He huffed and he Puffed. (FT, Semi-Open see OOC for sign up)

[FS_America]

"Copy that Venus tower anchoring down, the Delegates shall be on there way shortly."

The American Light Cruiser did as it was told shutting off its engines after coming to a complete halt its weapons powered down also. On the bridge things where heck tick, as people got ready and the Honour guard was Prepared. For a light cruiser this was a big deal as Not many vessels of that class rarely had the chance to be diplomatic. But eventually everything was ready and the shuttle craft left the side of the Light cruiser.

The Shuttle its self Was rather sleek. Looking more like a Pleasure Boat than anything else, how ever it was Painted a Navy blue and bore the Seal of the Federated States on either side, marking it out to be a Diplomatic shuttle of the Federates States of America. as it cruised Towards the planet the pilot opened coms to Venus tower.

"Venus tower this is Diplomatic shuttle Century we are carrying the delegates for the meeting, please advise for landing co-ordinates I can take it from there"

[Aagartha]

Sara System,
Laoudi,
Docking Station 12, Platform 3

Garh simply gaved the man a nod of her head after he explianed about the rebels and the unlikely hood they'd be a problem, to which both military relaxed a little. Hearing the young officer talk of Brg. Gen. Elena didn't quite interest them. They'd have prefered to not even be here at all but commanding field units on some distant planet. Neither however let this showed and it was Adm. Terrid that spoke.

"Hmm, as interesting as that sounds young man, I'd prefer to get down to business before play."

Lord Swasn, anxiuos and impatient, turned to the Dinosian Officer.

"When can we expect to speak with your leaders? We have very urgent affairs to discuss."

[Dinosians]

Lafayette Fleet Shipyards

The Queen smiled a light smile. "There is no need to place blame on anyone or any nation. We did not inform you to expect Royalty and the Royal Honor Guard is smaller than what you have graced me with." The Queen responded motioning for him to rise. "I would like you to meet Commodore Simons and General Belias. Them and I make up the diplomatic delegation from Dinosia, my guards will remain here in the Hanger to guard our ship. We mean no insult, it is just that we don't want any of our belongings taken." The Queen explained as she motioned towards the Commodore and General how simply nodded their heads.

---

Sara System,
Laoudi,
Docking Station 12, Platform 3

"Her majesty the Queen is currently out and won't be attending. His Majesty the King is however waiting for you in the Royal Meeting quarters. I suggest we all hurry into the Mag-Lev Unit now. His Majesty will not want Dinner to be cold for his guests." The Lt. said as he urged them onto the Mag-Lev Unit. Once they were all on board they would launch towards the Royal Chambers and arrive in about 2 minutes.

OOC: For all purposes Aagartha, I would like you to consider your next post as already being at the Royal Chambers.

[Venusian France]

Lafayette Fleet Shipyards

The French naval commander rose and spoke to the foreign Queen.

"Your Majesty, If you would follow me I will show you to the boat bay where transportation is awaiting to take us to Nouveau Paris on the surface. The meeting is in our capital at the Imperial Centre. You will have no need of armed guards there, the Emperor's Own will ensure your safety on with their own life's blood. I must also inform you that a few security checkpoints lie before us and the meeting, to ensure that no weapons or explosive devices are brought before the Emperor. It is simply something that must be done, there has recently been several assassination attempts and the Emperor's safety and the safety of his guest is something that the security personal take deadly serious."

With that said the party moved out to get to the surface to the summit.

To the American Cruiser

USS-Waterstone we are squawking the landing coordinates at Imperial Centre to your vessel. A flight plan is being provided that you follow to the letter. Any deviation from this plan will be regarded as a hostile action and your shuttle will be perceived as a threat to be neutralized. It is suggested that you do not test the validity of this statement. Security protocol in orbit of Venus regarding the landing of shuttle craft to our capital is not a joke. Astro-Control out.

If the Americans broke security protocol again they would be dealt with by hostile actions. If anyone doubted the reaction of the French Command, they should be aware that barely a week ago, the Crown Princess Mathilda was blown up in an IED attack on the Royal motorcade.

[FS_America]

"Roger than Astro-control Putting in Flight plan now heading to set co-ordinates."

The Pilot was skilled whilst not an Ace pilot he had several years of Flying various space and Aero craft on his belt, he knew when to do as his told, and he did he layed in the Course of the shuttle and followed it to the letter. Flying carefully and at a controlled speed, In the rather luxurious compartment at the back two men and one women sat, They all sat in silence, a soft melody playing in the background just audible over the Shuttle entering the atmosphere.

