Soldiers of a Neverending War (Closed: Graphic Content)

[Kahanistan]

Western Milograd, near Argyz

"Raven and Hawk Wings, this is Bright Angel. Friendly units are moving to suppress hostile air defences. Give them a hand."

With that order, General Sklenova and her air wing of twenty MiG-29's took an intercept course for the Skyan air defence suppression units. Behind her, Hawk Wing and its 120 MAF-34's provided cover while Raven Wing launched its attack.

"Targeting air defence artillery. Set fire to the rain."

From each MiG, two AGM-99K HARMs, Mach 6.5 anti-radiation missiles capable of outrunning most CIWS systems, rocketed toward their targets, Kraven air defence radars feeding information to the artillery pieces in the area. While the Reich undoubtedly had many spare radars, the time it would take to move one to the combat zone would hopefully buy the allied infantry some time.

"Hawk Wing, cover the Skyan aircraft. We're in this together. Engage enemy fighters. We're taking fire."

[Havensky]

1900 Hours Gholgoth Time
Mt. Silver, Milograd
Gholgoth

The four helijets swung around the one of the peaks and came into view of Tycho Onyx where they were immediately met with a steady stream of machine gun fire.

Tycho Onyx was holding the chain gun taken from the wreck of the VTOL craft and was firing indiscriminately at the Skyan helijets that had arrived to rescue him.

Ariana Chispa swung the craft wildly to avoid the machine gun fire - causing Gavin, Hurk and the rest of Heartbreak squadron to grab hold of the railings.

"What the fucking fuck!? He's shooting at us!"

Gavin spoke up, "He doesn't realize it's us! Set us down somewhere safe and we'll walk. No sense in exposing the craft."

Gavin clicked his communicator Heartbreak 2-1, 3-1 - Drop your squads off at the designated locations and protect the exits. Heartbreak 1-1 and 1-4 going in.

Chispa landed the craft around the corner from where Tycho was firing from. Heartbreak 4-1's helijet landed just behind them. Legionnaires poured out of the craft and stacked against the cold grey rocks.

Gavin clicked his communicator, Remember - this is a rescue mission. Try not to get him killed.

Gavin gave another click and this time his voice was amplified.

"Tycho? Tycho it's Gavin.. Stop firing - we're here to take you home."

And then there was silence. He could hear the chain gun being set on the ground. Gavin breathed a sigh of relief and turned the corner.

There was Tycho... his Kravinite mask had been removed, but still in his Capitol Police uniform. However, his eyes were still filled with rage and his hands far from empty. Tycho had set down the chain gun to pick up a grenade launcher which he promptly fired at Gavin.

LIAR!!!!!!, screamed Tycho as he fired the launcher again and again.

Gavin quickly took cover shouting GRENADE!. His team hit the ground and brought their shields up.

BOOM-BOOM!...BOOM!...BA-BOOM!

Multiple grenades went off only interrupted by the sound of Tycho reloading his weapon. Before he could finish Gavin and Hurk rushed out behind and flew at Tycho.

Tycho stopped reloaded to look up and quickly dropped his weapons and picked up his sword instead. Gavin reached Tycho first and brought his sword against Tycho's and for a moment their eyes locked.

Come to finish the job Gavin?

Tycho! Stand down! I'm here to help you!

skkkkkzzzzzzzt!, the swords separated and Gavin and Tycho began to clash... Hurk moving around the pair as they danced blocking Tycho's access to the weapons pile he had built up. Behind Hurk, the two Kraven VTOL craft still burned.

Tycho, rage dripping from his lips, spoke to Gavin with deadly calm, You left me to die! You picked that blonde bimbo over me! Your brother!

clink - clink - DING

Gavin shot back, I tried to save you! I tried to save everyone! Kraven's the one who attacked us! Kraven's the one who killed Rico! Kraven's the one at fault

Tycho backed away as if he had just become lightheaded and the conflict was clear on his face. Suddenly, Tycho's eyes raged again and he dropped his sword and before Gavin could react drew out his flamethrower that had been holstered on his back and fired.

The flames hit Gavin's shield large and powerful rendering Gavin unable to see what happened next.

Tycho shouted, EVERYONE WILL BURN! EVERYONE WILL BURN AND I WILL BE LEFT ALONE! NO MORE OF THIS! DO YOU HEAR ME NO MORE OF-

Suddenly, the massive frame of Hurk Turbek hit Tycho bringing him to the ground and knocking the flamethrower from his hands. Hurk's massive arms wringing their way around Tycho, trying to subdue him.

STOP! Please!, Hurk shouted at Tycho struggling to restrain him.

Tycho laughed.

You stupid sack of meat! Can't you see I'm a monster now? Monsters don't answer to please!

Tycho screamed in pain and then aggression as long claw-like appendages shot out of his forearms and into Hurk's armor. Hurk shouted in pain as one of the blades pierced the softer area under his arm. Hurk recoiled and Tycho threw him off. He raised his arms back for the killing blow.

HURK!, Gavin threw himself between Hurk and Tycho - his shield raised just as the Tycho's claws came down causing the metal blades to bounce hard off the shield. Enraged, Tycho lunged.

clink clink - skkkrrzzzt - clang - clink clink

You are not a monster Tycho.

Tycho backed away, his head shaking.

Get out of my head!

He lunged again at Gavin, who was now struggling to keep up with the blows from Tycho's two blades.

whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii......BOOM

Both Tycho, Gavin, and several other Heartbreak squad members fell to the ground as several Kraven artillery shells impacted.

Stop this Tycho.. Come with us and live.

Tycho picked himself up. He glared at Gavin who had also gotten up.

You don't understand.. JUST DIE AND LEAVE ME BE!

Gavin raised his shield in time to receive yet another blow. Artillery shells falling all around them. The radio his his ear chattering.

Heartbreak squads, this is Chispa.. too much artillery.. make your way to evac points...

Tycho swung wildly at Gavin hitting shield and blade.

You need to forget Tycho... if you can't forgive then you must forget.

NO!! NOOOOOO!!!!

Tycho's claw hit Gavin's sword out of his hands leaving Gavin with only a shield.

FORGET TYCHO!

Tycho stumbled as the voice in his head grew stronger... a familiar voice... Jessica's voice.

BOOM!.... BA-BOOM!

Inside his head, Tycho became unsure of what he was doing. Who he was.

I... will not... let ... you .. controooll...

This was the moment that Gavin swung his shield with all his strength knocking Tycho to the ground.

FORGET TYCHO! FORGET FORGET FORGET!

And with that, Tycho strength failed him and his mind went dark.

Gavin, short of breath, clicked his communicator. Control, Heartbreak 1-1 -- We have the torch... I repeat... we have the torch.

Gavin dropped his shield and picked up the body of Tycho Onyx. Behind him, Ariana Chispa landed the helijet and the rest of Heartbreak squadron boarded. The helijet lifted off and headed to safety.

[Jagada]

Fejes Military Complex,
Somewhere in Central Jagada,

Doctor Abram walked amongst the cell-blocks eyeing each of the patients from the safety provided by the bullet-proof reinforced glass that kept each of them in their cells. Many of them simply stared dead eyed out into the space with their mouths lulled open and drool spilling down the side of their face and down their necks as their minds visited only places they could imagine. Each of them had been injected with numerous drugs ranging from heroine to more darker things such as nuclos, a newly arrived drug within Jagada from presumably Vetalia -- at least that's what the reports had said. With drug use it was hard to determine precisely where it ever starts from or at what exact point it arrived in a new location. It was far more difficult to track than diseases.

The Matriarchy of Jagada had no drug laws, it had no laws preventing use, production, or recreational use. In fact Jagada had very few laws on anything and that was the point of it, a point Abram had learned a long time ago when he was first recruited to this project. The only things illegal was unconsented murder, rape, defilement and that like. The religious dogmas of the past had been abandoned but even then not totally. Religious sacrifice was widely permitted and used by the most obscure cults to worship whatever gods they desired or believed in. After all that Abram had seen in the last six years of working on this project he didn't believe in gods anymore. Humanity was nothing more than a resource, no different than nickel or oil, and it was meant to be used up all the same. It was likely that had the military not approached him he would have likely be a sympathizer of some mad dictator and used in one of their nefarious plots for world domination.

Freedom was never free, Abram often said with more than a little malice in his voice. People were too easily manipulated, too easily imposed upon when they thought they were free. This was the promise of Jagada -- come here and do whatever you like to whoever will let you do it to them. Murder, maim, kill, mutilate, and manipulate at will. Indulge in every vice that you can afford! Let the pleasure never end, let the base never die!

'...So that you do not even realize you live in hell,' he mused as he passed by another cell where the patient lay still and obviously dead, 'Remove this one and bring another.'

Orderlies that had remained in the dim-light behind him rushed forward and pressed the code to enter the cell before dragging the corpse out destined to the incinerator.

He continued down the hallways until he heard the steady drum of a very powerful bass playing just behind the locked metal doors ahead of him. He swiped his card and the door unlocked, the guard next to it gave him a nod. Abram ignored him, the guards in this facility weren't normal men anymore they were in fact the first subjects of Project Revel and they had been failures in their own right. The human mind was extremely resistant and once enough stimulation was given to them they seemed to almost revert back into an emotionless state where they could not feel anything and thus they lived their lives in a grey hell where every waking moment seemed more pointless than the next. Suicide rates were extremely high and the base had to maintain a small contingent of elite special forces to direct all of the mindless guards and to keep any potential revolts from breaking out.

As he passed through the door the walls vibrated with more than a little intensity but luckily they had been built to exacting specifications which kept all noise and vibration contained within the cells and the chamber itself. He walked in front of the first cell where the person within was attempting to scream in pain as blood trickled down from his eyes. Abram looked over his chart and saw that he had been pumped full of narcotics and stimulants to increase the pain itself and noted with a little disappointment that the subject was only given a few more days of to live before his ears ruptured. A deaf subject was about as useful as a dead, so he would be incinerated as if he were a corpse. Abram looked up, startled, as the man slammed himself against the unbreakable glass and beat against it with bloody hands. New blood stains would join the old brown smears as the man no doubt begged for his life.

The experiments within the Fejes Facility were horrific and it was exactly for that reason that the base was so heavily guarded by the most indoctrinated troops amongst the military. The base was officially little more than a glorified supply depot with a small research facility meant to improve upon the ammunition used by the common soldier. The citizenry would have questioned that assertion if they ever saw it, even from a distance. For a glorified supply base the massive titanium reinforced concrete-walls with numerous guard towers and brigade's worth of elite special forces guarding it (not counting the thousands of grey hell guards) would raise some eyebrows. Of coarse most of Jagada was decadent seeking the pleasures of life, business, and faith and truly believed they were the freest people in the world. The government was non-existent in most cases and only imposed nominal control over the populace, unless it wanted something. At which point it always got it and those who questioned it found themselves subjects in experiments like Abram's.

The doctor left the slowly deafening man to his fate, and could almost hear the speakers increase their pitch by just a notch. This portion of the research building was used to see how much noise a normal man could endure. Which frequencies induced pleasure, pain, rage, despair and how much one mind could endure. Abram arrived, finally, at the end of the chamber and left without looking back as the lives of dozens of men, women, and children were slowly drowned out by the ambition of revenge.

Nearly an hour later after passing through the maze of the facility he arrived at the section he eager to finally see. It had been a new branch and replaced the hyper-stimulant branch of research which had reached it final conclusion a few months ago when the stimulants he had concocted, along with his colleagues, became too potent and those injected with them often died within a minute or less. It had been turned over to study the technology of the Reich, and Abram was certain that Kraven held the last piece of the puzzle he needed.

