? I thought we needed magic?"
"One of the city watch was head of engineering before retiring," Hackett said. "The wood elf was kind enough to help our engineers resolve the issue. The only magical part is the diamond crystal along the wall. From what they told me, they help absorb impacts."
"Let me refine my question. Where are we getting those crystals? Last I checked, it is something you cannot order online. Unless..., you are cannibalizing other sections of the wall."
"That is correct. I decided to remove everything from the western wall and reinforce the eastern wall. The odds are low that the enemy will be able to surround the city."
"Assuming the 4th can protect our logistics line."
"They will. But to be safe, we will have to watch our Six."
"I am not worried about one large thrust," Ryder said. "They have specialized soldiers like us. Based on my experience, they could exploit that weakness if discovered."
"I understand," Hackett said. "After what happened to you, it is something we should remain wise to. However, I have no choice but to prioritize wall sections over others."
Ryder turned and walked toward the wooden table with the sizeable cloth-like city map spread over it, which had been discovered in the Palace chambers. He then pointed toward the ridgeline to the north that oversaw the city. "We need a platoon or preferably a company up there. Last time, the enemy placed marksmen in that position and wreaked havoc on us."
Hackett approached the table and said, "That was a topic of conversation with Colonel Barker and Colonel Ingle while you were gone. Ingle 299th Engineers is in the process of building a fortified Keep. But you're right; we should keep a platoon until we properly fortify it."
As the two officers talked, a loud siren started blaring throughout the city, signaling that hostile artillery rounds were coming. The Minutemen officers rushed through the Palace halls until they reached the balcony. When they arrived, they saw a stream of 30mm rounds sprayed into the air from a recently installed Bolas. Bullet spray destroyed most enemy artillery shells in midair; however, two impacted the city.
"That is going to be a problem," Ryder said. "When are we getting the Shoki or Tawa defense?"
"Both are in queue," Hackett said. "Once we clear a section of the city for it, we should get the Tawa laser battery within a few days. A Shoki battery will take longer, as the 4th wants to keep it for themselves."
Ryder turned to his superior officer in disbelief and said, "What? Isn't Salva the top priority?"
"That does not mean other commanders want to have their pants down. You know why, Matt. It's logistics. Because of our unique situation, we can only funnel so many resources through this side right now, so we must prioritize. I need soldiers to man them. And right now, I have to feed everyone in Salva as we are the only food source. None of these includes 4ID. They need their supplies to protect our flanks, which adds more strain."
The Comanche Captain was not thrilled by the news but understood the complications. He could see why the Colonel focused so much on this counterattack. More time means closer to bringing proper equipment from Earth here. "The saying is true. You go to war with the Army you have, not with what you want."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Hackett said with a chuckle. "Don't worry, Matt. I have been assured by the 4th MDTF that we will get our air defense. We just need to hold the enemy back a little longer."
The Captain didn't know that the 4th Multi-Domain Task Force was authorized to deploy to Alagore—or at least their defensive units, as long-range strike ability was currently unavailable—but he was not surprised. While his mission to assault Mount Orlatus was reckless and could have resulted in the capture or deaths of everyone, it provided critical intelligence on the enemy and the many factions the Americans would have to deal with.
By learning who the Unity was and providing critical intelligence on the enemy and the many factions' capabilities, USAM forces could have ultimately been caught off guard by the sudden disparity in abilities between the Verliance Aristocracy and the Unity of Cordinlane.
"It might be a good thing the women and children are at the borrian," Ryder said.
Ryder noticed his mentor needed to respond more quickly, which gave him the wrong impression. He understood that relations with the dwarves had been unfriendly regarding this topic, with them refusing to free the Salva civilians. Still, the Captain had no idea it was this bad.
"Follow me, Matt," Hackett said.
The two officers left the balcony observation post and navigated through the palace.
The Captain saw soldiers preparing the place for battle. Soldiers are installing reinforced steel plating and drilling into the stone walls to reinforce the building's integrity. In addition to all the extra armor reinforcement, cables were installed throughout the ceiling walls to link to all the servers and computer terminals placed throughout the Palace.
