"To a shocking surprise but welcoming from the defense industry, Congress recently passed a surge military defense stimulus, providing funding into critical areas. Majority Leader Senator Harry Knox (TX) came out and stated that an internal review of US military capabilities showed significant deficiencies. This had caught many experts off guard as a recent report was released six months ago stating the opposite. While there was always room for improvement, the Arm Forces were in a healthy place.

The Senator said that Congress sometimes conducted its own, more in-depth reviews upon request and was worried about how ready the Arm Serves were for a major war after a multi-decade conflict against the Cartels, the USAM pirate operations in the South Pacific Sea, and the growing Iranian-Russian Alliance influence. While the Senator was unclear regarding what he meant, it seems Congress is concerned about a major war in the future.

Some believe the Senator Majority was providing additional funding to boost some of the defense and aerospace contracts in his home State of Texas, attempting to secure his reelection. Currently, the Texas State Legislature has not attempted to select a replacement, so many were confused as to why the Senator, if so, felt threatened by his position.

The additional funding was Army-focused, which many found surprising. The primary focus was tripping the ammunition stockpiles, ranging from 6.8mm tank-around manned portable missiles to cruise missiles, with the understanding that the stockpile should have enough in reserve for a two-year conflict without being depleted.

The other big focus that surprised people was expanding on hardware and equipment, which the Pentagon requested two weeks ago in a leaked private meeting of the Arms Committee. The Army wants enough hardware to create two additional Divisions if needed without waiting for resupply or replacements if a major war breaks out. All areas, from infantry to armor and the air fleet within the Army, would see a rapid equipment and hardware expansion.

Lastly, IV Corps was formally created and stationed at Fort Carson. A massive surge of funds went into the fort, in addition to Space Base Raymond and Peterson, intending to expand for large-scale warfare. Leak accounts have stated that the Fort could potentially host and support up to five divisions for combat operations. Why no information has been provided? Some have speculated that with the international community's growing development on Luna and Mars, some believe that Congress and Pentagon fear a large-scale Astro war in the near future." - Indi News

March, 19th, 2068 (military calendar)

Hiplose Woods, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

After exiting their vehicles and nearing the forest edge, the Comanche rushed through the forest until they reached the outskirts of the US-occupied town. As they grew closer, they could hear the combat's intensity in the distance.

Breaking through the foliage, Fraeya Holiadon saw the small town with smoke. The Unity occupied a nearby hill connected to the town, firing down the rest of the city. After hearing the reports from DEFNET, troops from the other airship stormed the town, and the two sides are fighting for superiority in the area.

Before now, the Americans have been attempting to push as far east as possible, with some success. However, they failed to break the Aristocracy formations. Based on the reports and The Unity's entering the fray, the Vampires were now on the offensive, slowly pushing the Americans back.

Seeing the town, it was built around a small single rocky hill that urbanized. There were many wooden buildings, some of which were multiple stories high, and a stone wall surrounded them. The central hill had stone over it, becoming a sensory sight for the townsfolk.

The intense sounds of battle from within dashed what looked like a cute miniature trading down. None of the Comanche could see from within, being forced to watch any feed coming from Ivy, who was trapped within the town. However, they could see some Unity troops occupying the hill, firing into the lower sections. Both Orgat airships hovered overhead, firing into the city with shrouds.

"Drones," Ford said. "Incoming."

Staring toward the sky, Fraeya saw a small fin-like missile flying overhead. She had seen them before, loitering munition. Hearing the radio chatter, a different Ivy unit within the area fired the drone to assist the second platoon.

Two of the Skylance loitering munitions went for one of the first Orgat. In response to the American attack, the transport ship fired multiple energy bolts, destroying the first drones. However, the second drone impacted the side, causing a small explosion. The airship was not destroyed; however, smoke emitted from an opened hack to the side, causing it to float away, retreating siege.

The other Orgat followed behind, escorting the wounded airship from the battlespace.

Because the airships were retreating, the third Skylance drone didn't engage. Whoever the operator was decided they were no longer a threat and looked for higher-priority targets. Higgins reported on DEFNET that the drone's switch toward that direction was hostile on the hilltop.