He walked amongst the large chambers where people were committing acts of filthy defilement on each other. The Reich's technology was focused around mind control for the Capitol Police as the Relay was used to given instruction, coordinate offensives, and increase the mental capacity of the stormtroopers themselves. It was a known weakness of Kraven too -- for if you could take out that relay then the Troopers were little more than brain-dead children who would stand there and let you gun them down. The equipment stolen by Jagite forces in Milograd had been delivered some time ago and Abram and his team had dissected it and reverse engineered most of it. A Jagite Relay was experimented upon but soon abandoned when they realized they only contained a small piece of the technology needed -- Abram had placed a request in with Central Command that teams attempt to capture a relay station. They had turned upon the helmets and attempted to see the electrical impulses used to stimulate certain parts of the brain, it had yielded only a little. Again Abram had cursed that he held but a piece of the puzzle. It was when he stood over the dead form of a Trooper that he knew he had something to work with. That Trooper had endured days of being cut apart (had he been alive of coarse), and his corpse literally disassembled like one would a machine-gun.

Every piece of DNA was observed, recorded, and logged. Every chemical found within the body was documented and reverse engineered if it was artificial. The brain was flayed piece by tiny piece as the scientists studied everything the enemy could offer. By the end of the first four weeks Abram had barley slept and his colleagues were weak and tired from the triple shifts they had pulled. The body was kept on ice and preserved the best they could but it had begun to slowly rot -- but even that was apart of the study. They had volumes of information that Jagada didn't have before and they had only begun to understand the intricate, yet brutally simplistic manner in which Capitol Police were made.

At the end of those four weeks, Abram had decided that he had enough to complete the rest of Project Revel. Jagada could not hope to replicate the Capitol Police and thus use the Reich's own greatest weapon against it. For economic reasons it was simply too expensive for a tax-free nation like Jagada, for social reasons seeing super soldiers walking down the streets of Svedal would spark a revolution because even debauched as they were the Jagites would never accept that. No, Abram had a different plan in mind. If the Matriarchy could not replicate the stormtroopers they would counter them. He would forge the counter-weapon to Kraven. Where Kraven was perfect order, he would be the father of disorder, of disharmony and madness.

And so Project Revel would enter the next step ...

[Dephire]

Southern 'Fault' - Milograd
14 hours after the God Slayers' strike

The land was turned into pleasant chaos and turmoil when the heavy boots pounded the soil. More than two hundred thousand Dephirian soldiers had landed in Milograd, by boat or air, and they marched in a deafening unifying beat as they moved through the lands they were sent to protect. Protect. The word seemed almost hypocritical as the God Slayers had broken apart a section of the nation. It would be ludicrous to think any sane person of Milograd would even seek protection by the World-breakers. As the red-eyed Hell Knights marched on, the only true feeling the people they came across was fear in its purest form. The resemblance was uncanny to the Kraven Capitol Police to the north, but the Hell Knights would not allow such mistakes be made when people questioned their identity. It was not until the people saw the other soldiers mixed in that they knew the new player on the field was Dephire.

It had been an awkward plan from the beginning, but Wilhelm knew what his orders were. "You, Wilhelm, will create a barrier between the two clashing Titans. Take the land and ensure we have a strong foothold in Milograd. Once that is complete, head south to Jagada territory. You will turn yourself in and seek their judgment upon you. Do you understand, Wilhelm?" He remembered Tristan's voice was one of mercy and compassion. Compassion. It was something Wilhelm had been devoid of since his meddling with the dark art. They had attempted to rebuild the ancient ancient array of towers that would have given them complete control over all people of Dephire. In this, they integrated Wilhelm into the array by adding cybernetics. However, the array took control of him and he could only take orders from the Dark One. Tristan shattered his connection, and saved his soul. Wilhelm was free to think for himself now, but he could not escape from the atrocities he committed.

Thousands of Dephirian soldiers poured into Milograd by the hour. Wilhelm felt his task was complete and made his way south. A small battalion of Templar and Briskan soldiers escorted him, while he was chained by the wrists. His struggle with existence itself would finally come to an end when they finally reach the border. He smiled to himself knowing that he will finally be at rest.

[Kahanistan]

Western Milograd, 10 km south of Argyz

Brigadier General Hussein al-Kaber now had about half his brigade strength with him, in a hastily established forward operating base from where he could command his troops. He had no idea how many more would arrive but still had most of the light artillery and armoured vehicles. With the losses from planes full of Esh Dumanit exploding and spreading toxic gas capable of corroding chemical warfare suits in high concentrations and starting fires that could not be put out with water, at least not without spreading more toxic hydrofluoric acid gas into the area, casualties nearly exceeded those caused by Kraven troops.

To make matters even worse, the general now had hundreds of Milogradian refugees approaching his FOB, some with wild tales of being treated by Kraven troops. He was immediately suspicious, fearing they had been infected with some deadly pathogen concocted in the Reich's abominable laboratories to spread among the Kahanistanian soldiers and their allies, or implanted with Kraven mind control gizmos like the one General Sklenova had mentioned that Lady Jessica had. He immediately ordered medical staff to examine the refugees before asking them to volunteer to take up arms alongside the KDF to retake Argyz, or to board the remaining strategic lifters once they were cleaned of toxic gas and any damage to the exterior was repaired, to be taken to a Skyan Humanitarian Airship.

Supplies had to be dropped by air, and the amount needed was far beyond what had been anticipated. The 300 KDF planes had only brought enough supplies to sustain an operation 48 hours long, to what had been anticipated would be arriving in time to simply repel Kraven forces from Havensky, but now were dependent on their Skyan allies for supplies - food, fuel, ammunition, and especially medical supplies to airdrop to the ground troops and whatever refugees approached the FOB.

The base lacked showers or running water, which would have been ruined by the continent-splitting godrod attack causing mad seismic events if they hadn't been destroyed by Kraven forces. Therefore, to prevent the spread of disease in the base refugees were required to wash themselves with a half-metre by half-metre cloth coated in alcohol gel for that purpose issued by the KDF for personal hygiene in the field, and to scrub their scalps and hair with deep cleaning louse-killing shampoo specially formulated by Nephilim Pharmaceutical in Eastport, Kahanistan, for use in refugee camps with a huge grant for that purpose from the Kahanistanian government. It was surprisingly effective at curbing the spread of disease. The medical exams, while often being under pressure from the enemy to clear almost anyone with a pulse who felt well enough and wanted to, to pick up a standard KDF issue K-3 Ghazi assault rifle and help take back their capital, also noticed suspicious scars on many refugees' chests and abdomens that they seemed unable or unwilling to explain to Kahanistanian medical personnel, claiming to know nothing of how they got them.

Lieutenant Safiyya Bashir was the nurse in charge of inspecting and clearing the patients. After the tenth patient to tell her insistently that he had no idea how he got the inexplicable scar on his abdomen, she got suspicious enough to call her superior, Lieutenant Colonel Ali al-Qassam, the battalion surgeon.

"These patients have weird scars they can't explain... or won't. And they say they were dropped here by Kraven forces evacuating us. What did they say about Greeks bearing gifts again? Doesn't that raise some suspicion?" she asked.

"Indeed it does. If we were home, or even aboard a KDF hospital ship, we could just do an X-ray and see if there's anything abnormal in there. Only thing we can do for them here is to call in a Skyan hospital ship and see if they can find anything wrong with these people. I don't want to see these volunteer troops turn out to have a relay tell them to shoot us in the back. General Kader's worried about disease spreading, and we're all wearing full chemical warfare suits in a mobile field hospital to prevent it. Who knows what Kraven is capable of?"

Qassam turned to the MFH's radio. "KDF FOB Medical Unit to Skyan hospital ships in the area, do you copy? We're receiving loads of refugees, and a lot of them have these suspicious scars that they can't or won't explain to medical personnel, all our inquiries are met with professions of ignorance. We advise strong suspicion of some type of Kraven device, and initiate high-level biological and chemical warfare alerts as a precaution. We request helijet evac for the refugees and advise close monitoring aboard hospital ships. By the way, we're also running dangerously low on medical supplies, and can tremendously use any you can spare us. We especially need sterile dressings and disinfectants for treating wounds and some kind of filter for whatever water we can dig up. We're resorting to digging a well but we don't know how god-awful polluted it'll be after Kraven's been running amok here."

[Havensky]

HRA Zatarra
Somewhere north of Milograd
Gholgoth

Beep... Beep... Beep... Beep..

A man with silver hair and silver arms opened his pale blue eyes and looked out onto the world as if it were the very first time.

Beep... Beep... Beep... Beep..

His hand went instantly to his forehead which at this moment pounded with pain... as if something had been ripped from his skull.

"Oww, my head..."

I see you're awake.

The silver haired man sat up in his hospital bed and looked out across the room. There sat an older man with a bald head and thick white beard. He was wearing a priest's black frock and had thin wire-rimmed spectacles. Next to his was a man of about the same age wearing a doctor's uniform.

The preacher man spoke first, "Hello. My name is Father Windwalker. And this is Dr. Guaritore. Do you remember your name?"

The silver hair man opened his mouth to speak his name, but no words came out. A fearful look crossed his faced as he realized he couldn't remember his name. Or much of anything for that matter.

The priest seemed to detect his panic.

No need to worry, we thought you might not. For the record, you're name is Tycho Onyx and you are onboard the Havensky Republican Airship Zatarra. Do you understand?

Tycho looked around the room. He was in a small cabin with a single window overlooking a cloudy sky. His bed was larger than what he thought a hospital bed should be. Both men looked at him with concern. The name sounded... right... but he couldn't think of anything else. Nothing was coming to him. It was frustrating.

"Why can't I remember? Everything seems like a huge... blank?"

The doctor spoke this time, "You've had your memories taken from you temporarily. In a few days, your memory should be fully recovered."

In reality, nobody really knew if Tycho would regain his memory. Lady Jessica Heart had instructed Tycho to forget during his last battle and he had indeed forgotten. Given the contents of his lost memory, this may have been a strong blessing.

How do you feel?, the doctor asked.

Tycho moved his fingers... they still worked.

"Cold. And sore, and my head is killing me... But other than that I feel ok I guess."

Father Windwalker smiled, "Well, it's always cold on the airship so that's a good sign." The priest smiled before continuing, "That being said, I do have some news for you that will disturb you. For the past few weeks you have been possessed by a demon.

Tycho looked at the priest as if he was crazy. "A demon? I thought... or did I think that was a myth? Honestly, I can't really remember if I was that religious... No offense."

The priest smiled kindly, "Well, nobody perfect. But in all seriousness, you were possessed by something. I am calling it a demon, though the doctor here may call it something different. In time, you will hear the voice of this demon and it's my job to help you fight it."

Tycho shook his head, "I'm sorry preacher man - but you're crazy! I can't believe this demon crap. What kind of crap are you trying to pull?"

The priest looked more seriously at Tycho. "You may not believe me now. But in time you are going to remember doing terrible things. And when that time comes, I will be here to help you. Nothing that you may hear or see or feel is your fault Tycho."

I don't understand!?

You will soon my son, you will soon.

* * * * *

Refugee Sanctuary
Ganos Lao, Gholgoth

Ground Control, this is the Havensky Republican Airship Rising Hope of the Humanitarian Airship Fleet requesting permission to land for all 16 vessels and to disembark 2,232 refugees.

Acknowledged, permission granted. Please instruct your pilots to take instructions from the tower. Welcome to Ganos Lao.

