GWOTC: The New Order/The Last War (Parts 1 and 2; IC)

[Negena]

Dyllonia

Field Marshall Hermann Kroints grinned to himself in satisfaction as the resistance cell surrendered. There wasn't anything they could have done. To continue the fight would have been suicide. The 20-30 men and women came out of the cave, hands raised, waving white flags, their faces were masks of dejected scorn.

"Another den of rats, Field Marshall?"

Kroints turned and came face to face with Marshall Markus Dorning, commander of the Bloedhondes. Kroints started; he was not expecting him.

"I am tasked with the eradication of all the enemies of the Order and the Empire. We make no exceptions to this end."

Dorning grunted. Whether in approval or disgust was indistinguishable with his helmet on. Kroints feared him. Though he technically outranked Dorning, the Bloedhonde was the greatest warrior and asset in the Imperial Military. If he was here, there was a reason.

"Have you made contact with Comrade Dusk, Field Marshall?" Dorning asked finally, "Lacona wants a sitrep on the situation."

"Die Siellose have been sent ahead," Kroints confirmed, the two of them walking down the rows of BMP-40s and BTRs. The 739th Mechanized Infantry Regiment, 14th Infantry Division, 2nd Negenan Army, was one of Kroints' best units. True battle hardened soldiers. He chose to make this unit his field protection.

"Indeed..." Dorning drifted. Kroints glanced at his compatriot. Something was nagging him.

"What is it?"

Dorning opened the hatch on a BTR. Only the driver was in it.

"Out." Dorning ordered, and the driver quickly vacated his seat, and departed for a cup of coffee. The two Marshalls settled inside and Dorning shut the hatch.

"South Acren is beginning to worry the Order."

"Worry?" Kroints asked, genuinely concerned. South Acren had a powerful military. But surely...Surely...

"We have obtained intelligence that the Reich may not be so loyal to the cause." Dorning growled, pulling out an envelope, "The Kaiser continually goes dark for weeks at a time. During that time, South Acren Resistance flourish and intelligence has a field day. But then he comes back from where ever, and all activity seems to cease."

"You don't think the Kaiser is a turn-coat? Leading the Resistance in South Acren?"

"I didn't say that," Dorning pushed the envelope to Kroints, "But keep an eye on them. As of currently, South Acren troops are still friendly, but be ready for anything."

"Of course," Kroints nodded as a knock sounded on the hatch. They opened it to see a Platoon Sergeant salute them both sharply.

"Sah! All Prisoners accounted for. We've already liquidated those too wounded to fight, the rest were sent back to the Citadel."

"Good work, comrade. Ready the Regiment and make contact with the rest of the 14th Division. We head for Dyllongrad."

"Jawhol, sah!"



Kidal Prison

The HSP Section 3 operators checked their weapons one last time as the Air Boss briefed them.

"At 1730 hours a communication was sent to the CItadel of a prisoner run rampant," he shouted, "Prison Officers and SWAT tried to contain the situation, but whoever he is, he made his way to the power grid and knocked out the power. Alpha Platoon, Link up with the Prison SWAT team lead by Captain Jasper. Bravo Platoon, restore power. Keep an eye out for crazies, it is a Flesh Factory after all. Try to take this traitor alive, but we don't care if its too much trouble."

"Copy that sah!" Alpha Platoon Leader shouted, chambering a round in his Cyba Pistol.

"Ropes! Deploy!"

The Helicopters twin rappelling arms swung out and HSP Section 3 Counter Terrorism Force began moving into the Prison.


Samaara Prison

Rose, bloody and bruised sat before Commandant Straussmann. A portly bastard, one hand held the paperwork in his beefy hand, the other twirled his waxed mustache.

"Here's the deal, boyo." he drawled putting the paper on the desk and sliding it to his prisoner, "Your a hard worker. Whats more, your a fighter. The New Order has a place for everyone, and yours is right here."

Straussmann pointed at the paper. Rose looked down.

"Agreement of Indentured Armed Service"

It was a Penal Legion Contract.

"5 years on the line," Straussman was saying, "That will fulfill your conscription mandate. You fight a bit, earn your freedom, start fresh. The only thing standing between your golden ticket, and another day with, say...Creedy," Straussman grinned evilly, "Do yourself a favor, Andrew Rose. Join us. And be free..."

[South Acren]

A few Hours after the meeting, Umerziehung Camp "Bergbaulager"
The moon rose over the concrete walls of the camp like a spotlight in the dark. The sounds of picks and machinery echoed into the night as the prisoners of Camp Bergbaulager, a Umerziehung or reeducation camp, worked tiredly into the night. The carts brought the ore to the surface, dumped it into a pile, and then workers sorted it, putting in into piles. More workers moved it to its respective places where it was picked up by train. Among those moving the ore, a fairly young lad, age roughly 25. He was one of those who refused the order. Now he's stuck in hells grasp. He worked like a machine, moving the rocks all day, for what seemed an eternity. Today, however, he felt something he thought he forgotten. Joy. Word came the resistance was inbound to free them. Everyone, some guards included, were joyous for all were happy to fight the oppressive world government. He smiled at the thought.

"BEWEGE DICH SCHNELLER" an angry voice shouted over him. He looked back and saw a familiar guard. He smirked and winked, and the young man winked back. The guard turned and headed to another worker, dropping a note as he passed.

"The time of liberation draws nearer comrade. Soon we will be free from the order, both prisoner and guards alike."

The young man smiled and pocketed the note, continuing his work. Suddenly a horn sounded off in the distance, followed by the sounds of approaching vehicles. He smiled and raised his pick. "FÜR DEN KAISER" the signal was released, and the prisioners, along with a few guards who switched sides, charged the main buildings of the camp.


Underground in the mines.


They heard the echos of the battle above. Many rushed out, determined to fulfil their chosen tasks. However a group of miners stayed behind as well as others, guards, non rebellious prisoners, and those fighting the guards. The group however, called themselves the Mollies, after the famous group of rebellious miners. They had their own jobs. One Mollie a giant of a man, Sergei, lumbered down the chaotic tunnels. Miners rushed past him in both directions, some going up, others heading to distract the guards, some simply panicking. He, however, was as calm as a boulder. He was silent, as he had lost his tongue to a guard. He now carried a large pickaxe over his shoulder. He lead a group of prisoners, some carrying boxes of Dynamite, others cans of gasoline, some even had smuggled in some c4. They all had one thing in common, however. Their mission. They split up throughout the lowest level of the mine plant explosives and pouring gasoline. Once finished, they walked to each floor utilizing the numerous explosives and fuel cans to plant their makeshift bombs. This went on until they reached the top. Sergei had finished his sets of bombs when a guard tried to attack him. A swift uppercut with the pick ended it. He walked towards the meeting area, to discover a large group of people at the entrance, pushing against the closed door. A small man ran up to him.

"Sergei, they barricaded the doors, we cant escape."

The mountain of a man pushed his comrade out of the way and fought his way to the door. He pushed against the door, the old wood timbers creaking and cracking against the strength of The Mountain. He pushed with all his force and soon many of his compatriots joined him. Combined, they pushed the door open. In the immediate area were two guards. He grabbed them and smacked them together, before they reached for their weapons. He raised his pick, and his friends surged out, joining in on the assault. He turned and searched the one guard. A lighter was found. He opened it, lit a cigarette and threw it onto the track of gasoline. He turned and walked away as the fire raced into the mine behind him.