As the loitering munition came flying down toward the Unity position occupying the hill, a sudden glow appeared around a mage, and an electronic pulse appeared. The drone then missed its target, impacting one of the buildings and exploding on impact.

"That is not good," Wallace said.

"We need to clear that hill," King said. "Ford, Higgins, get the Skylance."

"Didn't we just watch the enemy stop one?" Ford asked. "What will that do?"

"We need to do it the hard way," King responded. "We will assault that hilltop, remove the mage, or distract them. The drone will then come into play. Once you are done, join us. Wallace, get the third arm and switch out your M252 with the M338."

"It will take me a minute to attach the robotic arm to my Itlian," Wallace said.

"You could always use the Staff Sergeants arm," Barrios said.

"I think I could rock it," Wallace said.

As the two fists bumped, King said, "Lock it down. Now, Ford and Higgins. When I give the order, you two will assist when we assault the hill. Then regroup with us."

"What about me?" Ar'lya asked.

"Are you willing to get your hands dirty?" King asked.

"I am not a fighter type," Ar'lya said. "But I do not like feeling useless. Besides, there might be jewels inside."

Rommel Kings' response was somewhat hesitant. "When we breach the wall, split off and scout. See if you can get good eyes on the enemy while we navigate," he said.

"I see," Ar'lya said. "I do stick out less than you people."

Seeing the three rush toward the vehicle, Fraeya saw Ford among them. She attempted to gain his attention but failed to stop the Sergeant. Seeing that it was too late, she was confused by a comment the Warrant Officer-1 made regarding an additional arm. "You people can add arms?"

"If the time calls for it," Forest said. "Our suits allow us to attach a robot arm when needed. Wallace is getting the medium-sized machine gun off the Hound. The weapon is great for vehicles and bunkers but too heavy to carry offensively unless you have a third arm like mine. In short, it helps with the weight."

"It does reduce mobility," Gonzales added. “Any of us can have a third arm, so we don't use it often.”

"We are going to break some Utopists," Barrios eagerly said.

The rest of Comanche rushed forward, prioritizing speed over stealth, and headed toward the town stone wall. To their surprise, no one engaged or spotted their advance. This made Fraeya wonder if the enemy hostiles and townsfolk were busy with internal affairs. This allowed the Minutemen team to reach the base of the wall quickly.

"Fraeya," King said. "Can you carve a hole in the wall?"

"Let me try." Fraeya took a step back and placed her hands against the fortification. Closing her eyes, she channeled her mana toward her hands. She could feel that the wall needed to be stronger than Salva, missing thickness, the quality of concrete, or steel reinforcement. This made her believe she could break through; however, she needed to be more confident that she could do so within a reasonable timeframe.

The stone wall cracked around her hands, causing her to sweat from the stress of her spell.

After a minute, Fraeya let go of the wall. Seeing Forest handed her a cloth to wipe the sweat off her forehead. She thanked the Staff Sergeant and turned toward the acting commander, "I can break through it, but it will take me some time and a lot of mana. Do you want me to continue?"

"Forget it then," King said, looking up and around. “We are going to have to go over it. Fraeya, can you raise the ground enough to get over?"

Looking up against the wall, it was lower than Salva but not shorter. Even with her Alg elevation spell, the Elf Girl knew the spell wouldn't only reach about half the length without losing stability.

"Halfway, yes," Fraeya said. "That is the best I can offer."

"That can work," King said.

"Twins, you two first," Barrett said.

The Elf Girl was concerned that the two heaviest men in the unit were going first. Still, remembering his disobedience at the Mountain Airbase, she decided not to question the orders. She cast the elevation spell, concentrating the ground and combating it so it would be sturdy enough to support humans.

Wallace stepped onto the spell, and then the ground rose, scaling the wall until it reached halfway. He dropped to his knees, grabbing onto the side as the heavy weapons specialist stabilized himself, commenting on how freaky the experience was.

"Hurry," Fraeya said.