Good copy, pilots will take orders from the tower.

The whale shaped airships of the Humanitarian Airship Fleet descended on the airfield and gently touched down. Thier engines slowed from a powerful roar to a quiet whisper. A metal clank sounded and the cargo doors of each airship opened up filling the vessels with the cold gothic wind.

Several Skyan officers, escorted by Legionnaires, walked off the ramp first and greeted the officials from Ganos Lao. After that, the lead Skyan officer waves and humanitarian aid workers began to bring the first batch of refugees off the airship.

Each refugee was given a single set of documents proclaiming their status as Skyan Citizen Ex Nihilo and granting them permission to come to Havensky or any one of it's colonies at will. It granted them the proper paperwork to establish their identities as in the chaos of the evacuation they weren't likely to have birth certificates or identification cards.

The point was that the people were safe. They would not be forced to becoming Kraven Birthing Vectors or salves or executed by fire. They would live, and that's what was important.

* * * *

HRA Zatarra
Somewhere north of Milograd
Gholgoth

So, I'm a warrior? I don't... I don't really remember being trained or anything.. Hell, if I'm supposed to be this bad ass shouldn't I remember being a bad ass?

Nonchalantly, the priest picked up his walking stick and swung it at Tycho's head. Tycho's claws instinctively shot at and swung at the cane cutting it clean in two.

Tycho's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. He was equally surprised at his instinctive reaction as he was that a long sharp knife had emerged from his forearm.

What the fuck is this? How the hell did I do that?

The priest ignored his foul language, Your home country trained you to protect them. In doing that you were captured by the demons who put the knives in your arms. We can remove them from your body.

Tycho just stared at the long claws extending from his forearms. His skin still hurting from where they had escaped his skin. He recalled something in that moment. A fight.. and him driving these claws into another human being.

Father, what else did the demons do to me?

* * * * *

East of Aygrz, Milograd

Red 3! Break left!

Copy that Control!

The pilot kicked in the afterburners on his Accipiter fighter and rolled into a deep bank as the flak cannon blasted the airspace he had occupied just moments ago. He pulled the fighter back on course as the computers picked up on the artillery piece down below.

beep...beep..beep..beep.beep.beeeeeeeeeep

As the Accipiter's systems got a lock the pilot moved his thumb to the pickle and hit it sending two heavy air-to-ground missiles barreling down towards the large artillery weapon. The two missiles hit causing a loud explosion that the pilot swore he could hear from the cockpit. He quickly hit the afterburners again sending the fighter into a tight 180 degree loop so he could head back the opposite direction.

Control, Red 3 - Can somebody get that flak cannon off me?

Red 3, Raven 9 : Stand by for counter-attack!

Just ahead a pair of Kahanistani MiG-29's circled down in a corkscrew and sent a flurry of missiles against the flak cannon.

Red 3 preformed a barrel roll as the flak cannon exploded beneath.

Thanks a bunch Raven 9, I owe you a beer back at base.

All squadrons, this is Control. That's the last of them. Return to base at all possible speed.

Aboard the Strategos, Admiral Titan looked at the data from the battle. They had done well and eliminated the artillery menace, but they had lost a number amount of fighters in the process. Worse, Titan hadn't been able to detect that the air defenses were using a remote radar far off from Argyz.

"Commander, has the 7th completed it's current run?"

"Yes Admiral, they are returning now."

"Good, give them new orders. I want them to split up. Have them scout out those radar vessels that keep pinging our air assets. If we can hit those, we'll be clear to hit that rail artillery that's giving Jagada a hard time."

At once sir."

* * * * *

HRA Zatarra
Somewhere north of Milograd
Gholgoth

"Who are you?", asked Tycho. A dark skinned woman with ridiculously curly hair had walked in the room wearing what looked to him like oversized googles.

The girl gave him a disappointed look and a deep sigh. She shook her head and took out a toolkit.

"The doctors told me you didn't remember anything, but I'd hope you'd remember anyway."

Tycho looked puzzled, "I know you?"

She didn't look back at him as she dug through her toolkit.

"My name is Regina Raven, but you used to call me Glitch. You gave me the nickname and now everyone calls me that. Now, show me your arms."

Tycho reached out his arms as Glitch examined them.

"What are you? A doctor?"

"Nope, glorified mechanic. These arms? Mechanical. That means me."

"Wait... I named you Glitch... should I be worried?"

Glitch ignored him and pressed a section of his arms and the knives shot out of his arms.

"OW! Watch it!

Sorry, not used to having the robotics talk back. Now, hold still so I can get these damned things off you.

Glitch continued to work to get the knives off his forearms. She then examined each of his robotic implants. The doctors had told him parts of his arms, legs, and his entire skeleton had been replaced by the Kraven demons.

Alright Tycho.. I'm happy to report that you're a bad ass. Your bones are solid titanium and your arms and legs have been given additional strength. Which is fantastic and all until you break it so watch it!

So... I really am a walking weapon aren't I?

* * * * *

HRA Belmont
On duty transporting refugees
Gholgoth

I don't feel good..

Lizzie Sheffield, a nurse stationed on board the Belmont, smiled at the little boy as he sat in his seat. She assumed the boy had a bit of air sickness. It happened from time to time for first time fliers.

What's wrong little man?, she bent down so that she was eye level with the boy as he set.

My tummy itches..., he lifted up his shirt to show the scar where Kraven had implanted their bomb. The stomach had swelled around the device.

Lizzie gulped and the fear hit her like a brick wall. She smiled, Well, we'll just have to get that looked at won't we? I'll be right back.

Lizzie hurriedly walked down the aisle of the airship and rang the cabin.

* * * * *

HRA Zatarra
Somewhere north of Milograd
Gholgoth

It happened suddenly. Without any warning or any trigger. In one moment, Tycho could not remember anything at all. And the next he remembered. Everything.

Grief, anger, regret, and sorrow filled his entire being. He shook violently as he remembered the atrocities he had committed.

"It's ok Tycho... you were under the demon's control.. You are a good man Tycho.. the fact that you feel so much regret is proof of that."

Tycho screamed in agony, accepting the embrace of Father Windwalker. He started to cry, burying his head into the priest's shoulder. His cries muffled by the humble frame of the holy man.

"God is testing you son... You broke free of the demon's grasp and you've been given every means to fight it. God doesn't expect you to atone of sins that you did not commit under your own volition. But... you must commit to doing the best you can do being the best man you can be. It will be difficult. You have a lot of anger. The demon's voice is still strong. I believe in you, as does God. "

Tycho didn't respond, but just simply sobbed.

* * * * *

Code: Select all

ATTN: ALL ARMADA AND LEGION STAFF
SUBJECT: ALERT

THE HRA BELMONT HAS BEEN DESTROYED. BOMB IMPLANTED IN REFUGEE. CHECK ALL REFUGEES ASAP. TAKE EXTREME CAUTION.

[Kahanistan]

Gholgothic territorial waters, 1,000 kilometres south of the Milogradian coast

A lone aircraft, painted with radar-absorbing stealth material and bearing the markings of Kahanistan National News, flew at high altitude. As it crossed Gothic waters, it lowered its altitude to within 100 metres of the sea to avoid detection by the Gholgothic Regional Defence Network's ship-mounted radars. While if someone looked out a window the plane would be visible if it came too close to the ship, getting a radar lock would be nearly impossible before the plane was out of range. As long as they didn't run into one of the dreaded Mimir class radar ships, which wouldn't be a threat outside areas of Kraven operations, they were more or less safe… until the KNN plane dropped its load of reporters guarded by heavily armed mercenaries. Since the Jagites were considered likely to interfere, the KNN plane headed to western Milograd in the KDF area of operations.

---

KDF base, 10 km south of Argyz

Lt. Colonel Dr. Ali al-Qassam, battalion surgeon for the 3rd battalion of the 331st Paratrooper Brigade, radioed back to the Skyans to ask if they'd gotten the refugees and the warning to check them. "Skyan hospital ships, have you gotten our message? HRA Belmont, please respond. KDF medical command to HRA Belmont, requesting copy. Please respond."

"Shit, no response. We've lost contact with a hospital ship." He switched comm frequencies. "General Sklenova, we've lost contact with the Belmont. Over 200 refugees are on that ship. I warned them that some of the refugees might be carrying something, I don't know what."

"I'm a little busy now," Sklenova replied over the radio. She broke from Raven 9, realised she was at a dangerously low altitude, and evened out, opening up with the MiG's machine guns on a battalion of Capitol Police. Raven 9 headed to base, with the remaining Kahanistanian fighters. "Lost half our MiG's over that flak battery." At the outskirts of Argyz, she pulled up, narrowly avoiding hitting the tallest highrise still standing in the Milogradian capital, and hearing a sickening scrape as her left wing clipped the top of the building. "That was close as fuck. I'll try to contact the Belmont. Switching comms, Bright Angel out." She switched frequencies to contact the Skyan fleet, fearing the worst.

"Bright Angel to Skyan fleet, I've taken damage. Lost half the MiG's, the remainder's returning to base to refuel and rearm. What's the status of HRA Belmont? Damage report? Survivors?"

[Havensky]

Argyz, Milograd

High above Argyz, High Admiral Markus Titan was ignoring a call from High Command to take care of this urgent matter. He was on the mic with General Hussein al-Kaber.

Thank you General, I'm afraid your warning came too late for the Belmont. We already had the refugees on board when the bomb detonated. It must be a very powerful bomb because it blew a ten foot hole in the Belmont's hull. We've sent recovery teams, but I do not expect good news. As for the rest, we're examining every refugee. This is going to slow us down considerably, but it is what it is.

In the meantime, we're deploying a hospital airship to your position to take care of your medical needs. God knows, you've shed enough blood on our behalf this day.

Titan looked out the window to see his fighters returning. They had docked just before the heavy artillery cannon fire had hit the city again leveling whole city blocks.

"Commander, have the pilots refuel and prepare to launch again - this time with additional escorts and loadouts."

"Sir? The flak cannons?!"

"Have now made their locations readily apparent. However, if we don't launch fighters now we risk having them moved again. Launch the missile strike as soon as our fighters appear on radar. I want a full scale volley on those flak cannons. Don't skimp on me commander - I want the BAMs!"

"Yes sir!"

Within the course of a few minutes, more than four dozen aircraft had left the safety of the Skyan Armada and made all possible haste towards the rail mounted artillery now striking at Argyz. They kept low to the ground with their wings barely above the ground. This wasn't just to try and avoid radar - it was to avoid the Skyan missile volley that would surely follow their launch.

A squadron of Skyan Missile Cruisers moved into position and fired their payload. Hundreds of BAM missiles left their tubes powered by rocket engines that burned a bright angry streak across the sky. As they flew overhead the flak cannon positions, the fins on each missile turned and sent the 30,000 pound bomb straight down upon the Kraven position. They were not called "Big Ass Missiles" for nothing.

On the ground, Colonel Bexar had gathered his staff around a small table in what used to be luggage claim.

"Gentleman, I must commend you for your fantastic work. The Reich now considers us their most dangerous enemy in the region."

"Is that why we're getting the big eight ton shells thrown at us?"

The table laughed.

"Well, we've certainly made an impression. Needless to say, I think now that we've gotten their attention I don't think we'll be losing any time soon. Those flyboys upstairs are working on getting that ridiculously sized cannon out of commission, but I'd bet you a week's wages that's not the last move they'll make against the city.

Bexar took a deep breath.

