Walker Residence, Lakeport, California, United States, July 4th, 2018

Dylan moved over to his smartphone, which was buzzing and vibrating on the kitchen countertop. He picked up the ringing device and raised it to his ear before speaking.

"W-Walker Residence..."

"Dylan?!" Cecilia asked the male coyote, instantly recognizing his wife's voice.

"Cecilia?! What's happening?! The Chinese army landed in San Francisco?! And they're dropping paratroopers all over the region?!"

"I know, this isn't some half-assed job either; they are well organized and prepared. They must have been planning this..."

"The newscasters also said that Russian soldiers have landed in Alaska, and they're also attacking our allies in Europe!"

"WHAT?!" Cecilia said, her jaw hanging open.

"You didn't know?!"

"No, we've been too busy coordinating the defense here in California!"

"Article 5 has been activated, and NATO members are meeting to discuss what's happening."

The initial shock wearing off, her mind began to connect the dots.

"My mission in Dushanbe.. the Chinese and Russians meeting with their allies.... The suspected communication between Shen and others..."

The coyote's train of thought was cut off as her husband spoke again: "Tell me where you are! Tell me where you are safe!"

"You know I can't say anything right now, Dylan. Look, there are some things I need you to do for me."

"Anything!"

"If you have any spare jugs or containers, fill them with water. Cook something simple for dinner. Charge your phone and devices. Stay tuned into the news. Make sure the doors and windows are locked. You know that pistol we keep in the safe upstairs?"

"The one you taught me to use?"

"Yes, load it and keep it with you or somewhere you can access at a moment's notice." "Ok..."

Cecilia's ears twitched as she heard Stryker call out to her from nearby.

"Sergeant, we're moving on that Chinese paratrooper battalion."

"Affirmative! Listen, Dylan... I need to go... I'm sorry...." "I understand CiCi... just... please come home..."

"I'm with a good squad. We'll get through this, I promise." "Ok... I love you."

"I love you too."

United States Strategic Command, Codename: "STRATCOM", Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA, July 7th, 2018.

Tension filled the air as the Chairman of the joint chiefs of staff approached the large digital screen on the darkened room's wall. A staffer stood nearby at a laptop, the device mirroring the larger display.

"How are we doing across the pond?" The Chairman asked.

The picture onscreen transitioned to a map of Europe. Various friendly blue markings were displayed on the west side of the continent. In contrast, just as many red markings were positioned on the east side. A high-level General spoke up, his dark green uniform adorned with ribbons.

"The Russians and their allies are gaining ground, but our European friends are doing their best to stem the tide. However, they are still having to contend with terrorist attacks from Al-sayf." The general said. "Our analysts expect the front to bog down in Central Europe, but intense fighting will continue."

"What about in the Middle East?"

"We recalled multiple divisions from the region to reinforce our units here at home, but we can't afford to fully pull out. Al-sayf remains a serious threat to both us, as well as the Chinese and Russians. In fact, it is believed that the terrorists will try to take advantage of the situation to further their goals."

"Who do we have there?"

An image of an older human appeared on screen, alongside text that displayed various biographical information.

"General Porter, sir. He's harsh and brash but as tough as they come."

"What's the status of the situation in San Francisco?" The Chairman asked.

The image onscreen changed to a map of California before zooming down on the large metropolitan area near the state's west. The entire region encompassing the city and its surrounding area was highlighted in red for many miles.

"San Francisco, Oakland, and areas in the vicinity are under complete Chinese control." The general said, voice sullen. "The enemy used missile launchers and military units hidden in cargo containers and aboard shipping vessels to make their initial strike. Almost immediately followed up by a conventional assault with amphibious and airborne units. SFPD officers were instrumental in fending off the initial attack from the PLA. As I'm sure you know, most large police departments in the country have paramilitary training. Many civilians managed to escape and are still attempting to flee from advancing Chinese forces."

"A major American city under the control of a hostile invasion force.... they will likely be fortifying in the event of a counterattack."