Each one was nervous, they had never seen or even spoken to a Xeno before, and above all had heard the propaganda the Russians had been spreading about Xenos outside of sol. Senator Michael Townsend sat in the middle of the other two, a slightly calmer face masked his nervousness. He had experience with extra solar entities, and had wrote a book about some of his experiences. He was a sympathiser of Xenos he did not agree to the way Many in Sol treated them, But this still didn't help his feeling of uneasiness.

Eventually the Shuttle was on landing approach the pilot in his cockpit squawking away to which ever Control tower had followed him down, trying to find a place to park. Eventually the Shuttle landed with a soft bump.

[Dinosians]

The Queen followed the young man to the bay and onto a ship. The Queen questioned the young man about French culture and the such. She also shared things with him about Dinosian culture. As they reached the surface, the Queen said, "Now if you will excuse me but I must meet with these people. If negotiations do not go well I cannot guarantee that things will end peacefully. The people are currently asking for blood and we can only hold them at bay for so long, as the people have a large amount of sway in our acts of war. Just a warning, but I recommend that you refrain from intervening on their behalf." The Queen said as calmly as if she were talking about getting a facial done regularly.

[Aagartha]

Sara System,
Laoudi,
Royal Palace, Royal Chambers

The representatives took their seats around the dinner table that had been layed out in the royal chambers. A few of them took their time to marvel at the Dinosian architecture, but others (such as Lord Swasn) sat impatiently for their chance to speak with his majesty, the king of Dinosia. Counsol Garh sat upright, her back straightend, her mind thinking of how this meeting could make or break her career. If they succeeded in creating an alliance, then the way to the Senthani Sector would be paved for future exploits. If they failed, then likely they could rest easy knowing that they'd be delegated to office work. This mission was critical for the flexing of Aagartha's muscles and establishing buffer zones.

I'll let you set the tone of the conversation, I hope the dinner table thing doesn't throw you off but since you mentioned food from earlier I assumed you meant a conversation around a roast lol

[Venusian France]

The French commander looked to the Dinosian Queen and responded to her statement,

"I am but the servant of my nation, I shall follow the orders of my superiors whatever they may be. It is up to this summit and the gathered leaders, to determine what will be done regarding the situation."

They then left the shuttle and the commander escorted the queen to the summit. As they past through security they then moved through the corridors of the Imperial Centre coming to the meeting room. Two Imperial Guardsmen came to attention as the party passed and a voice rang out as they entered the room.

"Queen Zilva Li Saria, royal sovereign of the Dinosian Empire" she was announced.

The man who sat in the middle of a long curved table stood, the American delegation sat on the right of the table.

"Your majesty it is good to see that you have safely arrived. I regret that you arrived in a rough section of our home system. Rest assured that now you are under the personal protection of my nation, we regard parley as a sacred and inherent right among nations. No harm shall come to you while you stay on Venus so long as I draw life. "

The french man extended his hand to the alien queen,

"I am Charles Martel, Emperor of the Third French Empire, and currently acting as the host and mediator between the Federated States and your Empire. I think it is time that we get started."

OOC: Sorry for the quick reply but its 3AM here lol something better then nothing.

[FS_America]

Michael Townsend stood up as the Dinosian Queen entered the meeting room. He stood to his full heigh one hand held behind his back at the base of his spine. His other held regally at his waist, He Wore a Navy blue Coat White riding trousers and Knee high leather boots. He bowed respectfully to the Sovereign Queen. "Greeting your highness, I am Senator Michael Townsend, Representing the Federated States of America at his conference on behalf of President Roosevelt Who regretfully could not make it himself."

With that said Townsend stayed stood waiting for the Queen to take her seat, it was only polite to allow some one of Royal blood to be seated first. As He waited he observed the Queen carefully, trying not to be rude at the same time, she seemed to be human. Which wasn't surprising, Reports had trickled in over the centuries of human empires across the galaxy.


OOC: Sorry for late reply this isnt dead ive just been busy the past few days but im back now so have no Fear for I am here! ha ha!

[Dinosians]

The Queen smiled and curtsied in return. "Thank you for the warm welcome Senator, hopefully the negotiations will be short and worthwhile." She said and took her seat. She then began to size the man up, he seemed capable of both politics and of being manipulated. No wonder he was chosen to represent his leader. What better way to control negotiation than to send a puppet who can't be taken hostage if need be. The Queen urged the people to be seated so that the meeting could begin.