"Men, I don't expect to hold Argyz. If we do our jobs right, we'll have most of the civilians evacuated before they arrive. Now, you know my philosophy. I don't believe in holding shit - I believe in smashing our foes to bits. I need you to draw up plans to leave the city and force Kraven to chase us."

"You mean retreat sir?"

"Damn straight. I'd rather have the Capitol Police chase us all the way up and down the countryside extending their supply lines and leaving them wide open for those flyboys to bomb the living crap out of him then to have us pinned down in a hopeless battle. While they chase us, the White Fleet can continue to evacuate other cities and villages."

"I don't like this sir."

"You don't have to like it. You have to pull it off. Prepare the troops."


OCC:

There is some history of this among Texans. During the Texas Revolutionary War, General Sam Houston used this tactic against Santa Anna's army. Eventually, Santa Anna's army was caught sleeping and the Texan Army hit back and captured Santa Anna winning Texas her independence. I imagine the COL Bexar will take a similar tactic hitting Kraven's forces when he can. The bigger question is - can he avoid an Alamo situation? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_Scrape

[Kahanistan]

The KNN plane began its rough landing at about the same time the Skyan airship landed at the Kahanistanian FOB. Shells landed around the base as dead and wounded soldiers were carried into the hospital airship. As it landed on the beach near Argyz, it kicked up dreadful quantities of sand and muck. Ten journalists with press passes, flak jackets, khaki uniforms that bore little or no resemblance to KDF urban BDU's and wearing large calibre sidearms at their belts, flanked by thirty black-clad mercenaries wearing heavy body armour and carrying K-3 Ghazi 6.8x43mm assault rifles.

The oldest and most senior KNN journalist, a black man in his sixties with a large build, approached General Hussein al-Kaber. "Zephaniah Jackson, head war correspondent for Kahanistan National News." He extended his hand to the general, who accepted and nodded.

"Mr. Jackson, I assume you have been fully briefed," he said. "I have no authority under the Constitution of Kahanistan to interfere with your activities. Free press and all. But the KDF cannot guarantee your safety in this area." General Kaber looked over at the journalist behind Jackson, a tall, attractive redhead with an impressive figure. "I'd hate for her to end up as a birthing vector. I strongly advise against going into Argyz."

The pretty redhead gave the general a look. "Adriana Kimmel, KNN. I know full well the dangers of investigative journalism. I have a good friend in Safe Harbour Psychiatric Centre with robotic limbs and an artificial tongue, courtesy of SAVAK. She got lucky with some colonel who had mad dirt on Shah Khosru III of Parthia and ran it. Do not lecture me on the dangers of my profession. I do not presume to warn you that you might get shot out here. Please extend me the same dignity," she said coldly. SHPC was an ultra-high security psychiatric facility in New Masada, the Kahanistanian capital. Most patients there were the most dangerous mental health cases Kahanistan had.

"My apologies, Miss Kimmel. The Kravenites seem to select the most attractive women as birthing vectors. You would be a prime target."

Kimmel's expression softened at what passed for a compliment. "I am not defenceless. I will put a bullet through my own head before I spawn Capitol Police. I will not be the source of our enemies."

"Good," said General Kaber. "Feel free to explore the FOB... such as it is, interview my troops. You can also talk to the Skyans if you want clearance to board one of their ships. I warn you, they're checking everyone now. Kraven bastards put bombs in refugees and blew up the hospital ship HRA Belmont with some 200 refugees. General Sklenova should be in the area... comm traffic said she'd taken damage to her MiG and she's probably returned to base by now."

Kimmel nodded. "I'll go over to the Skyan hospital ship over there." She walked over to the hospital ship, her press pass prominently displayed. The general turned back to Jackson.

"It has been a pleasure to meet you and your colleague. But I'm busy as you might well imagine. We're getting ready to move into Argyz. I've already requested reinforcements from New Masada. They should be arriving in a few days. In the meantime I need to make sure we're still alive when they get here. This whole operation is a clusterfuck. We came to drive a Kraven attack off from Havensky, so our allies are keeping us supplied until the fleet gets here, but until then we're pretty much just auxillaries to the Skyan force. We hadn't planned on landing in Milograd. I just hope President Delray doesn't desert us. She was never big on military intervention far from home."

[Havensky]

HRA Helping Hand
Kahanistan FOB
Milograd, Gholgoth

The young Kahanistani reporter boarded the onramp to the airship and was greeted by two Skyan Legionnaires.

"Adriana Kimmel, Kahanistan National News - I'd like to take a look around."

The lead officer nodded and spoke politely, "Of course ma'am. If you'll step this way Private First Class Ashley Blacktalon will search you and then give you a tour of the ship. I apologize, but security concerns demand that we search everyone."

The second Legionary waved her over, Just step right here ma'am.. Even with Blacktalon's visor up, it was difficult for Kimmel to tell the Legionary's gender as the power armor obscured it. Blacktalon closed her visor then waved a wand up and down the space just in front of Kimmel's frame. After a few moments, Blacktalon lifted her visor again.

"Ok ma'am, you're all set. If you'll follow me I'll give you a nickel tour."

What if I want to explore the ship on my own? If I recall, Havensky has even looser press rules than Kahanistan does.

Yes ma'am, but we do surgery on this ship and I'm not having you walking into a clean room - press pass or not."

This seemed to be an acceptable answer and Blacktalon led Kimmel through the vessel. The first stop was a room with two row of beds with Skyan, Kahanistani, and Milogradian patients. Medical staff were checking in on the patients who seemed to be recovering well.

"This is the first aid section. Most of the patients here will be good to go in a few hours and we'll have the civilians flown to safer shores."

"So, what made you want to be part of the Skyan Legion?"

Blacktalon shrugged, "I'm afraid of flying."

After a few beats and an awkward look from Kimmel, Blackthorn clarified.

"I was joking. The truth of it is, I want to go into criminal justice and the Legion had better opportunities. All Skyans have to serve at least two years, but we get a choice of branch. After we leave the service, our university education is all paid for by the government."

Blacktalon led her to a smaller hallway with a window into an operating table. The doctors inside where amputating a leg from a small child that had been hit in the aftermath of one of the Kraven shelling.

"Skyan medical officers have been working around the clock taking care of the wounded. Kraven's incessant shelling of the city has caused quite a bit of trouble."

Adriana Kimmel stood by the window looking in.

"So why is Havensky in Milograd? Wasn't Milograd under attack two years ago?" What makes today different?"

Blacktalon nodded, "We get that a lot. Havensky actually goes on humanitarian missions all the time. We were in the Eastern Mediterranean before this. Normally, we're invited to provide aid - usually as part of diplomatic negotiations."

Kimmel pressed her, "But you'd done more than evacuate civilians - you attacked a Kraven Deathship."

Blackthorn shook her head, "Kraven attacked our military academy and kidnapped one of our officers in a failed attempt to capture of Secretary of State. We've been very restrained in our response. We've only hit targets that are related to our hunt for the missing officer or to defend the evacuation."

Kimmel raised her voice, "But why Milograd? They have literally twice as many condemnations as Kraven and their human rights record is worse than Parthia's."

Blacktalon led her to another part of the airship before responding. This was the physical therapy section where several Milogradian children were working with medical staff for their walking exsersies.

"These kids," Blacktalon motioned to the children, "These kids have no idea what you're talking about with the WA and human rights record. We're not born with hate, it's taught. These children will have every chance to live in peace - a peace they've been denied here."

But if you really wanted to save the continent, why not attack Norska? End it once and for all?"

Blacktalon turned to her and looked at her like she was crazy.

"Ma'am, there's a reason why they call it the Fortress Continent. The entire Kraven side of the continent is ringed in a massive defensive wall, each with their own Capitol Police garrisons, there's naval gun emplacements anti aircraft emplacements, and radars. And after that, once you get inside the city - you have the gridiron streets filled with troops. THEN, once you reach the Citadel District, there's another defensive wall with its own emplacements and garrisons, airfields and probably a whole host of nasty surprises. After all that, you have the Citadel itself which is one big fortress of doom. Believe me ma'am, if it were that simple it would have happened long ago. It would take some serious provocation for the Skyan government to even consider going on the offense against Norska."

[Kahanistan]

Adriana nodded. "You're right about the children. I'm sure even the most depraved Scandinvan slaver or Parthian war criminal wasn't born hating our freedoms, like Capitol Police are. By the way, did you find your missing officer?" She walked up to a group of Milogradian children, the oldest a girl about eight, and lowered herself to her knees to put her face at eye level with the child. "I'm Adriana. I'm a journalist from Kahanistan National News." She had no idea if the kid had heard of KNN, or even if she'd heard of Kahanistan, or if she had, what Dh'arconian propaganda said about the country. Dh'arconian Thought was extremely unpopular in Kahanistan and she was sure the average citizen hated the Free Republic, but many seemed willing to put aside their hatred if it saved their asses from a far worse nation right in their region.

The reporter smiled widely and pulled a large bag full of assorted chocolates out of her backpack and handed it to the child, figuring there were enough to go around. "You're going to be on the telly worldwide," she said, extending her hand. "Tell me what happened to your family. How you came to be aboard this ship."

---

KDF FOB, Western Milograd

It was now the Kahanistanian MAB-50 heavy bombers' turn to shine. Escorted by the MAF-34 air superiority fighters, they joined the Skyan air attack on the monstrous cannon that was shelling Argyz. But they had another reason for wanting that gun and any AA protecting it out of the way - two E-10 AWACS kept watch for any more hostiles and once it was out of the way General Kaber planned to drop special forces troopers in other Milogradian cities to help organise resistance and make life more difficult for the Capitol Police Extermination Units.

Equipped with three dozen two-ton laser-guided bombs, a single MAB-50 could heavily damage a city in the wrong hands. In the right hands, however, it could demolish anti-air batteries... or possibly even deathships. That is, if it could get above its target without being shot down. Chaff and flares, while superb protection against heat-seeking or radar-guided missiles, were completely ineffective against big slugs of metal being chucked at them by 140mm rifled ETC flak guns. The only chance they would have would be to hit the afterburners as they approached the target, drop their lethal payloads, then, still engaging the afterburner, do a flip and head in the opposite direction. Sixty of these heavy bombers were sent to lay waste to the Kraven air defences and advancing troops, under fighter cover to protect them against enemy warplanes (or engage TerrorKrieg bombers attacking nearby towns) and many of them carried towed decoys behind them to further reduce losses during the raid.

[Jagada]

Jagite-Briskan Military Border,
The Fault of Milograd

In space satelliates linked up, while on ground thousands strong began to pack near the Liujian River as numerous armor, infantry, and mechanized divisions arrived to no only reinforce the area, but to prepare to participate in operations to cross it and launch a full scale assault on Briskan positions. Literally thousands of artillery pieces, some self-propelled others drawn, stacked up behind the lines and aimed their barrels high. The Templar and Briskan positioned were targeted and with Kraven having switched target to the Skyans there was literally threat of a strike in a sensitive or concentrated area. First Marshall Imrich had been given a portion of the recent Jagite arrives in Milograd as apart of the first reinforcement fleet and he had been given the second highest priority given Briska's second betrayal. The First Marshall had already laid down plans deep beneath his headquarters in Liujian. A concentrated artillery strike across the river, on the sectors around the city of Tsyvibul where the Templars and Briskans were no doubt be positioned would keep their heads down while infantry forces to moved across from the river ports in Liujian to their counterparts in Tsyvibul where the remnants of his vanguard units had been when the Cracking of Milograd occurred, they would defend the city long enough for the reinforcements to cross and prepare for a brutal urban encounter. Further south of the river no less than thirty divisions would take part in a drive north to draw as many Templars forces south as possible. Then, with luck, Imrich planned on launching his master stroke with a massive air strike against Briskan positions around Tsyvibul before using his reserve divisions in a hammer blow that would drive towards the fortress they had taken residence in.

