Memento nos in litoribus autem eo concursum est. (Remember us, by the beaches we stormed.)

-Motto of the Imperial Marines

5 minutes later

Max groaned as he opened his eyes. His vision was blurred but he could make out the form of a person kneeling in front of him.

“You alright?”

His vision began to clear until he saw Zeke looking right at him, snapping his fingers in front of his face.

“Hey cap, you alright?”

“Y-yeah. I feel like I just got nailed by Steve Atwater.”

Zeke chuckled before offering him a hand.

Max looked around and saw the ruined buildings all around them.

Nearby, Outlaw 1-1 laid on its belly with rubble covering the cockpit. Around the chopper, the rest of Lt. Nazaire’s squad were either securing the perimeter or helping the wounded. Private Spencer in particular was kneeling on the floor, muttering a prayer as he clutched his necklace.

“Casualty report.” Max said.

He saw Allison walk out of the chopper.

“The pilots and the crew chiefs are dead. Aside from a couple of bruises, Gustav’s got a sore shoulder and Zhang hurt his ankle. He’s limping a little but he says he’s fine. Overall though, we’re fucked.”

“All Oxide teams, this is Oxide 5. *cough* Stay away from the choppers! They’re sending hunting teams! SHI-”

“Kumar, you there? Kumar!” Max yelled in the coms. “Shit, we need a vantage point, figure out where we are.”

“How ‘bout that 10-story building down the street?”

Everyone turned to see McCallister pointing at a mostly intact 10-story brick building.

“Good enough, let's move before any hunting teams get here.” Max said.

The group cautiously walked through the streets, keeping their eyes open for an ambush.

“Man I haven’t been in a heli crash for a while.” Zeke said.

“When was the last time?” Max asked.

“Pondok Ranji, the engine of the Nighthawk I was riding in malfunctioned and we crashed into a freeway. Nobody died luckily but damn, I was shaken.”

“Try a plane accident. I was on Oceanic Flight 1905 ‘Clipper Victor’ when an engine caught on fire and we belly landed into the dirt at Valdugo International. Nearly clipped a Volee Flight.” said Gustav.

“Ugh, I hate planes.” answered Zhang.

As they neared the building, Max could see the wrecks of two tanks in front of it. One was an Imperial Jaguar with its turret blown off and on top of an abandoned car, and the other was a Britannican Matador whos cannon was pointing at the Jaguar.

The first to go inside was Max who scanned the lobby of the building for any hostiles but was only met with several bodies of Imperial Marines and Britannican soldiers.

“Clear!” He said.

The rest of the squad moved in with their guns drawn.

“Room clear!” Zeke said.

Max knelt down next to the body of a female Cantonese Imperial Marine who had a gunshot wound to the neck. He checked the patch on the woman’s left shoulder and his heart stopped for a moment.

1st Marine Regiment. Marcus’ unit. They were part of the 1st Marine Division when they attempted to break through the Britannican lines and were nearly wiped out. Max thought.

“Hey, you think the elevator’s working?”

Max looked up to see Zeke pushing the elevator button.

“Obviously not.” said Watson.

They then heard the sound of machinery.

“Told you it would work.”

The squad flinched when they heard screeching sound before they heard a loud bang from the other side of the door.

“Uh, never mind. Guess we’re taking the stairs.”

2 Minutes Later

“Did I ever tell you how much I fucking hate stairs?”

“Yes, every fucking time we get on one Gus. We get it, stop complaining.”

“At this point Zeke, he’s just doing it to tease you. Best not to answer back.” said Allison.

Meanwhile, Max was analyzing the view. Not far to the north stood the battered, but standing Roosevelt Hotel with its sign missing an o. Victoria Avenue which is a straight shot to the motel was blocked off by the wreckage of a shot down black and green Northwest Airlines Boeing 747-100 with its tail displaying a green winged Human flying upwards. Below the cockpit were the words “Sky Majesty”.

Either they navigate No Man’s Land to their objective, they could wait for the QRF, or they can try and head back to their front lines.

He decided to radio command.

“Birdwatcher, this is Oxide 1, do you read me?”

“Oxide 1, this is General Chibuzo. Jesus Christ son, we thought we lost you. What’s your status?”

“I’ve lost contact of every other Oxide teams. Myself and the rest of Oxide 1 are the only ones left. We are currently on the rooftop of a 10 story hotel about a click south of the Roosevelt. Requesting a pick up over.”

“I’m sorry son but that’s not possible right now. General McAvoy dropped his balls and the entire 4th Infantry are in full retreat. All available units are being rerouted to plug in the hole McAvoy left behind. The Britannicans are threatening to outflank Delta and Fedor. Weatherby’s command post is under attack. 2nd Armored and the 4th Marines are on their way to reinforce us but as of now, you’re on your own. You think you can make it to the objective son?”

Max looked at the squad who were either conversing or keeping a lookout for any enemies.

“Yes sir. We’ll do what we can.”

“Good. Godspeed son. Chibuzo out.”

“Ay look. Looks like the flyboys are duking it out!” McCallister said.

They all looked up to see the sky filled with both Royal and Imperial fighters dogfighting each other for control of the skies.

“Shit, and we just lost one of ours.”

Plummeting towards the city was a burning Imperial Flanker. Thankfully, the pilot bailed out and was parachuting nearby.

“Hey. How ya doing?” Zeke said as he waved at the distant pilot as he parachuted to the ground.

“Guys.” Max said, gaining their attention. “We’re on our own. Brits are attacking our frontlines and Command isn’t sparing anyone to help us out.”

“So wait. They couldn’t even spare a Nighthawk to pick us up?” asked Hinojoza.

“Even if they did. They’d probably get shot down.” answered Bright.

“Right, so we’ve got two options. We could sit our asses here and pray they’ll send someone, or we can continue to our objective. So who’s up for doing nothing?”

Nobody answered.

“Good, then let’s get going then.”

“Damn, it’s a shame Sky Majesty had to go out like this.” said McCallister as he peered over to look at the plane wreckage. “She’s seen a lot of history. Should’ve been in a museum instead of being used by the Brits to spy on our lines.”

“You’ve rode on it?” asked Hinojoza as the rest of the squad walked towards the stairs.

“I love my planes. Rode on Sky Majesty, Clipper Victor, Blue Conqueror, Majestic Titan, and flew on Graceful Valkyrie when it was on Northwest Airlines, then Southjet Airways, Oceanic Airlines, and then finally Volee Airlines. I swear man, those guys at Volee are doing a poor job maintaining Graceful Valkyrie. One of these days, that plane is going to explode.”

“Wow, you ride Graceful Valkyrie a lot.” said Max.

“Yeah, it’s the only 747 that flies regularly between Taiyoko and Metroville.”

“Yo Maxie, how’s flying in Imperial One by the way?” asked Zeke.

They all looked at Max as they descended down the stairs in which he gave no answer. He kept looking everywhere, even the walls.

“Max?” Allison said as she put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

Max shook his head before looking at her.

“What?”

“You know what, nevermind. Let’s just get this over with.” answered Zeke.

Memento nos per mare autem subest. (Remember us by the oceans we ruled.)

-Motto of the Imperial Navy

Captain Christian Spencer

E Company, 4th Infantry Division “Purple People-Eaters of Poveglia

Imperial Frontlines acting as a rearguard while the rest of the 4th Infantry retreats

“So everyone understands? We hold here until McAvoy gives us the go ahead to retreat. Brits are already attacking everywhere else so we gotta be prepared when they come here.” said Captain Christian Spencer.

