"Mr. President, I have completed the creation of the subcommittee that will oversee all funding and oversight for affairs regarding our operation on Alagore. Your finding requests a five billion surcharge for combat operations.

Under the present circumstance, I support your administration's decision to deploy the bulk of the 4th Infantry Division to secure their side of the Bridge. However, we are growing concerned about an escalating military build-up against this unknown enemy.

You already know that the War Powers Resolution provides you with sixty days before you are required to withdraw without congressional approval. I am willing to push through an AUMF (authorization for use of military force) within the next week; however, we have conditions. This House will not provide another blind AUMF to the White House for risk of unintended abuse.

I proposed the proposed AUMF with Vice President John C. Shaw. The United States will be authorized to utilize as many military personnel as necessary to defend the Temple of Indolass. Shaw Convinced me of your position that Salva is important for our short—and long-term goals on the alien moon. The defense of Salva and the surrounding areas, including the bulk of the surrounding region, will be included in the authorization. However, operations outside the host region must be negotiated later.

I know you will disagree with this "red tape"; however, this country has had too many use-of-force authorizations for one situation before unintentionally expanding into other theaters. Examples are the War on Terror and the Cartel War in Central America.

I have talked with Senate Majority Sarah Reed, and they have agreed to take the lead regarding AUMF oversight in addition to their foreign relations with these alien civilizations. She understands that the current situation is in flux, with the military being forced to react to unknown situations without following traditional structure. However, that grace will not last as she and I expect a report on how The Pentagon's command structure will be needed so we can properly evaluate, add comments, and allocate proper resources.

We expect consent updates on this developing situation if you wish further funding and material support." - Speaker of the House Nathaniel Trenton

March, 13th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Orlatus, Yuplenia Mountain Range, Verliance Aristocracy

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Watching the two teams secure the enemy weapons and process the prisoners, Captain Mathew Ryder was still shocked that they were correct about finding their people here. It was such a gamble, and yet, they were accurate. Thrilled that they could reach this base in time to save their people, it was only a pyrrhic victory if they missed half of them.

"I still have to say," King said. "I can't believe the little Brat was right."

"That's a good thing," Ryder said. "But we could have gotten here in time to save everyone if I had not been asleep."

Rommel King touched the Captain's shoulder and said, "Sir, shut up and take the win. If we didn't show up when we did, no one would have been saved."

Natilite approached and said, "And let's remember that you won the first engagement against the Unity. A feat that most cannot claim."

"True." Ryder turned to the Valkyrie and said, "How is Assiaya? Is she okay?"

"She's still in the vehicle," Natilite said. I think she's bored and wants to come outside."

"Nope," Ryder said. "The place might not be secured, and we will leave soon."

"I will see what I can do to speed things up," King said. "There is a good chance that the airship could contact their superiors about what happened."

The Warrant Officer walked away to assist with the prisoner processing. However, Ryder noticed the Templar smirking at him with her right hand on her hip. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, nothing," Natilite said. "Just remembering our conversation when we first met."

Ryder stared at her with confusion. He struggled to recall what they spoke of, feeling like a lifetime ago. The Captain recalled something about life and helping with handling the Salva militia. Still, it came to mind that it related to their current situation. "And I'm missing something?"

Natilite crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, sighing with disappointment. "Men. They hate being nagged, and yet... I am just happy that you are happy."

Wondering what he did to piss her off, the Captain was thrilled when he heard his name being called, as he wanted to get away as quickly as possible. It was Sergeant Ford who was seeking his time. "Excuse me."

"Fine," Natilite said before heading toward Fraeya.

Confused by the reaction, Ryder walked toward his Sergeant. "Everything okay?"

"I could say the same thing to you," Ford said. "It seems like we are both in trouble."

Ryder crossed his arms, already knowing the direction of this conversation.

"Fraeya," Ford said. "She hates me."

"Of course she does," Ryder said. "I want you to understand this, though: you did the right thing. I ordered her not to do what she did; however, I understand why. It is not easy to lose a loved one."

"Greg told me what happened about your wife," Ford said. "I am sorry for your loss."

Ryder looked at the Sergeant, staring into his eyes. "Thank God every day that you do not understand the feeling." He then turned and saw Fraeya sitting on a barrel with Natilite beside her, comforting the elf girl. "Regarding Fraeya, she will hate you for now, but do not stress it. Let the emotions run their course, and in time, she will agree that you were right to stop her."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Have faith. I know it is not easy, but remember, you did the right thing, and at the end of the day, that is all we can hope to do."

