“If the Celestial Sisters enslaved the inhabitants of hell, I would at least make the Devil an honorary member of the Senate.”

-Emperor Maximilian Vorenus VII

Captain Darrell Booth

MPA-9 Persuader “Mantaray”

Border of the MDZ

“Harrington, you seeing what I’m seeing?”

Booth stared out of the window where a four ships entered the Magical Dark Zone.

“Yeah I see them. Looks like Equestrian Coast Guard to me. Probably looking for that missing battleship.”

“Poor fools don’t know what they’re getting into. Wanna keep circling around?”

“Why not. I haven’t seen a Kaiju in action yet.”

The two Persuaders circled the Coast Guard ships. They could see crewmembers pointing up at their planes.

“You know the protocol.”

“Yeah yeah, let me message them.” Booth adjusted the frequency on his radio to send a warning. “Attention Coast Guard ships of Equestria, you are violating sovereign territory. Turn around immediately or you will be labeled as hostiles.”

They waited in silence waiting for a response.

“Think they got the message?”

“This is the Captain of the RECGS Rescue. Identify yourself and who’s territory are we violating?”

“Captain, who I am and who owns this place is irrelevant. Your little fleet is completely unprepared to what’s to come. Turn back now if you value your lives.”

“We are members of the Equestrian Military. We go where we please.”

“Good. Have fun with the fishes.”

“Charming fellow ain’t he?”

“Damn Equestrians. That superiority complex gonna bite them in their asses.”

“What if they have a special coating on their ships though?”

“They don’t. Heard the spooks found they’ve yet to discover the formula to coat their ships and planes so that means these guys are fucked.”

Right on cue, a titanic sperm whale, more than tripled the size of the largest blue whale, jumped out of the water and landed right on three of the ships causing a massive wave.

“Holy shit, that’s the first time I’ve seen an Island Whale!”

“That whale missed one.” Booth commented watching the last surviving ship trying to search for survivors.

All of a sudden, giant tentacles appeared out of the water and began slamming the boat. More came out and the ship was slowly dragged underwater.

“And that my good friend is a Kraken.”

“Aw, I wanted to see a Kaiju.”

“Well at least you get to see the Kaijus’ primary food source. Lets rtb. We can watch vids about the Kaiju if you want.”

Vice Admiral Otsuka Hiroharu

Naval Headquarters, Agatha, Etrusca, United Terran Empire, Terra

Vice Admiral Hiroharu sighed and straightened his uniform before walking inside a room and stopped in front of a desk where a Hispanic male officer sat typing away at a computer.

The man noticed Admiral Hiroharu and stood up, saluting him.

Hiroharu returned a salute.

“Is Admiral Henne in?” Hiroharu asked.

“Yes Admiral. He’s been waiting for you.”

“Thank you.” Hiroharu said with a smile before walking past him and walked into Admiral Henne’s office.

“Long journey. What did I miss?” Hiroharu said as he closed the door.

Behind a desk on an office chair, sat fellow Vice Admiral Alexander Henne, a former member of the Britannican Navy. He was light skinned, with a wrinkled face and curly gray hair.

“A lot Hiro.” Henne said as placed a folder inside a drawer in his desk.

Hiroharu walked up to two maps on a wall. One showed the map of Equestria, with arrows showing the routes of their invasion force. The other showed the map of Terra with little flags pinned on it showing the locations of individual fleets, divisions, and bases.

“Can you give me a rundown?” Hiroharu asked.

“Azarov’s and Skorzeny’s stunt, sending the Legionnaires after one of the princesses changed some of our plans.”

“How so?”

“Before I begin, the Emperor took overall command of the operation after their stunt. Now, their little stunt caused a few things in Equestria. One, the military parade in Manehatten was delayed. And two, the meeting between the world leaders has also been delayed.” Henne said.

“So this delays our invasion plans as well?”

“Exactly. It’s only a backup after all. The Emperor intends to fulfill his promise to his sister and attempt to find a peaceful resolution.”

“What if the Equestrians move to try and capture the Emperor when he’s there?”

“That’s why the Emperor was being cozy with the Griffon Emperor. The Imperial Guards won’t deter them, but an alliance with the Griffons will keep the Equestrians from doing anything brash, at least I hope.”

“What do you mean?” Hiroharu said as he looked at Henne.

“The Equestrian government won’t touch him, but I’m afraid a member of their nobility or one of their slave companies make a move.”

“Doing so would anger the Griffons.” Hiroharu frowned.

“It would cause chaos here and a bold move like that will only feed to their overconfidence.” Henne said. “They’ll think we’re weak because we’re Humans, but I have faith the Emperor will be just fine. He’s gotten his hands dirty before.”

Hiroharu looked at the map of Terra.

“Any news on Russell, Seager, and Arroyo?”

“Yeah, the three held a meeting at Piedmont but that’s it. Russell immediately took a plane to Glass Shard right after. Other than that, nothing and that’s what worried me.”

Hiroharu was silent for a moment.

“Who else?”

Henne looked up.

“Beria was there.”

“Of course the bastard is.” Hiroharu scoffed.

“I don’t like it. I had Colonel Bratton and Lieutenant Commander Kramer from AIC and ONI to keep an eye on him.”

Hiroharu cursed silently. Many had deep suspicions of Beria, but only a few believed Beria has intentions of launching a coup. Everyone else only passed him off as some sort of a creep and Azarov’s been keeping the power hungry swine from climbing the ladder. A few officers like himself, Henne, and Miyagi instructed both the Army Intelligence Corps and the Office of Naval Intelligence to keep an eye on Beria. They believed he was just biding his time to launch his own coup, but they couldn’t prove anything.

They were suspicious of Beria because of his name alone. Beria was the last surviving member of the “Exiles” of the Beria family.

The Beria family used to be one of the most powerful families in the continent after they took control of the slave trade. Nobles, Royal Families, and anybody who had money had to deal with the Beria Family if they wanted to buy slaves.

Then, the Vorenus family and their United Terran Empire began to knock down one Empire after another, thus the Beria Family’s customers began to dwindle after Empress Alexandra Vorenus called for a campaign to abolish slavery and it was spearheaded by her husband, Emperor Victor Vorenus III, his sister Princess Juliana Vorenus and her wife Princess Anastatia Faustus.

They began to lose money, slaves, and customers when all of a sudden, a portion of the Beria family broke away and fled to join the UTI. One by one, they were assassinated by the rest of the family until the last member, Antonio Beria, a TIB Field Agent, was left.

After the fall of Britannica, Antonio Beria led an operation that wiped out the rest of the Beria family, leaving him the last surviving member, or so many believed.

However, the slave trade still operated in the shadows and it required a leader. Either another Beria was still alive, someone else took the reigns after the Beria family’s downfall, or worse, Beria himself is at the helm secretly.

“So where’s the Emperor?” asked Hiroharu.

“Mourning. He was at his family’s graveyard before he went to the Bellator Heroes Cemetery.”

Hiroharu shook his head.

“It’s times like these where I wish Princess Jennifer was still alive.”

“Indeed, an excellent negotiator she was. Poor girl would never harm a fly.” Henne commented sadly.

22 Years Ago

Captain Maximilian Vorenus VII

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

Lone Star Motel, No Man’s Land, Rathunas, Britannican Empire, Continent of Terra

“We’re dealing with at least 3 Challys which the Vampyr will be vital. How many rockets do we have Jimi?” asked Max.

Max was walking around with Miyagi, Anwar, Azarov, Nazaire, and Pines preparing for the oncoming onslaught.

Everyone else was boarding up the motel.

“Only got 3.” said Jimi. “Gotta make them all count.”

“Yeah but what if I miss or one of us get shot?” asked Marcus. “The rocket won’t pen the frontal armor but I can pen the lower glaces. Won’t knock it out though. Gonna need a side or rear sho-”

Marcus nearly tumbled as his foot stepped on a thin sheet of metal that fell down a hole on the street.