In short, the Americans had taken control of the Palace as the Minutemen and 5th Ranger forward Headquarters. At first, Ryder thought this would upset their native allies. While there were a few grumbles, most of the Militia had accepted or embraced what was happening. According to Hackett, it was over practicality and personal needs. They were at war, and they needed to win.
Ryder continued as the two traveled to the basement, where the command center was, "Is it that bad?"
"Yes," Hackett said. "I first thought they were holding out for a better deal; however, I am starting to worry that the dwarves might trade the civilians to the Aristocracy. If that happens, that will be checkmate for us."
Ryder fully understood the seriousness of the situation. The thought of his dead wife flooded his mind as he imagined how the Militia would react once they learned Kallem had their woman and children. The mere threat of the hostages would be enough to break fathers and husbands, who would be willing to give in to any demand. In this case, surrender the city without a fight.
"If they refuse to hand them over, the only option is war," Ryder said.
"The brass wants to find a diplomatic solution, and I agree," Hackett said. "Sending in the troops could result in using the hostages as human shields or worse. In addition, we cannot afford to open another front right now. We are already in a negative depth situation, spreading out more forces, which would only worsen it."
"Is all this because the former leader is dead?" Ryder asked as they entered the underground CIC.
Multiple digital tables were scattered throughout the room, utilizing the city's sizable underground network. Staff were walking around as they finished their preparations. Screens lined the wall, showing camera feeds from soldiers and security posts, while others displayed tactical data.
"It seemed so," Hackett said. "As you know, Alagore values House politics, which has been troublesome. Your Kitsune village experienced only one of multiple incidents of this cultural trend. We don't have anything equalized Stateside, so faking it isn't going to work."
What little Ryder saw when he was captured was that the people had great respect for Kallem, regardless of Roath's defiance. Her actions were not out of seeking freedom or assassination of a despot, but an attempt to protect him from death while saving Assiaya.
Yes, the Vampire Lord was the head of the country, but there was more to it. The Kitsune's main concern was that no one of status could vouch for the Americans. Even the Orc farm family that took him and Assiaya that night showed the value of House Politics, showing how deep the philosophy went.
"Can we just promote someone within the city?" Ryder asked. "We do that all the time on Earth."
Hackett crossed his arms when hearing the question, carefully thinking. "There is a lead I am following, but right now, I have nothing. The issue with installing someone is that we barely know these people for a month; what if we pick the wrong person because we didn't run a background check? Right now, there are not many prospects. For now, we must have faith in our negotiators. If they fail, it's a war we cannot afford right now."
"And you want Comanche to take point?" Ryder asked.
"No," Hackett said. "For now, I have a different mission for your team."
The two stopped at one of the digital tables. One Minutemen staff member activated the table, and a native cartographer's map was scanned and uploaded into the system. The screen zoomed in on the map, and Hackett took a digital pen and circled an area north of Salva. "We got reports from one of the friendly villages that Toriffa troops were flowing down this road to join the Aristocracy. I want Comanche and Ghost to ambush."
"That should send a message," Ryder said.
"It should take two days," Hackett said. "Hire that Farian woman to help navigate the area. I believe her name is Ar'lya."
"That is correct," Ryder asked. "What are we paying her with?"
"One MRE a day, like everyone else right now. No one slacks off and gets fed here."
"I will make sure she understands. Comanche will be ready to leave within the hour."
"Sorry, Matt. You are not going. Miller will lead the mission. I also want Natilite to stay behind."
Ryder stood dumbfounded, blankly staring at his superior. "What are you talking about?"
"I am overdue for having a conversation with the Templar. She is an important figure here, and if she is going to be a part of the Minutemen, I want to know my people."
"I understand, sir. But why am I off mission?"
"You still need to heal," Hackett said. "You went through a traumatic experience and still need a couple of days to heal."
"I am fine."
"Matt. I am not thinking about today, but tomorrow. I need you at your best. I see you still holding your chest from the pain. Let your black eye finish healing. Trust me."
The emotion of uselessness spread throughout Ryder's mind as he felt he was being left behind. While the Captain knew it was not his fault that he had been captured by the enemy, he still felt guilty that his team had to go deep behind enemy lines without his leadership. Now, it was happening again.