[Venusian France]

After everyone was seated the French Emperor spoke,

"Queen Saria, I regret that your entrance to our system was so...eventful. The outer periphery of our home system is fraught with danger. The fact that you braved such danger, even though you knew not it existed, speaks of the determination that you had to speak whatever grievance you have with the Federated States.

On Venus you shall enjoy the hospitality of my Empire and you have the benefit of my mediation for this discussion. Please inform us of all of what you have come here to negotiate.

[Dinosians]

Queen Zilva stood and scanned the crowd. She then opened her arms and began, "My good host, Emperor of the French, I come to this system on a disturbing note. But a week ago a cruiser liner carrying nothing but civilian passengers was brutally attacked and destroyed. There was but one survivor of this attack, and she is currently in critical condition." The Queen paused to let it all sink in.

"Our investigation team found remnants of the ship, and another peculiar item. We found the symbol of the Federal States of America upon one of the pieces of debris. As of right now all the evidence shows that the Federal States launched a Pre-emptive and un-warranted attack upon Dinosian Civilians on-board an unarmed Ship. We are here today for two reasons, the first is to find out why the Federal states launched this attack and the other is to demand payment to the families of those who were lost during the attack and the total cost for the survivor's medical care. In total we demand $750,000 NSD."

[Venusian France]

"An Attack?" Pondered the French Emperor, "I am not revealing any secrets when I tell you that the Federated States of American maintains armed vessels only in the Sol and New Eden systems. The Office of Naval Intelligence would notice any other movement of the Federated States Naval forces, there have been done. It is possible that any evidences you submit could incriminate the Federated States as the party at fault for this accident, but I highly doubt it was an attack. Was senor data recovered from the vessel as another means to prove this allegation. Did you bring evidence of the wreck, our engineers and America's undoubtedly would want to confirm its origins."

The Emperor looked to the American,

"If your nation is found to be at fault for the destruction of a civilian cruise liner it is only fair justice that you pay guilt reparations to the families that have suffered, and the price named by the Queen seems fitting."

[FS_America]

Townsend Stiffened at the accusations. He had never heard of the Dinosian's never mind some godforsaken Cruise liner. Surely they would have told me of something like this if that was true Thinking to himself Townsend could do nothing but frown. Looking to the alien queen, his gaze then turned to the French king a man who had stated his friendship with the Americas many times and had shown that France looks after its friends numerous times.

"If your nation is found to be at fault for the destruction of a civilian cruise liner it is only fair justice that you pay guilt reparations to the families that have suffered, and the price named by the Queen seems fitting."

Townsend nodded to the emperor and stood up straight and proper. Addressing the King and the Dinosian Queen at the same time, "I Assure you America could not have been at fault for this attack, as the great king Charles has said, American Assets only operate out of the Sol and Eden system, There is no way We could have been the perpetrators of some Attack on a civilian vessel. For one America Does not attack Civilians with out due cause and reasoning and Second and I mean no disrespect your highness, but we have never heard of your kingdom until now! why would we attack some one who we have had no knowledge of prior to this encounter.

Townsend remained stood looking to the Dinosian queen to counter his argument and bring forth the information she had on the entire ordeal.

[Dinosians]

The Queen was distraught on the inside, but refused to budge. "Well then I shall allow the evidence to speak for itself. Bring it forward!" A large floating platform was brought into the room by the Queen's assistants. Upon it lay the debris bearing the American symbol. The Queen motioned towards the debris to allow all in attendance to examine it at their leisure.

"Furthermore we recovered the ship's black box and it revealed weak radio wave signals that match those used by the Americans. The fact that you would feign ignorance is sad, especially when you are poor at it. Or is it that your leader doesn't trust you with this sort of information?" The Queen continued. She then pointed at the American Ambassador directly and said in a very commanding voice, "In addition to the money for medical fees, we want compensation for the lost ship which will total to 1.5 Trillion NSD and we want a public punishment of the officers in charge of this mission."

[FS_America]

Townsend sat there staring at the peice of wreckage that was brought into the room. That was un-deniable proof of the Americans involvement in this alleged incident that left many thousands of people dead. this raised a few questions in Townsends own mind.

He had been a keen reader of history especial american history, From what he remembered America had been a rather big player in the space race in the early 21st and 22nd century. The Flah scorched into the peice of debris reflected this. America may have been stuborn but eventually conceeded that it had lost two of its states, and changed its flag accordingly at the start of the 28thth Century.