Ford glanced down and took a deep breath. "Thank you, sir."

"Good," Ryder said. "Now, follow me. I must speak with a Colonel."

The Captain patted the Sergeant on the back and headed to the assembly area. A combination of American and British soldiers guarded the hundred and thirteen freed prisoners as they were being processed. They needed to know who they were bringing back to Salva and how to work out the logistics of getting back to Salva.

Most prisoners seemed to be natives, resistance members, political opponents, people who opposed the Katra, etc. Only twenty-eight were from Earth. Besides the one Frenchman, the rest were USAM members. Most were American: three were Brits, four were Japanese, and all the non-Americans were civilians, scientists, and engineers.

The Space Force Colonel stood on the side, speaking with Captain Webster. The Brit informed the officer about how they stormed this base and the situation at Salva. The two men noticed Ryder approaching and acknowledged him.

"It sounds like you guys been through hell. I am Colonel Robert, head of security."

"Roger that, Colonel. Captain Ryder, CFT-1 of the Minutemen."

"Thank you, Captain," Robert said. "I recall hearing about your team before everything went to hell. I see that you have the elf girl from First Contact."

"That is correct," Ryder said. "We learned early on that the enemy was after her and her father. We were able to prevent the Verliance Aristocracy from getting her but failed to save the father. The plan was to save him and the rest of the prisoners."

"I figured that out," Robert said. They loaded them up this morning and were preparing to load us when you attacked. They split us into two groups: priority and non-priority. I think you can figure out who was the priority."

"That is not good," Ryder said. "It means the enemy will gain a good insight into us while we know nothing about them."

"Don't think about that right now," Robert said. "We must think about the task at hand. How are we going to get out of here, Captain?"

Ryder stared at the Colonel with confusion. "Sir? You are not taking command?"

"Not today, Captain," Robert said. "I do not know the tactical and operational situation to lead. You are in command, Captain. I will deal with the prisoners; you two will get us home."

"Roger that, sir."

The two captains saluted the Colonel before he left.

Ryder then turned to the British Captain and asked, "Do you have any ideas how we will move all these people? Not everyone is going to fit on the three Deuce."

"I had a feeling," Webster said. "One of my men noticed a couple of metal wagons made by the office building."

"A metal wagon?"

"That is what I said. I saw a few. We could strap them to our vehicles and pull them. Being metal, they might be sturdy enough."

"Not the worst idea since we came here. It is better than walking, but it will restrict our mobility if we encounter the enemy. They must know what we have done by now."

As the two agreed on the plan, Webster turned toward a pier and said, "When you were captured, did everything seem backward?"

"What do you mean?" Ryder asked.

"I mean," Webster said. "They have lifts powered by gravity, electromagnetically technology, and freaking ships that fly. And yet, they use wagons, and their computers would embarrass my great-grandfather and ride animals. Everything is made from stone, and their vehicles – while not to be underestimated still seemed to lack the utility of ours."

Ryder remembered the British Officer's points when he was a prisoner at Forlace. He noted how much of the layout seemed to need to catch up to their technology. "You are correct. They had gas pipes within the walls but wouldn't pass inspection on Earth. The doors were not like you would expect at a military facility. Even the Adventures who were chasing me were baffling. Their equipment was a mixture of what we had five hundred years ago and what we might have a hundred years from now. I had to run around with one of their circiletum when I was being hunted. One hell of a punch, but I had to bolt-act it after every shot."

"Maybe because of the complexity?" Webster said.

"There definitely seems to be an imbalance," Ryder said.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

Before Ryder could continue, he noticed the Redcoat captain listening to his radio. His reaction was concerning, as it seemed the report was not good. "What is the problem?"

Webster turned to the Comanche captain. "There is a situation outside. The enemy has arrived."

"This quickly?" Ryder said, shocked by the news. "Gather your team and head to the entrance."

The two teams rushed through the facility after informing Colonel Robert to evacuate the prisoners. They headed down the path they came on.

Once outside, Ryder saw four Redcoats in the defensive position, using the vehicles as protection. To his surprise, the enemy had yet to attack their position. The two teams exited the mountain and fanned out to prepare for an attack.

Ryder looked out and saw a company of enemy forces at the tree line. What concerned him was the airship above the Unity infantry.