Mathew Ryder hated being far away from people he cared about when they were in danger.
"It is okay, Matt," Hackett said. "This isn't permanent. Besides, this gives you some time to spend with the girl. I have noticed her around CP in her cute maid dress, serving my HQ."
Ryder looked toward his Colonel with a surprised look, not expecting to hear that comment. "She wants to help."
"I can see that. Assiaya can keep doing what she is doing as long as she does not interfere with critical operations. It has been a morale boost for the troops, so I am willing to give her some leeway. And as I said, while you heal, it should give you two a chance to get to know each other while not being hunted."
Ryder was surprised by his mentor's sudden interest in the girl. He was expecting a different reaction, like finding a new home for her or a place away from HQ. Not a team-building opportunity. "I did not realize you had taken such an interest in the girl."
"She has been through a lot; both of you have. Take the moment I am giving you, and we will see where the dice lands. Dismissed."
The Captain was confused by his mentor's last comment but saluted, knowing not to press further. He was frustrated that he had been benched for this mission and would have to accept that. He understood what his mentor was trying to do. Seeing no choice in this manner, spending time with Assiaya sounded smooth.
March 17th, 2069 (Military Calendar)
Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore
*****
With the bright midday light beating down on Alagore, the Valkyrie Natilite stood on one of the tallest roofs within Salva.
Standing on her feet, the Valkyrie leaned back, allowing the late summer sun's rays to beat her exposed skin. The arctic northern sea breeze gently brushed against her body, and her wings extended into the air, enabling her feathers to flow.
"It has been too long since I sunbathed."
Feeling restored, the Winged woman opened her eyes and saw the City-State of Salva and the eastern terrain. She saw the main road leading up the hillside, the many craters from previous battles, and forests scattered across the area.
Taking a breath of fresh air, Natilite found it joyful to finally take a break. It had been six months since she arrived in this region, attempting to recruit people to her cause to summon the Altaerrie. But this was the first time she had stopped to absorb the natural beauty of these lands. Most consider them hellish; only the rejected and poor would live here, but it had grown on her. The region was not tamed by anyone, but was full of life.
Noticing a shadow above, Natilite glanced toward the sky, seeing their host world, Tekali. The gas giant was blue, with hundreds of bands wrapping around its surface, each in a different color. Most were purple, but others were brown, pink, and green. Multiple oval-like storms were scattered across the surface.
Natilite could see a sizeable magnetic aurora forming within the upper atmosphere, a natural occurrence with Alagore Mother when the yellow sun Dorash rays shine upon the surface of Tekali, allowing Mother to display her natural beauty. This time, the Templar could see a rare flicker within the deity's atmosphere.
Tens of thousands of tiny sparkles flash randomly across the exposed surface of Tekali. Most were white, while others were tinted pink, red, black, and yellow. The Radorlio Setodios, a Vampire named after the sage Cylander, discovered the sighting. The Lats call them the Astrilucus Superficies, meaning starlight on the surface. For most ordinary folk, they're merely called Tekali Twinkle.
While the twinkle wasn't expected, it happened dozens of times yearly. Enough to see that such a moment had value. She didn't fully understand why; it was something about Dorash rays impacting the surface in a particular way. She needed to learn the science of why the sunlight reflected off the planet's surface. Regretfully, she had never seen the value of studying the Cosmic Sea outside a religious context. She could only recall one of the Sages stating that city-sized diamonds or nacadorite crystals were floating in Tekali's atmosphere, along with aetherium gas, allowing sunlight to reflect when struck.
"I wonder if it is a sign," Natilite said.
She then glanced toward the northern section of the blue-purple gas world and saw auras. Below, there was a large current of gas lines mixing together. This was normal as Mother had many such storms come and go. Only three such systems had remained for as long as she could remember, possibly dating back to orilla. But that was different from what caught the Templar's attention. It was the bright blue light that flickered.
She knew what these blue flickers were—a lightning strike within the Tekali atmosphere—but they were light—not enough for Mother to unleash against her children. Today, it was a small storm.
The Valkyrie's mood was ruined when she heard the echoes of bombardments. Looking toward the horizon, she saw flashes of the Americans and Unity fighting.