The group looked down at the hole that Marcus nearly fell into.

“Is that the sewer? Allison asked.

“Gotta be.” said Vass as he laid down and stuck his head through the hole. “All empty. Looks like you can only go west and east.”

Vassily got back up and looked at Max.

“We can try to look for a way out if we follow the sewer.”

Max nodded.

“Azarov with me. The rest of you stay here.”

Both Max and Vassily jumped into the empty sewer, using their flashlights and small holes on the ceiling to give them light.

They walked down the sewer until they found they were under another intersection with another tunnel running north and south. However, only the eastern tunnel wasn’t blocked by rubble..

“Looks like our only route leads to the Britannican lines. Lets head back.” Max said.

Max and Vassily walked back to the hole they entered and on the way, Max noticed how weak the ceilings were from the bombardments from both forces.”

“Ceilings are weak.” Max muttered.

“So?” Vass asked as he looked up as well.

“What if we can get these tunnels to collapse on the Challys? Got any explosives?” Max asked.

“Sure. We stole several bags that had explosives on the way here. Plenty of C4 and Semtex.”

Max nodded.

“How many?”

“Enough to cause the motel to collapse.” Vass shrugged.

“Good, I think I have a plan.”

The two came upon the entrance and Max helped Vass up.

“Diglett.” Vass said as he popped his head to the surface.

“Yo wassup, found anything?” Zeke asked looking down on him.

“Tunnels lead down the road to an intersection but the only fucking tunnel that wasn’t blown to shit leads to the Brits.” Vass said as he climbed up and helped Max out of the hole.

“Ceiling is pretty weak.” Max said as he dusted himself off. “Vass said they stole a couple bags of explosives. I was thinking we can stick them to the ceilings of the sewers and make them collapse below the Challys.”

Max looked around to survey the area.

“Roads to the North, East, and South are blocked off by collapsed buildings so they can only come in from the West. With no armor support, we only have to deal with footmobiles, but even then, we’re still outnumbered. All we need to do is hold out until reinforcements arrive.” Max said. “I want Marcus, Jimi, Thomas, and Josh on the rooftop of the motel in case any armor survive.”

“The SMAW won’t pen the Challys top armor.” Marcus commented.

“Thomas will be using the SMAW to take out any light armor and MG positions. Your Vampyr will do the heavy duty of taking down the Challys if they’re still a threat. Wait for the explosives to detonate to collapse the road under the tanks. I want everyone inside the buildi-”

“Oxide Actual, do you read?”

“This is Oxide Actual.” said Max in the coms.

“This is Field Marshal Brusilov. How’s everything in your end?”

Max stood at attention.

“Sir. We’re prepping for an attack. We’ve learned they’re sending Royal Guards and three Challengers after us. Any word of reinforcements sir?”

Max heard Brusilov curse quietly.

“Looks they’ll have to double time it. Army Group Intrépido recently arrived and General Franchesca Alawa and her 3rd Shock Army are encircling the Brit forces before they can escape back in their lines. Aka, they’re heading to you.”

“ETA?”

“Unknown. They’ll get their as fast as they can. Shouldn’t be long.”

Max was silent.

“What direction will they be coming in sir?”

“From the west. Why?”

“Sir, maybe we don’t have to hold out. Maybe we can try to rendezvous with the 3rd.”

“That’s pretty risky.”

“Yeah but we have no support and we’ll die here if we stay.”

“Well, if you think you can make it, then do it. I have three Shockwaves available currently and are waiting for you to call in any targets. Use them only if you need to. Just make sure the HVI makes it.”

“Will do sir.”

Max looked at the others.

“Listen up, the 3rd Shock Army recently arrived and are trying to encircle the Brits. According to Brusilov, they’ll be coming in from the west. I was thinking instead of holding out, we can try to sneak by any Brit forces and rendezvous with the 3rd.”

“I was about to suggest that earlier, but we need to be careful though. We only have three rockets for the Vampir and the SMAW is only effective against light armor.” Jimi said.

“So we’re backtracking to where we started. Do we get any support?” asked Zeke.

“Only three Shockwaves are available to us.”

“Shockwaves? Those fucking missiles can kill us too.” muttered Marcus.

“Even so, I’ll only call them in if we really have to. I’m not about to risk this operation due to friendly fire.”

“Well I mean this operation was already compromised because of McAvoy’s retreat.” said Allison.

“Shit happens. All we gotta do is keep going.” Pines said.

1 Hour Later

On Victoria Avenue, a convoy full of three Challengers, four Ferrets, and one Armadillo slowly rumbled down the street escorted by a large group of militias with two squads of Royal Guards. Many of the militiamen rode on the vehicles.

The militiamen were conversing as if there was nothing to worry about. They bought in to their Emperor’s word that if they just keep the Imperial forces back, they will buy time for his “superweapons” to turn the tide of the war.

However, the Royal Guards were more cautious and knew they could not afford to be overconfident. They were fanatical and would sacrifice their lives for their Emperor and that is the exact reason why they weren’t cocky like the militia. Some of the more sensible Royal Guards knew there was no superweapon coming to save them, the sabotage of many experiments and the escape of Doctor Heinrich Steiner made sure of that. They continued to fight however, because they swore an oath to defend their Emperor to their last dying breath.

Once the convoy moved past, the road fell into silence aside from the ongoing air battle and the sounds of gunfire and explosions in the distance. Suddenly, the trunk of an abandoned car on the side of the road was thrown open.

“Ah, fucking hell. Never doing that shit again.” Kuhn said climbing out of the car’s trunk.

Out of the damaged building next to the car came the rest of the group with Cameron running up to Kuhn and holding his hand.

“Told ya. Should’ve followed us.” said Jacob.

“I needed to pee man. Didn’t have time or I would’ve been spotted.”

“Can we just go? I want to get this done and over with.” Gustav said.

They walked down the street with Cameron gripping Kuhn’s hand tightly and Steiner rambling about his theories. Everyone besides Amilia and Max did their best to ignore him.

Marcus jogged up to Max and put his hand on his shoulder.

“Yo, you never told me, how did you end up Captain?”

“Well, I did go to OCS. Was promoted to 1st Lieutenant after I led a platoon up Mount Hagen and ambushed another Brit platoon up there. Then we mortared a base camp down the mountain before we assaulted it. We took out about half of a company and four Mastodons before they surrendered.

Turns out, they were the vanguard for the Royal 12th Infantry Division who were sent to flank the 1st. Visconti then ordered the 1st and the 4th to repel the 12th so we did. The 4th was late to the party so we did most of the work. Alpha Company took 25% casualties including Captain Alvin Kennard so Lieutenant Sheldon Monroe was promoted to Captain to replace him.

I got promoted Captain after I shot our Regiment commander.”

Marcus looked at him confused.

“You got promoted for killing a superior officer?”

“I’ll explain later. He was going AWOL but I’ll explain the detail some other time.”

“Long story?”

“Long story.”

“Wait, was it that one guy who wanted to burn down that Amerindian village?”

“Bingo. I’ll tell you the details they didn’t disclose later.”

“Huh, where else did you go to?

Max’s lips curled into a small smile.

“We took part in the battle for Mt. Superstition, Two Rivers, Angel Peak, Hill 741, and finally, we ended up here.”

“Dang. So you’ve been with Alpha Company through and through.”

“Yeah. We’ve never lost so many. Reduced to a single squad. I swear I will fucking strangle McAvoy.”

“Well, you ain’t alone.”

15 Minutes Later

“Rose my voice and made enemies, became a defector, on the run with a guy looking for his lunatic brothers, and now strolling through No Man’s Land with the Imperial crowned Prince and a scientist wanted by the Britannican crown who could potentially change the game for future warfare.” Pines muttered.

“Yeah that seems about right.” Max said.

“Well, guess even weirdness follows the most normal Pines. Weirdness runs through the family.”

“I hope you introduce me to them.”