He was huddled with some officers in a foxhole. The rest of E Company are acting as a rearguard with D and F Companies and a Pride of armored vehicles callsign Gamma. Spencer was confused on why McAvoy ordered a retreat. Last he heard, Brit Spec Ops attacked his command post and he guessed the Noble dropped his balls. He was concerned that this retreat may endanger the siege. On top of that, they have no air support and their only artillery support are two 60mm Mortars on a hill behind them.

“To be honest sir, this is some complete bullshit. McAvoy’s hauling ass while we’re stuck here to hold back the entire Brit advance.” said an Iberian Lieutenant.

“Orders are orders. We do what we can alright? Lets make them holler.” replied Spencer.

“2:00 back at home.” said an Afrikan Lieutenant who was looking at his watch. “Agatha FC’s playing right now.”

Spencer was about to tell him to shut up about sports when they all heard the unmistakable sound of a mortar.

“MORTARS!” Someone yelled as they ducked for cover.

From the treeline across the clearing ahead of them, two squads of Imperial soldiers ran to them as gunfire erupted from the treeline.

“Come on! Get out the way!” yelled a soldier as he mounted his MG-7 on his foxhole.

Spencer crawled to a foxhole which was occupied by another soldier firing an MG-4. He joined him as he returned fire at the Britannicans of the Royal Army.

A Jaguar stopped next to their foxhole and returned fire with its coaxial MG and its 125mm gun. An AT rocket flew towards the Jaguar only for it to bounce off the top of the turret.

“Goddammit! Get those mortars firing at that treeline!” Spencer yelled at the COMS.

He heard the sounds of engines rumbling and turned to his left where he saw a group of Mastodons, Technicals, and the new Challenger tanks charging towards their left flank.

“Holy shit there goes our left flank!” He heard someone yelled.

Spencer ducked in his foxhole to reload his AR when he heard orders from the COMs that made his heart stop for a second.

“Dog and Fox, pull back! Dog and Fox fall back now!”

“Wait hold on! We need to hold this line!” Spencer yelled.

The Jaguar next to them all of a sudden exploded. He peeked over his foxhole to see what caused it to see a line of tanks slowly rumble towards them.

“I may die one day Spencer, but not here because of fucking McAvoy! I suggest you pull back too!”

“Dammit you Afrikan coward!” Spencer yelled.

The soldier next to him continued to fire his MG until his body was flown back. Spencer looked down to see a bullet hole right between the young soldier’s eyes.

“Fuck this. Easy Company! Fall back! We are leaving!”

The soldiers of Easy Company started to abandon their positions and ran for their lives, some of them catching a ride on the retreating tanks and armored vehicles.

Spencer himself ran out of his foxehole towards a Leopard that was reversing as it fired its 120mm gun and causing a Mastodon to explode, its turret flung into the air,

Before he knew it, there was an explosion to his right and he was thrown into a tree by the blast of the force. He felt some of his bones crack as he made contact. His vision began to blur as he watched the soldiers of Dog, Fox, and Easy Companies run for their lives before he fell into unconsciousness.

Nos autem memores cicatrices factas. (Remember us by the scars we inflicted.)

-Motto of the Imperial Legionnaires

Captain Maximilian Luke Vorenus VII

A Company, 1st Infantry Division “Big Bad Bastards”

No Man’s Land, Rathunas, Britannican Empire

“What do you see Zeke?” Max asked.

The squad was huddled in an alleyway with Zeke using a car’s driver side mirror to peak around the corner.

“I see an Imperial pilot hanging by his parachute on the front of a building, 5 tangos, looks like militia, and...one kid.”

“Look bud, how bout we just go our separate ways huh? You don’t even have to help put me down. I’m fine where I’m at as long as ya’ll go the other way.” They heard the pilot say.

“Nice try Imp. We ain’t going anywhere.” said a fat man wearing camouflage clothing and carried a pistol.

“Come on man. I’ll even give you my signed Sandy Koufax baseball card.”

“They ain’t paying attention. I suggest we drop’em before they waste that pilot.” said Zeke.

“Agreed. Gustav, Daniel, you guys take the 2nd floor of the house. Zeke and I will stay here and everyone else will drop them from the 1st floor. Wait for my signal.”

“Copy that.” Gustav said as he slowly opened the wooden door next to him followed by Daniel. The rest followed suit while Zeke and Max stayed put.

“What about the kid though?” asked Zhang over the coms.

“Put him down if he becomes a threat. If not, try not to shoot him.”

“Man this dude really likes to talk.” Zeke said.

“Who?”

“The pilot. I don’t think pissing them off was a good idea.”

“Whooo man. Yo mama must be feeding you some good food. Explains your size. Have you tried taking a walk every morning my man? Works wonders.” The pilot said.

“Shut it Imp.” The fat man responded.

“You should probably change your looks too. You look like a discount Chris Farley who was raised by trailer trash.”

This time, the fat man ignored him and instead, gave his pistol to the kid next to him.

“Shoot him.”

The kid stared in shock before looking at the pistol in hand.

“We’re all in position.” Allison said.

“Shoot him!” The man yelled.

The kid’s hand started shaking.

Max and Zeke got ready. Zeke was kneeling while Max stood. Both leaned around the corner, aiming their rifles at a target.

The pilot looked at the kid who stared back.

“Don’t do it kid. You don’t have to listen to him. You’re not ready yet.” The pilot said.

To the pilot’s relief, the kid stopped shaking before putting the pistol on the ground.

“I won’t do it.” He said defiantly.

“Weapons free..” Max said.

The squad opened fire, taking down the militiamen with quick succession. Max and Zeke in particular lit up the fat militiaman. They were careful to avoid shooting the kid who ducked down.

“Clear!” Allison said.

“Clear! I got no movement.” Gustav said.

Max and Zeke cautiously broke cover and slowly walked closer to the bodies.

They heard grunts as the pilot struggled to release the straps holding him.

Zeke kicked the body of a dead militiaman. “Yeah, these guys are dead.”

“Imps...fire on our position. Fire now.” They heard a whisper.

“Apparently not all are dead.” Max said.

Zeke turned a militiaman who was face down over to reveal the man was still alive, but dying. There was blood on his mouth, and he received a bullet to the stomach, two on the chest, and one on his right shoulder. He was holding a radio on his right hand.

Without hesitation Zeke shot the man on the head.

Behind Max, the pilot finally freed himself and landed with a loud grunt.

The rest of the squad started exiting the house though curiously, Gustav was dragging Daniel to Max.

“Hey let go of me!” Daniel said.

“What the hell’s going on?” Max said.

Gustav pointed at Daniel. “This guy right here, didn’t fire at all. He aimed, but refused to fire.”

“Is this true Daniel?” Max asked.

Daniel was silent as he avoided Max’s gaze.

“Daniel?”

“Yes yes, it’s true okay? I...froze up. I couldn’t bring myself to kill someone.” Daniel responded.

Gustav grabbed him by the collar. “That’s gonna get you killed kid. You wanna die?”

“N-no.” Daniel said as he started shaking.

“Ok enough Gustav. Let him go.” Max said.

Gustav complied while Max put his hand on Daniel’s shoulder.

“Daniel? Look at me please.”

Daniel slowly turned his head and looked at Max.