"Our analysts believe they specifically targeted San Francisco Bay due to its nature as a deepwater port. With a beachhead established there, and having control of the city, they can bring in significant amounts of equipment and war material. We now have enemy land units pushing outwards, deeper into California."

"Where are their assets currently concentrating their advance?"

The map onscreen moved to the northeast, with multiple red and blue signatures visible.

"In addition to moving in hardware, with control of the bay, they can land troops further inland. A spearhead force is beginning to assault the city of Sacramento. The Chinese moved faster than anticipated, overwhelming multiple smaller forces and towns on the way to the state capitol. California National Guard units and army reserves are organizing to defend the city, but we have tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of civilians fleeing east. Many will likely still be in the city by the time hostile forces arrive."

"Safeguarding those civilians and halting the PLA advance is our top priority."

"Evacuation centers have been established all over the city, including one in a field on the west side of the city. Callsign, Firebase Primer. The location has been fortified, and helicopters are going in and out every 10 minutes. However, that evacuation site is right in the path of the oncoming Chinese force. The PLA might want to capture the field for its tactical significance, to more easily land equipment via air.

"Do we have any assets available to assist in the defense?"

"Army National Guard reserves are still a few hours out; however, a smaller detachment of marines is already en route. Additionally, I have a Delta Force squad on standby. Callsign: Opal. They took part in the fighting around Oakland and have experience engaging Chinese forces. I'm patching them through now."

A picture of a female coyote with eyeblack and a tan beret, along with an audio visualizer, appeared on screen.

"This is Sergeant Cecilia Walker, US Army Delta Force." The coyote said over the radio. "Opal squad is standing by and ready for tasking!"

"This is STRATCOM; we read you. Walker, I am promoting you to staff sergeant. Congratulations."

"Thank you, sir!"

"You've earned it, staff sergeant. But we'll have to hold off on the ceremony for now."

A model of Sacramento appeared on screen, with a dotted line marking out a pathway through the city from the south.

"Link up with US marines, advance through the city, and do whatever you can to stem the Chinese assault. We'll give you more information en route."

"Copy, we'll get it done!"

"I'm sure you will Opal."

Westside, Sacramento, California, United States, July 7th, 2018

"Enemy helo!"

The aircraft fired its rockets, sending the Humvee tumbling upside down as its engine burst into flames.

Inside the vehicle, Delta force operator Stryker Jackson sat up and rubbed his face, now lying on the transport's roof. The mule glanced at the motionless driver, his arms hanging over his head.

He heard a voice above him, looking up to the coyote sitting in the passenger's seat, dressed in combat fatigues and a bulletproof vest with tactical gear.

"Stryker! Switch on!" Cecilia said, drawing her combat knife and cutting away her seatbelt.

Bracing her left arm against the ceiling to avoid falling, the coyote elbowed the damaged window, managing to shatter it to pieces. She grabbed her assault rifle and began to climb out.

Stryker took hold of his light machine gun and grenade launcher before managing to force open the Humvee door.

The pair crawled out onto the evening air on a city street lined with tightly packed single-family homes in various colors. Debris, military hardware, and derelict cars covered the pavement as soldiers moved to and fro, engaging each other. Gunfire, explosions, and shouting were clearly audible.

The two mammals crouched down, and Stryker stowed the grenade launcher on his back before checking over his heavy tactical vest and the plethora of equipment he was carrying. Four mammals approached, dressed in combat gear and carrying weapons.

Jayleen Oakley, a spotted hyena wielding a submachine gun with uniform markings indicating she was a combat medic.

Livia Winters, a white-furred fox whose combat kit was covered with tools and engineering equipment.

Liam Felhart, a lion with a high-cut helmet and a pump action shotgun.

And Jacob Zalman, a tan and gray furred rabbit with black stripes and a sniper cape up over his head.

"You two ok?" Livia asked.

"We're all good," Cecilia said, pulling out her weapon's magazine, checking for ammo, and inserting it back into the gun. "Safeties off! Come on, push up! Let's go! Let's go!"