“Actually, I think Kuhn here met my uncle Stan.”

“What? When?” asked Kuhn turning to Pines as they walked.

“That guy that scammed you in the Enigma Forest? Sounds a lot like my uncle. He’s a con artist running a tourist trap.”

Kuhn pulled Pines closer to him.

“After this, tell me his address. I’d like a word with that fucker.”

“Not his fault you went full retard.”

“Hey!”

They all turned to Sally who was pointing at the bell tower of a church down the street.

“Think we should send someone up there? You know, to get a good look at the area?”

All of a sudden, Sally fell forward followed by a gunshot.

“Sniper!” Max yelled as everyone scrambled for cover behind some rubble and abandoned cars.

“Sally!” Watson yelled as he peeked from a pile of rubble but quickly retreated as a bullet hit near where he was.

“No, everyone stay in cover!” Max yelled.

Sally got up, gripping her chest. She tried to walk towards Max but collapsed. Blood started to leak from her mouth.

“I don’t wanna die. I don’t wanna die.” Sally said.

“Sally, stay down!” Allison said.

“Goddammit, Anton. Can you get that sniper?” Vass said.

Beria peaked from the abandoned car with Max and pulled back right away just as a bullet struck their car.

“Church tower. Sally fell before we heard the shot.” Beria said.

The TIB Field Agent went to the other side of the car and crawled his way to a pile of rubble in front of the car. He peaked again, but this time the enemy sniper did not fire. He looked at where Sally was and saw she was reaching for the Captain.

“Sally stay down. Don’t move.” Max said.

“Come on Sally. Just don’t move.” Guz said.

“Cap, Cap please. I don-I don’t wanna die.” Sally said.

Sniper’s keeping her alive for a goddamn reason. Beria said as he adjusted the scope on his rifle.

“Sniper’s around four-hundred fifty meters from us. Everyone just keep your heads down. He’s good.” Beria announced to the rest of the group.

Beria slowly moved a piece of rubble out of the way and took aim at the tower. He saw a bald Britannican soldier, holding what appears to be a S-24.

“No wind? Perfect.” Beria whispered to himself.

Beria pulled the trigger, watching as the bullet struck the sniper on the head before he slumped backwards.

“Clear!” He yelled.

The rest of the group broke cover, looking around to make sure there weren’t anymore enemies.

“All clear. Someone check Sally.” Max said.

Allison kneeled in front of Sally and checked her pulse. The Lieutenant sighed before turning Sally on her back.

“She’s gone.” Allison said as she took Sally’s dog tags.

Max closed his eyes in a silent prayer before pointing at Watson and Hinojoza.

“Put her on the side of the road. Steven, take her medkit. If anybody needs ammo, take some from Sally.” He turned to see Kuhn covering Cameron’s eyes.

As they picked up Sally’s body, Max could barely hear Watson mutter to himself.

“Just like the dream last night. She’s the first.”

Max just shook it off, thinking nothing of it.

10 Minutes Later

“They probably already arrived at the motel. You think they’ll come back?” asked Seed.

“That, I’m not sure. What do you think Cap?” asked Zhang.

Max just shrugged.

“I hope not.” He looked to Beria who was peeking around the corner with his rifle. “All clear?”

“Looks clear to me. You know if the 3rd doesn’t get to us quick enough, we’re fucked right?” Beria answered.

Max sighed.

“Then let’s hope it doesn’t happen.”

The group continued down the street, passing many destroyed vehicles and dead bodies of soldiers from both sides.

“Hey Max? When you become Emperor, what’s the first thing you’re gonna do anyway?” asked Zeke.

“If Zeke. Don’t say when. I don’t like to keep my hopes too far up.”

“Well you can’t put yourself down either.”

“What if I told you I never wanted to be the Emperor eh? What if I told you I wanted to be a teacher, or an actor, or a film director? I won’t be able to live normally and there’s always gonna be some rich asshole who’ll try to get to me.”

“You could always go to war with the nobility. Ban the status of noble and take their money.”

“Yeah but I’ll just be portraying myself as a tyrant. I have would have to go for the long con and play the stupid fucking game known as politics. Bro, I have patience, but I fear the day I run out.”

“Ah but you see, that’s why you have to surround yourself with people that will help you. Pick the people you think are perfect for their positions.”

“I see.” Max looked at Pines. “Hey Pines, what if I made you a General?”

Pines smiled and shrugged.

“Gotta decline at least for now. Gonna leave the army life after this, but I will come back if I don’t have a choice or it’s the best option.”

“Well let me know then. Last thing I wanna hear is someone like you ending up in rock bottom selling watches in the streets.”

“How can all of you be alright after what happened to Sally?”

The entire group looked at Daniel.

“Look kid, all of us have dealt with so much death in our lives, that it doesn’t affect us anymore.” Max said.

“Are you sure about that?”

Max froze for a second before answering.

“No, I’m not actually. War makes men monsters. Everyone has a breaking point, so my advice to you is find what’s yours and prepare for it if it comes.”

“So what’s your breaking point then?”

This time, Max stopped walking and stared off into space.

“Max?” Nazaire asked looking at Max worryingly.

“It’s your sister ain’t it?” Gus asked.

They all looked at Gus.

“Not a surprise there. Everyone knows how close the two of you were. From what I heard, our Cap here used to be a lazy ass kid when it comes to academics, but the moment his sister gets bullied, he goes fucking ballistic like he was possessed by a demon.”

“Yeah, and I would get my ass beat by my dad because I usually get suspended. Even when we fought, we would never lay a hand on each other. I used to solve my problems through brute force, Jenny would solve her problems by being a negotiator.”

“And now she’s out there leading efforts to rebuild war torn areas. Wearing a white dress wherever she goes, making great speeches, soft hands-” Daniel said but stopped when everyone was staring at him amusingly.

“Whoa does the new guy have the hots for the Princess?” said Steven.

“She’s a beautiful gal, but I think she’s leagues above you.” Pines said holding in a laughter.

“Well Daniel, if you want to hit on my sister, then go for it as long as you can overcome one obstacle.” Max said.

“And what’s that?”

Max’s face immediately turned into a scowl.

“Me. Hurt her once and I’ll fucking skin you alive. Are we clear?”

Daniel’s face paled.

“C-Crystal clear.” Daniel stammered.

To everyone else’s amusement, Max smiled.

“Then go for it man.” Max chirped.

Gus laughed loudly addressed Daniel.

“Don’t be a pussy and go for it Daniel. The last three guys that wanted to hit on the Princess pissed their pants when Max approached them. Max just wants to make sure the guy dating his sister truly loves her and isn’t a pussy.”

Daniel looked on, lost in thought. Suddenly, everything around him froze. Images of a funeral popped into his vision, followed by images of a burning city, a giant flash in the sky, a massive armada, a solar flare, a city that disappeared in a blinding flash, another burning city, and finally another funeral.

While everyone was frozen, his body started shaking and there was a loud, ear-piercing screech. He tried to resist and before he knew it, he had his gun pointed at the back of his Captain.

The private blinked to see his vision returned to normal and his gun was pointing down. However, everyone was looking at him with concern.

“You alright?” Seed asked.

Daniel nodded frantically while noticeably sweating.

“Want to tell us wh-”

A bullet struck Max’s helmet causing him to fall backwards.

“Contact!” Vassily yelled.

The group scrambled behind two ruined buildings near a bridge and a river with Zeke dragging Max behind cover.

“Max! You alright?” Zeke yelled checking for any wounds.

Man breathed heavily and checked his body to see if everything was there. Zeke put his fingers at where the bullet struck Max’s helmet.

“It ricocheted. Max you’re one lucky sonovubitch!” Zeke said chuckling.

Max got up and leaned on the wall where half of the group was taking cover, returning fire down the street.

“I swear I’m gonna die of a heart attack.” Max said. He shook his head and looked at the group. “Sitrep.”