“You can’t freeze up on us like that. It’s gonna get you or everyone else killed. This isn’t a playground. Out here, it’s killed or be killed. You think even the most religious soldiers haven’t killed before? Think about it.” Max said as he patted Daniel’s shoulder.

“Hey, hey kid.” Max turned his attention to the pilot who was tapping the kid who was on a fetal position on the ground. “Kid, they’re gone now. You’re safe.”

The boy slowly looked up to meet the gaze of a pale skinned man who had a light stubble, a green flight suit, and a black helmet with stickers of rainbows and a single sticker above his forehead that said “Magnificent”.

“You alright?” He said as he helped the boy out.

“Y-yes.” The boy said.

“Good. That was mighty brave of you to stand up for me. What’s your name kid?”

“C-Cameron.” The boy responded.

“What are you doing here Cameron? You’re not suppose to be here.”

“They came for us. They went to the orphanage and took all of us. Gave us these clothes and put us in groups with these people.” Cameron said pointing at the dead militiamen.

“Who? Who came for you guys?”

“The Emperor’s Royal Guards.”

“I ain’t surprised. The Emperor’s desperate and the Royal Guards are fanatical.” Zhang said.

“What’s your name?” Zeke asked.

The pilot looked at Zeke before responding.

“Captain Jonathan Kuhn. 535th Fighter Squadron. My squadron calls me ‘The Magnificent Kuhn’.”

“Magnificent eh? And you got yourself shot down?” Zeke asked.

“Hey, I shot down five of them before I got shot down. That brings my tally to 26.”

“Oh so we got an ace here.”

“Guys stop. We gotta move. Captain Kuhn, you might as well come with us. Bring that kid with you too.” Max said.

“And who are you?”

“Captain Maximilian Vorenus. 1st Infantry Division.”

“Oh that’s new. Usually the royalty is the one that needs help.”

“Wait why are we bringing the kid?” Gustav said.

“Because I said so. Now let’s move out.” Max said.

The group began to trek down the ruined street with Cameron holding on to Kuhn’s arm as if he was his parent.

“You guys hear that?” Hinojoza said.

They all stopped and their hearts skipped a beat when they heard the unmistakable sounds of mortars.

“Find cover!” Max yelled.

The group scrambled to find cover as 120mm mortar rounds pounded the area. Max himself, found himself separated from his squad as he ran into a house.

Much to his dismay, he realized the house he ran into had its roof missing. He scrambled to look for cover when his eyes laid upon a trap door on the floor. He lifted it up and threw himself down just in time as a mortar round hit the house.

Max breathed heavily as he got up and looked at the now closed trap door.

The Captain felt a presence behind him and without thinking turned himself around to meet the figure behind him. He batted the unknown assailant’s rifle before tackling him to the ground and pointed his rifle at the person’s head.

“Friendly! Friendly!” The man said while raising his hands as if he was surrendering.

Max stopped himself from shooting him, despite wearing the Brittanican Army ACU. He looked up to see a bearded Brittanican soldier with his rifle pointed at Max.

“Sergeant Seed, put down your gun now! We’re not here to fight him.” The man Max pinned said.

The Imperial Captain was confused as the soldier complied. He got off the man and backed away, but still pointed his rifle at them.

The man he pinned earlier got up but kept his hands raised.

“We’re not going to hurt you. Please, we could’ve killed you but we didn’t.” The man said.

Max eyed the rifles on the ground before slowly standing down.

“What kind of game are you playing here Brit?” Max asked.

“No games. We’re deserters trying to run from this godforsaken war.” The bearded man said.

“Deserters?”

“Yes, a lot of Vets like us were forced into service again when the government went to shit.” The man he pinned said. “I’m Lieutenant Daniel Pines, behind me is Sergeant Jacob Seed. I...joined at first because it was family tradition to join the military. Jacob here joined because he had nowhere else to go. We both had enough of war but we were forced back.”

Max continued to look at them with confusion. “And what was your plan anyway?”

“Look we can provide you with important intel. We wanted to reach the Imperial frontlines when the Royal Army counter-attacked. Ever since then, we were stuck here.” Pines said.

“What kind of intel?”

“Everything, from the location of artillery batteries, to the locations of HQs of Commanders. I can even provide you with any battle plans.” Pines said.

Pines knelt down while taking out his backpack. He unzipped it to reveal to Max it was full of maps.

“Just keep us away from the pursuing Royal Guards and help us get to your commanders.”

Max turned to Sergeant Seed.

“And you?”

“Like what Lieutenant Pines said. I joined because I had nowhere else to go. Quit the army to look for my brothers and ended up in a homeless shelter when those Royal Guard bastards forced me back into service.”

“And what can you offer?” Max asked.

“Nothing, I just wanted to get out of this war as soon as possible and helping the LT here was my best bet.”

“So what’s your name?” Pines asked.

Max was silent as he looked at the LT.

“For now, just call me Captain Max, Captain, or just Max.”

“But we told you our names!” Pines responded.

“To be fair Daniel, he has every right to be suspicious of us.”

“Let me see the maps and I’ll think about it.” Max said.

Pines slid his backpack to Max who took it to the far end of the room and began to read the maps while keeping his eye on the two.

The maps were incredibly detailed. Showing the positions of particular units, bases, unit commanders, and even the locations of units with the new Challenger tanks. They even showed the location of the main Royal Army HQ and there was even a note that showed where in particular the meeting room where the commanders meet are. He knew this was an opportunity too good to pass up and made his decision.

“Alright Lieutenant Pines, Sergeant Seed. I’ll believe you for now. Unfortunately, I can’t bring you to our lines directly because of the counter-attack and because I’m in a mission as well. However, if you can help me complete this mission, I can bring you directly to not just my commander, but Field Marshal Brusilov and the Emperor himself no problem.”

“You’re that well connected?” Seed asked.

“Very, but only if you help me complete the mission.”

“What kind of mission?” Pines asked.

“My Company was sent to extract a scientist, but the majority of my company was wiped out leaving only myself and a squad left.”

“Wait, is this scientist in particular named Doctor Heinrich Steiner?” Pines asked.

“Yes actually. Why?”

“Because Royal Guards have been scouring No Man’s Land looking for him. We spotted him and three other individuals at the Lone Star Motel when we were trying to get to your frontlines. We can get you there but we need to be careful. Don’t want to run into a squad of Royal Guards.”

“Very well.” The trio looked to the ceiling as there was silence all of a sudden. “Looks like the mortars have stopped firing.” Max said as he threw the backpack back at Pines.

Max opened up the trapdoor and surveyed the area.

“Everyone alright?” Max said over the coms.

“We’re all good, but I think Daniel shat himself.” answered Bright.

“Good, I want everyone to hold your fire. I’ve got two Royal Army defectors with me with some valuable intel. They agreed to help us get to the HVI.”

“What?” He heard Gustav say.

“You heard what I said. I’m coming out to the street.” Max said as he motioned Pines and Seed to get out of the trapdoor and follow him.

On the street, they found the squad coming out of the buildings they hid in, plus a shaking Cameron holding on to Kuhn. Pines and Seed also came out of the trapdoor and walked out of the building. There was a few tense seconds as the squad stared down the two Royal Army deserters.

“So...deserters huh?” asked Zhang.

“Eeyup, there’s no way we can win this war. I ain’t willing to die for a bunch of fanatics.” said Seed.

“Come on, we need to get going before the Royal Guards get to the HVI. Seed, you take point.” Max said.

“Fine, as long as ya’ll don’t shoot me in the back.” He said as he started walking down the ruined road.