All of that was to never come to pass. Forty-five minutes before the first guns would fire reconnaissance teams reported that a battalion of Templars and Briskans were cautiously approaching Tsyvibul with a man in chains. Imrich sent the information to Central Command and fifteen minutes before the guns would fire they ordered him to stand down and send out a team to parlay with the enemy. Imrich volunteered to lead the team but was immediately denied -- the Briskans couldn't be trusted.

Imrich was forced to give the task to a lowly forward vanguard squad of infantry who came out of cover cautiously and advanced to the outskirts of the city. At the point where the vast, and relatively flat Milograd wastes brushed against the city-scape the two groups met. The Jagites knew that if they were deceived again that they'd likely be dead, so they'd made sure their comrades would get revenge. The squad leader was carrying a highly sensitive locator beacon in his jacket that allowed the rearward artillery positions to lock onto him even more precisely than they already could. If the Briskans betrayed them then at least this battalion of them wasn't going home either.

There was no betrayal. The Briskans did exactly as they promised and the man walked forward slowly, his head lowered.

'I am Wilhelm and I am responsible for the deaths onboard the Forgotten God,' he said quietly, but with a relieved tone, 'And by order of my Emperor Tristan Skragg I surrender myself to your custody and judgement.'

'And it is accepted,' said the squad leader before motioning for his men to move forward and secure the man. The Briskans and Templars simply walked away without a word once the Jagites did the same.

No guns were fired this day and the fragile peace between Dephire and Jagada was maintained. Wilhelm, however, was not to be executed.

'No?' he said suddenly when he was brought before Lord Marshall Imrich, 'Do you mean to torture me?'

Imrich was behind blast-proof reinforced glass. They had put Wilhelm inside of what amounted to an old blast bunker that the Milogradian government might have once used. The Jagites had just taken away the standard glass window and placed a reinforced one. Behind the glass there were two squads of infantry with their guns constantly aimed at him and an automated turret aimed at the large and thick steel door should he somehow manage to break it open. Wilhelm was going no where.

Imrich looked at the man with cold eyes, but he pitied him nonetheless. He had been the instrument of Kraven, had been manipulated into murdering Jagites, Briskans, Milogradians, and the gods know who else. And now he was to be manipulated again.

'We'll get to that part,' he said, 'First, we have some friends in Havensky who would like to meet you.'

----
Kravenic Sea,
North of Milograd

The submarines had done admirably in their attempts to starve the Kravenic heavy artillery emplacements, reducing their ammunition loads and thus turning a steady stream of massive shells into little more than a slow trickle. As predicted the Reich responded heavy handedly as their began to hunt the submarines using sonar buoys and capital ships. It was unfortunate that the first few submarines that encountered these new tactics were quickly dispatched by the Reich, the vessels destroyed by anti-submarine mines and depth charges and those that survived rose to the surface only to be hunted down by capital ships and dispatched with ease. Though the Jagites had begun to change their tactics to meet the situation. The entire sea couldn't be monitored at all times and the sonar buoys could only be in so many places, primarily along standard shipping routes as priority would dictate. The submarines were in the hundred still, lurking under the vast waters between Kraven and Milograd and had maintained limited but heavily encrypted communications when possibly and a new plan of attack was formed.

Dozens of them were formed into hunter-killer squadrons they would continue to execute their primary objective of attacking transport ships - they were unfortunately sacrificial lambs to keep Kraven's attentions elsewhere. They did not charge headlong and get massacred though, they picked their targets carefully waiting for transports to stray outside of protection before launching lightening raids before emergency diving and attempting to flee. At other points some would attack the capital ship and submarine destroyers themselves, dangerous moves while the transports were attacked by their comrades. Casualties would continue to mount but it was all for the greater goal.

A few dozen more were sent south towards the Beikhine Sea, knowing that it would be heavily mined, guarded, and watched. The bulk of them stayed outside of the sea in relative safe zones preparing for what was to come. A small strike group of seven dropped to as deep as they could, and even a little below, before creeping into the sea, and never rising to the surface even in the event of emergencies. For this to work it was better for crews to die cold, quiet deaths than to alert Kraven to their presence.

It would takes days, perhaps even weeks to properly find their target, each of them going off maps of the sea and their relative locations. They were heading right into the nest of Kraven's fleet in the Beikhine Sea and all of them understood this was a one way trip. Central Command had to get rid of the Rail-Mounted Artillery positions so that offensives across central Milograd could begin. Reports had come in that Kahanistan and Havensky had attempted or at least were attempting to knock these positions out. The Jagites couldn't let their allies get all of the fun or credit. This was, after all, their show.

And so as the Jagites aircraft began to launch and the pieces began to fall together, the stalkers crept towards their targets in the sea and prepared for one last glorious charge.

----
Northern Milograd,
Kraven Occupied Territory

Lord Marshall Mari couldn't accept the continued existence of the Rail-mounted Artillery that Kraven had placed along the northern coasts of Milograd. The shelling had lessened and then stopped for the Jagites, but she knew this was just so it could continue to shell Agryz where her erstwhile allies were attempting a defense of eastern Milograd. She had toyed with the idea of sending forces across the Alikharian Mountains to reinforce them, but had declined to actually implement it -- the Skyan and Kahanistanis would have to hold on their own until the Kravenic forces were thrown back into the sea. That was not to say she hadn't completely forgotten about them.

The reinforcement fleet, or second wave, that Central Command promised had arrived on schedule and tens of thousands of personnel were unloading off ships and being rapidly deployed across the entire front line. Tanks rolled out in unending lines and were tracked across the vast plains of Milograd while tens of thousands of auxiliary and supply trucks covered the landscape. Though the most important arrive was additional aircraft, primarily interceptor and air superiority fighters.

Satellites had spent weeks getting accurate readings of all Kraven installations around the RMAs and had carefully watched the Skyan and Kahanistani efforts to take them out. The Jagites had planned their actions according and taken into account several flak gun emplacements, but of coarse others weren't detected and would take out a number of fighters. Still dozens of planes launched from across southern Milograd and flew low across the terrain attempting to stay below radar and allow themselves to quickly fly by flak positions. Each squadron would hit their own individual RMA station. It was likely they would even fly right below the Kraven Terrorkrieg as they flew south to begin their bombing runs. Which would be contested.

Meanwhile the submarines deep within the Beikhine Sea the six Jagite submarines suddenly deployed into suicide runs aimed against the Kravenic vessels preparing to defend the RMAs once the Jagite fighters were discovered. They launched torpedoes the moment the opportunity arose and drove straight at the ships, knowing that they would only get one more group of shots off before their final option was ramming them. And they would certainly go that far, for the RMAs had already cost the Jagites hundreds, if not thousands of lives, and had spread panic across southern Milograd.

[Kylarnatia]

---

"All war is deception."

- Sun Tzu

---

The Fangthane Palace, Krytopia
The Ancient Empire of Kylarnatia, Gholgoth

The Imperium Antiquum had been watching since the beginning. It watched as the fleets of the Kraven Reich returned once more to the shores of Milograd. It watched as the Reich marched further, attacking the Havensky Military Academy in order to abduct one 'Jessica Heart', as the report confirmed, but that the attempt had failed and had captured another as a substitute. It watched as Havensky retaliated, and how they tried to turn Goths against each other. It watched as Jagite's orbitally bombarded the Briskan continent in retaliation to a supposed misfire. Finally, it sat by while the Skyan envoy held the audience of the Templar Emperor of Dephire, an ally that the Imperium had freed from a prison in his own back yard. Then, upon learning of the Reich's intentions to take the envoy for it's age-old convicting sentence of 'thought crimes', the Imperium saw that as the final tipping point in what would escalate to all-out war.

While they believed that the Imperium was more concerned with imperial matters abroad, they were wrong. the Gothic Lords of the North were always watching, and with the almost complete radio silence of both the Freeks and the Crimm, the Imperium took it upon itself to take hold of the baton. Their operations in the northern Gholgothic waters had escalated dramatically over the past year, under the guise of protecting trade and other Gothic interests while they also took the opportunity to stalk Kravenite Deathships, following them not only by the sound of their engines as much as the sounds of the screams on-board. They were one of the first to immediately recognise the Reich's black heart restarting, and some elements had even began to find themselves gliding slowly southwards, closer to the Briskan continent. Supporting the rearmament of Vetalia, the rebuilding of Telros and the close alliance with the Templars of Briska had allowed the Imperium to expand it's influence to almost all corners of the region.

Now it was time to act. Now it was time for the Angels of the North to stake their claim to the region's stability, and to act as it's protector. Their Caesar had taken it upon herself in private to "Maintain the ancient strength and bonds of the Gothic Alliance even if it should kill me." and mean it she did.

Like an echo from the furthest mountains, the North was about to make it's position clear for the rest of the region to know. In one simple word.

"Enough."

Caesar Silvier pondered, over and over within her head, what the next few hours would bring. She did not expect all of them to be one-hundred percent cooperative - least of all the Kraven Reich - yet more surprising things had happened for her during her rule so far. Furthermore, neither she nor her people were as afraid of the Reich as they would have been many years before. The effective bombardment of Neo Cydonia by a joint Imperium and Sambizian task force during the last regional conflict had lifted - for the citizens of the Imperium at least - the veil of supposed invincibility from the ugly head of the Fortress Continent. Along with the strong relationship the Caesar herself personally held with the Templars for having housed them during their exile from Briska and the strong technological advancements the Caesar's Armed Forces had made since the last regional conflict, the Imperium felt more than capable to take on the might of the Reich if no compromise could be reached diplomatically.

Yet they were equally confident that their demands for a ceasefire would be met first.

Sitting comfortably in her desk chair (which could easily named a throne) in the Imperial Study in the Fangthane Palace, the Caesar was preparing to make a broadcast to the entire region. Despite the fact that it was close to midnight, she looked as fresh as any newly picked rose, one of which she even wore pinned to the strap of her dress: the Ash Rose, a remembrance of the gift she received from the Templar's during their first meeting and something which she received in fresh batches from them since on a regular basis. One of the many ways they strove to eternally thank her for her assistance at Hell's Gate. By wearing it, she set out to remind them and the rest of the region of the actions the Imperium were already willing to take. Around her neck, she wore the choker which her wife had given her as a gift when they met for the first time during the latter's diplomatic mission to Kylarnatia. It, in turn, stood as a symbol in many ways of the Imperium's empirical might, the strength of it's bonds, and the strength of the people within it. The rest of her clothing was quite formal yet basic, not meant to draw attention away from the beauty of her face and the deep oceans of her eyes, the waves constantly twisting and turning with emotion.

"Here's a final copy of your speech, my Caesar." The Caesar's Chief of Staff, Dominus (Lord) James Wolf, laid the thin pristine piece of paper on her desk in front of her. "For quick reference, of course."

Without saying anything more he moved behind her, standing to her left alongside Domina Alta (High Lady) Lillian Bridon, the Caesar's key advisor as well as her Secretary for Foreign and Imperial Affairs. To the Caesar's right stood Dux Imperator Hyperion, her loyal Goliath of a bodyguard as well as one of her most decorated and revered commanders. Also standing there patiently was her wife, the Imperatrix Calixte - the daughter of the Evenguard, the Imperium's largest and most loyal dominion - whom upon direction, stood directly to her wife's side with a firm supportive hand upon her shoulder. Trading a glance with each other briefly, the two smiled before giving each other brief kiss and refocusing on the task at hand.