At the Gates


The Judge watched from the passenger seat as the gates got closer. He braced as the lead vehicle smashed right through the gate, then screeched to a halt. He jumped out, and drew his pistol, shooting one guard and knee capping another. His assault team moved forward, taking out resistance from the loyal guards. They continued forward, their main objective to free the prisoners, destroy the mine, and secure the valuable asset. They ran through the wave of rebels and guards, however it was obvious that the guards were loosing. The Judge pointed towards a concrete building a few prisoners were attempting to break into. "There, that's the Armory. We open that, the battle is won." he yelled at the group to move, which they complied. He signaled his demolitions man to breach and the door exploded from a breaching charge. The group rushed inside, taking 3 guards prisoner. Noticing this, more freed rebels began arming themselves. Judge then lead his troops back to the main gate, and into the guard shack. Inside there was a microphone hooked up to the speakers placed at the gate. "The time of liberation is at hand mein Freunds, The resistance is here to fight the occupation of the New Order. Once out, we will lead you to the nearest base, for those who want to fight. If you just want to sit around and do nothing, feel free to do so. However the warriors of this nation know it is time we reclaim the Vaterland. FOR THE KAISER!" a roar of applaud, cheering, and war cries echoed back. He walked out, and with the base behind him in flames, led the now massive convoy, into the night. They were picked up on multiple security cameras and drones, but they shot any they saw. They reached a tunnel, walked inside, but never exited the other end. It was if the force disappeared.


The report of the attack soon spread throughout the nation and soon, the world. Nations grew nervous as the whispers of freedom floated on the wind. Many grew weary of the great Germanic nation, fearing a revolution. Martial Law was declared, however Erik secretly was thrilled his plan worked. He waited in the bunker, awaiting the inevitable response.

The Atlantic
the rouge sub patrolled beneath the waves, looking for a place to refuel and rearm. However what they found had the crew extremely worried. The captain was the most concerned. Through the periscope, the outline of a unknown cargo-ship filled the empty sea. The only visible logo was that of The New Order. The captain weighed his options. Finally, he decided. "Damn the ROE's, FIRE!"

The sub rose to the surface, its sleek body iconic and terrifying. The crew of the Orderian Ship watched, relaxed. They had no reason to fear it, for it was a South Acren Ship, visible by the flag painted on the side with waterproof paint. They laughed, waved, even filmed the sub as it pointed at them, seemingly watching their every move. All were in a joyful mood, until a deckhand saw a strange formation in the waves. He turned and watched in horror as a torpedo streaked towards them, closely followed by another further up toward the bow of the ship. He immediately ran and hit the General Quarters button, located at all stations for safety. The crew scrambled, hoping to at least save their cargo. The radio operator frantically began sending an SOS across all stations.

"This is Radio Operator of the SS United World, a New Order Cargo. A South Acrenian Sub just fired upon us, impact imminent, send help immi-"

His message stopped as the first torpedo struck near the engine, soon shutting off power. The sub slipped below the surface, continuing their search for allied land. The Cargo Ship, crippled by two torpedo strikes, began taking on water.

[Dyllonia]

Samaara Prison

He felt this day coming the moment he woke up. He would have expected this to be a bitter thing to do, but strangely it all felt so easy. In fact, he smiled. He had grown sick of all of the shit he had been given in this damn prison. He eagerly took a pen and signed his name. "Jawhol," Andy muttered, smiling. Andy was anxious to finally escape Creedy's daily beatings, and soon he would be free while Creedy was still in that hell shop. "You won't regret this, good sirs. I finally see the truth now." he said. "I renounce my false gods and now the only thing I serve is the New Order. I promise to be the best fighter this Legion will ever know." Today, the old Andy Rose dies. he thought with mixed feelings of agony and thirst.

[Rakdai]

Kidal Flesh Factory

Taipan sat in the control room of the power plant. The controls were in a foreign language, but luckily they had a translator. A Negenan soldier was restrained in the seat next to them, and a prod with a pistol or a lash of their urumi lent Taipan the meanings of the buttons. The Negenan soldier was tearing up, but a glance from Taipan made him blink them away and glare at his captor. Taipan sighed and got back to work. It would take a while, and mostly menial work, and so Taipan decided to take the edge of the work off. The distant sound of a helicopter caught Taipan’s attention, but they were not worried about it. Their main focus was on the power plant and the captured soldier.

“Do you Orderrites have anyone who cares for them? Do you have any family, perhaps? Do you have friends? I haven’t had anyone that cared about me for a very long time…”

[Ithallis]

Dyllonia

The 7th Militia Armored Battalion rumbled into the town square. Though many cheered their arrival, there was a looming sense of doom on the horizon.

Militia Sergeant Partick Adetti hopped out of his rig, giving it an affectionate pat. This was his baby, his home. A GMC M60A3E1 TTS Patton. Old, yes, but still a potent machine in the right hands. Ithallian Militias were not front line troops, rather a reserve force. They did not have the luxury of state of the art equipment, rather utilizing any and all surplus equipment they obtained in private sales. In this case, Adetti purchased the hull and turret and made it his pet project, completely refurbishing the tank over time. New, refitted all-terrain treads gave her mobility. A turbocharged, V-12 Continental Industries Engine gave her power. 8.5 inch armor fitted with reactive armor plates capable of stopping a Raznakovan rocket gave her protection. Thermal sights, range finders and targeting computers gave her eyes. And the M68 105 mm cannon, .50 BMG Commander turret, and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun gave her teeth.

But it was Adetti who gave her life, and a name. Carnage

Adetti was joined by the other five Sergeants in the Battalion, to the Lieutenant, who was discussing the battle plans with a Major Adetti had never met before.

"...the Imps are likely dug in around here, but intelligence says they have guns on the ridge, supporting the Nodies," the major was saying. Nodies was the term for Dyllonians who fell in with Edger Dusk and the New Order. New Order of Dyllonia.

"How many guns?" Lt. Hofferman asked.

"We don't know." The Major admitted, "Two. Five. An entire Artillery Brigade. Its anyone's guess out there."

"Negenan Doctrine of Artillery is to provide direct fire support," Adetti spoke up, "They'll put guns on the ridge for distance, and some on level ground to cover close-in threats."

The Major looked up and the Hofferman introduced him.

"Major Umbar, this is Staff Sergeant Adetti, chief NCO of my Battalion. Staff Sergeant, Major Umbar, Dyllonian Army."

"Always happy to have friends in our corner," the Major smiled, Adetti returning it, as they shook hands.

"What seems to be the problem, Major?"

Umbar tapped the war map in front of them, "As I was saying to your Lieutenant, The Imperial Army has set up artillery and anti-armor guns on the ridge just south-west of here. As long as those guns are operational, we can't move our forces to strike Dyllongrad, where the Infernal Dog Kroints is heading. They're trying to fortify the city before we can retake it. If we get there before the Negenan's do, it will shave months off the war."

Adetti observed the map before nodding.

"Can do, Major. We'll take care of those guns."