“I think that’s the group that was looking for us.” Amilia said over the coms.

“Means their armored support couldn’t be far.” Beria said.

“Correction, they’re already here!” Gus yelled as he fired down the street. “It’s a fucking Armadillo!”

He ducked behind cover as 20mm shells struck the ground near him.

“Watson!” Max yelled.

“On it!”

On the other side of the street, Watson peered over the corner, seeing the Armadillo’s autocannon still pointing at the corner where Gus was at. He broke cover and pointed his SMAW at the armored vehicle.

“Backblast!” He yelled.

“Clear!”

Watson fired his SMAW, penetrating the Armadillo’s lower glacis causing a magnificent fire to erupt from the hatch.

Max himself got to the corner and took a peek. A crewman from the Armadillo was running around on fire. Some militiamen chased after him trying to put out the fire while the rest of the militia were trying to get their bearings after the Armadillo was knocked out.

“We need to get across the river! Watson, Jimi, Steven, Daniel, Steiner, Marcus, Azarov, you guys are Group 1. Get to the bridge while we provide suppressing fire. Then you guys except for Steiner will provide suppressing fire for us to cross the bridge. We will cover you guys so you guys can get to the otherside. Everyone clear on that?” Max ordered.

“Crystal clear!”

He saw everyone from the second group take positions with Zeke and Gus behind a pile of rubble. Max hugged the wall when a rocket hit the top of the building he was hiding behind causing some rubble to fall.

“Ready?”

Everyone acknowledged with Azarov holding Steiner by the shirt while the scientist held on to his briefcase for dear life.

“3, 2, 1, GO!”

In unison, Group 2 sent a hail of bullets towards the militiamen and Royal Guards down the street while Group 1 made a break for it for the stone bridge.

“Watson’s hit!”

To Max’s shock, he looked to see Watson face down in front of the bridge unmoving.

“Don’t stop! Keep shooting!” Max yelled. He fired his rifle hitting a young militiamen, couldn’t be more than 18, right in the left eye. A Royal Guard broke cover aiming a rocket launcher, but a wave of bullets from himself and Gus tore through the poor man’s chest.

“You know,” Gus said reloading his LMG. “One day they’ll give us something to protect our chests and not these fucking flak vests.”

“I know right?” Zeke yelled taking down a militiaman trying to cross the street. “Might as well give us some power armor or something. I know those eggheads got something.”

“Group 1 in position. Get across now!”

“Alright, Group 2. Lets go! Get across the bridge!”

The roar of engines caused Max’s face to pale. Down the street, a Challenger appeared after navigating through the rubble.

“GO! GO NOW!” Max yelled.

They ran like madmen after seeing the Challenger. The Main Battle Tank however fired, sending a 120mm High-Explosive shell into the building half of the group was hunkered behind. Zhang wasn’t even able to yell when the explosion sent him flying. He landed headfirst and didn’t get up.

Gus meanwhile, took the time to take the SMAW off of Watson’s body before stopping to join Group 1 on the bridge behind some sandbags.

“Backblast!”

“Clear!”

Marcus fired his Vampir and struck the Challenger in the lower glacis with a plume of smoke.

“That’ll slow it down!”

While Jimi assisted in reloading Marcus’ Vampir, two Ferrets drove past the unmoving Challenger firing their .50 caliber HMGs. One of the bullets struck Hinojoza’s back and exited through his chest in a shower of blood.

“Josh is down!” Allison yelled.

Gus aimed Watson’s SMAW and fired a Mk 3 Mod 0 Encased High-Explosive, Dual-Threat (HEDP) Rocket at the engine of a Ferret, causing a magnificent explosion that sent pieces of its front flying everywhere.

Steven helped Gus reload another HEDP rocket while the other Ferret started to back up.

“This is for Josh!” Gus yelled.

The second rocket struck the Ferret’s windshield killing the driver and the gunner instantly.

“Group 2 suppressing fire! Group 1 get across!” Max ordered.

Group 2 took positions behind piles of rubble to fire on the advancing Britannicans. The Challenger Marcus hit started moving its turret again.

“Get down!” Kuhn yelled.

Another 120mm HE shell sailed past Group 1 and hit a building down the street.

“Come on!” Jimi yelled. They broke cover, however another one of them fell when bullets tore through Steven’s chest. Still carrying the SMAW, another bullet went right through Gus’ chest causing him to stumble.

“Aw shit!” He said.

Daniel stopped for a second and helped Gus across the bridge, bullets zipping past them. Just before they got to cover, another bullet went right through Daniel’s neck.

Gus ended up pulling Daniel behind an abandoned SUV.

“Gus you alright?” Max yelled over the coms, not noticing Daniel was hit as he fire back at a Royal Guard who was firing at him. Three bullets hit the Guardsman on the chest. He stumbled forward and fell into the river.

“Eh I just got the wind knocked out of me Cap. I’ll be fine.” Gus responded. He held on to Daniel’s hand as he stared at the dying man. Blood leaked out of his neck and mouth, with tears streaming out of his fearful eyes.

“You did good kid. I’m sorry about what I said about you.” Gus comforted Daniel in his last dying moments. “You’re not a coward. You’re brave you know that? Wait for me will you? I’ll join you soon.”

Daniel blinked his eyes in confirmation before all life disappeared from him.

Gus looked to the skies where Imperial and Royal pilots fought over the skies. The beautiful sun shined down on them. He felt at ease while everyone else fought the Britannicans with bullets flying everywhere.

“Val-halla.” Gus whispered before he joined Daniel into the afterlife.

Max slid behind the SUV as bullets hit the ground where he was.

“Gus, we need the SM-” He stopped when he saw both Gus and Daniel were lifeless in a pool of their own blood. The captain cursed when he saw the SMAW was not loaded and peeked at the bridge where Steven’s and Hinojoza’s bodies laid.

The Imperial Captain took a peek to see the other two Challengers and the two remaining Ferret’s closing down on them.

“Fuck this.” Max said.

Lieutenant General Zane Chibuzo

Fire Base Kronos/ St. Arturo Airport

1st Infantry Division, 8th Imperial Shock Army

Chibuzo smiled slightly as he heard the reports that continued to stream in. The Britannicans have taken too many casualties and have slowly and steadily fallen back.

The battle in the skies have turned for the better as the more experienced Imperial pilots inflicted massive casualties on the mostly conscripted Royal pilots led by the few surviving aces.

Of course, there were severe casualties on their side including some well-known aces and senior military commanders. General Weatherby himself is still being operated on and they give him a 50-50 chance of surviving. McAvoy was arrested thankfully and thanks to General Visconti’s quick thinking, the Britannican counter-attack was slowed down just enough for Army Group Intrépido to arrive and flank around to cut off their retreat.

If they were fast enough, nearly 200,000 soldiers of the Royal Army would be cut off and would be forced to either surrender or fight to the end. It would make the 50,000 casualties they’ve suffered nearly worth it.

It would be the fourth biggest loss for the Britannicans in this war behind the 500,000 during the Glass Shard Offensive, 950,000 at Metroville, and the 1,245,000 in Algonquin. Of course, there was another 300,000 soldiers held in reserve but with nearly 1,500,000 Imperial soldiers surrounding the capital, there was absolutely no chance of a Britannican victory here.

His attention then went to a speaker where he heard the desperate voice of a very familiar captain.

"Enemy armor is 100 meters from my position and in closing in fast. Corduroy! Stay the fuck down!"

Chibuzo quickly grabbed a mic to respond.

"Oxide 1, this is Chibuzo, do you copy?"

BROKEN ARROW! I SAY AGAIN, BROKEN ARROW!"

The Commander of the 1st Infantry Division dropped the mic.

"My God."

He looked at the map on the table where three Britannican flags was closed in on an Imperial flag.

Captain Maximilian Vorenus

The Challengers slowly got closer and closer to the bridge. Marcus tried using his Vampir but all it did was bounce off its upper glacis. Accurate fire from Beria and Kuhn kept the Royal Guards and Militiamen hunkered behind the tanks.