The squad raced forward, linking up with US marines surrounding a dull green Bradly armored vehicle. It had caterpillar tracks and a boxy hull tilted at the front. Its geometrical turret was covered in optics and weapons systems, and its chain gun blasted away.

A few meters ahead were Chinese soldiers dressed in dark uniforms with a secondary urban camouflage pattern in some areas.

"Contact front! Contact front!" Cecilia yelled, the Americans taking cover inside an abandoned trolley car as they opened fire on the Chinese.

The hostiles fired back, hiding behind derelict vehicles.

The Bradly ground forward down the street, its accompanying infantry sticking close nearby.

"This is my home city, man!" Stryker yelled, mowing down an enemy soldier. "You motherfuckers are gonna pay!"

"Opal-1, be advised," STRATCOM said through the radio. "Multiple enemy types have been spotted in your AO, including snipers, rocket troopers, mortar teams, and artillery units."

"Copy STRATCOM!" Sergeant Walker said, leading her squad out of the trolley car. "We've engaged PLA forces and are moving North! Opal, Protect that Bradley! Designating enemy rocket troopers as high-priority targets! Watch out for combat engineers! They may try to get close and place explosive charges on the vehicle!"

"Copy!" Jacob said, firing into a Chinese heavy trooper who was wielding a light machine gun.

"Rocket trooper! Roof! Left side!" Livia called out, raising her battle rifle and opening fire at a mammal with a dull green rocket launcher.

Just as the soldier was taking aim, he was hit by bullets and stumbled forward before falling off the roof to the ground below.

"Hostiles coming from the buildings to the right!" Jayleen yelled, the hyena hunkering down as another squad of enemy infantry appeared and began to engage.

"Take them out!" Cecilia shouted.

"Roger!" Liam said, the lion rushing forward and using his shotgun to blow away two enemies taking cover.

On either side of the street, up ahead, were sandbags arranged like a barricade. Hostile infantry were crouched down behind the obstacle, firing on the approaching Americans.

Stryker sprayed the defending mammals with his light machine gun, killing two and driving the rest behind cover.

In a flash, he stowed the large weapon on his back and drew his XM25 grenade launcher. It resembled a long black tube with a similarly colored trigger, forward grip, and a bullpup-style magazine. On top of the weapon was an elongated digital scope resembling a geometric tube.

Stryker fired the semi-automatic weapon towards the hostiles. The grenades detonated and killed the defending mammals as the Bradly moved through the gap between two barricades.

"Opal, we are redirecting your squad to provide direct support for the evacuation site at firebase Primer," STRATCOM said. "We have an overwatch point on the second floor of a building to the east side of the base. It is providing cover fire to units in the evac site, but both locations are being hit by Chinese attacks. Move to provide support to units providing overwatch."

"Solid copy, STRATCOM," Cecilia said.

"Be advised, evacuation site's callsign is firebase Primer. Proceed west through the neighborhood till you reach the buildings directly east of the evac site. Additionally, if able, you are to destroy any vital infrastructure you come across. Gas stations, internet and cell towers, electrical substations, load-bearing walls, water towers, and pumping centers. We must deny those facilities to the enemy."

"Opal copies all STRATCOM. Alright mammals! This way! Double time!"

Opal squad turned off to cut down a side street. Meanwhile, the Bradley and the US Marines continued down the main road.

"Where are we going, sir?" Jayleen asked, Cecilia responding quickly.

"There's an evacuation site set up in a field nearby. Callsign, firebase primer. We're moving to defend an overwatch point inside one of the nearby buildings that's holding off Chen's assaults on the evac site."

"Chen?" Liam asked.

"Common Chinese name. Slang for PLA troops. You know how the Viet Cong in Vietnam were called Charlie? Or have you ever seen an old Cold War movie where the Russians were called Ivan?"

"That was actually a real codename," Jacob noted.

"Still, you can say that in this day and age?" Liam continued.

"Fuck are they gonna do, get mad?" Stryker interjected. "They're already shooting at us and destroying our cities."