"Time to teach these Gothic beasts some decorum, my love." Calixte uttered, showing her complete discontent for the rest of the region which she lived in, for she had been the victim of an assassination attempt by the Crimm some years ago. Despite the fact that it left a permanent scar on her face which resulted in forcing her to wear a mask over the damaged half of it, Silvier did not regard her as any less beautiful or strong - she had been in fact trying to encourage her wife to wear it less and less when she could, giving her the confidence to not take it as a burden. This in no way meant the Imperatrix was sensitive. Far from it. Many were known to fear crossing her in an unwillingness to suffer the backlash that would likely fall upon them. Although they cared for each other affectionately and never abused one another, there was no doubt that the Imperatrix had the Caesar wrapped around her little finger.

Quite soon, they were given the signal to prepare for broadcast. The Caesar took one last calm breath, before her eye's came to life in a new maelstrom of emotion and her mouth formed into a satisfied grin of deep red lips and pearl white teeth. She was like a deadly gumdrop wrapped up in a sweet sugar coating.

"Three...two...one..."

An Imperial Decree by the Caesar of the Imperium Antiquum
An important broadcast to the region of Gholgoth

Good evening, Lords and Ladies of Gholgoth, and those who dare venture into our waters -

It has been obvious to me for quite some time that tensions are brewing to boiling point down in the south west of our ancient homeland, a tension which has brought the attention of quite a few foreign visitors. There is no chance of hiding from me those who are responsible for the terrible bloodshed that has already been incurred on the shores of Milograd and even the Fortress Continent itself. In fact my government and I have already been contacted by several individuals, through the World Assembly and other means, in regard to this whole hoo-ha of a catastrophe.

I am not ashamed to admit to you now that our absence in this affair has gone on long enough.

This morning, my Dux Praefectorum (Chief of Staff) - Dominus James Wolf - delivered to me a very important document. Within it, although I cannot go into great detail at this time for purposes of security, it accounted for all military movements within Gholgoth for the last six months - along with a minute-by-minute detail of the Reich's regional and global movements in regards to it's dreaded 'Deathships.' From what it has shown me I can only tell that this region is failing to keep itself in proper order, and that if nothing is done from this moment onwards it will only fall into greater disrepair. The absence of the Freeks on this matter is most troubling yet I will not allow it to spell the end for our alliance. Our alliance. A fraternity - a sacred brotherhood - that has stood the test of time itself. This is another test.

Need I remind you all of the blood oath we took in Ule City? Need I remind you all of the sacrifice Lord Dreadfire made on the beaches of Milograd only a few years ago to ensure that this region stayed pure and honest to itself? Need I remind you - Reichmarshall Dietrich - of the punishment we and our Sambizian brothers laid upon Neo Cydonia? Need I remind you that it is this very alliance that allows you to carry out your actions without sanction and without restraint, so long as it acts accordingly to what was agreed after the last war? No, I did not think so. Count yourself lucky, Reichmarshall, that I have not taken up the personal challenge of squeezing out every last poisonous drop of blood from the Reich's black heart.

Yet, up here in the north, we are more reasonable than to just straight up resort to war. My government and I propose an Immediate Ceasefire, at which point we request for all belligerent nations - and you know who you are - to send representatives here to the Fangthane Palace in Krytopia, where I shall personally chair a diplomatic mission to bring this conflict to a conclusion without bloodshed. The Imperium is currently a neutral party in this affair, despite my own opinion on the matter, so I believe it is the safest and most stable place for such talks to take place. I'm also very much aware of the impending trial of Sir Lucas Ironwing of Havensky in Briska. My hope is that the peace talks and the trial will run alongside one another so that both can be brought to a swift conclusion at around the same time as each other.

It is my greatest hope that all of you consider this proposal, and make your responses within forty-eight hours. Lack of response will be taken as an insult and smack of self-interest, at which point action will be taken. I hope however - for all our sakes - that it does not have to come to that. I suggest you all consider the humanitarian, political, economic and producing costs of a continued conflict in the region, especially with another regional power involved. A transcript of this speech will be delivered to all of you within the next few minutes to help you reflect if needs be.

I await your responses in earnest. Do not test the Imperium's charity.

For the glory of the Imperium! For the glory of Gholgoth!

[Kahanistan]

From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Free Republic of Kahanistan
To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Imperium Antiquum Kylarnatiae

The Government of Kahanistan will send members of the Kahanistanian Diplomatic Corps. As certain adversaries have no regard for the sanctity of diplomatic personnel, they will be guarded by elite GRSO marines.

Dr. Jacob M. Lucas,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

[Havensky]

High Noon Texas Time
Skyan Senate Chambers
Havensky, Texas

Bonnnnggg!...Bonnnnggg!

We interrupt this broadcast for breaking news out of Milograd

Reports are coming in that Sir Lucas Ironwing has been arrested and charged with.. thought crimes against humanity..

Kraven forces continue to shell the Milogradian city of Argyz while Humanitarian Fleet officials evacuate civilians

Bonnnnggg!...Bonnnnggg!

The Humanitarian Airship Belmont was taken down in an explosion.

We are getting reports that a high level official has been kidnapped by the Kraven Reich

Lady Jessica Heart, Secretary of State of the Skybound Republic has been taken by the Kraven Reich..

Bonnnnggg!...Bonnnnggg!

Reports are coming in the Kraven Reich implanted refugees with explosive devices in an effort to deliberately kill humanitarian aid workers.

Skyan State Department officials are stressing that Briskan authorities appear to have forced a trial in order to spare Sir Lucas Ironwing from being summarily executed by the Reich.

The Reich appears to be forcing Ironwing to stand trial by using the kidnapping of Lady Heart as a bargaining chip.

Bonnnnggg!...Bonnnnggg!

The King has opened an emergency session of the Skyan Senate and has sent a Red Letter - requesting that a State of Total War be declared against the Reich.

We are getting word that the Kylarnatian Secretary for the Interior will represent Lucas Ironwing during the trial at the request of the Skyan government.

Skyan Military Reservists are being summoning back to their posts in anticipation of immediate deployment.

Bonnnnggg!...Bonnnnggg!

Caesar Silvier, the leader of The Ancient Empire of Kylarnatia, has called for a immediate cease fire.

Supporters of the Ironwing's have gathered outside the Skyan Senate bringing flowers and signs and flags as a show of support.

We now cut to a live feed of the Skyan Senate where Prime Minister Elizabeth Artemis is bringing a motion declaring total war against the Reich to the floor.

Bonnnnggg!...Bonnnnggg!

The Skyan Senate Chamber was lit only by the bright skylight in the center of a large round room. There were no tables, no chairs, but only large stone steps large enough to sit on. Each Senator wore simple white robes as to be humbled before the People of Havensky - who watched from a high round balcony.

The Prime Minister walked to the center of the room and looked around. Her eyes gazing at each Senator before moving her glance. In her hands, a red scroll with the Seal of the King.

Elizabeth raised her hand for silence and it was granted. In a swift motion, she broke the seal and begin to speak.

The the Request of His Majesty, King Drake of Fourhearts, on the Behalf and Behest of the People of Havensky... I move... to declare a Total State of War against the Imperial Fortress Reich of The Kraven Corporation.

The oldest Senator, a shorter man with grey hair and long beard rose to second the motion.

The Parliamentarian, who would not speak but to convey the order on the floor, noted the motion.

This motion, to declare total war on the Kraven Reich, has been moved and seconded. Is there any debate?

A man stepped forth on the floor from the opposition party. There would be no nays, but there had to be the questions.

With respect, I rise to ask a point of information - what justifies this war?

Elizabeth turned to the man and pointed at him.

Has not the unprovoked attack on our soil justified our ire? Has not bombing of our humanitarian airship justified our anger? Is our rage justified by the kidnapping of not just one soldier, but our Secretary of State as well? Is it not justified that we take a stand against those who level false charges against our diplomat?

The man bowed placing a hand on his heart as he did so. As he sat, a woman then stood to take his place.

With respect, I rise to ask a point of information - You ask for a total war... Tell us, how far does His Majesty's government intend to go?

Kraven's crimes are many. The Reich takes innocent woman, chains them to monstrous beds, and uses their bodies to produce their soldiers. The Reich executes civilians at will and for no reason other than to instill fear. They demand total obedience from their subjects - never giving them rest - never giving them a moment to think. The Reich sends out ships for lesser nations to send their condemned in a desperate bid to stave off the threat of attack. The Reich are monsters that can no be reasoned with. They must be put down like DOGS!

His Majesty's government intends to END the Reichmarshal's reign. His Majesty's government will attack the Fortress Continent of Norska and bring the brutal storm of our anger down on his head! We shall summon the Furys to punish those who aid in his villainous regime. We shall do these things and more until the Reich is unable to threaten a single soul. His actions... are unforgivable.

The woman held her hand over her heart and bowed, then sat. An older man took her place.

With respect, a question: Why us? Why is this not the problem of other nations?

Elizabeth Artemis glared at the man, her cold grey eyes piecing him. She pointed.

Is your soul worth more than others because you were born Skyan and not Milogradian? Because you were born of the warm sea salt air of our homeland and not the cold icy Gothic lands? We do not believe one life is worth more than others. We value life! Every. Single. One.

Other nations may not see things this way and a pox upon their houses! Evil prevails because good men do nothing! Evil prevails because good men cower in fear! Evil prevails because good men turn a blind eye.

It is the duty of free nations to stand firm against tyranny! To stand against such injustice and inhumanity! To walk forth up to the face of evil and shout in our loudest voice "We are not afraid of you! We will fight you! And we will strike you from this world until you are nothing more than a memory."

The man held his hand over his heart and bowed, then sat. An younger woman took her place.

With respect, a query: What of the offerings of peace and the call for a ceasefire?.

Elizabeth turned towards a camera.. this message was not just for her people.

It is with deep respect and admiration that we hear the calls for peace from the Great and Ancient Empire. We will send Alexandria Scarletwing to attend these talks. However...

So long as Lady Jessica Heart is in Kraven hands - there will be no cessation of hostilities. The Skyan People demand justice. If by the time our Armada reaches Gholgoth, and there is no diplomatic solution then we will attack. If Lady Jessica Heart is not returned us then we will knock down his walls and get her ourselves - as we have done before. If there is to be peace before our Armada arrives, we will respect that peace. If no peace is reached, then our Armada is prepared to burn the skies to slay these monsters.

The woman raised her hand...

The People of Emerald City move to call to question.

The Parliamentarian spoke, All those in favor, please rise

The entire Senate rose. War was declared.

And the clock continued to tick...

[Havensky]

Alexandria Scarletwing looked out onto the tarmac with her green eyes and took a deep breath. The former ambassador didn't particularly enjoy jet travel. It was hard to communicate just how different it was to travel by jet plane after being sent around the world in a spacious airship.

And it wasn't just an ordinary jetplane that the Skyan government was placing her on. It was a two seater scramjet used for long range recon missions. It was currently the fastest aircraft the Skyans owned.

At once, Scarletwing had protested. Why not fly commercial? Why not use an airship like every other diplomat. However, the security concerns had nixed the airship. And time was of the essence. If she took a normal flight, she'd arrive just a day or two before the Armada arrived giving her almost no time to negotiate. With the scramjet she would be travelling at Mach 7 and would arrive within hours. The scramjet was also stealthy and wouldn't show up on radar as easily as an airship would. Which was all very logical, if not a bit of an annoyance.