The group followed suit with Max walking besides Lieutenant Pines.

“So, what will you do once this is all over?” Max asked.

“Well,” Pines started off. “I’ve got a fiance waiting for me along with the rest of my family and I was always told I was good with computers so maybe I’ll join a computer company. Heard Apple is still hiring.”

“And what about this family traditions of yours? What’s gonna happen to it once the Royal Military ceases to exist?”

“I dunno. My grandfather was a former Marine and my dad used to be a Navy Lieutenant. If I have a son, I’d have no problems if he joined the Imperial military.”

“Even if he has a chance at a better life where he doesn’t need to join?”

Pines pursed his lips. “If that’s the case, it’ll be his own decision. I’ll support him no matter what path he takes.”

“Well what if you only have a daughter?” Max asked.

“To be honest, no women in my family have ever joined the military. I won’t force her to sign up either, it’s up to her. What about you?”

Max was silent for a second. “I have an older sister who’s talented in art, a mother who is talented with music, and a father who loves architecture. I had a...falling out with my dad because he didn’t want me to sign up, but I did anyway. We argued and yelled at each other, but I wouldn’t change my mind.”

“Would you say you regret it?” Pines asked.

“It’s a gamble, either I leave this war in a body bag, or I come out with a possibly better future than what my dad wanted.”

“How better?”

“Only time will tell, but I know you’ll witness it.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

Max smiled. “Oh you’ll see.”

I may be gone, but I will always be with you my love. I am sorry our daughter will grow up without her father. Guide her, love her, cherish her. Both of you, live your lives with success, ease, and happiness. One day, we will see each other again and be one big happy family. I love the both of you so much.

-Passage from the journal of an Imperial Sea Wolf Captain, killed by fallen debris when said Captain called in an airstrike on his own position before he was overrun. Awarded the Imperial Medal of Valor and the Hero of the United Terran Empire and was posthumously promoted to Major.

General Douglas McEvoy

4th Infantry Division “Purple People-Eaters of Poveglia”

Convoy Deuce

Seated in the passenger seat of a nomad in the middle of a retreating convoy sat the commander of the 4th Infantry Division, General Douglas McEvoy. Pale skinned, blond hair, horn-rimmed glasses, and slightly pudgy, McEvoy was the son of a war hero and a noble.

When his father passed away when he was young, he was taken under the wings of his father’s best friend, Luchiano Visconti. Just like what his father intended to do, Visconti taught McEvoy not just military tactics and whipped him into shape, but also taught him to be humble, to stand amongst the “commoners” and to die for them. McEvoy graduated among the top of the class in the Imperial Military Academy and served in Agatha’s garrison.

There, he met many prominent people including nobles, high-ranking military commanders like Field Marshal Brusilov, and even the pilots of the IAF’s elite 666th Fighter Squadron, the Hellfighters, and the 777th Fighter Squadron, Gabriel’s Angels. Visconti was proud of Douglas. Even though he was not assigned under him, Visconti liked to keep tabs on him.

Then, he found out about the people McEvoy associated himself with. Powerful, yet corrupt nobles Douglas’ father loathed until his death. People who brought shame to their ancestors who fought bravely to get the titles they have today. McEvoy rose among the ranks quickly, but power corrupts.

Visconti was saddened to see the boy he taught since he was young slowly slip into the abyss. Instead of being with his troops, he was at parties. Instead of being in important meetings with other commanders, he met with nobles. Instead of focusing on his work, he slept with multiple women. He used to be fit, but he started to do what people call, letting themselves go.

Finally, McEvoy was assigned to lead the 4th Infantry Division in Visconti’s 8th Shock Army where he can watch him even closer. Just as he feared, McEvoy completely forgot Visconti’s teachings. He was overly paranoid, too cautious, and let opportunities slip up.

Now he’s doing that would destroy what’s left of Visconti’s faith in him, retreating while endangering a siege in the most important moment of the war.

McEvoy cowered in the Nomad. The Britannican Royal Guards attacked the 4th in multiple areas, including his command post. The General panicked, fearing that even more troops infiltrated his sector and more were coming his way to finish him off. His officers urged him, saying he’s overestimating the size of the Royal Guards and to take a stand. The 2nd Armored was on its way to reinforce them anyway, but McEvoy wanted none of that.

He ordered everyone to drop what they’re doing and to run.

Suddenly, the Nomad came to a stop along with the rest of the convoy.

“What the hell’s going on?” McEvoy asked.

“There’s a group of Legionnaires blocking the road sir!” a soldier said over the coms.

Angrily, McEvoy got out of the Nomad and stomped to the front of the convoy. There, a group of Legionnaires stood blocking the road with some ATLAV-6 Bushmasters and Nomads.

“What the fuck are you guys doing? Who’s in charge here?” McEvoy said.

“That would be me.”

Stepping forward was a blonde Legionnaire with a Chevron mustache and a black beret.

“Identify yourself.” McEvoy said.

“Major Heinrich Skorzeny. I was ordered here to stop your convoy sir.” Skorzeny said.

“What? Under who’s orders?” McEvoy demanded.

“Me.”

McEvoy paled when he heard that voice. He looked to where the voice came from and saw and elderly man in an officer’s uniform stepping out of the Nomad.

“You have a lot of explaining to do Douglas.” The man said as he slowly walked towards him.

“I...I...uh…” McEvoy began to shake and was noticeably sweating. General Luchiano Visconti may have the look of a gentle elder, but he could still put fear into people if he wanted to.

“You showed so much potential Douglas.” Visconti said. “I taught you everything I knew, I warned you of the dangers you’ll encounter and you were the top of your class. You were like a son to me, but you didn’t listen. I’m taking personal control of the 4th. Major Skorzeny? Deal with him.”

McEvoy stood frozen as Visconti slowly walked past him.

Skorzeny grinned as he saw the exchange.

“Winslow, Batista. Take out this trash.” Skorzeny said.

Two Legionnaires, a dark skinned man with a helmet and NV Goggles and a light skinned man with a light stubble, a baseball cap, and a red checkered scarf around his neck walked up to the General.

The light skinned man his McEvoy’s stomach with the butt of his rifle. McEvoy, stumbled over and fell to the ground, grasping his stomach in pain.

He looked up just in time to see the dark-skinned man lift up his boot, and brought it down on top of McEvoy’s face.

I swear as a Human to follow my duty.

To protect the Emperor and his family, but most importantly, the citizens of the Empire.

I will give my blood, my tears, my body, and my soul to fight under the flag of the United Terran Empire.

Those who stand in our way shall feel my wrath.

I give my all in the name of the Empire and Humanity.

I swear to never discriminate other Humans for any reason whatsoever.

United we are strong, divided we are weak.

Viva Imperii!

-Oath of the Imperial Military

15 Minutes Later

“You know, what if this scientist is lying? What if he’s just a con artist? I ain’t falling for a con artist again man.” Kuhn said.

“Again?” asked Okoye.

“I met this old dude in his shack over at the Enigma Forest. Blew 500 credits for merchandise and stared at a rock he showed me for an hour deciding whether I’m looking at a rock or a face.”

“So it’s official, you’re retarded.” said Okoye.

“Hell no I ain’t.”

“What’s retarded?” Cameron asked.

The rest of the group aside from Kuhn laughed.

Their laughter eventually died down.

“Man I’m bored, you like sports?” Okoye asked Kuhn.