"I guess the moment had to end sooner or later." Looking at the gas giant, Natilite realized she had not visited the Temple for a blessing for quite some time. She couldn't blame herself, as the High Priestess was only recently rescued from potentially being in a Unity cell forever, or worse.
The Valkyrie stretched her wings and jumped into the air. Soaring through the chill air, she felt her long silver-white hair flowing. Her loose armor flapped around her waist. She continued until she reached her destination.
Hovering in the air, Natilte looked down and saw the Temple of Brevia. The building had three towers, two on the left and one on the right. The center of the building was a dome, with the upper half section being colorful glass. The top was a blue sphere with six smaller spheres arranged around it, representing Tekali and her moons. Over to the right was an additional building, a smaller dome, while another was a rectangle, looking like apartments.
To the winged human surprise, the Temple structure was still intact. While not all buildings were destroyed around Salva, enough were to be noticed. The marble, stone, and brick walls stood tall, showing minor damage from stray weapons fire. Trees still surrounded the religious facility, with vines climbing to the top of the towers.
She was gently lowering herself until landing on a semi-crowded street. The Altaerrie stopped and stared, being stunned by her landing. The Valkyrie had found the reaction adorable. Winged humans were normal on Alagore, so no one ever noticed her ability to fly. For most USAM personnel, this was their first time seeing such a sight.
For the Militiamen, some ignored her, while others acknowledged her status. However, she knew they ignored her, not because they were accustomed to her people's flight ability. Everyone here was still angry toward the Templar for bringing much misery to this City-State.
Frustrated by the lack of approval, Natilite approached the thick red oak wood door. There were two figures, both elves, which she expected, as Salva was an elvish city. On the left was a male, and on the right was a female. The meaning of the Temple design had yet to be learned, but the door was old, as evidenced by how faded the wood was.
Surprised to see no guards, the Templar opened the right door and entered. Everything was dark, and she expected the sunlight to ease through the windows and the glass ceiling. None illuminated the Temple enough to see; it felt closer to a dungeon than a building.
Walking through the main hall that led to the central chamber, Natilite studied carefully. She noticed that the crystal lights along the walls were out, except for a few barely glowing. The electricity was off for some reason, so she relied on the solar.
The one detail she noticed was how clean the hallway was. Not that it wasn't dusty from lack of upkeep, but the artifacts and art were intact. The furniture was still orderly as if this place had never been touched during the Aristocracy's occupation.
Reaching the main chamber, Natilite saw two Antikythera mechanisms, both animatronics.
Four months ago, she had seen them at the first siege when the Valkryie attempted to convince the city to join her and Raegel Holiadon's cause. The main animatronic was the typical Tekali with her children rotating around.
Regardless, she recalled the conversation with Mathew Ryder about the Cosmic God that the Altaerrie religions believed in. The concept has been around within the Temple of Astral Emilinya, the Holy See of the Tekali religion.
With Tekali being the Mother who gave life to her daughter Alagore, with her six moon children, the Temple had always speculated that there would be a father deity to seed the cosmos. Unlike recently, it was impossible to theorize, thereby limiting the understanding of the physiology of spiritual evolution. While it was too soon to conclude that the Altaerrie beliefs filled that void, she found the discovery exciting, even if it did not meet expectations. The thought that this discovery would emerge during her lifetime was a dream.
The other animatronic was different. It was not activated; it was broken from old age. The device had multiple elf figures that were supposed to navigate around the base, with more on the side, all flowing around.
It was surprising how intact the overall Temple was, with only a few missing artifacts and paintings. The Verliance Aristocracy had dozens of opportunities to raid and destroy this facility, but didn't take it. She found it puzzling as they raided the city of everything of value before the Altaerrie retook the town.
"I see you have taken an interest in the Antikythera."
Hearing a feminine voice, Natilite turned and saw the Temple High Priestess that Comanche rescued, Elisen.
"I apologize for entering without permission."
"It is okay," Elisen said. "It has been lonely cleaning this place up. It is nice seeing someone roaming these halls again. I do not believe most of the Militia know I have returned, which is fine. I would not want them to see how messy this place is."