Scarletwing cursed and zipped up her leather jacket. They'd given her a flight suit for the trip. She ended up packing pretty light since the scramjet wasn't built as a passenger carrier. The Kylarnaitians were gracious enough to provide a wardrobe once she arrived. Which, she was very thankful of as the flight suit didn't quite hug her curves the way that her normal dresses did.

This helmet is going to be hell on my hair isn't it?, she asked as she held it in her hand. Her strawberry blonde hair had a slight curl to it, but she couldn't imagine what hours in a cramped helmet would do to it. Although, she supposed if the fighter jocks could do it so could she.

I'm sure you'll still look fabulous - now kiss me goodbye - the pilot's getting anxious., her wife smiled at her and bent down a little so she could be eye level with Alexandria.

They said their goodbyes and Alexandria climbed the ladder into the slender frame of the scramjet. She sat down as the pilot moved alongside her to make sure she was strapped in correctly.

The pilot, satisfied that everything was in order, climbed back into his own seat and began to ramp up the engines as he taxied the scarmjet onto the runway.

Alexandria was thrown back into her seat as they pilot punched it and the craft soared into the air.

* * * * *

HRA Oshadagea
Skyan War Armada
Gulf of Texas

Any airship that had not been delegated to protect the homefront or was not already in Gothic skies was now airborne over the waters of Texas. Airship fleets that had normally patrolled different parts of the world were now being recalled into the main fleet. Privateer vessels, who had been hired to provide logistical support for the invasion fleet, were gathered around the center of the vast array of airships. So numerous were the airships that it made the naval vessels underneath them considerably darker as their shadows fell across their decks.

The sky was filled with noise as a constant stream of scout drones patrolled for threats both above and below.

As it happened, a Kraven Deathship was passing close to Texas waters on it's way to claim more prey for the Reich's war machine. Stars and Signals Command had picked up the on the vessel early on as it left Norska and they were confident that it was empty.

Sky Marshal Gonzales didn't raise any fuss or alarms. The Sky Marshal didn't scramble fighters or order a bombardment of the vessel. He simply keyed in the target.

You may fire when ready.

The Oshadagea was a unique craft. It was longer than the average airship and sleeker and looked more like a sword than an aircraft. It was powered by twin fusion generators, producing far more power than what was needed to keep it afloat.

But that power was needed for something else.

The airship powered up it's forward weapons and the lights aboard the aircraft dimmed. The engines slowed to a halt. Then, invisible to the naked eye, twenty high powered laser beams shot out from the airships front hull.

The effect it had on the Kraven Deathship was immediate. The hull grew red hot as the laser sliced through the front. Steel liquefying under the power of the blast as the laser drilled down. Steam came up through the hull as the beam reached the sea. The beam moved forward steadily splitting the vessel into two parts. As the vessel split, it started to sink and the Armada simply flew right past it. The naval vessels ignored it completely.

There were no shouts of victory aboard the Armada. This was no time to celebrate. For the power that Oshadagea carried was meant for one purpose and one purpose only.

The invasion of Norska.

[Jagada]

When the communique from Kylarnatia had arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Relations and the Commission it was met, initially, with little regard especially when the Matriarch paid it no heed and brought it up in no meetings. Who was Kylarnatia to intervene? Who were they to demand anything from Jagada or Havensky or even Kraven? Their legions marched in foreign lands subduing crack pot dictators and establishing colonies for the glory of their ancient empire. It was the Matriarchy that bled and died to stop a real threat -- the Reich -- from expanding and claiming more land in Gholgoth. That mindset only changed when the Reich actually accepted and a slight pause went across the political landscape of Jagada and for once the Matriarch took notice of the message and assembled her closest advisors.

'Can we even trust this?' she intoned from the speakers around the room, 'On which side would the Imperium Antiquum intervene for if this doesn't work?'

Defense Minister Dermont leaned forward on the dark mahogany table resting his elbows on the edge and looking at the empty seat at the end which was always reserved for the Matriarch, 'In the Gothic Civil War, Kylarnatia sided with House Dreadfire against Kraven and dealt a serious blow to the Reich. I'm certain they would side with us.'

'If you are wrong ...' she let the question hang in the air. The Imperium Antiquum was highly advanced and militarily powerful just like the rest of the Gothic Lords and if it decided to side with Kraven for whatever reason the Milogradian War would very quickly turn into the second Gothic Civil War.

Dermont looked around for support from his fellow ministers but their eyes were elsewhere as always, so he ran his fingers through his balding hair, its silver turning from shine to dull with the passing of years, 'Then we will need to deliver a decisive strike against the Reich in Milograd and hope to knock them out of the war temporarily so that we can deal with Kylarnatia.'

'Then we will continue to execute the war in Milograd until this conference is completed,' said the Mistress of Jagada calmly, 'I will not risk loosing Milograd now.'

High Marshall Benedikt stirred suddenly as if that were his que, 'Agreed Mistress, the Reich has already said it will continue operations.'

He motion to another minister across the table, 'We have also received messages that Havensky had declared war and are sending a major invasion fleet to attack Norska.'

'I've seen the message,' said the Mistress as if suddenly in thought, 'It is about time the Skyans realize that there can be no peace with Kraven -- not truly anyway. We should not squander this chance either, should this meeting fail. We must pressure the Reich as much as possible.'

Dermont nodded, realizing even as it did that it wasn't necessary, 'Lord Marshall Mari has already contacted us. She will be launching a full scale offensive against the Reich very soon. If we're lucky when the Skyans arrive they will apply enough pressure to Norska that we can push the Reich completely out of Milograd, and with any luck actually set foot on Norska ourselves.'

'It is settled then,' said the Matriarch with a slight sign of relish in her voice, 'Make nice with the Imperum Antiquum until the Skyans arrive. Dermont, I want plans drawn up for a major invasion of Norska.'

'Understood ma'am.'

---

The Matriarchy of Jagada

Ashes upon ashes

To: Caesar Silvier of the Imperium Antiquum Kylarnatiae
From: The Matriarch of Jagada, Mistress of the Jagites

Caesar,

Normally I do not write correspondence personally -- that is why I have staff and over paid ministers. Though you are a special case for you are a fellow Gothic Lord and thus demand a certain level of respect and privilege. I concur that this war has been a tragedy in Gholgoth so soon after the passing of Lord Dreadfire, but surely even you can see this conflict has been provoked by the unknowable machinations of the Kravenic Reich and that our hand was forced. Had we not intervened in Milograd then it is likely that Havensky and Kahanistan's efforts would have amounted to the total effort raised against Norska and that Milograd would have slipped under its control and no one in Gholgoth would have given much attention to it, or if they had certainly would not have mobilized to prevent it.

That being said I shall send a representative to your domain to attend this meeting and represent my interests. The war in Milograd, however, will continue until a peace settlement is signed, formalized, and in my hands. Even then I will never trust the Reich completely and will always be weary. A Gothic Lord they may be, but a friend they will never find in us.

With respect,
The Matriarch

[Dephire]

The Fractured State - Templar Controlled Territory
Eastern Milograd

The invasion of the piece of line outlined by the God Slayers was now fully integrated to Templar control. Over two and a half million Templar and Hell Knight soldiers were holding onto the strip of rock, moving towards the north at a hurried pace. They left the south unguarded as the Jagada forces were not their enemy anymore. They wanted to spread to the north.

"Sir, was it wise of us to just let the Jags take our commander?" A young hellion asked his commanding officer.

"Son, whether it is wise or not, Wilhelm has to pay for his crimes. He went so on his own will. Besides, we are strong even without him."

"I understand, sir."

Dragon Talon tanks rolled ominously ahead of the massive army as it approached the northern faults. Word had spread that the Havensky forces declared total war against the Reich, they were there simply to watch... For now. They awaited orders from their Emperor.

The everyone's thoughts were focused on the trial in Briska.

[Kahanistan]

Kimmel made eye contact with Blacktalon and repeated her question. "Did you find the missing officer? Let me know, any POW who survived Kraven captivity would have a very interesting story to tell, if he isn't too traumatised to talk to me. I'd fully understand if he was, given how they treat prisoners."

On the ground, the KDF FOB had taken quite a bit of damage from the shelling, and small, mobile self-propelled artillery on shoot and scoot orders fanned out to counter-attack the nearer artillery with 105mm guns and radar-seeking counter-battery missiles. Worse, many of the heavy bombers had been lost over the latest flak battery and barely two thirds were returning to base. Troops pulled huge blocks of rubble out of the trenches and began replacing fortifications lost in the last artillery barrage.

Reinforcements from New Masada were still three days away. Once they arrived the tide of battle would turn back into their favour, but it would be all for nothing if there was no longer a forward operating base left to defend. They would be necessary to go after hostile naval targets and anti-air batteries too well defended for bomber attacks.

[Havensky]

HRA Helping Hand
Kahanistan Forward Operating Base
Milograd

Blackthorn shook her head, I'm just a grunt - They wouldn't give that kind of information to me. I have no idea. Probably dead, but then again - I don't know anything.

And in all honestly, she didn't know. The official status of Lt. Tycho Onyx was MIA, presumed dead. Skyan Stars and Signals Command's best guess is that Kraven assumed that Tycho had died in an artillery blast - his body blown to a million pieces. Tycho was probably safer that way. The last thing the Skyan High Command wanted was Tycho's face and newly metallic arm shown on every television. Tycho's rescue was an official state secret known only to a select few people.

* * * * *

Jagite-Briskan Military Border,
The Fault of Milograd

However, Major Dórottya Nalôrna knew everything. She was dressed in Skyan Power Armor and her face was concealed by the darkened helmet in order to protect her identity. Skyan High Command wanted to play this one very close to the chest and didn't want to explain the rather long history between this particular Xirnium major.

She was flanked by newly promoted Captain Gavin Squall and SGT Hurk Turbeck. Behind them were about a dozen Legionaries escorting the group. Lt. Ariana Chispa was in the Helijet keeping it warmed up and ready to go. This would be a short trip.

They walked inside the blast bunker and met Lord Marshall Imrich. At once, the Major quickly saluted.

On behalf of the Skyan people, we thank you and the Matriarch for this favor. We realize it took a great deal of effort to get him into your custody. We appreciate you allowing us to do this. The Skyan people are grateful.

The major walked turned to look at Wilhelm through the glass. She nodded and was escorted into the room where she sat down. She spoke quietly - even through the speakers on the power armor.

Hello. I'm the Major of the Skyan 7th Expeditionary Fleet. I believe you know my friend Jessica as a voice in your head.

She could see Wilhelm's eyes widen. Was it shock? Was it anger? It mattered not.

I see I am correct. You may not have been told, but she has been captured again by The Reich.

She let that sink in for a moment.

She helped you once. You may not appreciate it, but she put herself at great risk reaching you.

She gestured to the guards and menacing looking turret.

You have two options. Join us, and help me save Lady Jessica. This will mean your insertion into Norska and your connection to the relay will be used to locate her. Otherwise, I will leave you to the Jagites to have with you what they may.

She leaned back in the chair and awaited Wilhelm's reply.

* * * * *

Meanwhile, High Command was speaking with both Briskan and Jagite military commands to coordinate the possible attack on Norska as well as a top-secret rescue mission of Lady Jessica Heart. They were finding the Jagites surveillance and intelligence on Norska particularly useful.