“Sure do. Love basketball and futbol.”

“Alrighty then. What do you think about Kobe?”

“Trash.”

“Aw hell no. You did not just say that.”

“He’s going to.”

“Watch then. N***** gonna be a hall of famer. Believe that.”

All of a sudden, Seed signalled the group to stop.

They looked around, trying to find a reason why he would stop the group.

“What’s going on?” asked Max.

“Shhhhh.” Seed said.

All was silent, until they heard the sounds of an engine getting louder and louder.

“Challenger. Everyone find cover!” Seed said.

The group scattered to find cover, either behind a car or behind piles of rubble.

Max peaked over the roof of the ruined SUV he was hiding behind with Pines and Allison and saw a Challenger take a turn into their street heading towards them, escorted by a squad of Royal Army soldiers.

“Shit. Our SMAW won’t pen that armor. Best bet will be an engine shot.” Max said.

“Then we need to get to higher ground.” Pines responded.

Max was about to order the group to get inside the buildings and get ready to ambush them when there was a loud explosion and gunfire.

He peaked over his cover again to see the rear of the Challenger in flames. The Royal Army soldiers turned their backs to them and fired their weapons at a building behind them. He could see flashes coming from one of the second story windows of the building. The crew of the Challenger began to jump out of their tank.

“Weapons free!” Max said as he got up and fired his rifle.

The rest of the group followed suit with Kuhn firing his pistol at the soldiers.

Around the tank, the Royal Army soldiers and the tank crew were in disarray, confused on who to shoot.

Between the group and the unknown shooter, the Britannicans didn’t last very long with all of them falling to the hail of bullets in under a minute.

“Cease fire!” Max yelled as he saw the last Britannican, a tank crew member, fall after taking a bullet to the head.

They advanced cautiously and checked the bodies.

“Red!” Max yelled.

“Bear!”

Max froze as he heard the familiar voice.

The door to the building where the Britannicans were shooting at was busted open as an Imperial Marine walked out. He carried an AR-20 1 with an R-29 Vampir slung over his back.

“You know, I always thought we’d meet each other fucked up and in a hospital.” The Marine said.

Max walked towards the Marine and the two embraced each other.

“Holy shit you’re alive! When I saw bodies from the 1st Marine Regiment, I thought your ass was dead Marcus.”

“I guess I’m just lucky.”

The group then caught up to Max.

“Who’s this?” Allison asked.

“Sergeant Marcus Anwar. 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Max and I were friends since elementary school. Saved his scrawny ass one too many times.” Marcus responded. “Anyways, I wanna introduce you guys to this Sea Wolf I was with the whole time here.”

Marcus turned to the house he was in.

“Yo Jimi, you can come out!”

Stepping out of the door was a Cantonese Sea Wolf. He wore a tan baseball cap, a black scarf, and carried an AR-8. On his back, he carried a huge bag which Max presumed, carried the rockets for Marcus’ Vampir.

“What the hell’s the prince doing in No Man’s Land?” The Sea Wolf asked pointing to Max.

“Prince?” Both Pines and Seed said in unison.

“Heh, you guys have been following the crowned prince around and never noticed.” Gustav said as he put his arm on Pines’ shoulder.

“Who’re you?” Max asked.

“Lieutenant Jisaburo Miyagi. Sea Wolf. Friends call me Jimi for short.” Miyagi answered. “You still didn’t answer my question.”

Max narrowed his eyes at the Sea Wolf and was about to respond but was cut off by Marcus.

“You do realize he’s a Captain right?”

“Regardless of his rank, he shouldn’t be here.” Jimi said.

“Whether I should be here or not, it doesn’t matter. I’m here now.” Max responded.

“Hmmm, you’re right. But what’s your mission?”

“To extract an HVI.”

“Heinrich Steiner?”

“Bingo.”

“Huh, so was my team. We got ambushed by Royal Guards and I was the only one that got away.” Jimi said as he looked at Max’s group. “I presume you took losses on the way here? And what’s with the kid, the pilot, and the two Royal Army soldiers here?”

“We rescued the pilot from some militiamen, we brought the kid along since we couldn’t leave him behind, and the two Britannicans are deserters. Got some valuable intel High Command needs to see.”

Jimi nodded. “Very well. I guess you guys know where you’re going?”

Sergeant Seed rose his hand. “I know the way. Lieutenant Pines and I went past the Lone Star Motel when we tried to get to Imperial frontlines.”

“Well...lead on then Sergeant.” Jimi said.

Meanwhile, Marcus put his hand on Max’s shoulder.

“We’ve got a lot of things to catch up on brother.”

Max laughed. “That we do.”

30 Minutes Later

“-and I can help you out in the future. You see, my family can easily fund your education. After all, my sister’s married now but unfortunately, she’s sterile.” Kuhn said to Cameron as he walked.

“What’s sterile?” The boy asked.

“It means she can’t be pregnant, aka can’t have babies.” Kuhn answered.

“Oh, well that sucks.” Cameron was silent before something clicked in his mind. “Wait, what you said before. Do you mean-”

“Emily and Donovan are interested in adopting a kid. I’ll introduce you to her once we get out of this mess.”

Cameron’s eyes lit up with hope.

Nearby, Allison smiled as she listened to their conversation as she walked alongside Max.

“Look at that, makes you wish to have a kid huh?” She said to Max.

Max chuckled nervously. “Aren’t you getting a little ahead of yourself?”

Allison lightly punched his arm as she laughed.

“A girl can dream.”

“Everyone, we’re here.” said Seed.

The group rounded a corner and found a badly damaged two story motel. The motel’s sign was mostly intact aside from the missing o on Lone and a an l on Motel. There were several dead bodies in front of the motel and two of them floating on a bloodied pool to the side.

As they got closer, Max recognized them as Royal Guards from their telltale blue berets with the emblem of a lightning behind the Britannican crown.

They all had their weapons at the ready, checking the bodies to make sure they were dead.

Marcus checked the body of a female Royal Guard and took out a wallet, but found there was no money inside.

“Damn, nothing here.” He said as he dropped the wallet.

“Birdwatcher, we’ve arrived at the Lone Star. Orders?” Max said over the coms.

“Well done. We can’t risk losing the HVI by sneaking through the Brits, so I’m ordering you and your group to hold out and defend the HVI until evac arrives.”

“Yes sir. Be advised, we have two defectors with us with valuable information an Imperial pilot we rescued, a Marine, and a surviving Sea Wolf with us.”

“Copy that Oxide. Keep them alive. Birdwatcher out.”

“Icepick!” Max yelled.

The group looked at Max, until they remembered it was the challenge.

“Icepick!” Max yelled one more time.

“Phoenix!” They heard someone yell.

On a hole on the second floor of the motel, they saw a light skinned man with horn rimmed glasses, short black hair, a black jacket, grey pants, and black combat boots holding a EBR-14 into the air.

“What took you guys so long!” The man said teasingly. “Come upstairs. We’ll talk there.”

The group started walking to the stairs to meet the Imperial agent. Zeke and Kuhn stopped on a vending machine and took out some coins.

“You think this’ll take Imperial credits?” Zeke asked.

“Bigger question, is it even working?” asked Kuhn.

The two jumped in surprised when Sergeant Seed came out of nowhere and kicked the glass open. Without a word, the deserter took out a can of soda and some chips.

“Yeah I guess that’ll work too.” Zeke muttered.

“You guys think and talk too much.” said Seed before he climbed upstairs to join the rest of the group.