"Tell 'em to file a diplomatic inquest," Livia said sarcastically. "I'm sure we'll get right on that."

The squad proceeded through a rather unremarkable suburban neighborhood filled with one-story homes. Weapons leveled in case any PLA soldier was in the vicinity. Gunfire chattered in the distance, and bright orange tracer rounds fired into the sky.

"How many people do you think lived here?" Liam asked. "Now they've all had to turn tail and run."

"The evacuation hasn't even been finished yet," Cecilia said. "Do whatever you can to save the lives of civilians."

"Roger that."

"Opal, you should have eyes on the building. To your 1 o'clock." STRATCOM said.

Looking in the appropriate direction, the squad spotted a large nondescript plaster building on the other side of a parking lot. It was 2 stories tall, with darkened windows and a pale exterior.

"Affirmative, I have visual," Cecilia said.

"Proceed inside, second floor, west side of the building."

"Solid copy."

The squad crossed the parking lot and entered the structure via an emergency exit door, ending up inside a stairwell they used to access the second floor. The interior was dark, and the Americans moved through the hallways, weapons ready.

"Listen!" Cecilia whispered harshly, hearing a foreign language being spoken.

The staff sergeant put up her fist, and the squad stopped. She peered around a corner down a hallway and spotted soldiers holding position, quickly noticing the bright red Chinese flag patches on their shoulders.

"Friend or foe?" Liam asked.

"Definitely foe. On 3..."

Cecilia held up 3 fingers and counted down before Opal squad charged around the corner, opening fire.

"Dírén! (Enemy!)" one of the PLA troopers shouted, spotting the Americans.

"Weapons free! Weapons free!"

Both the Americans and Chinese took cover behind hallway bends and inside nearby rooms, engaging each other at close range.

A pair of enemy soldiers charged forward, firing their shotguns repeatedly. "Shotgunners incoming!" Jacob yelled, lead pellets tearing through the plaster walls. "Tossing Frag!" Stryker said, throwing a grenade.

The weapon detonated, killing the two Chinese shotgunners before Opal finished off the remaining Chinese troopers.

Tables and military hardware, including ammunition crates, a 120 mm mortar, and a heavy machine gun mounted on a tripod, had been set up in a large room on the west side of the building. All pointed out a large hole blown into the wall, enabling a good view of the field outside.

The blood-soaked bodies of US soldiers lay throughout the room, clutching rocket launchers or heavy sniper rifles.

"Command, this is Opal-1," Cecilia said, going over to the body of a dead mammal and checking over him. "The squad stationed at the overwatch post has been KIA."

"Affirmative Opal."

"Collect their tags," Cecilia said, pulling the metal identification tag off the mammal before her.

"Oh man... would you look at that..." Liam said in disbelief as the squad peered through the hole in the wall to the field outside.

The sky above was tinted orange from the rising sun or roaring fires, which filled the heavens with acrid smoke.

The highway was to the right of the group's view, but directly in front of them was an expansive grassy field, beyond which were more buildings. To the group's left side was a firebase surrounded by razor wire and anti-tank obstacles.

The base comprised of concrete block barricades stacked two high and piled with sandbags. US soldiers manned parapets on the base' interior, operating sniper rifles, rocket launchers, and machine guns.

Tents and military trailers were also visible behind the walls, along with a Chinook helicopter lifting up into the sky before flying away.

"Opal Squad," command said. "Scouts have reported the Chinese are preparing to make an assault on firebase primer. Are you able to provide support?"

"Affirmative!" Sergeant Walker said. "Friendly equipment is still intact! We can provide cover for firebase primer!"

"Roger that Opal. Firebase primer, what is your status?" A third voice joined the radio call.

"Sir, civilian transport Hermes-4 is away! Phase 1 Evacuation procedures have been completed! Wounded and VIPs."

"Initiate phase 2 evacuation procedures. Parents and kits."

"Sir, yes, sir!"

"Prepare for rapid evacuation; we have multiple transport helicopters inbound."