“Hold them back! We’ve got Shockwaves incoming!” Max yelled. He quickly let out a burst, hitting one of the gunners on the Ferrets, before he ducked down.

“Oxide 1, this is Excalibur, be advise, Shockwaves will arrive ETA 30 seconds.”

“Copy that Excalibur.” Max said. “Shockwaves will hit in 30 seconds.”

Just before they reached the bridge, the Britannicans halted their advance and stopped firing, much to the Imperials’ confusion.

Then, one of the hatch’s of the Challengers opened up revealing its tank commander with a megaphone.

“Imperials, you are outnumbered and outgunned. There is no escape. Lay down your weapons and hand us Doctor Steiner. The war is ending and we promise you will be treated as humanely as possible.” The tank commander said.

Max scoffed at the idea. He knew the Militiamen are very vengeful and he’s seen the ditches full of executed Imperial POWs and the ones who were hanged from trees, lamp posts, or utility poles.

There was complete silence as the Imperials held their breaths.

“5 Seconds. Get to cover.” Excalibur said.

“GET DOWN!” Max yelled. He jumped behind a mountain of rubble where Beria and Corduroy were hiding behind. The rest of his group did the same finding their own mountains of rubble.

Max held his helmet before three massive explosions rocked their area. Buildings shook and some around them started collapsing. Rubble and dust flew everywhere. Above the trio, pieces of the ruined began falling on top of them. Max kept his head down, not noticing several pieces of rubble tumbling to him. His vision instantly turned black when one of them hit his head.

10 Minutes Later

“Ugh, fucking hell.”

Max opened his eyes and held his head in pain.

“He’s awake!”

Immediately, Allison came up to him and checked him out.

“You okay?” She asked.

“Just a little headache.” Max said as he nodded.

“How many fingers I’m holding?” Allison asked lifting three fingers in front of him.

“I see three fingers.”

“Good, at least you don’t have a concussion.”

Max looked around to see they were in an abandoned room. Cameron was sleeping on Kuhn’s lap, Pines was bandaging up Seed’s left arm which was bleeding, Steiner and Corduroy were in a corner whispering to each other privately, and Zeke, Beria, Jimi, and Marcus were near the windows keeping a lookout.

“Where are we?” Max asked slowly getting up.

“Away from the river if that’s what you’re asking.” said Beria. “Shockwaves destroyed the bridge and fucked up those Challys. I think the first one is the only one that survived it all.”

Max took a look through the window and found only an empty, but ruined street.

“Who did we lose?” Max asked.

“Hinojoza, McCallister, Bo, Janikowski, Watson, Bright, and Spencer.” Zeke said.

“Jesus Christ, so the three of us are all that’s left of A Company.” Max responded. “Word on how far are reinforcements?”

“Shouldn’t be long.” Allison said. “Chibuzo said they broke through and are heading in this direction.”

“So we’ll just stay here.” Corduroy said walking up to them.

“Can’t risk running into more enemies.” Pines said. “I agree, lets wait for reinforcements.”

The next two hours was spent resting and taking shifts to keep a lookout. They were all silent and tired, not wanting to spend more of their energy.

Max contemplated on the future. The Britannicans were done for, but A Company will be done for until replacements arrive. Chances are, they’ll either spend the rest of the war behind the lines, or if they’re deemed healthy enough, put in a different company and sent to fight again.

Personally, Max wanted to keep fighting. He didn’t feel right being pulled away from the fight when he was still healthy enough to fight.

‘Fight til the Imperial flag rises from the Royal Britannican Palace.’ That was the oath they all took before they were shipped off. The very same palace where the Britannican Emperor is held up forcing his people to fight to the last man in his name.

The prince was ticked off. More people are going to die because the prideful Britannican Emperor refuses to acknowledge to futility of their efforts.

“You guys hear that?” Beria said.

The group froze when the sounds of helicopters got closer and closer.

“Those are Vultures!” Kuhn said waking Cameron up.

Max looked out the window as two Vultures flew by, firing Hydra rockets at an unknown target. He could see they’ve already spent half of their Hellfire missiles.

Following the Vultures, the ground started shaking as they heard the unmistakable sounds of tanks.

“It’s our boys!” Beria yelled after taking a quick peek from the window.

Without hesitation, Max contacted them.

“This is Oxide 1, hold your fire. Friendlies coming out!” He motioned for the rest of the group to get up. “Lets go!”

“Copy that Oxide 1. Convoy hold your fire. We’ve got friendlies ahead.”

The group cautiously walked out the building with Max holding his rifle in the air. Ahead of them was an Imperial convoy led by a Leopard.

Around the convoy, Imperial soldiers ran escort watching for any ambushers. They walked closer when the hatch of the Leopard opened up revealing a bearded man with light skin.

Max and the man saluted each other.

“Lieutenant William Monroe, 1st Cavalry Winged Hussars. Captain Vorenus right?” The man asked.

“The one and only.” Max said.

“Right, I’ll get you guys a ride to the Nighthawks in a square down the street.” Monroe said. “Any resistance up ahead?”

Max shook his head.

“Only a disabled Challenger across the river. Bridge is destroyed though. Got a Mule with you?”

“Nah, too long. Should be another bridge somewhere.” Monroe took out a map. “Yeah, just gotta take a left. Anyways…”

Max watched as Monroe gave orders to have some vehicles give them a ride.

“Well it’s been fun Captain. Gotta fuck up these Brits ya’know?” Monroe said taking out his radio. “Convoy’s Oscar Mike.”

The Leopard lurched forward followed by the rest of the convoy except for a few Nomads who stayed behind for Oxide 1.

“So what happens now?” asked Cameron. He looked to see if anyone would give an answer, but instead everyone just stared at the convoy with tired eyes.

1 Hour Later

The helicopter ride to Firebase Kronos was relatively silent among the group who were content with just resting.

From the Nighthawk’s window, Max could see Imperial troop movements going off to wipe out what’s left of the Britannican Counter-Offensive. Destroyed Royal and Imperial vehicles scattered the landscape with black smoke from the fires and the craters caused by the artillery from both sides.

Helicopters flew past them transporting troops with fighter jets and bombers flying overhead to deliver their payloads.

Max sighed as he saw they began to land on Firebase Kronos.

Almost over. Max thought.

His face paled when he saw who was waiting for him, arms across his chest.

“Oh fuck me.” He said.

The others saw who was waiting and their blood ran cold.

“Well good luck.” Zeke said patting Max’s shoulder.

Finally, the helicopter landed and the door slid open. Without hesitation Max walked up to his father and saluted.

They stared at each other in silence waiting for the helicopter’s engines to power down. Nearby, journalists snapped pics of the exchange. One journalist snapped a pic that would eventually end up on the covers of Time Magazine and end up in their list of Most Influential Images of All Time.

It depicted a picture of the Prince, covered in dirt and scratches standing in attention in front of the clean and untouched Emperor in a black suit with a red tie, glaring judgmentally at his own son. In the background, helicopters can be seen in the background heading to the front. Nearby, Max’s group slowly got out of the helicopter with Daniel Pines staring at the Emperor with fear all over his face.

Daniel and Jacob laid their weapons on the ground and took off their vests as some members of the Military Police came to put them in handcuffs.

“What are you doing?” Emperor Lucius Nathaniel Vorenus asked his son who was still saluting.

He was met with silence in which Lucius rolled his eyes.

“At ease.”

Max dropped his salute.

“You’re my son, you don’t have to salute me Max.”

“With all due respect my Emperor, I am a soldier of the Empire and I must salute every superior officer including the Emperor your majesty.” Max said his eyes still staring off into the distance.

There was a moment of silence before Lucius walked the other way with the Imperial Guards.

“Max, come with me. Make sure the soldiers that were with him are checked by the medical personnel, fed, and showered and that includes the defectors.” Lucius ordered to no one in particular.