Nodding softly Townsend stood up. "Tell me your highness in your haste to get gratification and compensation did you stop and think of how old this peice of Junk you present before us is? America Does no longer go unter the flag scorched into the hull of this lump of metal you have wheeled in here. we have no used that flag for over 200 hundred years! And more importantly have not had a active space exploratory program for over 500 years.

This lump of metal does not belong to us not any more atleast, we can not be held acountable for the junk laying around in space that your Cruiseliners captain failed to see and avoid. The Old british story of the Titanic comes to mind in this situation. A grave loss but not one any one can be held accountable for!

OOC: i did say in the OOC thread when we started this that the probe/satalite that hit the cruise liner would be an old one from when america did have an active exploratory space program.

[Dinosians]

"I know not of which you speak about this 'Titanic', however if this is yours, at one point or another, you are still responsible for it's actions. To say otherwise would be to say that your leader doesn't represent your Government because you are here and he isn't! Now we have offered you a reasonable solution to this situation, if you however refuse then we will have no choice but to consider this attack an act of war against our people." The Queen cautioned. She was surprised that a nation would alter it's flag, a symbol of it's power and unity, but she did not question it. Perhaps it is custom..

[FS_America]

"I am sorry your highness but i cannot agree to these terms. There is simply, no way space junk can be held our responsibility! Townsend as getting rather aggrivated at the dinosian queen, how ever he was trying his best to stay cool and centered for the sake of his nation and sol entirely. If it had been any one else he guessed the dinosian queen would have already been branded a communist.

"It would be an affront to not only my honour but the honour of the federated states of America! As the french emperor stated Americas ships have a presence in only Sol and the Eden system, and have not actively had an exploration program for some time now!" Townsend took a deep breath. "If you wish to bring about war between our, peoples then so be it."

Townsend looked at the Dinosian Queen and sat down slowly not taking his eyes off of her. America had never been at war with any one outside of the Sol system, the prospect frightened Townsend it scared him to his core but he wouldnt show it he would stand his ground. Space Junk Is not a cause for war and the people of America and hopefully Sol would rally to the call should War reach Sol and its sovereign nations colonies.

[Dinosians]

"The this meeting is over, I trust that my diplomatic immunity stands until I leave, yes? Or are you barbaric enough to strike me down here?" The Queen said softly, almost a whisper. She then stood up to her full height and walked out of the Meeting, and began to return to her ship. She pressed a button on her belt/sash on the way out.

Location 4.7 AUs away from the edge of the Sol System
The 1st Diplomatic Escort Group received the signal from the Queen and stood by for Key Jump. The six ships were the finest the Dinosians had to offer and they were hoping to avoid bloodshed so soon.

[Venusian France]

As soon as the Dinosian Queen exited the room Charles stood and moved to where there was a pitcher of water. He carefully poured himself a glass and drank some of it wetting his throat. This summit was not like he expected, least of all the actions of the Americans. The Alien race he could understand they were not of Sol, thus they were barbarians and did not understand proper etiquette and decorum. The entire affair reminded him of the arguments his daughters had when they were toddlers.

He finally spoke,

"Mr. Townshed, I would ask you sir, that you never again reference myself as a justification for your position in this matter most especially when you are in error. Your nation has sent objects beyond the limits of Sol, your people are well aware that these objects will continue to travel until some outside force stops them. In this unfortunate case it was a passenger vessel full of civilians."

His tone was one that he had taken with his daughters when he caught them in a lie,

"I would also like to remind you sir, that you are not Royalty, you are but an elected official who serves for a short time only at the whim of the masses and large corporates that bought their votes. As such, I am not suprised that you are ignorant of the rules of court, but you will not raise your voice to anyone above your station while you enjoy my hospitality. Now you will take your seat and remain silent while I enlighten you."

"You were right in one thing, Space junk is not a cause for war. This was a situation where your nation had a chance to prove that it has matured instead you have only proven the opposite. If you are speaking for your President, then he ought to be impeached, I will be sending him a personal communication at my extreme displeasure of your performance here."

"So quick were you to inform the Queen that your nation would go to war over such a juvenile cause. What does your nation know of war, your people no nothing of such a terrible condition."

If the American looked to the French Emperor he would have seen a tremble in the man's left hand, a vein pulsing in his neck, emotion that threatened to burst out of the Emperor, his words forced through clenched teeth.

"It is not something to be entered into lightly like a game, it is not something that you can escape easily when people start dying like some virtual shooter."

The French Emperor began to undo the cuff links of his shirt rolling up his sleeve as he spoke.