Seeing the urgency, Comanche did not delay. The bulky teammate lifted the Hispanic member onto the dirt platform before reaching down the dirt elevation to assist the medic onto the platform.

With all the weight, Fraeya struggled to maintain the stability of the dirt platform. However, as Gonzales was being lifted onto the stone wall, the elevation started crumbling, which almost caused Barrios to fall,

With quick thinking, Fraeya cast an ice spell, forming a wrapping around the dirt elevation and securing it. With the near disastrous temporary dealt with, Comanche quickly reached the top of the wall. Wallace reached the top first, which drew enemy fire. He swung his third robotic arm with the M336 and provided suppressive fire while the rest of the team climbed.

With everyone on top, leaving Forest and her, the elf girl stopped her spell and rushed up the elevated dirt. The Staff Sergeant grabbed her arm and lifted her onto the platform. There was no time to talk as Marcos Gonzales reached down for her to hold, which she did.

After reaching the top, Fraeya turned toward the Staff Sergeant and saw the ice wrapping shattering. Sections of the ice fell to the ground, causing a micro-quake as the dirt platform destabilized with the Comanche NCO.

Nearly falling off, Kurt Forest stabilized himself. Fraeya reached down with her glowing hand, slightly securing the elevation. Gonzales reached down with his hand for the Staff Sergeant to grab. Only then did the dirt platform collapse below, but the NCO was pulled onto the safety of the stone wall.

Gonzales to grab him, pulling his fellow Comanche NCO onto the stone wall.

"Thanks," Forest said.

The Elf Girl and medic acknowledged the appreciation.

Once Comanche was united on the wall, Fraeya turned toward her friends and witnessed them in intense engagement. Most of the team struggled to find cover as they were facing the wrong direction where the wall battlements. Wallace thought, standing while firing the medium machine gun toward the hostiles, providing cover for his venerable teammates. However, she noticed that someone was missing—the Farian.

Knowing that Ar'lya was ahead of Comanche, the Elf Girl assumed that the rodent had already gone ahead.

She turned toward the town. Most buildings were intact, as the battle was on the other side. Although Salva was nowhere near the size of these people, they had more civil-structured architecture compared to the surrounding villages.

On the other side of the town, there was smoke and the sound of battle. One of the structures was on fire with glow from magical weapons and crackles from gunfire. The enemy on the small hill within the town was firing upon them, pinning the Americans down.

Now that the enemy knew that Comanche had breached the city wall, an intense firefight between hostiles on rooftops and the alleyways. However, there seems to be more hostile than the two Orgat transports could carry, implying that some townsfolk had sided with the Unity.

"Then let's not hesitate," King said. "Comanche!"

Fraeya heard everyone speak loudly, Red Moon in sync with each other, catching her off guard. The only thing she knew about this Minutemen team was the mythology told by Ryder and scattered comments in conversation. Comanche was one of the great Indian tribes the Americans fought during their expansion. During what they call the full moon, these warriors would devastate all their enemies.

Comanche displaced from their position and rushed down the wall until they reached a stairway. To her surprise, Marcos Gonzales was on point jump once he reached the stairs, with the rest of the team following suit.

When she arrived, she watched them leap toward the center platform of the stairway, using their battlesuits to make the jump. Knowing that she couldn't make the jump, she found another path that allowed her to catch up quickly.

To Fraeya's surprise, she noticed that the enemy was no longer attacking them. "What happened?" she asked.

"They have yet to reposition," Barrett answered. They were unprepared for us flanking them, focusing too much on the second platoon."

"That won't last long," Wallace said.

Instead of wasting time, Comanche started rushing through the brick-laid streets. Civilians rushed past the Americans as they sought cover. As they sped through the streets, Fraeya noticed a few civilians rushing as they sought cover. Others peeked through their windows, while others hid under the front decks of their homes and shops. This was a sight she never thought she would see. She had heard stories coming from the front lines of the news, but seeing urban warfare was radically different from what she had expected. While the Elf had started to grow used to the harsh life of being a soldier, she still visibly remembered how safe and civil the streets of Matho were.