Max was about to follow him when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked back where Allison looked at him with worry.

“Are you gonna be okay?” She asked.

Max gave a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry Alli, just get some rest will you?” He said walking away. However, deep inside he knew what his dad wanted and it concerned him.

They came upon the command centre where it was cleared of any personnel except for Brusilov and Chibuzo who were discussing plans.

Lucius stopped just inside the room when he saw the two Generals were still there.

“I ordered this room to be cleared.” Lucius sneered.

Brusilov was undaunted.

“Well my lord, Captain Vorenus is a soldier of the Empire and is a member of General Chibuzo’s command. Anything you have to say to him while on active duty, we want to hear for ourselves as well.”

“This is a matter of the Royal Family.”

“And yet he’s still on active duty.”

Brusilov and Lucius glared at each other intensely, until Max stepped in between them.

“I hardly think this is the time for a fight. Can we just talk about why we’re here?” Max asked looking between the two of them back and forth.

Lucius shook his head.

“Fine, let's get this over with. Max, I’m ordering you to come home.”

Silence fell into the room once more. While Chibuzo and Brusilov looked on with uncertainty, Max already knew it was coming and had an answer long beforehand.

“No.” Max said.

The Emperor’s face morphed into a shock.

“No? Are you kidding Max? You almost got killed out there!”

Max rolled his eyes.

“Well...yeah? That comes with the job ya’know?”

His face got closer until he was right in front of Max’s face. Max almost snorted when he realized his 6’2” dad had to look up at him, though not by much.

“I don’t believe you realize the situation Max. I need an heir and you’re the only one I want.”

“Oh now you need me? That’s too bad. I don’t think you realize the political fallout if word got out that daddy pulled his son out of the war in the name of his safety.”

“And if you die, what happens? That throne could go to Jenny who doesn’t know shit about politics, Alexander who is autistic, Leonard who’s about as smart as a mentally challenged sheep, Esther who has the same problem as Jenny, Charles, Frederick, Rachel, Victoria, and Marco aren’t old enough, and don’t get me started with Jeremiah.”

“Why do you care? All I’m gonna do is inherit the mess you created.”

“Mess?”

Max facepalmed.

“My God how disconnected are you from society? Don’t you see how fucked the populace? Anyone ever tell you how the wage gap is increasing? The only reason why nobody’s launched a coup is because of this war and because people look up to Brusilov and Ashdown. Get with the times old man!”

By this time, Max was directly in front of his father’s face.

They stared at each other for a solid 30 seconds before Lucius turned around and walked out with his guards following him.

“Dio ci aiutii tutti.” Max muttered rubbing his forehead in frustration.

“You alright Max?” asked Chibuzo.

Max sighed.

“Just peachy sir. I think I’ve just crossed my own name out of his list of heirs.”

Max walked up to the table, his eyes staring at the map.

“If I had the energy sir, I would’ve tried smashing this table.”

Brusilov smirked.

“Don’t worry about what your dad says. We’ll make sure you get the throne.”

“Still though, I’m not comfortable with the idea getting promotions so easily.”

“Well you’re not sitting behind the lines. You and your unit have been on the front consistently and I believe the bravery of you and your company warrants some promotions.”

Max shook his head.

“What’s left of them at least. Can you promise me the two defectors, Daniel Pines and Jacob Seed are treated fairly and given an opportunity to join us?”

Brusilov thought for a second before nodding.

“That can be arranged. We owe them that much. The last part, not until this is over. Won’t be the first time we let defectors join us.”

“Keep an eye on Pines though. Apparently he’s good with computers.”

“Will do. How are you doing?”

Max rolled his shoulders.

“To be honest sir, let me shower, get some food, and some sleep, and I’ll be ready to go.”

Chibuzo snorted while Brusilov smiled.

“Good, Captain Nazaire will take over A Company and wait for replacements. You on the other hand, I’m placing you in Lieutenant Colonel Alvarez’s 7th Battalion upfront.”

“Captain Nazaire?” Max asked as Brusilov took out golden oak leaf pin.

“Congratulations Major Vorenus.”

1 Day Later

Max clutched the necklace with a silver cross right outside of a hanger. The deaths of members of Allison’s squad and the rest of A Company still lingered in his mind. For a while, he thought of what he could’ve done, but turned into anger towards the Britannican Emperor who refused to surrender.

He would love nothing more than to punch the man on the face repeatedly and hang him from the palace balcony. The Captain gave his respects to all of the dead beforehand as the bodies and remains were brought to base except for one. Max was out meeting with officers of the 7th Battalion to get acquainted with them when Daniel Spencer’s body arrived.

Letting out a tired sigh, Max opened the door and entered the hanger where the bodies of A Company laid in coffins ready to be brought home. However, he was not alone as he noticed a bandaged soldier sitting next to one of the coffins.

The soldier didn’t flinch as Max came up and placed a hand on the coffin with a picture of Daniel on top of it.

They were silent as Max made a silent prayer while the man continued to look down in mourning.

“I’m sorry about this Christian.” Max said receiving no response from Daniel’s brother. “Daniel was a good kid. Probably better than I.”

Max then came up to Christian and placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly, making Christian look up at the Prince.

“He never fired a shot you know? Never killed, never harmed anyone. But he did try to save his squad member. He’s behind you by the way.” Max said pointing to Gustav Janikowski’s coffin behind Christian. He held out Daniel’s necklace and placed it on Christian’s hand.

“I won’t shift blame. If you want to blame anyone, blame me. I was his commanding officer. Perhaps if I did things differently, they would all be alive but I didn’t.” Max sighed sadly. “You need to talk to someone, come to me. I’ll always listen.”

Max began to walk out to return to his unit. Behind him however, Christian clutched the necklace and glared at the back of Max’s head with pure hatred.

Major Maximilian Vorenus

7th Battalion, 1st Infantry Division

Near the Royal Palace, the final stronghold of the Royal Army

1 Week and 3 Days later

“Would save us the time if we just bomb the palace to rubble.”

Max looked up at Major Christian Havenstein as they looked at a map on a table behind a Nomad. The street they were on were full of armored vehicles waiting for the order to assault the Royal Palace. Mortar teams fired from the street bombarding the defenders in the Palace’s courtyard.

Until the buildings ahead of them are cleared of any ambushers, they were to wait. Heavy anti-air batteries kept any Imperial helicopters or aircraft from getting close and Command wanted the Palace, not a pile of rubble.

In front of the courtyard were several Imperial armored vehicles from a vanguard that fell to the heavy armored and ATGM presence at the palace.

“Yeah but you remember the oath before we shipped off right? Keep fighting until the flag rises on top of the Palace?” Max asked his friend.

“Or we can start using white phosphorus rounds and flamethrowers to root out the rats.”

As soon as he said that, a soldier passed by them holding a flamethrower.

“You were saying?” Max smirked. “Besides, the mortars ARE using White phosphorus.”

Max looked to see right to see two familiar TIB agents walking up to them.

“Well, haven’t seen you guys in a week.” Max said. He shook both Vass and Amilia’s hands.

“Remember, Steiner promised us drink when this is all over.” Vass said.

“So what brings you guys here?”

Azarov immediately dropped his smile.

“We have some questions for Lieutenant Colonel Alvarez and Lieutenant Sebastian Veldheer. Are they here?”

Max pointed to down the street.

“You’ll find Alvarez somewhere down there. Veldheer and his Platoon was sent to clear out the buildings up ahead. Come on, I’ll bring you to him.”

Vorenus, Havenstein, Azarov, and Corduroy walked down the street passing many armored vehicles and troops waiting for the order to advance.

“So, what do you need to see them for?” asked Havenstein.

“The Alvarez and the Veldheer families have some bad blood and we’re here to make sure neither do anything.” answered Corduroy.

“Bad blood?” Max asked.