Fort Kasserine

Erik Vyndor went through the rows of intelligence banks, observing the war effort. The battle to retake Dyllonia was now in full swing, with Ithallian Forces striking at Negenan supply lines and outposts. Still, they lacked the strength to attack the Negenan Army group. The 2nd and 7th Armies were formidable enough alone but combined, it would be folly. For now, harassing attacks and surgical strikes would hamstring Imperial forces, but until they made a decisive blow, Vyndor felt a gnawing fear they were merely delaying the inevitable.

He paused himself. No. Get a hold of yourself, and have faith. The Lord will not abandon his people. Just have faith.

That was easier said than done when the casualty reports continued to roll in.

A Captain suddenly rushed to his side and handed him a note. Vyndor glanced at it and almost screamed. Restraining himself, Vyndor resorted to simply saying, "When?"

"Yesterday. They pulled him off the line."

"Find out where he is being sent to. We do not have long. The Empire is making a move and we have to respond, or Rose dies. Also, speak of this to no one but me and Kiraly Caldwell."

"Jawhol," The Captain saluted his Chancellor and General and departed.

Vyndor, left alone again, shook his head in frustration. Rose has joined the Penal Legion. he couldn't believe it.

The situation just got a lot more complicated...

[Oppermenia]

New Unit 0 - Far North, Oppermenia

"You can't beat me," the mask of John Doe said.

"No," Jon said. "But I can do this all day."

He punched the picture displayed on the punching bag. Over and over again. Jon was angry, more angry than he ever had been. After everything that had happened, all he had in his heart right now was hate for this John Doe. He took everything from him. Jon punched the picture again, seeing the picture start to wear.

John Doe destroyed his country. He destroyed his home. He killed his family, his friends, his wife. Jon never wanted to get back into this, but he did and suffered for it. The universe just didn't want him to be happy. Every time he got out, he was pulled back in, time and time again. And now, he lost everything. He lost his country, home, friends. Doe even took away Jon's son, Daniel. But his wife Tara, she was his everything. His entire reason for living was protecting them, protecting what he had. Now he had nothing.

And so, he punched, releasing all the rage that burned in his heart for John Doe onto the bag. If he didn't have anything to protect, he could at least avenge what he lost. He had to stay strong, for all those that perished at the New Order's hands, and especially for those still living. This wasn't just about him, it never was; it was about the people that needed hope, and giving it to them.

Tears streamed down his face as he remembered the sweet feeling that coursed through him when he and Tara's lips touched, clutching each other in a warm embrace. He screamed, hitting one final blow to the punching bag, sending it flying off its chain and into the wall. He exhaled so hard that it sounded like a growl, until he calmed himself down.

He left the room, seeing a soldier on the way out. "Tell them they need a new punching bag, son," he told him. The soldier had a strange look on his face. He went down the dirty halls with a completely blank expression. People might've walked by and greeted him, but he paid them no attention. At the moment, he was a man at war.

He kept walking until he reached a metal door with the word Sentinels engraved on it. It certainly amused him. That was always a grand idea of the Unit 0 Commander's, an elite team of special people to protect the world. A nostalgic thought, for sure, but Jon shoved that feeling deep down. This was no time for looking back to the good ole days.

He entered the room, seeing a round table with the north star symbol in the middle. Around it sat the Unit 0 Commander, a former Oppermenian general, and a couple other soldiers and Unit 0 operatives.

"Hello, Jon," the Commander greeted. It was so weird for Jon, seeing the Commander without a helmet. He'd never revealed his face to anybody, save for the people in this room; Jon wasn't sure how he felt as one of them. "Please, sit." Jon sat down in the one empty seat. "Thank you for being here."

"Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that you include me in your 'Super Friends' roster, but why am I here?" Jon asked.

"The Commander got to the point. "Jon, we have been gaining momentum," he began. "Our hit and run raids leave New Order forces with a large blow to recover from, and it devastates their ability to resupply quickly enough to pull off an all-out offensive up here. Our resistance is moving, so we're trying to decide the next course of action."

"And, you need me to help you decide that?"

"Well... we just wanted your input..."

"Well, I personally would keep doing what you're doing, but you're the Commander. You're probably gonna begin all-out assaults on the New Order?"

The Commander had no words.

"That's what I thought. Now, I'm sure you can handle that operation alright if executed properly, even if without me fighting in it."

"We told you," the Commander said. "We can't have you out there. It puts you in danger. You, Captain Oppermenia, are the symbol of hope this rebellion needs. We can't risk losing you."

"Sure, sure," Jon said rancorously. "Is there anything else I need to be informed on?"

"One more thing," the Commander said. "We've been receiving communications from an unknown source. We only know their codename: Redwolf."

"Huh, communications. What kind of communications?"

"Well, they seem to have been relaying information to us on New Order activity," he explained. "Some locations, when they'd be there. We don't know how they get this information, but we believe they may have a connection to John Doe."

"How do we know they're on our side?" Jon posed.

"We don't," the Commander admitted. "But right now, they're all we got. So, anything we can get from them is welcomed, but we should be prepared for anything..."

"Right," Jon said. He got up. "Thanks for briefing me and including me in these little super team meetings as always. If you need me, you know where to find me. Won't be busy or anything, it's not like I'll be fighting." He left the room.

He wanted more than anything to just beat the shit out of John Doe, but he wouldn't be given the chance to do it. These fists couldn't rest as long as John Doe was alive. For now, he had to settle for a different crusade: who was Redwolf?

Oppermanson

The Warden of Oppermanson overlooked the Orderrites working on the first building from his tower, watching them rebuilding the city stone by stone. It was beautiful. A new world being reborn from the old one, all thanks to the Supreme Premier. It was a new dawn for this world, and he was glad to be part of it... especially due to the compensation he would get...

Then, he heard a voice whisper, "Hello." He turned around at shot at the wall, startled. Nothing. He stepped forward lightly and slowly, gun at the ready to shoot anything that came out of the corner.

"Warden Gregor Zred," the dark voice said. The voice was clearly modified. He quickly turned around and aimed his gun at the figure. He wasn't quite sure what he was seeing. It seemed like a rather feminine figure, but it was hard to tell. They also had some kind of suit on - a supersuit, like the kind Captain Oppermenia and other superheroes would wear. It was black, with a red wolf insignia on the chest and red claw mark designs all over the suit. They wore a black helmet that had long, red auburn hair poking out the top.

"Listen, I don't know what this is, but - -"

"You are the Warden of Oppermanson, named by John Doe himself. This gives you some power, but don't let it get to your head. You're less powerful than you think."

"What?" he said with confusion. He shot at them, but the bullet just bounced off of their suit.

"Gregor Zred, you serve the Order, and that has proven to be the wrong choice," they said bluntly. "Something is about to happen here, and you will not like it. John Doe won't like it. It can, however, be avoided if you tell me where John Doe is."

"I'm not playing your game, you bitch!" he yelled.

"Very well."

At first, nothing happened. It was silent, and the two just looked at each other. "That's what I - -" BOOM. He was cut off by the sound of an explosion nearby. His jaw dropped. He slowly walked outside, seeing the entire work site destroyed, erupted into flames. He couldn't believe it. "How - -"

The figure picked him up and slammed him against the wall. They picked Gregor's head up. "That's what happens, Gregor, when you refuse to cooperate." He looked at the figure dazed.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"Call me Redwolf," they answered. "Gregor Zred, you have failed this city." They slammed Gregor's head against the wall one last time to deliver one last fatal blow.