Based on the size of the buildings, alleyways, and doors, Luperca was the dominant race in this town. However, she noticed many other species mixed within the town, something typical within more civilized settlements—all the beast types of humanoids.

Unlike the Luperca, these wolves fought against the goblin-infested mountain tunnel, which was more monster-like and barbaric. These wolves were more civil, well-groomed, and had more sophisticated clothing and mannerisms.

As the Elf Girl was focused on the inhabitants of this town, she ran into Wallace, the person in front of her. "I am sorry," she said but noticed no response. Typically, she had come to expect a human sarcastic comment; however, there was nothing.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

When Fraeya looked past the bodybuilder soldier, the Elf Girl noticed everyone else within the unit had their weapons firing in all directions. Around them were three luperca and eight other beast types. All the town's inhabitants surrounded them with spears and lower-grade energy staff weapons. To her horror, one of the wolf beasts had Gonzales and used him as a human shield.

"Stand fast," King ordered.

Fraeya rushed past everyone to the Warrant Officer's side and said, "Excuse me, I can speak for the Altaerrie. We are friends, not enemies."

The Luperca, who held the medic, only snarled, showing that he had the Comanche warrior held tight and was quickly able to kill the medic if anyone acted aggressively.

"Can you speak with him?" Barratt asked.

"I do not think he will listen to me," Fraeya said. "And I do not know what to say."

"I don't need a translation." King intently spoke loudly so the townsfolk that surrounded them could hear. While they couldn't understand each other, the Warrant Officer wanted to clarify that he didn't fear the giant wolves. "They want us to surrender, which I will not command. Comanche, at the ready. If they harm Marcos, lay waste to them all."

Fraeya Holiadon felt the intense tension between the two sides as a standoff began. The Comanche aimed their weapons, ready to pull the trigger. The townsfolk pointed their guns and spears at the Altaerrie.

Before either side could pull the trigger, a spear impacted the back of Luperca that was holding Marcos Gonzales, letting go of the man from the sudden surprise pain.

From behind one of the buildings, Ar'lya appeared, shouting suits toward the remaining lupercas, which got their attention. When the enemy turned toward the Farian woman, a Luperca and three other townsfolk appeared, attacking the hostiles.

This gave Rommel King to aim and fire his M31, placing a bullet into the beast's head. The rest of Comanche opened fire at the remaining non-lupercas within this group. At the same time, the two wolves were killed by the sudden reinforcements and rifle fire.

When the skirmish was over, Fraeya attempted to help Marcos Gonzales from the ground. However, he was too heavy. Barrio Barrios walked over and helped up his comrade, so she headed toward the Warrant Officer.

Rommel King was staring at the Luperca with distrust but didn't have his weapon ready after what happened.

Ar'lya approached and said, "About time."

"What is going on here?" King asked.

"These people?" Ar'lya said. "I found them while exploring for loot. Apparently, this town has been divided over who to side with. This battle only widens that wedge."

"A minor civil war," Barrett said. "Tell them thank you for their assistance."

"Will do," Ar'lya said. "The question is. Now what?"

"Simple," King said. "Gather anyone who wishes to side with us to the other side of the town."

"You will be taking us away from our homes?" the Luperca asked.

"No choice," King explained. "Everything we are doing now is a delay action. So be it if half of your people want to side with the enemy. But we won't stay here to clear them out."

"I thought you were offering protection," the Luperca asked.

"We are." King looked away after hearing an explosion. "At Salva, there are plenty of empty buildings there to house everyone who comes with us. We need to clear that hill right now, so I cannot talk right now."

Forest approached and said, "Ford reported that they are ready with the Skylance."

"Tell them to fire," King said. "Ar'lya, can you manage the rebels?"

"Rebels?" Ar'lya then looked toward the Luperca and then toward a store. "I can do that. And maybe secure enemy goods?"

"Only what you can carry," King said. "And what is needed. I will let you decide that. Everyone else, up the hill."

The Farian gathered the rebel townsfolk and left. Comanche regrouped and continued advancing up the hill. Fraeya expected more ambushes from the loyal townsfolk, but none attacked. The Elf wondered if everyone was scared after how easily Comanche killed the previous group that attempted to oppose them.