"My brothers, my sisters, my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents all died when Paris was bombed, I have ordered the destruction of a dozen cities with millions of people inhabiting them as France's own were turned to glass."

The Emperor held his left arm out for the American to see. It was pitted and ridged by jagged scars, these were the radiation burns sustained from a blast.

"This was caused by leading a corps of French soldiers across the Rhine during the Great War. If yours is the position of the American leadership all that has been proven here today is that America is a hairless virgin when it comes to war. I wonder if you will come begging to the Greater Nations of Sol when you learn that such action have consequences and you need us to get out a coat hanger?"

"Make no mistake Mr. Townshed, we know absolutely nothing about the Dinosians, their race, their nation, their allies. We do not know if they inhabit a single system, or a dozen or a thousand. We do not know if they are militant, they could have a thousand dreadnought fleet for all we know? Yet, you sat here and screamed insults and threats at their Queen. I would not be surprised if she does commit to a war after being so insulted, and if it does come to that and they prove to be a far greater threat then your Nation's small and limited armed forces can deal with, It will be the Fleets of France, Britain, and Russian that will bear the brunt of this conflict. I know not how many dreadnoughts that Queen commands, but by god sir I know how many your President does, zero. Your nation does not count in the defense equation of Sol."

"Tell me Mr. Townshed, did any of this at all factor into your thought process before you pledged your nation's willingness to go to war over a mere trillion credits?"

+ + +

The Dinosian Queen was approached by the commander who was her escort, he had an ear-mike in and was receiving orders from his superior.

"Your Highness, I am sorry that the summit did not go well. I can assure you that the Emperor is very displeased with the American delegation, he does not want you to think that his position is the only one or that every nation in this system is so unsympathetic to the loss your nation sustained. I have been ordered to inform you that the Third Empire, will issue a grief-bond to your nation to distribute to those families that lost loved ones in this tragic accident, it would amount to 50,000 USD per victim. It is my Emperor's hope that this will go a long ways to removing some of the burden being shouldered by families wrecked with grief.

[FS_America]

Townsend was both in shock and ashamed of himself. This had almost certainly caused him his job and put him to shame, he was lucky as to not have much family and he supposed he would take what money he had saved and live out the rest of his life on Eden, as quietly as possible. He had been a fool and President Roosevelt would not be happy! America was proud and it would not back down, in the face of even over whelming odds.

Now the French emperor walked up to him, Townsend looked up to the sovereign emperor of all of France and her colonies, he was not a happy man. Then the Rant Started!

Townsend listened to the kings words, he spoke the true and nothing but the true, and Townsend could not fault him. he simply looked at the king sat silently feeling ashamed for himself.

"Tell me Mr. Townshed, did any of this at all factor into your thought process before you pledged your nation's willingness to go to war over a mere trillion credits?"

Townsend looked up at the king and stood slowly. "Your majesty, I admit my error and judgement has left me somewhat sick In the stomach from these events, but you forget sir America is still recovering from Several costly wars with Spain, rebuilding its self from the attacks from the Muslims leagues of old. and has a colony to now Compensate for. A mere Trillion Credits to us sir is allot of money, and not something we can afford. I apologise for my brashness and I assure you sir I will be stepping down, from my post on my return to America, what i have done today has ashamed my self and my country. Now with your permission your highness i will be taking my leave."

[Imperial Svenska]

OOC: Takin' the opportunity to lay down some backstory between Sundberg and Martel, as Sundberg will become rather important soon.

IC:
Sundberg laid a hand on Martel's shoulder. He had been angered as well, angered for much the same reason, even if Sweden had not lost as much, he had. For the briefest moment he was back there- back across the Rhine, in the blackened land. He recalled how he and Martel had met, soon after the campaign began. He remembered a villiage, and artillery, an-

Germany, June 3288

"SIR! came the cry over the German musketry. Colonel Sundberg opened his eyes briefly, and a wild-eyed Norwegian lifted him up.

"They're making a play for the town sir!" the soldier informed him "And the Brig just bought his farm."

As the soldier ran back to his battalion, Sundberg looked around him at the village that Brigadier Sampson had died defending. It was a normal German village, with cottages and shops, on top of a hill. Along the base of the village's hill ran the road north, to Heilbronn and the French army. He walked, dazed from the shell that had knocked him over, to the edge of the town. There the men were in line, yelling in Swedish and Norwegian. He stepped into their ranks, and looked over the situation. His regiment, 22. Skåne, was in the center, and the rest of the brigade had been wrapped around the edges of the town. Blue uniforms lay about, scattered where battalion shields had collapsed. There was 1. Skåne battery, its commander still alive, the guns still firing at the Germans below.