"Zalman, grab that .50 Cal!" Sergeant Walker ordered. "Felhart! Oakley! Sight that mortar and begin to engage! Jackson! Get on that mounted machine gun! Winters, you and I will use these javelins!"

"You know she's serious when she uses last names," Stryker said, gripping the tripod-mounted turret. "Time to put these fuckers in the ground."

Jacob lifted away the body of a dead soldier and picked up his weapon. A massive TAC-50 anti-material rifle with a dual locking bolt, telescopic scope, bipod, and muzzle break.

The weapon was powerful enough that it could be used against vehicles.

Liam sighted the mortar and angled it out the hole in the wall while Jayleen opened an ammo box. “Watch the backblast.” Cecilia said, she and Livia picking up the bulky javelin rocket launchers.

The weapons resembled thick green tubes with a black ring around the back end. A heavy-duty video monitor with a handle was attached to the side. It displayed a reticle that consisted of a pair of crossing yellow lines superimposed onto the live video feed.

"This is Firebase Primer!" a voice said over the radio. "We're holding our own, but we request that you engage hostile units advancing on our position."

"Affirmative firebase Primer!" Sergeant Walker responded, using a set of tactical binoculars to scan the field. She spotted a Chinook helicopter lifting into the air above the firebase before turning and flying into the distance, heading east. In just a few seconds, a replacement helicopter had landed inside the firebase perimeter.

However, opposite the base, to the right side, hostile forces could be seen moving into view. Coming down the highway.

"FB Primer, I have visual on enemy infantry, armor, and helicopters, moving towards your location! Opal! Engage at will!" The sergeant yelled, readying her javelin and taking aim at one of the tanks.

Looking through the weapon's attached video monitor, she lined up the reticle with the enemy vehicle. After a few seconds, the weapon hummed, and a red diamond appeared around the tank, indicating it was locked on.

"Firing!"

A missile launched out of the javelin and into the air before arcing downwards atop the hostile vehicle.

The tank's turret was ripped apart before its ammunition detonated in an immolating fireball that reduced the machine to charred scrap.

"Solid effect on target!"

Livia targeted an incoming Chinese attack helicopter, firing and sending the aircraft to the ground in a blazing wreck.

The rest of the squad took aim at the remaining tank and its infantry. Peppering the PLA with a rain of mortar shells, rapid machine gun bursts, or pinpoint accurate sniper fire.

"Transport away!"

Another chinook lifted into the sky, turning around and fleeing the engagement zone as the chatter of gunfire rang out.

"Keep it up, Opal!" The sergeant said, loading another missile into her launcher. "Every second we buy means more civilians can get to safety."

Although the first wave of enemies had been completely wiped out, a trio of tracked infantry fighting vehicles appeared. They had an urban camouflage color scheme, a short turret, and a mounted cannon.

"Hostile light armor spotted!" Stryker yelled.

"Light 'em up!" Cecilia ordered. "Crack them open like beer cans!"

Jacob looked through his rifle's powerful scope, aiming for one of the vehicle's radiators to deal more damage.

With a deafening bang, the weapon fired, bruising the rabbit's shoulder and punching through the vehicle's radiator.

After a few shots, the IFV ground to a halt as its engine overheated. While the crew inside tried to perform combat repairs, Jacob hit it again. The engine exploded, flames enveloping the vehicle, as a tiger leaped out of the top hatch and tried to sprint away.

Meanwhile, Liam lined the mortar up to target one of the enemy vehicles as Jayleen loaded in an armor-piercing shell.

Like a hammer, the round came down, denting the exterior armor. A second shot scored a critical blow on the ammo compartment, flames belching out from the gap between the hull and turret before the entire turret ring was thrown into the air in a fiery explosion, crashing back down with an immense thunk.

"Good kill! Good kill!"

Opal finished off the last IFV, but the Chinese forces kept coming. Tanks and helicopters, with their canons, rockets, and machine guns, pounded into the firebase's defenses.