With the lack of opposition, Comanche only took a short time to reach the pathway up the hill. They were being included in the town, buildings, and brick roads leading up to The Unity position. When they drew close, Fraeya saw the colorful glow from the occupied position. Within it, she noticed a four-legged Crawler with a glowing orb on top of it.

"Sir," Fraeya said. "I see an Amplifier Crawler."

"That explains how they are taking out our drones," Barrett said.

A shroud impacted one of the wood structures. The crystalized flechette had a slight black glow before fading. With two additional Shrouds aimed toward the Americans, it was clear that the Unity rearguard had spotted them, forcing Comanche to seek cover.

"They have the high ground," Barrett said. "Going to be a pain to advance."

"They need the advantage," King stated. "Forest, tell Higgins to direct the drone against their position. Barrio, after they cast their defensive spell, fire your rocket at that crawler. We'll toss three grenades to soften the front door. Wallace, I want you upfront when we push."

As the team fanned out, the Skylance circled the town, waiting for orders. The drone then changed course and flew directly toward the Unity position. The battle mage within the enemy ranks activated the orb on the crawler, and it started glowing with electric sparks. Then, a pulse emitted from the crawler orb, destroying the drone.

With the enemy spell cast, the battle mage and orb needed a moment to recharge. This gave Bruno Barrios the opening he needed, firing a rocket.

The rocket impacted next to the crawler, destroying its right side but failing to completely neutralize the construct with the intense suppressive fire that Wallace's medium machine gun and the rest of the unit against The Unity rearguard. The enemy continued from this position, though, continuing to return fire.

However, this was what Rommel King wanted, allowing Forest and Gonzales to move closer through the small buildings. When they got in range, they tossed their fragmentation grenades into the enemy position, killing two from the shrapnel. At the same time, the other two were protected from their armor but knocked over from the impact.

With the Warrant Officer's order to advance, Comanche left their positions. It formed a makeshift line on the brick road with their weapons ready, firing at the Unity as they marched forward. Sergeant Edger Wallace was in the middle, carrying the specialized medium machine gun with a third robotic arm to stabilize the weapon and fire against the enemy.

Seeing the enemy battle mage moving into position to assist their comrades, Fraeya noticed the wood wall of a nearby building. Casting a spell, she tore apart a section of it and flung it in front of Wallace. When the enemy battle mage cast an electric spell toward the bulky Comanche, the wood wall absorbed the spell, catching on fire but protecting Wallace. This allowed him to aim his M336, tearing apart the mage.

The rest of the Comanche stormed past Wallace and reached the top of the hill. Only a few enemy soldiers remained, which were quickly dealt with. Gregory Barrett gave the 'all clear sign' with his hands, and Fraeya rushed up to the hill's edge. Rommel King promptly joined her, staring at the rest of the town.

The distance was shorter than she expected from this angle. It was still a significant drop, and if someone fell, they would be seriously hurt or die. But most of the tallest rooftops were about two-thirds in scale.

Staring at one of the roofs, the Elf Girl noticed two enemy soldiers lying on top, aiming their circiletum toward the Ivy position below, which was pinned inside several buildings. One of the buildings was on fire as the Americans were firing from the windows. The ones on the streets were behind tipped-over carts and booths. Three IRiSS humanoid robots are standing on the street, firing against the Unity, attempting to provide suppressive fire.

"Can I take care of those two?" Fraeya asked.

"What?" King looked to where the team’s mage was talking about. "Go for it."

The Comanche mage directed her left arm toward the building. Her hand glowed green, and focusing her mana on her target within this range took much of her concentration, especially with much of her mana reserves close to depletion. He could summon the spell she wanted with sheer will, and the roof the enemy soldiers were laying on crackled, scaring them. Before they could react, the roof imploded into the house.

"Good job," King said.

Feeling a new sense of being included in the team, she noticed two soldiers below waving toward her. Confused but not wanting to be rude, she waved back. Those soldiers displaced themselves and rushed toward the western wall to join their comrades. On the west side of the town, the Unity was occupying the fortification wall, shooting at the American platoon.