On the sight of the explosion down below, one man survived. He was close to a boy, being a young Orderrite recruit. He was just trying to process what just happened when the figure of the Redwolf dropped in front of him. He screamed, crawling away. "Please, I'm just a kid, please don't kill me!"

"Don't worry," they said. "I'm not gonna hurt you. I just want you to deliver a message to John Doe for me."

[South Raznakova]

Vodovenko sat in his office going over the latest reports from the Defence Department. The naval rapid response group had been pulled back to SR, and would soon begin supply operations. All other South Raznakovan operatives had been returned to SR. Things were going smoothly. With the partial surrender of Rakdai, all that was left was Draos. Mitchell had yet to decide a course of action, but had promised to get back to Vladimir as soon as possible.

As Vodovenko flipped through another report, the doors to his office opened and in walked in Igor Volinin, the director of the SVR, the Foreign Intelligence Service.

"What is it Volinin?"

"Yes sir, our operatives within the New Order managed to get their hands on footage from the New Order drones, and well, it isn't good sir."

The director handed Vodovenko a tablet. A video began to play. In it was a child, who seemed to be around 10-12 years old. He was talking to the voice on the other end of the drone. As the drone started to fly away, the boy threw a rock at the camera on the drone. The drone turned around and shot the boy in the head, killing him. Vodovenko stopped the video and put the tablet down, his hands shaking.

"How many more videos like this?", said Vodovenko, anger in his voice.

"We have over a dozen confirmed incidents like this. All of them children."

"How many people know of this?"

"The operatives who got their hands on the footage, you, me and Minister Kravchenko."

"Have we located Jon Neddard?"

"Yes sir."

"Send him the footage, tell him we need to meet. Mr. Doe has gone to far."

"Yes sir, it will be done." The director then turned on his heel and left the room.

[Negena]

Kabul, Afghanistan

The sun beat down on the formation of prisoners on the parade ground. The entire compound was bleached a hoarse tan from the unrelenting sun, and the oppressive heat caused the sands to shimmer and dance in the distance.

The Commissar strode down the ranks, lashing at those he deemed too disheveled, heat be damned. When he reached Andy Rose, he gave him one look, and snorted.

"The Order needs fighters, not useless politicians."

"Sir it comes down from The Order itself." a black armored Volkenvuis Soldier muttered to the Commissar, "He goes to the line."

The Commissar sighed.

"Can you fight?"

Rose barely opened his mouth when the Commissar struck him across the face.

"I don't care, you will now. Can you shoot?"

"Dece-"

SMACK!

"I don't care, you'll learn." He looked down the line of convicts, "You will all fucking learn. You are the few who have agreed to bear your guilt, the weight of your sins, onto the field of battle. To redeem yourselves in the eyes of your Emperor, Adrien Vorster, and to the New Order. Know this; Forgiveness cannot be given freely. It must be earned. And you will earn it in blood...or perish. Or both." The Commissar turned and looked Rose in the face.

"We really don't care either way."

The Commissar walked over to a wooden crate and pulled out a gun. A simple thing, made from stamped steel, it looked more like a toy than a weapon of war.

"Your tool of trade! Master work of Negenan Mass Production, the Hyena 9 millimeter Carbine."

He handed it to his aide, then reached in again. This time, he pulled out rifle, wooden stock and all, with metal fittings holding the action in place.

"The SVT-40. Pride of Armies old and new. With these weapons, you will fight. You will kill! You will WIN!"

The Convicts cheered as the Commissar tossed the SVT-40 to Rose.

"So Sun Watcher. Show us what you can do."

The Firing Range buzzer sounded and a target swung out...a fiendish caricature of Chancellor Erik Vyndor.

Andy shuffled to the kill box and shouldered the rifle as the Commissar whispered in his ear.

"Go on, Rose. Kill the Nelvoz Traitor..."


Lacona, Imperial Palace

Nemo worriedly filed the papers as Vorster drafted the orders for the Occupation force in Nelvoz. A sinister grin tugged at his lips as he issued the mandates.

"Round up all the children under the age of ten, and bring them to Donbass Army Laboratories. As of now, Project Xerxes Mk. 2 and Project Anubis are initated."

"S-sire?" Nemo sputtered, "The Order, they may not take too kindly to such drastic actions."

Vorster carelessly waved his hand.

"What will they do? First of all, they are already property of the Order, mandated to my administration, so I can do whatever I damn well please to them. Secondly, these experiments are for the betterment of the Order, and have been sanctioned before hand by Doe himself."

At this, he pulled out a document, bearing Doe's sign.

"AND THIRDLY...I'm the only one who pulled his fucking weight in this pact. Sure, Vodovenko had the money, Richter had the army, but who actually got shit done?"

"You make a point, but that's hardly a reason to go behind the Order, Emperor." Nemo squeaked.

"Exactly. I'm an 'Emperor'," Vorsters eyes flashed, a glint of madness in their gray depths, "I don't need a fucking reason."


Kidal Prison

"Bravo 0-1, moving to the Power Station."

"Check those bloody corners, mate."

A piercing scream echoed down the hall and, from the darkness, an insane inmate came running at them swinging a wrench. Bravo Leader shot him twice in the head, dropping him.

"Switch to thermals, douse the lights. Let's not attract attention." One by one, their flashlughts flicked off, and they each turned on their thermal/Night vision imaging systems. They slowly made their way to the door.

"Stack up. Check." Bravo Leader ordered.

One of the soldiers advanced and opened the door, only for a blade to strike him in the head. With out a sound, he keeled over and collapsed.

"Shit! Contact! Contact! Anyone got eyes on?"

"Negative, he's in the Control Room!"

"Chem out! We'll smoke this bastard!"

Three chemical grenades were thrown in, two through the door, one through the factory window. After a five second delay, they clicked open, releasing their payload of Sarin gas.


Dyllongrad

Die Siellose Commandant Jesse Kruger stood patiently in the hallway with twenty of his best men. He was in no rush, just waiting for their host. Who coincidentally, had no idea they were here.

Edgar Dusk rounded the corner, to be met face to face with the Negenan Special Forces, and immediately started. Before he said a word, however, Kruger spoke.

"Mr. Dusk. Emperor Vorster sends his regards. We are at your service. We are here to prepare the defenses of your city while Field Marshall Kroints secures the surrounding country side..."

[Dyllonia]

Kabul

Andy could not decide what was worse, the tyranny of the sun or the beatings. He was used to the beatings back in Samaara so taking a few smacks was nothing new to him. Andy, however, was born in raised in a rather cold Dyllonia. Andy came to decide that that was the worse part of it all. Sometimes Andy thought about what the people back home would think of their first prime minister a slave soldier for a tyrant. He wondered if he would go down in history as Andrew Turncoat or Andrew the Submissive. When he received his SVT-40 Andy had contemplated using it on himself. He wondered if this was some trick the Imps were making on him to test his loyalty, if maybe this gun was empty. There was something, however, that made Andy keep going.