Unlike the large galley they saw inside the mountain, this was much smaller, closer to a Chinook-heavy helicopter in size. The sides had the same glowing thrusters as the galley but on a smaller scale, meaning maneuverability was typical. The top was organic and smothered, while the base was ridged. The underside of the aircraft glowered due to the cargo gravity lift inside the port, and two individuals floated down. From this distance, it looked like a male and female approaching their position. The overall design resembled a seagoing vessel with a printed front and a flat rear.

"What is that?" Ryder asked.

"It is an Orgat-type airship," Natilite said. "The Unity uses them to move troops and supplies quickly throughout the battlefield."

"A heavy utility aircraft," Barrett said.

"What is the plan, sir?" King asked.

Before Ryder could respond, he saw an additional airship between them and the enemy. This one was thinner, looking closer to a dart than a bulky aircraft. Weapons were visible underneath it, like an Apache attack helicopter. Natilite informed them that it was an Akilla-type airship, a terror to all those who fight on the ground.

"It looks like they want to talk," Barrett said.

Ryder turned to his team and said, "Stay here and prepare to break for the tree line. I will see if I can give you more time."

"Sir?" King said.

Webster approached and said, "You are not in the condition to go do something crazy."

"That is exactly why," Ryder said. "There is no point in putting a healthy officer in danger for a wounded one. If things go south, which they probably will, you must get everyone out of here. Besides, Ghost is still out there, so if I have any luck, maybe I can buy time. I seem to have a knack for getting on people's nerves on this Moon."

"Understood," Webster said.

"Let me come with you," Natilite said. As a Templar, I would be a show of force."

"That is why you shouldn't come," Ryder said. "I want them to think they are stronger than us. It might make them feel less aggressive as they have all the cards. Time is the key."

"I see what you are planning," Barrett said. "Do you think it would work?"

Ryder turned to his Sergeant First Class and shrugged his shoulders, not knowing what would work. However, the enemy had yet to give him many options. They could either open fire or accept the offer to talk.

As everyone prepared, Ryder walked past the vehicles. He saw Assiaya in one of them and told her to stay inside, to which she complied.

The Captain had to travel quiet a distance before reaching the two Unity representatives, which left him uncomfortable being this far from his team. He could feel his heart pounding from fear, not knowing what might happen.

The two Unity representatives were an Orc and a Dark Elf. The Orc was in cyan color metal armor with a vest holding pouches and ammunition. Crystal and amulets attached to his armor. The Dark Elf was a female wearing a red and black dress, looking more like a religious figure than someone in the military. The clothing seemed highly designed with the finest silk, clearly stating her position.

The other striking thing was the type of elf, taking dark to a new meaning. Noble Elves were pale green, while the Wood Elves he had seen were tan. This being the first elf of this kind, her skin was dark, a hybrid of purple and black. The eyes were black with a yellow ring around the iris. The dark brown hair was long, reaching to the woman's chest.

The Orc pressed a red amulet on his armor, and Ryder felt the same fuzziness. This was the translation amulet that Fraeya had been using.

"To the Altaerrie. I am High Preistess Egharod. You are in the presence of Priestess Itaba of the Temple of Enlightenment. You are trespassing within the Domain and have declared war against the Unity."

The Captain noticed that the military officer introduced the Priestess with great importance, showing the type of hierarchy within the Unity. These religious folk had tremendous influence within their system, which made sense without how zealot their reputation had been. The closest similarity he could compare to on Earth was the Marxist political officers that the old communist bloc used to have.

"This is just a misunderstanding," Ryder said, pointing toward the mountain with his thumb over the shoulder. "I was sent by the IRS. You are late on your property taxes, and you know the government. Twenty years to fix a pothole but will show armed at your front door if you forgot to pay that ha'penny."

Itaba laughed as she placed her hand on her chin. "You are a funny one. It seems you do not understand the gravity of your situation."

"Oh, I do," Ryder said. "I am married, so I understand when I am in trouble."

Ryder noticed the Dark Elf glared at him while the Orc chuckled.

"While I like a good sense of humor," Egharod said. "You have attacked our vassal and our mountain base, which is a declaration of war."

"If I recall, your vassal invaded my country first," Ryder said. "Doesn't that mean technically your people declared war on us?"

The Orc changed his composure into a bolder stance. "The Katra says that all are within its Domain, including your kind. You barbarians should understand your place if you wish to survive the coming wave."

"That is a mouthful," Ryder replied. "It's a bold claim to pre-annex your opponent before stepping foot on their territory. I do have to warn you: We have more guns than people, and Texas has been dreaming of that day for two hundred years."