Barrett approached and said, "I think they were trying to separate all Ivy companies in the area from the Battalion."

"What do we do?" Fraeya asked.

The Elf Girl noticed Rommel King looking right, staring at a Unity accelerator ballista.

"Barrett, get two to cover the second platoon's rear," King said. "Give the enemy something else to focus on. Have Ford and Higgins rally with the troops below. Everyone else, on the ballista."

Everyone acted as the final orders left the Warrant Officer's lips. Barrett, Forest, and Gonzales lined against the edge and opened fire at the remaining Unity and townsfolk who allied with them.

The others pushed the ballista into the proper position, aiming toward the western wall, which the hostile townsfolk blocked. Bruno Barrios loaded the projectile while Edge Wallace aimed at the weapon platform. The projectile looked different than a traditional artillery shell that Altaerrie uses. It had a blue crystal between the tip and the base and a see-through layer over the body meant to contain the crystal within. A micro-command orb was at the center tip.

Once everything was ready, King ordered, "Fire!"

The three coils within the accelerators started spinning as the ballista channeled the energy from the battery to the coils. Once entirely changed seconds later, the weapon let out a loud sound as it fired toward the stone wall.

A bright blue lightning strike consumed the area when the projectile impacted the wall. One of the nearby carts caught fire. The wall was dark and heavily scared, and the sizable impact neutralized the enemy occupiers.

"Sir," Forest said. "Contact, due west. In the forest."

Hearing the Staff Sergeant, Fraeya noticed dozens of soldiers emerging from the foliage. While she didn't have a VISOR, she could tell they were Americans based on their battlesuits. Based on the size, she assumed they were one of the sister units of Second Platoon, coming to their comrade's aid.

"Alright," King said. "Pick your targets and let them have it."

*****

Standing on the muddy dirt ground, Fraeya watched as the Americans gathered the allied townsfolk to be taken to Salva. The others who sided with the Unity watched from their homes or stood by the buildings.

Some of the survivors of the second platoon had their rifles aimed at the hostile townsfolk, deterring any further aggression.

On her radio, she heard Ivy soldiers saying fire in the hole before hearing a small explosion. She found the phrase baffling as they were not putting fire in a hole but understood the intent, meaning they were about to make something explode.

The Elf Girl turned toward the hill they had occupied long ago, smoke flowing into the sky. From what she understood, the American soldiers destroyed The Unity accelerator, so the enemy couldn't reuse it since they couldn't capture it right now.

As she watched the smoke, her ears perked as she heard someone approaching.

Fraeya turned and noticed it was Benjamin Ford. He was not approaching her prepay but passing by, pulling a cart of allied townsfolk goods before stopping.

Ford stopped after being noticed and raised his hand in a half-attempted acknowledgment. "Hey."

The Elf Girl similarly raised her hand but stopped herself, as she remembered the Sergeant stopping her when she was close to The Unity transport airship. Her hand turned into a fist and held it close to her body as frustration took over, silencing her response.

The Sergeant nodded as he noticed her reserved behavior and left. This made her feel horrible, and her ears dropped.

"That was silly."

Hearing another voice nearby, Fraeya looked around until she saw Ar'lya sitting on a barrel, digging through a large cloth bag full of repurposed goods she found throughout the town. To her shock, she never heard this rodent getting this close. "How did you sneak up on me?"

"It's not hard," Ar'lya said. I had to learn to be stealthy to survive. Besides, I am a Farian; we know how to get around without being noticed."

"Oh," Fraeya mumbled. "And what did you mean by that was strange?"

"I mean." Ar'lya studied a silver sphere platter in her hands before putting it into the bag. "You are still punishing him for saving you."

"I am not," Fraeya said.

"Then why did you not wave at him?" Ar'lya asked. "I noticed you two were close before that moment at the mountain, but since then, you have built a wall."

Fraeya wanted to protest; however, she knew it was true. Wiping her cheek, she responded, "I cannot help it. I was so close to saving my father, and it was ripped from me. I do not know how else to feel."