When he saw the target appear in front of him Andy may have laughed at the wild appearance of Erik Vyndor if this were a year or two ago. But Andy knew better now. Andy forgot exactly what Vyndor looked like and for a moment he wondered if he really did look like this monstrosity. At one time Andy was fairly decent with a gun, but that was a long time ago. He took aim.

BANG, BANG, BANG - his first three shots missed the target completely. He heard some chuckling behind him and growled. He fire three more shots. One of them hit the caricature but missed Vyndor then the last two hit his chest. Another shot hit his head, then another missed, then the last two just below the heart. Andy doubted that his work would please his masters. Nothing ever pleased them. He turned to the Commissar. "Well, I have assassinated your traitor. Now where is my medal?"

Dyllongrad

Edgar Dusk sat at his desk stressing over his position. When he was a child he had dreamed of ruling Dyllonia. That was until his father kept stuffing the idea down his throat and eventually he had wanted anything but doing that. Yet somehow here he sat, as the first Kiraly of Dyllonia. Edgar had moments when he wanted to defy an order. Why should he be pushed around by some mysterious shadow he had never even seen before? But every time he thought about it he knew he couldn't. Kiraly under a Supreme Premier was all he would ever be. Why take the risk? Why chase the waterfall when you have all the fish and fresh water at your disposal?

Then Benny intruded in. You could have at least knocked, Edgar thought. He had felt alarmed any time the door came open, worrying that an assassin may be waiting on him. It was Benny who reported to John Doe over Edgar's behavior and he knew Benny was not very fond of him. He expected any day that some pawn of the Supreme Premier would wait on him to take him out or that Fredrick of Daggers or one of his Night Blades would take their revenge.

Edgar was always surprised to see Benny smile. He always scowled or grimaced; this time, he was smirking. "Did hear what had happened to our dear friend?"

Dear friend? "Which one?"

Benny's grin grew devilish. "Andy Rose."

"Did he die in prison?" Edgar asked. He heard the horrible stories of Negenan flesh factories.

"He wishes. He is now fighting in the Penal Legion, fighting for the New Order."

"He is?" Edgar never would have guessed that. Andy always seemed to resilient, too slippery to submit to something like that. It brought some satisfaction to him. His rival was finally beaten, nothing more then a slave with a gun. "Excellent!"

"He won't last a week." Benny said, "I bet the first shot he shoots will land in his own head."

"As you say, sir." Edgar said. He expected him to last at least a month. He would eventually break and get caught trying to escape, Edgar predicted. "We should celebrate...with coffee." Edgar left his office and immediately he found a party waiting for him. Before he could speak, the man spoke.

"Mr. Dusk. Emperor Vorster sends his regards. We are at your service. We are here to prepare the defenses of your city while Field Marshall Kroints secures the surrounding country side..."

The day keeps getting better Edgar thought. "Good." he said, "If the traitors attack us here, they will be know the meaning of fear. Should you in your battles capture the scum Nacheal Caldwell, bring him to me. I will have him tossed in our oubliette and let him starve. With our combined efforts, the shades of darkness will shroud the World."

[South Acren]

An Orderite Military (OOC: anyone can claim it) Checkpoint, Oppermenia
The day was long and boring, few civilians passed through now that the checkpoint was set up. The troopers spent their time chatting amongst themselves, taking bets, or playing on their phones. That all changed at 3pm. A rumble was heard down the road, around the bend that lead into the forest. The guards became alert st the sounds of treads. Tank treads. The sound of boots marching were barely audible but soon, a massive convoy rounded the bend. At the helm, a M63 Lyon Mk5, one of the most dangerous in the world. Even worse, the tank commander in the hatch was familiar. On guard slowly backed up as the convoy approached the checkpoint. The lead tank halted with a cry from the Kommadant. One guard stepped forward, shaking in his uniform. He looked to his right, seeing the sun glint of the exosuits of the stone faced german soldiers. The tanks behind the lead tank were sitting idle, yet he could tell they were ready to move. He looked back at the Kommadant "Rommel, sir, we have no word from the order to let you pass."

Rommel said nothing, but smoked a cigar. He finally responded, coldly. "The order does not command me or my divisions, soldier. Get out of my way, or you deal with the wrath of the 1st Panzer Corps." what followed this was the sound of guns being readied. The guard gulped and looked back, the once statuesque soldiers now looked like killing machines.

"y-you fire on us, its considered treason to the order." Rommel pulled a luger from his uniform

"We have no loyalties to a dictatorship" he aimed it at the guard "move or die."
The guards, outnumbered, outgunned, and outmatched, capitulated. They let the convoy pass. As they passed one guard, a fearless bastard, spoke up

"The order will hear about this"! a South Acren infantryman marching past punched him in the jaw. "ja, but not from you." the guard tried to tackle him, but more infantry pushed, shoved, or beaten him off. Finally he relented, bloody and bruised. The convoy marched on. Once gone, a medic treated the wounded gaurd while another radioed their HQ about the incident. The world grew even more wery or the nation, for across the world, SA troops were reported to vanish, heading home. One instance involved an actual shootout which ended with 6 fatalities, evenly split. SA seemed on the brink of war, for its military was preparing for something, but noone knew what

[Rakdai]

Kidal Flesh Factory

Taipan noticed the gas grenades thrown into the control room, but a gas mask attachment to their mask would prevent the sarin’s affect. Their prisoner, however, would be quickly inhaling a lethal amount. Taipan kicked his chair out into the hallway, and his comrades ended his life as shots rang out.

Taipan quickly sighed, another life taken by this war. The Negenean soldiers quickly realized that the man they killed was tied up in a chair, and wearing the same uniform as the men who had shot him. Taipan waited in the doorway to the control room, until the first soldier came into the room.

Taipan quickly lunged forward, and swung their urumi. The lashes of the weapon broke the soldier’s gas mask and destroyed the visor. Another quick lash blinded the man. Taipan pushed him backwards and again his comrades shot a fellow soldier to death. Taipan took out their pistol and moved into the hallway. Shot after shot hit their armor, and they all ricocheted off. One by one the front of the squadron of soldiers fell, until Taipan ran out of ammunition. They discarded their pistols and paused and cocked their head at the remaining few soldiers. Taipan lunged forward, bare-handed, and continued the carnage.

[Dyllonia]

Balmora

Dameon Buluru greeted his guest with a certain sweetness that could never have come from that man. Rosa frowned as the man with the red dragon pin on his shirt came in and greeted her relative. "Lord Buluru," the man spoke in a relaxed voice, "I thank you for having me."

"And I thank you for coming here. Please, come in and welcome to Silversail Keep, where the wine is fresh and the gold glows." Oh, Halal take you, Dameon.

"Yes, I have heard wonderful things that come from your great dynasty. It seems that both Balmora and the New Order share similar...methods when obtaining power."

"That we do. May I have your name sir?" Dameon asked.

"My name is Jim Toad, at your service." A fitting name, Rosa thought, you sure look like a toad.

"Again, it is a pleasure to have you, Mr. Toad. What business does the Order have with us?"

His words darkened, but Toad's voice face remained sweet and polite. "Well you see, Lord Buluru, Kiraly Dusk and the Supreme Premier have noticed that you are not flying the Order's banner." Rosa knew that. When war officially broke out Dameon had the tricolor removed as well, as to state that they were not choosing sides. "Surely this is just the result of some accident, yes?"