"This is FB primer! We are down to 80% combat effectiveness. Taking fire from enemy armor and aircraft."

"Keep firing Opal!" Cecilia said. "It's a target-rich environment out there!"

An attack helicopter hovered in place and raked its guns across the concrete barricades.

Jacob lined his reticule up with the cockpit, holding his breath and slowly twitching his finger...

The pilot's head exploded, plastering the interior of the cockpit with red and sending the vehicle spinning out of control. Before the co-pilot could take control, the aircraft's blades hit the ground and were torn to shreds.

"All callsigns, this is firebase primer! Enemy shock troopers are making a push towards our east flank!"

"Infantry spotted!" Stryker yelled, his machine gun chattering loudly.

Gunfire tore through a squad of Chinese soldiers that had been sprinting across the battlefield towards the firebase.

"This is civilian transport Hermes-2! I'm in the air and moving to rally point Bravo!" Another Chinook helicopter lifted into the sky and flew out of the city.

"Command, phase 2 evacuation procedures are complete!" A voice said over the radio. “Affirmative FB primer. Initiate phase 3 evacuation procedures. General population."

A pair of Chinese heavy attack helicopters moved into position, firing a barrage of rockets towards the firebase. White lines streaked through the air as the deadly weapons found their mark.

"This is firebase primer! We're taking mass casualties! Both military and civilian!"

Stryker turned his machine gun on one of the aircraft, its armor resisting the initial assault. However, with sustained fire, the aircraft began to spew smoke and attempt to flee. But before it could get out of sight, the vehicle's fuel ignited and consumed the helicopter.

Livia and Cecilia targeted the second helicopter, finishing it off with javelin fire.

"Opal, be advised!" STRATCOM said urgently. "PLA infantry have been spotted advancing on your position!"

"Hostiles on our 6!" Jayleen yelled, drawing her pistol and spinning around toward the building's interior.

A squad of Chinese infantry was advancing through the hallways towards the room Opal squad was occupying, already firing their weapons.

Most of the squad threw down their heavy weapons and drew their rifles, immediately firing back at the PLA units.

Jacob spun around and fired his TAC-50 from the hip, the recoil sending him stumbling backward. But the shot went straight through a pair of hostile infantry, tearing them apart.

A bear soldier charged forward and attempted to bash Stryker with his rifle. However, the mule parried the attack, unsheathed his combat knife, and stabbed it into the other mammal's neck.

As soon as the last enemy was gunned down, the Americans heard urgent shouting from their radios.

"This is FB primer! We're at 50% combat effectiveness! Requesting immediate support!"

"Liam! Jayleen! Get back on that light fifty, and let 'em have it!" Cecilia ordered the pair.

"Sir, yes, sir!"

Another chinook was taking off as Opal returned to their heavy weapons, just as command issued an all units notice.

"All callsigns! Use of white phosphorus munitions has been authorized! Repeat, use of white phosphorus munitions has been authorized! Give 'em hell!"

"Time to break out the good stuff!" Stryker said as Jayleen flipped open a crate with "WP" written on it with white paint.

"Let's give them a thousand-degree burn!" Jayleen said, loading a shell into the mortar and firing on an enemy squad. "Willy Pete going out!"

The shot rained down on the PLA unit, obscuring them with a white cloud.

Shadows could be seen moving inside, the hostiles staggering around before collapsing.

Although almost a dozen troopers had been burned to a crisp, more squads of mammals almost instantly appeared, charging defiantly from the highway towards the evac site.

Laying into the US base with rockets and grenade launchers.

A helicopter came into land at the firebase just as another took to the sky. A rocket flew right by the aircraft, but thankfully, it missed.

"Whoa! That was too close!" The pilot said over comms before spinning around and getting the hell out of dodge.

A pair of Chinese tanks pressed across the field, finding their way past obstacles and crushing razor wire. Tracks ground against the battle-scarred ground, their heavy cannons fired at the American defenses, and deafening bangs rang out.