"So, it is all Ford's fault? If I recall, did Captain Ryder order you not to rush out like you did because it could get others killed, including yourself?"

Fraeya closed her eyes as she remembered disobeying their Captain's orders. This meant that Ford was following orders to keep her safe. Opening her eyes, she said, "I know I am in the wrong. I just do not know what to do."

"It is simple," Ar'lya said. "Just apologize and thank him for protecting you."

"How? How will that remove my feelings about failing to save my father?"'

"Simple. By getting over yourself."

The Elf Girl eats perked up after hearing that response. Her eyes boiled with rage as she couldn't believe what the Farian said. "What do you mean by that!?"

Ar'lya giggled before responding, "You are cute when you try to be mad. But I meant what I said. If you let your missing father consume your entire life, it will be your downfall. Do you think Benjamin will be the first? In time, you will push all your new friends away."

"I am not trying to," Fraeya said.

"Trying and doing are different," Ar'lya said. "I lost everything. Remember when I said I am not from these lands? I had to abandon my clan because of this stupid war and come all the way here. I have no hope of seeing my clan again, but you do. But all you are doing is drowning in your self-pity."

The Elf's ears descended again, realizing that the Farian was correct. "I am sorry. I am not used to this. I thought I hated it hard in the academy, but out here, everything feels like a threat."

"That is because you have yet to embrace what it means to live out here. It is okay to want to find your father, but your place is the here and now with these people. You should not hate those helping you because it is convenient. You should hate these pricks." Ar'lya then tossed a pebble at one of the Unity's corpses.

Seeing the Farian woman motioning her to come closer, Fraeya approached. The rodent directed her to kick the corpses, but she hesitated because they were smelly and felt wrong. However, as she stared at the Orc's body, all she felt was rage building within her—to the point she finally kicked the dead body.

"Good," Ar'lya said. "You finally learned to channel your anger. Now, go apologize and end this madness."

"Okay," Fraeya said. "You could have said that in a gentler manner."

“I am not Natilite,” Ar’lya said. "She is gently enhanced, and we are not. Being that gentle gets you killed out here."

Watching the Farian walk toward Wallace, the Elf girl crossed her arms in frustration. While she didn't like the manner of the conversation, she knew the rodent was correct.

Deciding not to wait until they returned to Salva, Fraeya wandered the town, looking for Ford. She could see that the Ivy sister platoon had arrived with the unmanned ground vehicles known as Deuces into their cargo bays. The Second platoon, dead and wounded, was being loaded first before allowing any townsfolk into the robotic vehicle.

That didn't mean there weren't hostiles around. It became clear that everyone in the town was considered hostile. If it weren't for the heavily armed Americans occupying the city, they would have attacked, being surrounded by Luperca. Luckily, a decent amount of the population had defected to the Altaerrie side, even more so now that they had won this battle, even though they were retreating to Salva.

She saw the enemy townsfolk standing all around watching. The numbers did surprise her as she realized they would be surrounded if they decided to attack. While not a military strategist herself, she understood there were more hostile civilians than American soldiers within their town and could overrun them if they attacked at once. She wondered if fear of death was why they didn't attack because of the soldiers aiming their weapons at them or the alien armored vehicles known as Lance that arrived with First Platoon. Maybe it was because they witnessed the Unity being defeated or a combination of all three, to which she had no idea.

Heading to where Comanche were regrouping, Fraeya saw Benjamin Ford assisting the final allied townsfolk into the Deuce. Seeing that he noticed her, she waved to get his attention, not wanting to get too close.

Bruno whispered something to Ford, but she couldn't hear it before the Sergeant walked over.

Before the Sergeant spoke, she raised her hand to signal that she wanted to talk first. A sudden fear started to consume her body again, but she forced herself to suppress the emotion as the Elf wanted to say what she needed to say.

“Benjamin,” Fraeya said. "Please, let me say what I should have said."

She saw the Sergeant wanting to interrupt her again, causing her to give a hateful glare toward him while raising her hand again, warning him to be silent, to which he leaned back defensively.