The group stopped when they saw the Imperial agent walking towards them with a beaming smile.

“I knew someone was coming but I didn’t expect the warrior prince!” The agent said before coming up to Max and shaking his hand.

“Oh, where are my manners? Field Agent Antonio Beria. TIB.”

“Captain Maximilian Vorenus. A Company, 1st Infantry Division.”

“Company?” Beria looked over Max’s shoulder. “Strange Company. I see a pilot, a child, a Sea Wolf, a Marine, and...two Britannicans?”

“We rescued the pilot who was about to be executed by militiamen, brought the kid because he spared the pilot, and the two Britannicans are deserters. They have some very useful information.” Max answered.

“Ah, very well. Come on, I’ll bring you guys to the others.”

They followed Beria until he came upon a door.

*Knock knock*

“Password?” They heard a male voice coming from the door.

“Aw come on, really?” Beria whined.

“Password please.”

Beria nervously looked at the group before turning back to the door.

“Fine you fucking piece of shit. Me mum’s a cougar and Tupac’s better than Biggie.”

Some in the group giggled before the door opened. Beria motioned for them to come on in.

One by one, the group piled in and found a ruined motel room with large holes on the walls connecting the room to the adjacent rooms.

There was a dead body of a Royal Guard slumped on the wall next to the door and one laying on a table across the room.

“So this is the rescue?”

The group laid there eyes upon an Imperial agent laying on the bed. He had brown hair and a full beard like Seed, a black t-shirt under a black bulletproof vest, black fingerless gloves, white camo pants, and black combat boots. Next to him on the bed was an MG-4.

“I ain’t gonna lie when I say this isn’t the weirdest group I’ve ever seen.”

“Ladies and gentleman, this is Field Agent Vassily Azarov of the TIB. My partner and professional bullshitter.” said Beria.

“Correction, the best bullshitter there is.” Azarov said.

“Anyways, follow me.”

The group followed Beria as he led them to a large hole next to the bed.

“Your majesty!” Azarov said gaining Max’s attention. “I’d keep my distance from Beria over here. I can smell a bullshitter from a mile.”

“Go gargle someone’s balls Vass.” Beria said.

“I’ll do yours for free.”

Beria shook his head and continued on through the hole.

On the other side was a burned out room. Ashes was everywhere.

“Hey! Where are you guys? I found the rescue party!” Beria said.

“Over here meine freunde!” They heard someone say in a Saxon accent in another room next door with another large hole on the wall.

“Who made these holes?” Max asked.

“That would be Vass. He blew these holes on the walls so we wouldn’t have to go outside and risk sniper fire just to get to the other rooms.” Beria answered.

Unlike the other room, the new room they entered was almost intact except for the pile of dead Royal Guards being used to barricade the door.

They found two individuals in the room. One was a light-skinned man with black hair, horn-rimmed glasses, a gray blazer, white dress shirt, red tie, gray dress pants, and black shoes looking over some papers on a table. The other was a pale-skinned woman with red shoulder length hair, black long sleeved shirt, black bulletproof vest, blue jeans, and black sneakers sitting criss crossed on the bed, cleaning an SMG-6 with a white rag.

“This ladies and gentleman is Doctor Heinrich Steiner, a desired scientist for both sides and still won’t shut the fuck up about his projects.” Beria said.

“Oh you just don’t appreciate science Beria.” He walked up to Max. “Though I hope this Vorenus will be different from his predecessors.”

“That depends,” Max said. “What kind of projects are you working on?”

Steiner smiled. “Ah I like you already. I’ll show your privately later.”

“And the woman on the bed is Field Agent Amilia Corduroy. My other partner.”

“Sup?” She said as she waved.

“So, how are you guys going to get us out?”

“Well, to be honest, there’s no way back without risking everything by trying to sneak by a Britannican Counter-attack. Our best bet is to stay and defend the HVI until Imperial forces can get to us.” Max said.

“Tch, just as I thought. Might as well hunker down. Yo Beria, show the others defensive positions will you? I need to have a little talk with our dear Prince, the Doc, and Amilia.” Azarov said.

“Fine.” Beria said as he walked past the group. “Come, I’ll show you defensive positions. You, pilot. What’s your name? You’re gonna something bigger than that pistol.”

Once the group was gone, the four remaining individuals relaxed. Azarov went up to the bed and sat next to Amilia while Max put his rifle against the table leg before looking at Steiner.

“Are you alright brother? Did they do anything to you?” asked Max.

Steiner smiled. “I’m fine. Who sent you anyway?”

“War Master Chibuzo.”

“Ah, that explains it. Good man. After all this, I’ll nominate you all to the rank of Game Master.”

“That would be very much appreciated. Thank you Game Master Steiner.” Amilia said.

“No, thank you. Especially you Amilia, you’re the one reason why we’ll win the war with the ponies.” Steiner said as he took out a metal suitcase and put it on the table.

“What’s in the suitcase?” Max asked.

“Something Amilia and I found in the Enigma Forest. As a Vorenus, I hope you will be interested in my projects and fund it. Help me, and I will support your ascension. I have plenty of friends in the ISB anyway.”

“Ooooh, do tell Doctor. I’m very much interested.”

Steiner took out a very full leather bag full of papers.

Max smiled with glee.

Seeing as she won’t be needed, Amilia got up and walked into the burned room.

“You know, you shouldn’t have come.”

She turned around to see her younger brother standing with his arms closed.

“You’ve got a family now. You should’ve stayed to protect them.” Azarov said as he walked up to her and lowered his voice to a whisper.

“I have a duty.” whispered Amilia.

“You also have a duty to protect your family dammit. Who’s gonna protect Dan and Wendy if you die? You have a daughter who’s gonna grow up without her mother.”

Amilia was silent as she put a hand on her stomach.

“You’re pregnant? Again? Are you serious Amilia? That’s more of a reason for you to stay!”

“And what if I stay? I’ll just paint a target on them. Plus, I can’t protect you there.”

“I’m an adult now Amilia. This isn’t the schoolyard where you can beat up those bullies no problem. I don’t need your protection. You’re hiding something else. What is it?” Azarov said as he glared down at his older sister.

“The...the suitcase. I had to come. If Steiner dies, I am to carry on what’s in there and help weaponize it.”

“So what’s in the suitcase then?”

“I can’t say. I knew the area around our house like the back of my head. I found something during a hike and couldn’t resist but bring Steiner there as soon as I help him escape. He couldn’t stop talking about its potential after we recovered it. We swore not to tell anyone else, at least not yet. It’s confidential.”

“If you won’t tell me what it is, then why don’t you tell me what it’s meant to do?” Azarov asked.

“A barrier.”

“Say again?”

“A barrier, one that will negate magic and keep magic away from our lands. In 12 years Vass, Nightmare Moon, or should I say Princess Luna, will return from her imprisonment. Imagine what would happen if she returns and can enter our dreams to learn our secrets, our location. Time is of the essence. It’s why he’s so excited to get the prince on his side. You know the Emperor won’t listen to him, but the prince might. It’s no secret he’s fascinated by science and the paranormal. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll even give him a tour of the abnormalities back around my home.”

They stayed silent as Azarov processed the new information.

“So who’s protecting Dan and Wendy then?” He asked.

“That would be Brother Preston.” She responded.

“Brother Preston? Isn't he under house arrest?"

“Well, it’s more like he can’t leave town. He owed me so now he’s keeping an eye on Dan and Wendy.”