Dameon's fake smile finally died. "No." he said, "We have become great business partners, we and your Order, but don't mistake that for meaning that we submit to John Doe."

"John Doe is the Supreme Premier of the entire world." Toad frowned, "And Kiraly Edgar Dusk is the head of the vassal of Dyllonia. Dyllongrad has ruled Balmora for centuries, no? Bulurus have knelt to the ruler of Dyllonia for a long time. Therefor Dusk is your rightful liege."

"We Bulurus were the rulers of Dyllonia recently. Then the coward, Ostromtorony let the Theocrat take power and then he let that fool Andy Rose take over. We do not recognize Dusk as our ruler nor do we Doe."

"This would make you a traitor, my lord. And Amaya Harbinger made an example of Jeffrey Stone on what we do to traitors."

Rosa payed attention closely. She was anxious to see how Dameon would respond to such a threat. "I have yet to see you and your incredible strength crush Nacheal Caldwell. You need Negenans to do that for you I see." Toad's smile finally died as well. Dameon raised his hand before Toad could respond. "Now, Mr. Toad, you remember the motto of my family, no?"

"The Wine is Fresh." Toad said. "What do yo-"

Dameon raised his hand again. "Those words mean the fortune that we provide our friends. When others goblet they are guaranteed fortune." Rosa noticed that Dameon left out the part about how it could also guarantee poison. "Now, I think that it is time that I pass the goblet over to the New Order. I know we make a deal, so lets do it. Did Doe or Dusk send you?"

"Kiraly Dusk did."

"Now, what office are you in his cabinet?"

"I...I am just a diplomat."

"Just a diplomat?" Dameon said, "Mr. Toad, you have much more potential then just a diplomat. Do you love the New Order."

"Of course I do." Toad said defensively. "The Order gave me a life."

"Do you think that Kiraly Dusk is a good servant to Dyllonia." Toad did not respond. "I remember the man when he was just Rhapsody's son. He isn't. I can promise you an office. A real office."

"What are you saying?"

"Here is the deal. We Bulurus have been good with numbers since our history began. You assure me a position as the minister of the economy and I will accept Dusk's ultimatum and I join the Order. Then, we keep our secret. Any office you want I can grant you."

"And you want..."

"Dyllonia."

[Ithallis]

Vinyard Pass, Dyllonia

Sgt. Adetti and the rest of the 7th battalion kept very wary as they passed through the woods. A joint task force of Ithallian and Dyllonian troops advanced with them as they ground on.

Breaking through a hedge row, Adetti was suddenly greeted by a vast open plain, skirting the ridgeline for a couple miles.

"Captain," Lt. Hofferman called to the Dyllonian officer leading the infantry, "get your boys behind us and stay low."

The men split into six columns and hid behind the Pattons as they advanced.

"Keep your head on a swivel, guys," Adetti radioed, "I bet my balls they know we're here."

"Copy. Eyes up, eyes up. Watch that ridge line."

"Patriot 2-2, back off my starboard side, I got no room to move over here."

"Shit shit! Left stick! Left stick, goddamn it!"

"Get your head outta your ass, 2-2."

"I wadden't payin' attention. My bad."

"Check right! What was that?

"Just a deer...only a deer...calm down, 1-3"

The captain turned and motioned to his men.

"Stay low-"

BRRRRRRT!

Machine gun fire suddenly erupted from a foxhole in front of Adetti. At the tree line, fleeting figures could be seen moving back and forth.

"Contact, contact. Thomble, traverse left and give that sumbitch what for."

Jerry Thomble, Adetti's gunner, aimed the gun as Stan Boyd, the loader, primed the cannon.

"CLEAR!"

"AWAY!!"

BANG

The deafening roar of the 105 cannon rattled the hull as the projectile streaked to its target, striking just to the side. The Negenan gunner, who had dove for cover, got up and resumed firing.

BRRRRRT

"Gimme another, Boyd."

"CLEAR!"

"AWAY!"

BANG

The shell struck five feet in front of the fox hole, exploding and sending shrapnel and human flesh everywhere. Through the gun scope, Adetti saw the ragged, bloody torso that had once been a Negenan soldier flying through the air.

"Cease fire, target destroyed." Adetti declared as Thomble laughed evilly.

[Negena]

Vinyard Pass, Dyllonia

Brigadier Victor Porshe watched as the tanks advanced. Ancient things, he sniffed scornfully no match for Negenan tech. He looked to his Artillery battery, all ten guns worth and nodded.

"Kill them all."

The troops quickly went to work.

"Geweer gelaai!"

"Reeks nege honderd meter! VUUR!"

BANG!

The anti armor shell went whistling across the plains to meet the enemy.


...Somewhere...

The troop transport bucked and rolled, but without anything to hold onto or stop his fall, other than another inmate that is, Rose was forced to endure it.

"LOAD WEAPONS!" The Commissar barked over the obnoxious truck engine.

Rose dutifully pulled a magazine from his belt and slammed it into his SVT-40. The magazines had a ten round capacity, and he was carrying five magazines.

Fifty shots.

He was mandated to kill the enemy by any means necessary. If needed, he could take the weapon of a fallen ally or enemy and finish the job.

"Helmets!"

Rose strapped on his old and rusty steel pot helmet.

"MASKS!"

Gasmasks. Rose strapped his on and fitted on the filter.

The Commissar nodded.

"KILL FOR YOUR EMPEROR AND THE ORDER!"

"LONG WILL HE REIGN!" Rose and the others shouted, as the doors opened up...

Kidal Prison

"CONTACT FRONT!"

Gun fire erupted as Bravo Team tried to get a bead on the phantom. He moved strangely, almost as though he was made of liquid rather than flesh and bone.

One operative managed to land a hit, and the shadow stumbled. In that brief moment, one of the troopers lunged forward in a flying tackle, knocking him to the ground.

"Nou sterf jy, teef!" the Operative screamed, smashing his fist repeatedly into the masked face.

The stranger kicked him off, slicing his throat in one swift motion before quickly limping away into the shadows, leaving a thin trail of blood.

"Regroup! Get those lights on and find that bastard. NOW!" Bravo 0-1 shouted as his men restored power. The Generators hummed and started up as the leader contacted Alpha team.

"Alpha this is Bravo. Contact on individual. Managed to injure but he got away. Be advised, contact is armed and highly dangerous. Beginning search now..."

[Rakdai]

Kidal Flesh Factory

Taipan headed into the shadows, and shed their limp. It’s always easier to defeat an enemy that believes you to be crippled, Taipan thought. They slinked into a side hallway and shed their gas mask, which had been rendered useless by that last damn soldier’s punches. At least now Taipan could use their fangs.

Taipan exited the building and within a couple minutes all the lights blasted on. I must not have damaged the power grid as much as I thought I had, Taipan thought. Taipan circled around the building and walked towards the large concrete prison in the center. They busted through a locked door and came face to face with a few guards. Within a minute they all lay dead or dying, killed by Taipan’s urumi and their fangs. Through another hallway, this one disturbingly empty, Taipan found another control room. A weedy-looking soldier lunged for their handgun, but Taipan grasped his arm before he could get anywhere close. Taipan quickly broke his arm and snapped his neck, and threw his body out of the room.