"Let me finish, please," Fraeya said. She took a deep breath as she recollected her thoughts and continued speaking, "I know you were only trying to protect me, and how I responded to that was wrong. I never should have punished you for my father being taken away a second time and that you were only watching out for my well-being. You were doing what our commander ordered us to do. Still, I disobeyed that order, putting myself above everyone and putting you and myself in danger."

She then put her hands together and said, "I value your friendship. You have been a big help in bringing me onto the team, and I do not want to ruin that relationship."

Feeling a sense of relief flow off her shoulders, the Elf Girl finally thought that she had fixed a wrong and hoped that she could move forward and be friends with the attractive Sergeant again. However, she noticed that she did not get the reaction she expected. The Comanche mage expected him to apologize in return or acknowledge her openness—something. However, he stood there with a confused stare.

Before she could ask, Benjamin Ford pointed to his ears and her chest. Confused, she glanced at her clothing and noticed the translation amulet was off.

Exasperation and melancholy filled her body at once as she realized what had just happened. She forgot to reactivate her amulet and realized Ford was trying to warn her. Still, she didn't listen, too consumed with what she wanted to say.

Ford started to say something. Some of the words she understood from her language education from the tablet programs, but she didn't couldn't focus. Tearing up, she attempted to walk away. However, the Sergeant grabbed her arm and pointed to the amulet, clearly stating that he wanted her to activate it again.

While Fraeya could have pulled her arm away, she was happy he had stopped her. Placing her hand over the amulet, the Elf Girl activated it with her mana. "Can you understand me?"

"Now I can," Ford said. "What is going on? Is there something wrong?"

"Yes!" Fraeya responded. "What I was trying to say before was that I should not have-."

As the wood elf spoke, she noticed that the amulet had shut off. That was when she realized that it was dying, which explained why it was off before. This only brought frustration for the Elf Girl, who placed her hand over it again, channeling her mana to power it temporarily.

"What happened?" Ford asked.

"The translation amulet is dying," Fraeya said. "I think it is finally breaking down as I have been using it-."

The device shuts off again. Feeling only frustrated, the wood elf understood she couldn't wait to say what she wanted and had to spit it out quickly.

Once Fraeya reactivated the amulet, she quickly blurted out, "I am sorry for punishing you for saving me! You were only protecting me, and I was being foolish!"

Ford stood there, confused again. Not because he didn't understand her but was surprised by the apology. "Well, you didn't have to apologize-."

"Yes, I did!"

"Okay. Thank you, Fraeya. We just want you to be safe. We wouldn't want to disappoint your atar."

Noticing that the translation faded at the end, Fraeya understood what Ford meant. In English, atar means dad or father. She was about to reactivate the amulet again to finish the conversation, but he stopped her.

Glancing up at the Altaerrie man, he smiled and said, "amicu?"

To her surprise, Ford said the feminine word for friend in Latin. She assumed that he might have picked up the word in passing from the Salva Militiamen or their language app on their tablets. The American military has pushed both sides to teach each other languages to help reduce the language barrier, as coordination would be essential for both sides to defend Salva.

Fraeya smiled and spoke the masculine word for friend in Lain, "amicus."

Seeing Ford extend his arm, Fraeya understood it was a gesture of friendship, showing that everything was good between the two individuals. However, she noticed many Americans glancing at or watching them, probably wondering what was happening. She could only imagine the show they must have watched, her emoting and struggling with her dead amulet making her feel embarrassed.

Deciding that she didn't want to be the only one embarrassed, she ignored his hand and hugged him. She could tell the move shocked, confused, and embarrassed him, and he glanced around at his teammates.

Feeling finished, Fraeya let go and waved before heading toward Comanches' vehicles. That was when she noticed Ar'lya sitting on a stool, covering her laughter with her hand.

"That went well," Ar'lya commented.

"Yeah," Fraeya said. "It went worse than I hoped, but everything worked out in the end."

With what Fraeya wanted to accomplish, she saw Warrant Officer 1 Rommel King rallying the Comanche to mount up and head back to Salva as the US prepared to leave this town for the enemy.