He made his way over there, as the guns had the best view of the slope below. The battery commander, Christian Lang, turned to face him.

"They made another try sah, but we drove them back down the hill," he said, ducking as a German shell whizzed into the town behind them, exploding, "They are bombarding us" he added, unnecessarily.

"I gather I'm in charge now? Sundberg asked.

"Yep. Brig's dead, all the other colonels are either dead or seriously wounded. Bout half the brigade is dead or wounded. Running out of shells. Got canister, but no shells. Pretty soon those German guns will be able to fire freely. Pretty sure the infantry are running low on shot as well."

This was punctuated quickly, as a courier came running down the line, asking for ammunition for 18. Skåne. Sundberg stopped him.

"Any luck with ammunition?" he asked.

"Nope, we've used up damn near all of it," the courier told him, before continuing around the town. Sundberg turned to observe the Germans. There were roughly a division of them, their guns based along the road. The German soldiers were resting in the shade while thier guns pummeled the Swedes. Ammunition boys carried sacks of shot amongst the German troops. One boy, who Sundberg could tell- through his binoculars- was barely 17, was grabbing another bag when a shell impacted nearby. The rising earth blocked his view, and when it fell the boy was gone, save his hat.

"Here they come!"

The German's newest arrived troops began to ascend the hilltop, as the Swedes prepared their last rounds. Sundberg ducked into an infantry shield, before asking an aide he had ran into "Any word from the French?"

"Last we heard they had made contact with a German force south of Heilbronn, but that was hours ago" the aide reported, before wandering off. Sundberg turned to see the Germans advancing up the hill. The musketry began, and the shields groaned. He knew it would not be long before this shield collapsed, as did every man. They returned as best they could, and the hilltop became covered in smoke. To his left, the cannons began firing canister shot into the German flank, knocking down the odd man who had wandered out of his battalion's shield.

A siren then punctured the air- a deadly signal. That meant the battalion's shield was seconds away from failing- and then it did. The buzzing was gone, the sky regained its normal color. Every man turned and ran for the neighboring shields, either the next battalion or the artillery. Sundberg made it into the next shield, but others weren't so lucky. Rounds came hurtling through at incredible velocities, ripping through a half-dozen men before going into a cottage. Half the battalion fell- mostly the men positioned in the center. A young boy, like many of them, was one of the last men standing. Sundberg turned to see him leap for the shield, and he saw the young man's leg erupt in pink mist. He twisted and fell to the ground, and began sobbing for his mother.

Sundberg turned away, turning towards the Germans. The battalion commander- now a captain- turned to him.

"Sah, we're nearly out of ammunition" he reported. Sundberg made his choice. "Fix bayonets," he said, sending the information along the brigade command net "and prepare to charge."

The soldiers did so, before firing off their last rounds. Sundberg drew his saber, and steeled himself for what would surely be a glorious death- glorious like those bleeding out on the grassy slopes. They began to march forward, some regiments marching faster to make up the distance. Not one of the regiments had more then 1,000 men left, some had been reduced to a few hundred. Before them, the Swedish flag danced in the wind, the deep blue and bright gold lifting the spirits of every man. They had reached a trot now, and Sundberg heard another siren. A battalion several places down had lost their shield, and nearly every man was killed or wounded within a few seconds.

They were running now, their feet beating on the German grass, passing over corpses. These ones wore grey, and they were grateful for the courteous Swedish feet- save a few. More then one barely conscious German had his nose less then accidentally broken by a passing Swede. One was even bayoneted, but the offending soldier found himself outside of the shield, and then dead.

They were just about to make contact, when he heard the booming of guns. He looked back at the village, only to see Captian Lang rushing past him with a saber. No, these shells were coming from down the road. He saw a force there, and thought they were yet more Germans. Rather then disheartening, this eliminated the last hope of survival from his heart and steeled him to the struggle. They made contact, and it was bloody. The very last Swedish rounds were fired point blank, as were many German rounds. Bayonets clashed, and stomachs were sliced. Men fell, onto the bodies of men they had just met or had never met, bleeding out together on the ash coated ground.

Sundberg deftly cut down a German, and glanced back at the new Germans- only to see the Flag of the Republic, that glorious tricolor. It was the French Army, with Martel at its head. Sundberg was inflamed by the desire to survive, as was each Swede when he saw the approaching Frenchmen. They dived into the melee, hoping to hold the Germans in place until the French could relive them.