Despite the controls being in the same foreign language as the last, Taipan knew what the large red button on the side must have meant. They pressed the button and alarms started going off, and the sounds of several dozen doors sliding open filled the hallway. Taipan started going through the hallway, and a crazed batch of inmates came charging forth. They tried swinging at them, but Taipan picked up the lead inmate and bit down, their fangs going through the man’s temple. Taipan tossed the body aside and the rest of the inmates backed down. Taipan tilted their head, and the inmates scurried away. Taipan looked to the side, out of a dust-crusted window, and saw the visor of a Negenean elite soldier staring back.

[Negena]

Kidal Prison

"Hallo daar." Bravo Leader hissed as he punched the intruder in the face. Bravo was no ordinary soldier, and the intruder went sprawling to the ground. He came up in a flash, blade drawn, but Bravo kicked it out of his hand.

"Ja, I know who you are." Bravo sneered through his mask, smashing his fist into the side of his foe's head, "The legendary Taipan."

Taipan scrambled to get on his feet but Bravo was relentless, kicking him hard in the chest, knocking his wind out.

"You think I am a scared little boychick?" Bravo laughed, stomping hard onto Taipans stomach. He then siezed the agent by the throat.

"I'd have thought you'd put up more of a fight!" Bravo roared as he smashed Taipans head into the cinder block wall, leaving a sizable hole, "But, what else do you expect from an Untermensch?"

Grabbing Taipan by his neck and leg, Bravo heaved and threw him through an observation window with a crash. Taipan fell over the side and into the Prison's General Population Commons, into the hoard of insane inmates.

[South Acren]

Ludendorf Harbor and Military Base, South Acren.

Erik and his undercover convoy of military guards and staff finally arrived at the gates of the massive base. Easily the largest in SA, it was a massive complex, one to rival his bunker. However Erik wasn't here to check up on the base. He knew it was time. As his convoy rolled through the concrete gate, which shut behind him, they travelled forward for a bit, occasionally taking lefts and rights. Finally, they reached a grand building, the Headquarters of the 1st Fleet. He stepped out, walking inside the building. His entourage followed. He reached the Admirals desk relatively easy. The old sea captain looked up. Erik spoke first.

Admiral, its time we started Project Schiffszerstörer." The admirals face grew a bit pale.

"sir, the amount of resources and money it will cost-" The admiral tried to protest it, but Erik raised his hand, silencing him.

"I want it started, Admiral. Operation Barbarossa is close to starting. I want that Dreadnought out in the seas." the admiral sighed

"what should the name be sir?"

Erik remained silent for a bit. "……….The Bismarck"

[Draos]

Sewers of Crius Thailand (formerly Bangkok ) Draosian Ascendancy occupied by the New Order
5000 hoplites and several thousand civilian militia that had been unable to retreat but refused to surrender and face capture and what ever torture the nutjobs planned for them had fled into the sewers readying for a surprise attack. The Draosians checked their chronos 17:00 they nodded to each other and shouted as they charged out of the sewers "DIONAM SHIEAVO " THE DEAD MEN LIVE AGAIN firing on any order patrols they came across Metal gleamed at the end of their rifles bayonets ripping into the flesh of any order soldier being found alive by the Ascendancy no mercy was to be shown this was a life or death fight and they knew it making sure the enemy will know to fear the awakened and angered Dragon.

[Ithallis]

Vinyard Pass

The 88 mm shell whistled mere feet from Adetti as the line continued to advance.

"Hot shit! Anti-Tank! A-T! Who's got eyes on it?!"

"Crap! I can't see shit!"

"No visual, Sarge, I say again, no sight!"

A horrendous BANG erupted from the tree line, and a harsh whistling sound split the air as the shell connected with the tank two down from Adetti, spanging off the armor and spiraling off into the horizon. Adetti was filled with dread, realizing what they were up against.

"Just a ricochet. We're good," came the commander of the stricken tank.

"Bullshit, we're good," Adetti called on the radio, "That's an Imperial High Velocity Cannon. I can hear it whistling from over here. Check the hull, make sure it didn't puncture."

"Copy. Aaaand...check. We're good."

"All callsigns! Find that gun!"

[Negena]

Vinyard Pass

"Reeks vyf honderd meter! Teiken die naat van die rewolwer!"

"VUUR!!"

BANG

The Shell shot across the field and exploded just in front of a tank, taking out its left treads.

"Goeie skoot! Tank gedeaktiveer!"


Vinyard Pass, Ridgeline

The Commissar laughed in glee as Rose and his fellow convicts watched.

"Our cannons are tearing the traitors paper boxes to shreds! We will wait until they are all destroyed, then we will deal with the footsloggers."

[Ithallis]

"Shit! Peterson's rig is stuck! Find that damn gun and kill it before they slot our guys!"

"Got it! Eyes on A-T Cannon! 500 yards!"

Relief washed over Adetti. If they can see, they can kill it.

"Copy! Thomble! Traverse right! Boyd! Give me a HE round! FIRE!"

"CLEAR!"

"AWAY!"

BANG

The round crushed the treeline, splintering logs and sending dirt flying. Around him, the other tanks began firing on the position, until, finally, an eruption of fire and sparks heralded the destruction of the Cannon.

"Copy, target destroyed."

Everyone loosened up a bit...Until another shell streaked into their midst.

"FUCK! Second gun! Got eyes on?"

"No, wait...YES! A-T Cannon! Indent left, 400 yards!"

"Copy! Indent left. Thomble, FIRE! FIRE!"

"AWAY!"

Adetti and two of his comrades fired on the location, and were rewarded with a second firey eruption.

"Copy all tanks, start squirting the tree line. Cut those Imps down."

Adetti turned to the Captain in tow with his men.

"Get yer boys in the fight, Cap!" he shouted.

At once, all five operational tanks began firing guns and cannon, and the infantry rushed the Negenan trenches.

[Negena]

Donbass Army Laboratories

The truck ruumbled to a stop and the Volkenvuis jumped out.

"HERE! HERE! UNLOAD THIS TRUCK NOW!"

"SHIFT THIS CARGO! PRONTO!"

The "cargo" was a group of twenty terrified children, fresh from the Nelvoz work camp, and they weren't alone. Dozens of trucks soon parked beside the first, unloading screaming, crying children, some no older than four, handled as roughly as though they were sacks of rocks than human beings.

A Volkenvuis fired his gun in the air, herding the terrified children into the compound, and forcing them into the Holding Cells.

So began the hell for the children of Ithallis...


Kidal Prison

Bravo laughed triumphantly, and prepared himself for a perceived counter attack, but none came.

Confused, he chanced a glance over the shattered window. Nothing but the milling inmates. Taipan was no where in sight.

Cursing in rage, Bravo activated his radio as he hastily made for the door at the end of the hallway.

"All units, be advised. Tango is the Taipan. I say again, It's Taipan. Target has been injured, but he keeps running like a coward. I want him found and dealt with...lethally."