“Back when rich families openly hired thugs to sabotage their competition, the Alvarez family waged a war with the Northwest family. The Veldheer family acting as enforcers and the closest allies to the Northwests, sent hitmen to assassinate two brothers of the Alvarez patriarch. Thus starting a violent feud between the Alvarez and Veldheer families.” Azarov informed them.

“Sounds like a mafia movie.” Havenstein said.

“Tch, those three families were among the families that combated the Commission. The Gambettis, the Pavanos, Messinas, Lupisellas, Falcones, Vincis, Clementes, Salieri, Marcanos, and Ancelottis have been fighting rich and noble families for decades. They’ve done well defending their businesses from so many rich families. Heard Preston’s been talking to Scaletta and Gravelli to try to end this feud. Clearly, some didn’t get the message.” Corduroy said.

“Jesus, how much juice does Old Man Gravelli have left?” Max wondered.

“Plenty, and we better hurry up with this. General Nasution’s getting impatient and wants to storm the palace.” Azarov said.

As they walked, Max froze when he saw something that stopped him cold.

“Lieutenant Maxwell?” Max called out to a Lieutenant in a conversation with the tank commander of a Leopard.

Maxwell hopped off the tank and saluted Max.

“Sir!” He said.

“What are you doing here? Your platoon is suppose to be helping Veldheer’s platoon clearing the buildings up ahead? Where’s De La Hoya and his platoon? He’s suppose to go too.” Max asked.

“Well sir, it was a last second change. Colonel Alvarez sent Veldheer’s platoon alone and ordered us back as a reserve.”

“But Schneider’s, McKinley’s, and Kosov’s platoons are the reserves.”

Maxwell shrugged his shoulders.

“Beats me sir. Colonel Alvarez didn’t tell you guys?”

Havenstein shook his head.

“No, he left us in the dark.”

“Ah shit.” Azarov said. The two TIB Agents went into a full sprint followed by Max and Havenstein.

“Where’s Alvarez? Someone get me Alvarez?” Max yelled drawing attention to many soldiers.

“He’s up ahead sir! Right where the mortars are at!” Another Lieutenant answered.

“This is Bullfrog 1. To anyone that can hear us, stop firing! You’re hitting us with mortars! I’ve got a lot of dead and wounded. For God’s sake, stop shooting!” said a voice in the COMS.

The group ran ahead of the armored column and came upon several mortars raining hell on a nearby location. Among the mortar teams, an old man stood directing the mortar teams.

“Fire! Keep firing! Don’t let up!”

Max angrily came up behind the old man and forceful turned him around.

“You sonuvabitch. WHY DID YOU SEND VELDHEER ALONE!” He screamed at his face.

“Get your hands off me!” Alvarez said. “They can handle themselves.”

“You’re sending them into a death trap.” Azarov said. He pointed to a member of one of the mortar teams. “You! Who are you guys firing at? Considering the angle of the mortars, it’s somewhere nearby.”

A young Oceanian man stepped up.

“Colonel Alvarez ordered us to fire near Bullfrog 1’s position. He said they were in danger of being overrun.”

Corduroy had enough and took out some cuffs. While Max held Alvarez, she came up behind him and cuffed his hands.

“What are you doing?” Alvarez asked. “Do you know who I am?”

“You’re not firing near Bullfrog 1’s position, you ARE firing on their position!” Corduroy addressed the mortar teams.

Many members paled and some muttered prayers.

“Enough of this. 7th Battalion. I want every man upfront!” Max yelled into the COMs. Meanwhile, Corduroy and Azarov took Alvarez and pushed him down to the ground hard where they’ll keep an eye on him.

It didn’t take long for the nearly 1000 strong Battalion to line up in their individual 8 Companies. Max and Havenstein stood in front of the Battalion.

“Roycewicz, West. Take your companies and rescue Veldheer’s Platoon. Clear out the buildings on the left side of the street. Vasquez, Hamada, clear out the right. Vonderhaar and Dewanto, your companies will be held in reserve. Alright, let move go! I want this done yesterday!” Max ordered. He then pointed to a tank commander sitting on top of his Leopard. “De La Cruz, get your tanks ready. Everyone up! We’re taking that palace today!”

De La Cruz looked at confusion at first when Max started ordering everyone up, but then smiled and looked at another tank commander on another Leopard.

“Carius! Get everyone up!”

Max then pointed to an officer among the mortar teams.

“You! Bruchmueller! I want you to mortar the Palace courtyard. I don’t want a single thing alive when we get there!”

Now pumped up, the soldiers eagerly followed their orders, sensing the end of the war nearby.

“Blood in the water! There’s blood in the water! Lets fucking go!” A pumped up Afrikan soldier yelled as he bumped his helmet with another eager Britannican soldier.

Havenstein meanwhile looked at Max amusingly, his head tilted which Max noticed.

“Look Chris, I’m sorry if you had a speech planned but-”

Without warning, Chris grabbed Max in a headlock playfully to which they both started laughing.

“You stealing my thunder Max? Come on man, let me have my fun.”

“Alright alright. Let me go. I’ll shut up next time.”

Havenstein let go of Max as gunfire erupted nearby.

The two waited beside a Nomad patiently as they heard from the COMs the Companies of the 7th Battalion clear the buildings one by one.

“This is Angel 1. Streets have been cleared and we’re holding position at Rally Point Bravo.”

Max and Havenstein got into the Nomad and radioed the column.

“Streets have been cleared. All units advance to Rally Point Bravo!”

The engines of tanks and other armored vehicles roared to life. Coming out of the lead tank which had the words “HULK SMASH” scribbled on the gun barrel, Captain Oscar De La Cruz took out a red battle flag depicting an armored warrior with wings on horseback rearing up for a charge and hanged it from the rear of the turret. The wind picked up allowing the flag to fly.

“1ST CAVALRY WINGED HUSSARS!” He yelled.

“ZABIJ PIERWSZE, OBLICZ PÓŹNIEJ!” The other tank commanders yelled.

“Convoy we are Oscar Mike.” Havenstein said in the COMs.

The armored column rumbled down the street, passing many dead bodies of both Imperial and Royal troops. Some Imperial armored vehicles laid burning after being ambushed, wreckage of helicopters and jets laid on top of buildings or moved to the side of the street after being shot down by the heavy SAM batteries at the palace. From the utility poles they passed were many hanged Royal soldiers who refused to fight any further for the Britannican Emperor.

Up above, missiles launched from SEAD aircraft flew by to hit their targets around the palace. As soon all batteries were down, ground troops can call in helicopter and bomber support to suppress the enemy defenses.

Once they reached the gates of the Royal Palace, Imperial troops from the 7th Battalion were huddled alongside a very familiar unit.

“Holy shit.” Max said. He got out of the Nomad and walked up to a group of troops huddled behind a ruined bus listening to their orders.

“Alli! Zeke!” Max called out.

Captain Nazaire and Lieutenant Okoye looked up and smiled when they saw their friend walking up to them.

“Damn you guys got here before me huh?” He asked as he hugged the two.

“Chibuzo ordered us to help you guys out. We were suppose to help Nasution’s forces but it looks like he got things covered.” Zeke said pointing to the huge fires behind the palace.

“Damn pyromaniac will end up burning down the city at this rate.” Alli said.

“We’re ending it all, here and now.” He peeked to look at the huge open space before the palace where many Royal troops supported by tanks hunkered down. “As soon as we get the order to.”

They waited as mortar shells, artillery shells, and rocket artillery bombarded the defenses. Challengers in hulled down positions were nailed by Maverick and Kedge missiles. Rockets with incendiary and cluster munitions struck to finish off any survivors.

Once the missiles and rockets stopped, Max took a peek but dust and smoke obscured his vision.

“All units advance!”

“We’re Oscar Mike. Lets go, this war ends today!” Max directed, raising a fist into the air.