"This is firebase primer! We are down to 30% combat effectiveness! Civilians are taking up arms to defend the firebase! But they're completely untrained! WE NEED IMMEDIATE SUPPORT!"

Infantry, helicopters, and armored vehicles continued to move towards the firebase, as Opal kept laying into them with heavy weapons.

With grim-faced determination, the PLA units relentlessly advanced through the mortar fire and machine gun bullets that rained down.

Dead steel and dead mammals covered the battlefield below like autumn leaves. Flames lapping at the wrecks of war machines.

The din of weapons fire and explosions was constantly audible, interspaced by soldiers barking orders or shouting exclamations. A dull haze of acrid burning smoke and dust filled the air, hanging like a fog.

The razor wire and obstacles around the American position were nearly obliterated. The concrete barricade around the firebase was now pockmarked with holes and cracks. The entire western section of the barricade had all but collapsed to crumbled rubble.

"This is FB primer! Combat personnel are mostly DEAD! We need support now! HELP US!"

"Opal, be advised," STRATCOM said. "Two squads of PLA infantry are moving to your location, advise you move to the roof for evac."

"Negative! We can buy FB primer a bit more time! Keep firing mammals!"

Through the hail of bullets, shells, and missiles, an evacuation helicopter still managed to take off, fleeing as fast as possible.

"Sir! The mortar barrel is starting to warp!" Liam said.

"Switch to handheld weapons and keep firing!" Cecilia ordered, the radio again coming to life as a mammal screamed on the other end.

"THIS IS FB PRIMER! WE'RE DOWN TO 10% COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS! WE'RE HOLDING ON BY A FUCKING THREAD HERE!"

Jacob took a brief moment to turn his scope to the firebase. Even though he knew in the back of his head that he should not stop firing at the attacking Chinese infantry.

The rabbit could see corpses slumped over their weapons, still manning machine guns or defensive posts.

A few panicked soldiers and civilians fired wildly at the PLA units. The civies barely managing to remain standing under the kickback from their weapons.

The sniper once again began firing on the dozens of hostiles as a terrified voice came through the radio.

"THIS IS FB PRIMER! WE ARE COMBAT INEFFECTIVE! WE ARE COMBAT INEFFECTIVE! THEY'RE GONNA BREACH OUR PERIMETER ANY SECOND!!!"

Another PLA helicopter crashed to the ground. Another tank was turned into burned slag. Another infantry squad was utterly wiped out.

But the attackers kept coming, having now pushed across the entire field.

Another radio communication from the firebase came through. In the background, the rapid chatter of gunfire and the panicked screams of dozens of mammals could be heard.

"PERIMETER BREACH! PERIMETER BREACH! NO!!" BANG! BANG!

There was a pair of gunshots In the immediate proximity, and the line went dead before being replaced by STRATCOM.

"Opal, be advised, firebase primer has been overrun! Repeat, firebase primer has been overrun! You bought them valuable time, but you need to move to the roof for evac. Multiple squads of hostiles are advancing on your position."

"Solid copy command! We're low on ammo and moving to evac!" Staff Sergeant Walker responded. "Opal, we need to move! Get to the roof!"

However, Stryker remained at the mounted machine gun, continuing to fire on PLA infantry below.

"Stryker! Come on! We have to go!" The coyote said, practically having to pull him away from the mounted weapon.

As the mammals hurried away from the sandbags and military hardware, Cecilia took a brief second to gaze out at the field.

Dozens of PLA infantry lay dead while the smoldering wrecks of tanks, helicopters, and armored vehicles covered the battlefield.

"Shit... what about those people back there?" Stryker said, Opal squad sprinting through the darkened interior. "We just left them for the PLA!"

"We did everything we could..." Jacob said. "But sometimes... you can't save everyone."

"I know, but.. fuck, man! This is my home city that people are dying in! People I might know!"

The squad returned to the stairwell they had used earlier and made it up to the roof. The sound of rotors could be heard as a pair of helicopters appeared and began to approach.

The first was a medium-sized Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, commonly used by police and militaries worldwide.