[Dyllonia]

With a racing heart, Rose watched as war ravaged the battlefield. He remembered this place. At one time he was retreating here with his friends. He could still hear Andrei shouting at him, telling him that retreating here was a mistake. Andy knew he was right, but somehow they escaped. What would Andrei say to me now, if he were still alive? Andy wondered that to himself. He could imagine something like 'You were never a hero, just a spoiled rich boy who wanted a name in a history book', or 'What are you even doing here? At one time you fought to break chains. Now you fight for them.' Andy would give much and more to see Andrei again with his golden hair and his relentless criticism.

That was many years ago. Andrei is long dead. Everyone around him was dying as well. Rollo is dead, as is Randy and Rocco and Lee. John and Erin were probably dead as well. Even Micheal Stein was history. Now the men Andy saw beneath him died. When this was over, what would Andy do? His career in politics died with Dyllongrad. He would never be loved in Dyllonia, not after joining the Penal Legion. Would he be sipping tea with Vorster or Doe by the end of it all? Andy's best hope was getting shot, dying a quick death.

SARVOS

Sarvos looked down at Alf. Alf gave a hideous smile through his bruised face. Alf had been operating in Oppermenia for quite some time. He joined a few militias until he got bored or his garrison was crushed. For a while he went along infiltrating Orderite camps and made some sneaky murders. Finally a Shadowcloak caught up with him and danced the Bethea Waltz with him and Alf came out victorious, but he had nearly died in the fight. "You evaded my capture years earlier Alf."

Alf smirked, "That I did. That was a nice day; the skies were clear and the sun was shining."

Sarvos growled. "I could finally bring you to justice. You kidnapped Ostromtorony Buluru." Alf laughed, "You murdered Dominik Buluru."

"What a csazsar he was, huh Sarv? Still loyal to your old master? The one who murdered his own council and murdered countless students at Harvel Academy when the Gold Torches formed?"

"Dominik's doings are not relevant at this time." Sarvos said coldly. "Yours are. You murdered countless politicians and committed acts of terror against Dyllonia."

"You talk to me of crimes, Sarvos, but I assure you my name is in no criminal records. Those are all destroyed, remember?" Sarvos did not answer. "So as far as I'm concerned, I am an innocent man."

"This goes beyond legal crimes. Now we speak of moral crime. For that, you are due capital punishment."

"Kill me if you will." Alf sighed, "I am wounded, you see. I am helpless. Go on, don't be shy." Alf had evaded arrest before by doing this before, Sarvos remembered. He made himself look helpless and hurt - and he was - and when they officers made the strike Alf somehow leapt out and murdered his pursuers.

Sarvos knew that Alf's time was yet to come. He saw the Shadowcloak, and murders have been reported among the Order. Something in Sarvos felt that Alf as supposed to live for now. "I will not kill you, Alf." he said.

"What!?" exclaimed Celine.

"What!?" exclaimed Taimon.

"What!?" laughed Alf.

"You still have some use in you, criminal. I mean to use as much of that as I can. We are going to Dyllonia. Dyllonia or death, Alf."

[Ithallis]

Fort Kasserine

Vyndor sipped the strong Dyllonian coffee as he went through the reports. Halfway through the papers, a tall, haggard-looking Militia Colonel along with the Battle Captain entered his office. Erik quickly put his cup down and made a mental note to request a shipment of the brew from Kiraly Caldwell when all this mess was resolved.

"Chancellor," The Captain spoke excitedly, "We...we think we found him."

Erik quickly stood up, his eyes drilling a hole through the Captain's head.

"Where?"

"My scouts report an individual matching Rose's likeness is currently deployed with the Legion at Vinyard Pass," The Colonel spoke up, "We cannot verify, however. The individual was wearing a gas mask."

"So we jump at assholes in gasmasks? Is that it?" Vyndor asked, irritatedly.

"Chancellor, I understand this is not an ideal situation, but its the one the Empire has forced us into."

Vyndor ran a hand through his ragged hair.

"Yeah. Yeah, I know. What's the play?"

"The 7th Armored Battalion's 3rd Platoon is advancing on a Negenan Gun Battery, the 19th Infantry regiment and the Dyllonian 5th Regiment of Foot are there to assist."

"Mmhmm. Good. 19ths a good outfit. They'll get it done."

"If the Imperial High Command follows doctrine, they'll wait until the troops assault the trenches, then overwhelm them from the cliffs. Classic case of misdirection."

"And how do we counter it?"

The Colonel cleared his throat and spoke up.

"The Armored units will swing east, and up the pass to directly fire on the artillery on the ridge. We're gambling that the Penal Legions will be diverted to defend the guns. While they're busy, the 19th and the 5th will scale the cliff and catch the remaining forces off guard. We hope to force their surrender and take Rose unharmed."

Vyndor nodded solemnly but was wary.

"You realize the Imperials would not go through with this if they were absolutely sure they could keep control of Rose. Or kill him if he were to be captured."

"Not likely," The captain said assuredly, "They've already won in their eyes. They're just flaunting their might right now."

"Exactly," Vyndor sighed, "If they think they won, there's no reason for him to be alive at all."


Vinyard Pass

Ithallian and Dyllnian infantry jumped into the trenches, where it quickly devolved into a bloody, violent melee. Gunfire cracked in deafening salvos, fists smashed open skulls and blades severed limbs. Hellish screams of the wounded split the air above it all. The stuff of nightmares.

Adetti turned to LT. Hofferman, who was on the Radio.

"Infantry will clean up here," He passed on to his Sergeant, "We got orders from the brass, proceed east, and climb that ridge. Infantry will scale the ridge."

"No foot support?"

"Nope. But Orders are Orders. We move up the mountain. We have to take out the Artillery guns up there so we can move on Dyllongrad. Also, check fire."

"Wha-Why?!"

"This comes from on High," Hofferman shrugged, "There's an HVI up there. We need to capture him..."

[South Raznakova]

The General Secretary sat in his office, going over the latest New Order reports. So far, 500 000 people had been executed by New Order forces. Jon still hadn't responded to his message, however, he expected him to take his time responding, they obviously were not on the best of terms. As he wen through the final pages of the report, Major General Popov entered his office.

"General Secretary!", said Popov, saluting and smashing his heels together.

"What is it Major General?"

"The New Order sent a request to send troops to reinforce Negenan gun batteries in Dyllonia. Their intelligence suspects an attack, and they want us to deploy troops for security. I have already taken the liberty to deploy troops."

"Good, which troops have you deployed?"

"We have deployed 3 divisions from the 3rd shock army, as well as two more divisions from the 5th infantry. They will be supported by one battalion from the Mechanized infantry corps of the foreign legion, as well as 4 divisions from the 3rd armoured. T99's, LAV 4's and MRAPS."

"Any air support?"

"Yes sir, 50 blackhawks from the 3rd support group."

"When will they arrive."

"They arrived 2 hours ago sir."

"Good. Now Popov, the SVR has informed me that Rose was drafted into the Penal Legions and was sent to Dyllonia. Is he stationed at one of those batteries?

"Yes sir, he is."

"Good. Listen to me closely Popov. I want this order to be delivered to every man on the ground. If the opportunity arises that Rose can be turned over to the Ithallians without comprising our operations or the Negenans, they are to take it. I don't care if they need to shoot him in the leg and leave him for the Ithallians. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir, it will be done." Popov then saluted Vodovenko, turned on his heel and left the room.