Troops got out of their positions and advanced towards the palace. De La Cruz’s tank rushed ahead and busted down the gates to the palace. Behind, a photographer captured the exact moment which was shown in history books and documentaries for generations to come. It depicted an officer, later identified as Major Vorenus, ordering troops to advance, nearby a Leopard smashed through the gates with the 1st Cavalry battle flag and on the background, the battered Royal Palace stood after intense bombardment.

Max walked alongside Havenstein behind a Jaguar as some Royal Guardsmen took potshots from the windows and the rooftop of the Palace. A low-flying Flanker buzzed the rooftop receiving some small-arms fire.

“Command this is Mag 1, we have tangos on the rooftops. Permission for a strafing run?”

“Permission granted Mag 1, clear the path for the Sea Wolves.”

Max smiled when he recognized the voice of the pilot.

“This is Dragon 1, we’ve broken through the rear. Army boys, race ya to the top!”

He shook his head when he heard Anwar’s voice over the COMs.

Once they reached the doors, bodies laid everywhere with several of them on the steps to the palace. Blood poured down the stairs in steams and he saw a few right in front of the doors, trying to get back inside.

“Blow those doors open!” Havenstein ordered. Immediately, a 125mm HE shell from a Jaguar blew the barricaded door to pieces, allowing Imperial troops to stream in. They were distracted for a bit when they heard the Flanker strafe the roof.

Knowing what’s inside, Max decided to switch to an open frequency so everyone even the defenders inside can hear him.

“Brothers and Sisters of the Empire, the Royal Honor Guards await you ready to fight to the last man inside this godforsaken palace. If they want to meet God so badly, then we shall have the honor to help them meet their maker! Kill them all, and wipe this scum off the face of Terra!”

Max was met with Uras in the COMs making him smile.

Havenstein patted Max’s shoulder and smiled.

“So...shall we?”

Max chuckled.

“After you.”

Inside, bodies of Royal Honor Guards laid everywhere, many of them had bandages all over their bodies. Flags of the Britannican Empire were all either burned, bullet ridden, or torn to pieces.

“Jesus, can’t imagine this happening to Agatha.” Chris said.

“You really had to put that image in my mind huh?” Max said with disapproval.

“Sorry ‘bout that. Didn’t really mean to.”

The two continued to go through the palace as Imperial troops cleared rooms one by one ahead of them. Most Royal Guards fell to the veteran troops of both the Imperial Army and Imperial Marines. They past some rooms where Royal Guards and the Emperor’s ministers chose suicide over capture.

Finally they came upon a staircase which led them to the roof where Sea Wolves and Marines stood waiting.

“Took you Army boys long enough!” One of the Marines said while the others laughed. Some of the Army troops started joking around, hugging their brothers from the Marines and the Sea Wolves.

Max smiled at the sight.

“Well you’re in one piece.”

He turned to see Lieutenant Commander Jisaburo Miyagi smiling after checking some bodies of Royal Guards. They shook hands and embraced each other.

“Never got to say thanks for helping us back there.” Max said referring to No Man’s Land.

“Ay don’t mention it. Anwar’s somewhere around here, taking a piss. You got a flag we can use?” Miyagi asked in which Max shook in return.

“Speaking of the devil.” Max said noticing a familiar Marine walking up to them.

“I haven’t pissed for a while and I feel fucking good.” Lieutenant Marcus Anwar said hugging his childhood friend.

“Good to see you again Marcus.”

“Heh, you know Steiner owes us drinks right? Oh and by the way, slow as always.” Marcus smiled referring to how the Army was the last to make it to the rooftop.

“Shut up.” Max responded giving Marcus a light punch.

“Make way lads make way! We can finally start celebrations!”

They turned to see Okoye making his way through the crowds holding a flag of the Empire.

Max nodded and then pointed to the still flying Britannican flag still flying on a flagpole on the edge of the rooftop.

“Someone tear that trash down.” Max ordered.

Immediately, a Marine and a Sea Wolf ran up to the flag and brought down the flag. Okoye came up behind them and the three helped raise the Imperial flag above the palace.

Right on cue, Uras rang out throughout the city as word quickly spread of the Palace’s capture.

Max stared at the flag flying in the wind with a smile, a tear rolled down his cheek as he remembered the men and women under him that fell. His thoughts were interrupted by a soldier.

“Sir!” The Semitic soldier saluted. “You really need to see this.”

Moments Later

“After all this, now he wants fucking mercy?” Max muttered.

He was accompanied by Miyagi, Nazaire, Okoye, Anwar, Havenstein, and a mixed group of Marines, Army, and Sea Wolves as they came upon the Emperor’s studies.

On a chair behind a mahogany desk, sat a bald, portly man drinking a glass of wine wearing a black suit. Two Imperial soldiers stood on either side of him aiming their weapons at him at all times.

The man noticed the party before him and stood up with a smug smile on his face.

“Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?”

Max stepped up right in front of the desk.

“Major Maximilian Vorenus, 7th Battalion 1st Infantry Division. Emperor Edward York III correct?”

“Ah, a fellow royal. It’s a pleasure to meet you Major Vorenus.” York said. “Drink?” He asked offering a cup of wine.

Max shook his head.

“I don’t drink. So what do you want? I can tell you want something.” He said crossing his arms across his chest.

York thought for a second before coming up with a smile.

“Well, considering you Imps hold all the cards, I’ll surrender unconditionally. Wanted to see your father anyways. Heard he’s a nice man.”

The Major bowed his head, his breaths becoming heavy.

“Now you surrender, after you’ve lost everyone and killing many of ours?”

York, not sensing the hostilities, shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, they are just soldiers. As a Prince, I believe you should know that.”

Before he could react, Max reached over and threw the Emperor over the desk and onto the floor.

“Fuck you!” He punched the Emperor’s face repeatedly. “You. Fucking. Asshole. We. All. Lost. Friends. Because. Of. You!”

Max only stopped when Havenstein and Miyagi pulled him back away from the now bleeding Emperor groaning in pain. The Prince shook them off.

“Someone find a fucking rope!” He ordered as a soldier ran off. “And bring this piece of shit to the roof!”

Two Sea Wolves helped the Emperor up before they started dragging him. The group followed with Max leading the entourage.

At the roof where the Imperial flag flew, the soldiers that waited there saw the captured Emperor York and started jeering at him. A few took the opportunity to punch him and spit on him.

They brought him to the edge where everyone from the courtyard could see. Instantly, shouts filled the air as soldiers called for the Emperor’s blood. Max could see Field Marshal Brusilov watching while stepping out of a Nomad.

“P-please. I surrendered!” York pleaded.

The soldier earlier came back with rope, much to everyone’s pleasure. Miyagi tied the rope to a stone column while Anwar created a noose around York’s neck.

During all this, Max stood in front of York with an intense glare at the fat man’s bloodied face.

“This is for A Company.” Max said.

Max and Havenstein carried the overweight man to the ledge where he stood in front of the sea of soldiers.

“Please. Please spare me. Your father would want me alive!” York made a final plea.

They were silent as Max stood alone in front of the Emperor, the others giving them space.

“Fuck what my dad wants. This is for all the people you killed you fat shit.” Max seethed.

He pushed the Emperor over the edge. The fat man screamed as he fell, which was only silent as the rope snapped his neck.

Roars of approval filled the air while Max put a foot on the ledge, watching the celebrating troops.

Another war photographer snapped an iconic picture, showing the hanged Emperor Edward York III while directly on top of him, the triumphant Prince Maximilian Vorenus VII stood.

Max then had a weird feeling in his body, one he never had before.

He smiled. For once, he felt really good killing someone.

Author's Note

Finished this feeling like hammered shit. I think I should check with a doctor soon.

Yes gonna go back and forth between the flashbacks and the main story. Really do enjoy doing this.

Always remember, I write this for fun.

If there are any mistakes, especially if actual members of a military notice any mistakes, please let me know and correct me so I can do what I can to change it.

Oh and to the people who noticed, yes, I just did it