The entrance of the War Armada would be particularly tricky. The Skyan's proposed that if a deal could not be reached that the War Armada would turn towards Briska. They would launch the rescue op while all the eyes of Gholgoth were on the invasion fleet. It would land it's troops and armor on Briskan soil and then use the power of the Oshadagea to cut down the walls of the Reich's fortress. With the walls down, the Skyans would rain down a full scale railgun volley straight from the walls all the way into the Citadel District. The volley would be precise, striking gun emplacements, towers, and Capitol Police positions. The Skyans frowned upon wasted ammo.

Still, it would be up to Briska to grant permission. Otherwise, the invasion would come from the sea. The Skyans had also told the Ceaser that they were still planning and would warn them in advance of all actions. They respected the peacemaker and the ceasefire. However, the clock was still ticking.

The Skyans would get back Jessica Heart one way or another.

[Dephire]

Wilhelm thought within himself, but raised his head up to the kind lady who addressed him. "I owe the people of Jagada my life for what I did to their ship. Lady Jessica kept me company while the monster inside me rotted my soul. I owe her whatever I have left for how kind she treated me. However, you all need to understand this one truth... I was never aligned to the Relay." He paused a moment to let the thought sink in. "I used the Reich's Relay to help us rebuild our sigil tower array. The technology is extremely similar, but I am unsure how helpful I will be for your war on Norska." He bowed his head, sounding as if he were defeated.

Dórottya kneeled as best as she could with the armored suit on. "I understand. You have been suffering for a long time. It is this understanding that you have acquired during your experiments that we need in order to infiltrate their Relay to find her."

He looked back up to her, tears filling his eyes. "You do not understand..."


Three Days Ago

"Tristan, why free me? Why free a madman?" Wilhelm stood before the young man. He was still rubbing the cuts in his skin left by his chains.

Tristan stopped walking and turned to him. Wilhelm was taken back by the visage of the Emperor. The sunlight was streaming from the windows, illuminating Tristan's silhouette. He could make out the strong definition of the Emperor's plate armor hidden beneath an ornate cape. Then, Wilhelm noticed the twin blades. Tristan was prepared to deal with anyone who wanted to stop him from freeing Wilhelm. "I freed you, Wilhelm, because I need to redeem you from the sins the monster had you commit." He stepped closer to Wilhelm. "You will no longer be a prisoner in your own body!" He put a hand against Wilhelm's head. "Be free, my friend."

Wilhelm felt searing heat before seeing a blinding flash of light. He came to, looking up at the night sky. "Where am I?"

"You are where I wanted you to be, Wilhelm." Tristan spoke quietly. "In a few hours, I will be marrying Tynsei."

"Really? I am glad. Renuvian would have been happy to see you marry that young girl he heard so much about." Wilhelm then caught himself and was confused. "How would I know that..?"

"Because, Wilhelm. You are free from the chains that bound you to the demon. He is now part of my burden, an addition to the curse I already hold." Tristan sounded exhausted. "I am glad you have returned to us, Dimitri. However, I must have you do one task for me that will be the end of you."

Wilhelm sat up, "I must atone for my actions. Tristan, what did you do to me?"

"I simply took away the connection." Tristan started to walk away. "Do what you must to redeem yourself, Dimitri. I will not be able to save you a second time."

Fault of Milograd

"He said that he took the connection away. I do not know if I can be of any help to you." Wilhelm was still in tears. He felt useless without his connection to the array. "How could you do this to me, Tristan?"

"No worries. You can still serve a great purpose to us, Wilhelm." The Major smiled as she looked over the broken man. "You can still serve us in her rescue."

"Tristan ordered me to try and redeem myself for everything I have done." The man picked himself up and stood tall. "I, Godsend General Dimitri Coronado offer you my life to save Lady Jessica."

[Havensky]

HRA Zatarra
Somewhere north of Milograd
Gholgoth

It's time you met the team Wilhelm. Or is it Dimitri now?, said the Major taking off her helmet as helijet landed in the hangar bay of the Zatarra.

Gavin and Turk left the helijet behind her.

Wilhelm, meet Captain Squall. He'll be running point during the operation. A little more quiet than I'd like in a squad leader, but I think you'll find that his situational awareness and instincts most excellent. He does have the rather annoying trait of being my daughter's boyfriend.

Gavin stuck his hand out shake his hand. It seemed he had been ribbed by the Major often enough to not let him bother him as much.

And this, is SGT Hurk Turbek. Milogradian by birth, but Skyan by God's grace. Depending on who you ask of course. Good luck getting two words out of this one. SGT Hurk's specialty is heavy weapons.

Hurk nodded a greeting. His huge frame causing the Major to look tiny by comparison.

Our pilot is First Lieutenant Ariana Chispa. She'll be bringing us into Norska by helijet. She'll also be joining us on the ground as a just in case measure..

A girl with impossibly curly hair came back out to greet them followed by a shorter stocker man.

The major gestured to the curly haired girl. Upon closer inspection, she was covered in grease.

This is Glitch. The only thing you need to know is that she is much much smarter than everyone in this room combined. She'll be supporting the mission through her drones and by hacking the Reich's systems. She also makes a very nice suit of armor.

The bald shorter stockier man brought out his hand to shake it. His eyes were grey and bore the lines of many late nights.

And this is the Doctor, Galen. Galen volunteered for this assignment after being assigned to the Belmont. He was supposed to be on board during the attack. However, he ran late doing a last minute surgery on some poor refugee child. As he is a doctor, he's not able to take revenge on the Kraven bastards himself. However, this was the next best thing.

The major kept moving further inside the airship, motioning to Wilhelm to follow.

And finally, Tycho Onyx.

Tycho Oynx had returned. His silver hair had grown longer during his captivity. His armor was lighter than the average Skyan power armor, but much darker in coloring. He held in his hands a large thick helmet.

Tycho and you have something in common. I'll let you two sort that out on your own. For now, report to the training room. We have to get this team gelled together and ready to go in a very short amount of time.

[Kahanistan]

The pretty reporter nodded politely and smiled. "I hope not. Nobody deserves to die like that." She pulled out her business card with her name, outlet, cell number and email address. "If you hear any more on him let me know. I'll be back then. Anyway, these war atrocities won't film themselves...". She made ready to leave.

[Havensky]

Krytopia, Kylarnatia
Gholgoth

Alexandria Scarletwing's scramjet landed with a sharp thud and she was pushed forward in her seat as the straps held her back. The pilot reversed the engines slowing the jet down to a halt. The jet's engines cooled down and a ladder was rolled out next to the craft. A car had also pulled up onto the runway who would take her to the hotel and later the peace talks.

Scarletwing had tried to nap during the flight, but to no avail. Instead, she had gone over possible scenario of what might happen and how to deal with it.

tick...tick...tick...tick..

Gavin,

You worry too much. Yes, yes, I know. And it was scary, but it wasn't anything like our first date was. It happened so quickly and before I could even shout - I woke up aboard the ### ########## surrounded by a million ###########.

I don't regret anything. You're fighting. Mum's fighting. Uncle ##### is fighting. Everyone is. I wanted to.. to do SOMETHING. It's totally unfair for me to be doing nothing while everyone else is fighting.

I do wish.. I do wish that Mum had told me about all this. She never talked about this stuff. You probably know that side of her better than I do.

She isn't giving you too hard of a time? I know you won't tell me even if she did. I think it's stupid though. I told her how much of a great guy you are. She KNOWS it not YOUR fault.

You better be careful. You promised me a real date. One where you wear NORMAL clothes for once. Even if we have to go shopping.

Love,

Edwidge

Argyz, Milograd

Colonel Bexar was pleased with the progress. Due to a combination of the cease fire and the fact that they had knocked out the rail artillery that had been shelling the city, they had successfully cleared the city of all civilians. The only non-military personnel in the area were the Milogradian volunteers working on the city's fortifications.

They had gotten aid to the Kahanistani position to their south. The airport was flying in humanitarian supplies and flying out civilians. He had felt ok with sending out companies to small towns nearby to help evacuate the civilians. They weren't entirely defenseless - every company travelled with a squadron of helijets to provide close combat support.

If Kraven did decide to attack their evacuations, they would be violating the ceasefire. In which case, there'd be other consequences besides the barrage his troops would fire back with.

He had taken to conducting drills every single day and night. No sense in his men getting comfortable. Ceasefire or not, this was still a warzone. The ceasefire could be broken any moment by Kraven or by the breakdown of peace talks. Not to mention, the impending arrival of the War Armada.

tick...tick...tick...tick..

Edwige,

I do worry. I always worry. The whole point of me being over here is so that nothing happens at home. And I'm angry that you've been hurt. I signed up for this, you didn't.

I can't say that much, due to the censors, but know that I am working to fix this. Everyday we ##### and ##### and ####### some more. When the times comes, we'll be ready.

Your Mum is doing her job. She's supposed to be tough. She is bringing up the fact that she's no where near as tough as your father. I'm not sure anyone can be as tough as ### ########. Everyone sees him as the diplomat or the war hero - but I've always seen him as the teacher. The tough coach. A mentor. Everyone at the academy looked up to him.

I wish he was here with us. We're picking up #### #### #######. Some of the new guys have much more experience than I do, and it feels a little weird running point with them as a squad member.

I wish I could talk about my best friend, but I know none of it would get through.

I will come back. Hopefully soon. I would like to take you on a normal date for once. And I do have civilian clothes.

I know how hard this is on you. I never wanted to drag you through all this.

Love,

Gavin

HRA Oshadagea
Skyan War Armada
Somewhere over The West Pacific

21st Fleet, Control, Maintain present course.

Roger Control, maintaining course.

2nd Fleet, Control, drop altitude to 4500 and begin anti-naval patrols.

Rodger, good copy Control.

Sky Marshal Gonzales hailed the High Admiral on a secure channel as his fleet officer directed traffic among the hundreds of airships that were part of the War Armada. Within a few moments, High Admiral Markus Titan appeared on screen.

Gonzales saluted his superior officer. While there were only a handful of Sky Marshals, there was only one High Admiral. The Admiral rank was more of an administrative one, but only the High Admiral served on the High Command Council.

At ease - what is your report Sky Marshal?

One Deathship outside of the Gulf of Texas, which we eliminated. We have not had any further enemy contact at this time. The 88th Expeditionary Fleet has joined the Armada and we should pick up the 42nd once we enter [region]The North Pacific[/region.

Excellent. I've sent coordinates on how I'd like you to enter Gholgoth. It will take a half day longer, but I need you to come up straight up from the south and just to the northeast of Jagada. That will give us some cover going in. From there we'll head due east. Have your troops start practicing quick drops.

Yes sir!

tick...tick...tick...tick..

Gavin,

You're such a sweetheart. You act all tough and serious, but you care about those around you. Almost half your letters are you worrying about how everyone is doing. They'll be fine though. That's what makes you an elite knight right?

tick...tick...tick...tick..

[Kahanistan]

A Kahanistanian air transport arrived at Krytopia with Ambassador Ali al-Za'if, the newly appointed Ambassador to Kylarnatia, and twenty heavily armed and armoured GRSO marines. The Kahanistanians had had negative experiences with Kraven diplomatic personnel, but hoped the marines wouldn't be needed.

South of Argyz, the KDF drew up plans to withdraw since the civilian population had been evacuated from the area. The fleet from New Masada had arrived in Gothic waters, and could be at Milograd inside of a day... or they could be easily diverted to Neo Cydonia or Norska if the Milogradian situation improved elsewhere in the country. Admiral Al-Hasani did not wish to wander in Gothic waters with his fleet in plain view for long, so the situation was more urgent than the ceasefire indicated.