Azarov let out a sigh.

“You know, I can’t really see someone like Dan taking care of a baby.”

“You’d be surprised at what that man can do.”

The room fell into silence aside from the sounds of Steiner explaining his projects to the Prince.

“You know, mother didn’t want us to end up like this.” Amilia said.

“Tch, I know, but I didn’t feel like sticking around and tending the farm.” Vass said. “For the record though, I had a heart attack when I found out that tyrant ascended the Britannican throne. Was afraid Royal Guards would come after you.”

“It was risky Vass, but the Britannican military hardly ever shows up in our area. Barely any Imperials showed up either, just a small convoy passing through.” Amilia responded.

“Not even on the map?” Vass asked.

“No,” Amilia looked to the blown out window. “But I have a feeling it will someday.”

Welcome them with open arms, but always carry a big stick. If they choose to help us, then it will be a welcomed alliance. If they choose to be neutral, then we will bide our time for they will flinch first. If they choose to fight us, we will rain fire on their people from the skies.

-General Luchiano Visconti, 8th Imperial Shock Army, on the possibility of opening relations with other countries aside from Equestria

30 Minutes Later

Kuhn sat on the floor with his back to the wall along with Cameron and Zeke. To kill time, they continued to have a conversation while eating snacks from the vending machine Sergeant Seed broke.

“So what’re you gonna do when the war’s over?” Kuhn asked Zeke.

“Man, you should know by now. This war may end, but there’ll be another one in the horizon. Not to mention the ponies.” Zeke answered munching on Doritos.

“You think we have a chance?”

“From what I heard about this Steiner dude, hell yeah we do.”

“So what you’re saying is, you’re staying in the Army?”

“Well, I ain’t looking forward to going back to the slums man. Until there are no more wars, I’m a soldier 24/7. You?”

Kuhn looked to the ceiling before looking down with a sigh.

“You know, I ran away from home to join the Air Force. Call me dumb for leaving behind the rich life, but there’s something special about flying and protecting your brothers and sisters on the air, ground, and sea. I feel so...free whenever I fly, no longer in that gilded cage my parents forced me in.”

Kuhn looked at Cameron.

“I can assure you Cameron, my sister’s gonna love you. You ain’t gonna have problems growing up like a lot of us I hope.”

“Is it true? Do you really feel free when you fly?” Cameron asked.

“Well, it’s up to the person and only when you’re in control. Can’t force you anything. You decide your future. However, if you want to learn how to fly, I got this buddy of mine, high up in the airplane manufacturing industry who can help me get this new plane. Saw the design and I kind of liked it. As long of course, if the plane is successful.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, of course. I’ll take you on some rides and once you’re old enough, I’ll teach you alright buddy?” Kuhn said as he ruffled Cameron’s hair.

“Well isn’t this adorable.”

The trio looked to the hole in the wall where they saw Azarov peeking at them.

“Got room for one more?” He asked.

Zeke patted the floor to his right and offered the field agent a bag of cheetos.

“Yo thanks.” He said as he sat down and took the chips.

“So, how did ya’ll break the egghead out?” asked Zeke.

“Beria and I didn’t. My sister did.”

“Your sister? You mean the red head?” said Zeke.

“Her name is Amilia and yes, she’s my older sister. Look, I just wanna say, if shit ever hits the fan, can you guys keep an eye on her? Make sure she’s okay?” pleaded Azarov.

“Any particular reason why? I mean, besides you two being family.” said Kuhn.

“In order for this mission to be considered a success, we need either Steiner or Amilia to survive. It’ll be perfect if both survive. She went undercover for months as Steiner’s bodyguard as he was forced to do research for the Britannican crown. Amilia’s very familiar with Steiner’s works. She broke him out of a research facility in Chianski Passage and after some wondering in the Enigma Forests do who knows what, we rendezvoused at Piedmont and made our way here.”

“Wouldn’t it be better if you guys headed north instead?” asked Zeke.

“The problem about going north is we would have to bypass the McIver and the Abbott Lines. It’s a death trap. If they stayed in Chianski, they would’ve executed Steiner and burn his research so it wouldn’t fall into our hands. There isn’t that many places to hide or to run to if we stayed in Piedmont. Western Naval Forces were too far away to reach, Eastern forces were too far away, so our best option was to meet the Southern Forces by sneaking through the capital.”

“That’s pretty ballsy.” Zeke said.

“Beria wasn’t 100% on board either. He thought it was suicidal, but we saw that the Southern Forces were gaining ground quicker and we planned to get there the moment they make landfall in the capital.”

“So what delayed you guys?” asked Kuhn.

“The Royal Guards.” Azarov snarled. “We had to pull everything from our playbook. Force them to run in circles, split up several times, create false leads, look for people that look like us and either blackmailed them or bribed them to lead the Royal Guards at a wild goose chase, etc. We even had to use Steiner as bait several times to get rid of hunting parties.”

Azarov peaked at a small hole on the wall and froze. He saw several Royal Guards cautiously heading towards the motel.

“Contact. Northeast.” Azarov said over the coms. “7 foot mobiles. Royal Guards.”

“Everyone get in position.” said Pines over the coms.

They heard shuffling behind them and looked to see Cameron crawling to the other side of the room followed by Max crawling through the wall towards them.

“Royal Guards?” He asked.

“Yeah. We’re gonna need to take them out quick.” said Azarov.

“Copy that.” Max said.

The other three took positions aiming their guns through holes on the walls. Kuhn in particular was given a DMR-7.

All 7 Royal Guards walked into the compound. Some checked the dead bodies while the others kept a lookout.

“Everyone in position?” Max asked over the coms.

“In position. On your go.” said Seed.

“Weapons free.”

In unison, the Imperial soldiers, three TIB agents, two Royal Army Deserters, and one Imperial pilot, fired upon the unsuspecting Royal Guards.

At almost the same time, all of the Royal Guards were shredded by the bullets, leaving no survivors.

“Cease fire! Cease fire!” Max said over the coms as they stopped firing.

“I’ve got one movement.” Kuhn said as he spotted one Royal Guard on the floor moving his right arm.

He fired one shot from his DMR-7 and hit the Royal Guard’s head.

“Now I’ve got no movement.”

“Clear?”

“All clear.”

“Zhang, Bright. Go check the bodies.” Max said.

“Roger that. Someone keep an eye for any more baddies.” said Zhang.

“Jesus, how long will it take before another group of Royal Guards find our position?” asked Zeke.

Meanwhile, Kuhn made his way to comfort Cameron. Max and the others kept a lookout for any more enemies.

“Shit, I missed the action didn’t I?”

They turned around to see Steiner standing behind them holding a pistol.

“I went to do what you guys call ‘drop a deuce’ and I missed out on all the fun.” Steiner pouted.

“You shouldn’t even be participating Doc.” said Azarov.

“Bah, I can handle myself. Amilia and I fought creatures in the Enigma Forests with our bare hands. You think Royal Guards scare me?”

“That wasn’t my point Doc.”

Down in the courtyard, Zhang and Bright checked the bodies to make sure they were all dead.

Bright heard radio chatter and turned over the dead body of a Royal Guard. The man was clutching a radio on his right hand.

The Imperial soldier took the radio and listened in on the chatter.

“Zephyr 1, this is Blue Sky. Mountain Squad just found Shatter Squad at the Lone Star Motel before they flatlined. I want all teams to converge on Mountain Squad’s last known position.”