"It means not," Itaba said. "Do you believe that you are the first to challenge the Katra? Look around you; the Domain is forever growing. All those who opposed it had faltered in its wake. A hundred nations had fallen, with only two remaining on Alagore, and at least there will be peace."

"Peace after a wave of genocide?" Ryder said, somewhat dumbfounded. "I met people like you. Do you think killing ends after you achieve utopia? Nations dedicated their entire civilizations to achieving that goal. Do you know who was waiting at the finish line? The devil himself, smiling with all the corpses you laid below his feet."

"Your false future is not an excuse for your people's failures," Itaba said, lowering her silk hood to her shoulders. "Only the chosen are allowed to achieve greatness. The rest will be forgotten as they are a stan."

"Greatness by who? Do you decide? And everyone who disagrees with your path must be cast aside? Let me ask you: What faith would justify that?"

Itaba only chuckled, never losing focus on the Comanche Captain. "And that is why you are weak. Faith is for those who are directionless. Reality is the true path. What you can see and interact with is correct, and all who prefer fantasy are lost in the shadows of falsehoods."

Ryder wanted to respond but withheld himself to reflect on what was said as it baffled him. While the Dark Elf Priestess was talking about religion and using that to justify a genocidal crusade, it was not the manner he expected. The Captain assumed the Katra was a faith-based system like on Earth and Teklai; however, she believed it was more practical. While the concept of a God was within their idealogy, it was not a Cosmic force as Natilite described it but something else. He wondered if it was the government as many on Earth would describe it; however, he did not want to assume too much as it could be something alien to his people.

The issue the Captain was hitting was that he needed to be wiser in debating either subject outside the footnotes. The one thing he figured out, though, was that the Dark Elf was measuring him. He was most likely measuring him to gain insight into their new enemies; otherwise, they would have attacked by now.

"The rodent is stuck," Egharod said.

"I have been called a pig before but never a rodent," Ryder replied. "I am just baffled by how much work you are going to do just to justify murdering the world. It does not sound like you are confident in your beliefs, but you are scared that the truth might one day break apart your society. You feel a deep desire to silence the reality before the bill comes. Trust me, the bill always comes. Ones who need to control other thoughts are not truthful themselves, so they might silence all who oppose."

"Those are wise words," Itaba said.

"Thanks," Ryder replied. "Got it from a fortune cookie, my boss."

"Sadly, it means not," Itaba said. "The fool who cannot see should not provide directions to those who wish to follow the path or risk being lost forever. For those who follow the directionless, it is up to us to let go of the shackles of false truths and guide all to Enlightenment."

"Enlightenment by closing your mind to all spectrums?" Ryder asked. "Where I come from, that is closed-minded. It is an echo of what you wish to hear. Closing yourself to all possible paths is directionless. If you're on the wrong lane, you are going the wrong way permanently."

"Unless you know it is the correct path, then the other paths are the incorrect ones," Itaba said. You see Ryder of the Altaerrie. There was a time when the five nations of Cordinlane were considered a backwater, a forgotten land overlooked compared to the ones on Aldrida. However, a day came when we discovered Enlightenment—science, taumaturgy, philosophy, and, most importantly, unity. With Katra's guidance, we accomplished nothing others had—together, as one people.

"You see," Itaba continued. "We do not need faith to know the correct path to walk upon. It would be selfish not to spread these glories to the rest of Alagore, ripping off the false Mother who had abandoned us long ago. The Katra will end hunger, wars, discrimination, and all ills of the false paths."

"I will admit," Ryder said. "That is very well said. Do you practice that speech nightly?"

Egharod stepped forward, placed his hand on his sword, and said, " Enough with your insults. You will show respect to your Priestess."

"You admit that you are waging a crusade, and you are offended by a minor insult?" Ryder said. "Let me explain this to you. My people have faced your kind before. Each time we defeated them, I know where your path lies. In the ashes of history where Utopianism belongs."

"My people, the United States has our values, Liberty being one. Everyone has the right to find their paths and pursue them according to their wishes. No one has the right to force their religion, spiritual or political, upon someone and force them at gunpoint to do what they wish."

"Liberty?" Itaba laughed almost uncontrollably. "Freedom is a tool for fools to act like mindless children. But all must grow up to be responsible."

"Freedom is the right of all sentient beings, Itaba," Ryder said. "We will not allow you to take that right away from the people of Alagore. We are Americans; we are warriors, pioneers, innovators. We will not allow a Utopianist to enslave another world."