"Why not?" Natilite asked. "I would expect that in times like these, we would need your leadership."
"I am not the Temptress of this Temple. I have not been permitted to assume control. And besides, all my staff were killed or being held hostage by Vagahm."
The concern confused her. It was common for a High Priestess to take over affairs within a Temple when the Temptress was killed or absent, as they were the next in line. "I can understand the fear. I would assume Astral Emilinya would grant your elevation under the circumstances," she said.
"I would agree. I believe my nerves are closer to fear of taking on the position. We were once simple people not long ago; now I have come to see the eyes of the world will fall upon here, and that is serving."
The Valkyrie didn't think about that. Being a Templar was used to being in the limelight, but taking such a position would be a sufficient step for a simple person in a forgotten land.
"It has only been a couple of days since you were freed," Natilite said. "The Altaerrie are here, so you do not need to fluster. Take some time to recalibrate yourself. And when you are ready, you will spiritually lead us to the future."
"Thank you, Templar, for your confidence," Elisen said. She nodded but hesitated, still reflecting on her time as a prisoner and now serving as the religious leader of Salve, with the Altaerrie occupying the city. "I believe my nerves are still rattled from what has happened, but if this is what Tekali wishes, I will uphold my position. The men defending this city will need me to lead them spiritually."
"It is understandable. I think we are all still rattled by recent occurrences. Even with Altaerrie's presence, I still feel a dreadful mood in the air."
"Is that why you came here?"
The question was simple; however, Natilite struggled to respond, which surprised her. It took a moment to form a response, stating that she came here out of a feeling, but nothing of note, which embarrassed her.
"I see." The female Wood Elf turned toward the Antikythera and said, "I noticed you were staring at this. We never had time to discuss it last time you were here."
Seeing that the Wood Elf didn't want to continue the topic, Natilite said, "It feels like a lifetime ago, but yes. I remember it, but never had time to inquire."
"It tells the story of how this city was founded," Elisen explained. "Two tribes dancing around each other in forever conflict. Until one day, two elves fell in love, bridging the tribes together. Now, what brought you into my Temple today?"
She took a deep breath as she crossed her arms. "I am not completely sure. I have been frustrated by how low the people's opinion of me is."
"The opinions of others matter to you?" Elisen asked.
"No…, yes…." Natilite stopped and reflected on the question. "Over the decades, I have grown used to people being excited and feeling hope when I arrive. While there are always a few who oppose my presence, they never represent the majority of the population. A main reason Hispana sponsored this expedition was because of my creditability."
"I do recall those conversations," Elisen said. She placed her hand on the Antikythera mechanism. "The dancing represents the war between the tribes. Two fell in love and escaped the chaos, only to disappear. Over time, they had a child called Brevia. After discovering their tribes were still warring, they returned and displayed their child, showing what they created with love and hatred. The two tribes built this Temple and named it after the child in the name of their new unity."
"Is that story true?" Natilite asked.
"For the most part. I am compressing a dozen years into a tale, but it does represent the overall truth. When this device was functional, these two groups of elves moved around each other. The dance represents their warring. The family emerged from the ground at the center, bringing the two tribes' chiefdoms together with a common bond. I am oversimplifying decades of history, but the point is, Salva has always been the place where different people came together."
Natilite found the story humorous because of its modern-day similarities. "Do you believe the people will forgive me for dragging them into this conflict?"
"Yes. As the story goes, the two tribes put aside their differences and became brothers. It took time, though, as old wounds needed to heal. As you said, you brought the Altaerrie here. You were correct, and in time, people will see that. Like the family in the story, you must remain true to who you are. They brought fellowship to two different people, bridging them to peace."
The Templar started to understand what the High Priestess was saying. While there were bumps along the way, she accomplished her goal of bringing Altaerrie here. However, there was more work to do. She needed to continue working, staying true to the course, and getting the two people together as best she could. Once things calmed down, she would regain the people's respect.
"Thank you, High Priestess," Natilite said. It has been a long four months. I think I needed to unload my frustrations. If the Temple needs anything, you can call me."
Elisen bowed and said, "My pleasure. The mind is our worst enemy. But we have a chance, thanks to you. Believe that, and the Militia will follow."