“Copy that Blue Sky. We’re requesting armored support. Over.”

“Roger that Zephyr 1. 3 Challys callsign Groundstomper, Prideful Lyncher, and Aryan Titan are oscar mike. Get this done.”

“Zephyr 1 copies.”

“Shit, guys! We’re gonna have company!” Bright yelled over the coms.

It became difficult for me to trust my own family. My in-laws want their children to be the heir, but so do my siblings. My own son is off to war and hates my guts. My daughter is poorly suited for the job and that was certainly my fault for presuming Max would listen to me. My mind is fighting itself. Make one of my nephews the air but likely screw up, make my son the heir and he’ll ruin my work, or pick no heirs and let it go through a democratic process. I’ll be dead so what do I have to lose?

-Emperor Lucius Nathaniel Vorenus

Emperor Lucius Nathaniel Vorenus

Fire Base Kronos/ St. Arturo Airport

Outskirts of Rathunas

The Emperor sat watching as Eagle One, the Emperor’s personal Nighthawk, circled St. Arturo Airport, the HQ of Lt. General Zane Chibuzo of the 1st Infantry Division, Max’s superior officer.

Lucius scoffed at that thought. Max shouldn’t have a “superior officer”. Only his parents and God himself.

Once the helicopter landed on the airstrip, an two Imperial Guards opened the door and made way for the Emperor.

Outside, General Chibuzo stood waiting with a group of officers.

The Emperor walked towards the Afrikan general flanked by a duo of Imperial Guards, wearing a black suit with a red tie, and his black hair slicked back.

The officers raised their fists, a salute reserved for only the Emperor. The Emperor noticed the common soldiers were all giving him a glare before going back to their work.

Internally, the Emperor was seething. How dare these soldiers not show him respect?

“My liege. It’s an honor to meet you.” Chibuzo said.

“Indeed, we have much to discuss General. Show me the command room.”

“Right away sir.”

Chibuzo and the officers escorted the Emperor and the Imperial Guards to the command room, which was really just a former storage building converted into one.

Lucius looked around as many soldiers gave him hateful glares in which he returned them.

One soldier shocked him however. It was a wounded dark-skinned soldier holding crutches under her left arm, and on her right arm, she was holding a sign that says “Your son is a better man than you.”

Lucius had to hold himself back from doing anything brash. He reminded himself he’s not a real tyrant like his father.

The group walked into the command room where a bunch of other officers were looking at a map on a table in the middle of the room.

“Everyone leave now. Except General Chibuzo.” Lucius said.

The officers and the Imperial Guards saluted before walking out of the command room. Now alone, the duo stood across from each other from the table.

“Give me a sitrep General.” Lucius said.

“Well sir, General McEvoy ordered his 4th Infantry to retreat after he reported that a large number of Britannican forces have breached his defenses. He was shortly removed from command by General Visconti himself. As we speak, my 1st, the 4th, the 3rd Infantry, the 9th Armored, and the 4th Marines are moving to push the Britannican forces out of Sector X-Ray.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Infantry and the 1st Armored in Sector Delta and the 5th Infantry and the 7th Armored in Sector Fedor are barely holding on. General Weatherby of the 5th Infantry has been reported to be critically wounded and was evacuated. Brigadier General Asher Tendang has assumed command.”

“Casualties?”

“I don’t have an exact number, but casualties currently are between 8,000 and 10,000. This all happened because General McEvoy ordered a retreat, allowing the Britannicans to flank Delta and Fedor. Rest assured sir, General McEvoy will be punished accordingly.”

Lucius was silent as he looked at the map. One thought kept lingering at his mind however.

“Where’s my son?”

Chibuzo was silent for a second.

“Sir?”

“Captain Maximilian Vorenus of A Company is part of your 1st Infantry Division am I correct? Where the hell is he?”

“C-Captain Vorenus is currently conducting a mission in No Man’s Land to extract a HVI.”

“And his status?”

“The majority of his company have been wiped out when their helos were shot down. As of now, the HVI is defended by 3 TIB Field Agents, an Imperial Pilot, a Marine, a Sea Wolf, a single squad from A Company, and Captain Vorenus himself. They’re currently holding out in the Lone Star Motel which is several clicks from our frontlines.”

“And you couldn’t send anyone else?”

“We did send Legionnaires and Sea Wolves but they were ambushed leaving only one survivor. A Company was the only unit available. Every other unit are either in a different mission or combat ineffective.”

“I see. Very well. General Chibuzo, you are hereby removed from command for endangering the Prince.”

“S-sir?”

“I expect you to be out of here within 5 minutes. Got it?”

“You will do no such thing.”

The two turned to see who said that. On the door, stood the highest ranking officer in the Imperial Army.

“You may be the Emperor, but General Chibuzo is one of my officers.” said Field Marshal Viktor Brusilov.

“You don’t give orders around here Viktor.” said Lucius.

“Oh I do. General Chibuzo has been an important factor in this siege and removing him will only demoralize the soldiers. You and I both know you don’t want the military breathing down your neck.”

The Emperor and the Field Marshal entered a staring contest, both of them glaring each other hatefully.

That is, until the Emperor flinched first.

“Fine, have it your way. But if my son is dead, I will have your fucking head on a spike. Understood Chibuzo?” The Emperor said before walking outside.

Once he left, Chibuzo let out a sigh in relief.

“Thank you for that Grand Master.” Chibuzo said.

“No need War Master. When I heard the Emperor was coming here, I had to show up as well before he does something stupid again. So what was this I hear about Brother Vorenus?”

“I sent him on a mission to extract Game Master Steiner, Brother Azarov, and Sister Corduroy. His company was almost wiped out leaving only himself and a squad left.”

“Hmmm what else?”

“They’ve reached the HVI and I ordered them to defend him until evac arrives. They picked up a Sea Wolf, a Marine, a pilot, and two Royal Army defectors with valuable information along the way.”

“Then we must be quick.” Brusilov looked at the map on the table. “Majority of the Brits are militiamen and half-trained regulars with some scattered Royal Guards and Armored support. Their air force are resorting to suicide tactics. Desperate indeed. On top of that, General Visconti’s quickly pushing them back.”

“But perhaps, not fast enough to rescue them? The retreating Brits will run into them.”
“Ah but there is no retreat for them my friend.”

“Excuse me?” asked a confused General Chibuzo.

“Army Group Intrépido recently arrived and the 3rd Shock Army is here to surround the Brits by going through Delta and Fedor. By doing so, not only will they have to take a significant portion of No Man’s Land, but also be in position to rescue Vorenus and his group. This will not only take away a chunk of the Brits’ manpower, but also demoralize them.”

“Still, I feel a little worried we may be too late.”

Brusilov looked at him with a reassuring smile.

“Have faith War Master. They will make it.”

Author's Note

Not my best work at all. Probably one of my worst. Still learning on writing battle scenes.

Happy Canada Day for all the Canadians out there and Happy early 4th of July. Just don't be like Jason Pierre-Paul and blow off your fingers with fireworks.

For the record so far:

Vorenus is obviously a Christian from the Royal Family

Azarov was born into a Christian Orthodox farming family

Anwar is a Muslim noble

Steiner is an unknown

Miyagi is a Buddhist noble

Okoye is a poor Muslim who lives in the slums

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Follow the 7th One

The Golden Eagle and one of the Wolves shall guide you

U-124 sank four in two approaches

Aboard was a device worth more than the entire crew