Itaba only smiled, staring at the Comanche Captain as if looking at a child. She then said, "You believe you are safe behind the Bridge. The Domain has grown this far, and it will come to you. And you will cast your freedoms and liberties aside in seeking forgiveness, but it will be too late."

She then waved to the Orc. Egharod pulled out his sword and prepared to strike Ryder down.

While watching the Orc raise his sword, Ryder understood that one swing would kill him, and he was not wearing a battlesuit.

That was when Ryder noticed a red dot on the Orc shoulder. Before the blade came down, the Orc was shot with the bullet, penetrating the armor, and the resulting impact knocked him onto his rear. The Dark Elf's confidence look quickly was replaced with fear, and she stepped backward.

Noticing the gravity well from the transport airship above him, the Captain saw two individuals with large shields descending. Seeing his one opportunity to escape, he turned around and ran as fast as possible.

Shrouds and energy bolts impacted around him as a firefight between his people and the Unity. The Akilla that hovered further back opened and fired toward the Captain. A greenish-yellow glow launched from a pod and flew like a missile. It zig-zagged through the air, which confused him, seeing that it was guided. However, it was not efficient for some reason.

Seeing that the missile was coming, Ryder jumped for cover as the missile impacted the ground. He flew through the air a short distance, then impacted the ground, rolling multiple times until he rammed into a pair of small boulders.

Feeling pain throughout his body, Ryder slowly stood up. He saw the two shieldmen assisting their Orc leader and the Priestess. The four hovered up the gravity lift into the Orgat before flying away.

The infantry on the ground started rushing forward, hoping to capture him while the Captain was separated from his people. Not wanting to be retaken prisoner, he pulled out his sidearm and fired a few shots before getting back up and heading back to his people. However, he was stopped by enemy weapons fire and forced to take cover by the boulder.

Five enemy hostiles charged toward him, carrying staff weapons.

The front two were suddenly killed, forcing the others to stop and seek cover.

Surprised by what happened, Ryder looked back and saw some of Comanche coming for him. Ford was up front, holding a scutum as protection. Behind him were the Twins, using the scutum as cover while they engaged the enemy hostiles. Among them was Barrett, who provided direction.

When they arrived, Ford took the covering position, facing the enemy. A shroud and two enemy bolts impacted the scutum, glowing slightly from the enchanted crystal at the center of the large shield. The Twins were on each side of the shield, firing into the enemy.

Sergeant First Class Gregory Barrett helped the Captain back onto his feet. "Let's hope this doesn't become a thing, Boss."

"Enjoy the job security," Ryder said. "Let's get out of here."

The Captain and Sergeant First Class got behind Ford scutum, and the five slowly headed backward. Ryder saw another one of those glowing missiles from the Akilla impact one of the empty JLTVs, causing it to explode.

As the Akilla hovered forward for an attack run, Ryder noticed a missile fired from a nearby ridgeline, impacting the attack airship from behind. The enemy aircraft exploded in bright flames as it fell to the ground, breaking the enemy formation to avoid the debris.

This gave the Comanche soldiers the break they needed, and they all ran back toward their lines. As they drew closer, two JLTVs busted from the forest, their heavy machine guns and grenade launchers firing against the Unity.

"It's Ghost," Barrett said.

"About time," Ford added.

The two Ghost armored vehicles took position by the forest edge, maintaining their fire against the shocked Unity infantry, which left them in disarray from the sudden ambush and loss of air support. A few enemy worriers could return fire, but it was fruitful because they were trapped in the open.

This did not stop The Unity from attempting to stop Ryder and his rescuers from escaping. As they fell back to the mountain's base, they opened fire on their position. Being in the opening forced them to huddle close behind Ford's scutum as it absorbed energy blasts and shrouds.

With the enemy distracted from Ghost from the left and Comanche and Redcoat from the base of the mountain, Barrett held Ryder up with his arm over his as they made their return. The Captain noticed Ford's scutum shake from a loud noise as an energy blast impacted the shield.

"I don't think it will take much more," Ford said.

"Long enough," Ryder said.

When they returned to the two teams, Ryder saw that Rommel King had already loaded the remaining POVs into the metal wagons and UGV transports, which they started heading toward Ghost's position. To the Captain's surprise, he saw Natilite holding an M77 designated marksman rifle, firing against the enemy to provide cover.

King noticed his comrades returning and approached. "Welcome back to the living, sir. Everyone evacuating. We are ready to go."

"Then don't let me hold us up," Ryder said. "Comanche. Load up and roll out!"