The second aircraft was a light gray UH-1Y Venom, the latest iteration of the Bell helicopters used in Vietnam.

"Echo-1, coming in for pickup," the Black Hawk pilot said, hovering a foot above the roof. "Echo-2, providing cover," the Venom pilot said, holding position in the air nearby.

Opal climbed aboard the Black Hawk and took position on the aircraft's weapons. Cecilia and Liam operated side-mounted miniguns positioned in small windows behind the cockpit. Jacob and Jayleen used machine guns mounted at each side of the transport compartment.

"Command, this is Echo-1," the pilot said. We have our mammals."

"Affirmative Echo-1."

The helicopters lifted back into the sky, flying above the homes, shops, and industrial areas below.

The radio constantly chattered with communications from commanders or nearby units.

"This is Hermes-1! Fuel pressure dropping fast! We're going down! Get those civies into brace positions!"

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"STRATCOM, should we send search and rescue birds?"

"Negative, all air assets are already engaged."

"This is Bravo 2-2!" a panicked voice said. We're on the I-80 highway and under heavy fire from enemy infantry! Requesting Immediate assistance!"

"Command! We can provide support for Bravo 2-2!" Cecilia said. "We can still fight from the air!"

"Affirmative Opal-1, we'll divert your chopper to Bravo 2-2's location and towards known enemy positions. Engage and neutralize hostile units. However be advised that Chinese AA troopers have been spotted in that sector."

"Understood command! We won't leave a mammal behind! We'll do whatever it takes to stop the enemy's advance!"

Coming up on I-80, the Black Hawk's crew could see around 10 figures atop a raised section of highway, along with a Chinese Z-11 light utility helicopter, landing to deploy troops.

"Opal, you have dozens of hostile contacts on the I-80! Hold that trigger, and don't let up till they stay down!"

"Solid copy!"

The minigun hummed loudly as Cecilia raked it across the highway. The shower of lead tore through armor, fabric, fur, and flesh. The enemy helicopter was struck, and its tail burst into flames, the vehicle crashing down on top of two soldiers.

The PLA held their ground, firing back at the American aircraft with rifles and rocket launchers. But they were all killed in action, with particular attention being paid to those troopers with rockets.

"All enemies are KIA! We owe you big time, Opal!" Bravo 2-2 said as the Black Hawk and Venom flew to the next enemy position, hovering above a street swarming with multiple squads of hostile infantry.

"Make sure they won't get up!"

The gunners on both aircraft immediately let loose on the PLA, ripping through a Chinese transport SUV, Flames consuming the vehicle.

Mammals sprinted for cover or fired back before being cut down like grass.

Jacob managed to hit a Chinese ammo cache, causing a blast that killed an entire PLA squad that had been in the immediate vicinity.

Another squad of hostiles burst onto one of the nearby rooftops and engaged, but within mere moments, they were torn to shreds by the helicopters' heavy weapons.

The barrels of Cecilia's minigun glowed red hot, and the coyote stopped firing momentarily to let the weapon cool.

But as the helicopters continued their assault, the mammals inside could occasionally hear bangs on the aircraft's exterior as it was struck by incoming fire.

"This is Echo-1; we are taking fire but still flying!" The pilot said.

"I'll try to repair what I can to keep us in the air!" Livia said, pulling out an acetylene torch.

Suddenly, the Black Hawk lurched to the left, and the pilot yelled out.

"Enemy has a lock! Break! Break!"

A missile slammed into the engine of the Venom helicopter flying alongside, causing it to spin wildly and fall towards the ground.

"We're hit! We're hit!"

"Echo-2 is down! Repeat, echo-2 is down!"

"Opal, the Chinese have taken position on the roof of an apartment complex to your east," STRATCOM said. "Neutralize their units before they can use the high ground as an overwatch point."

"Copy command!" Sergeant Walker responded as the helicopter pulled alongside an 8-story high building whose exterior was a pale tan color. Chinese troops could be seen on the roof, taking cover and shooting at the helicopter.

"Light em' up!"

Liam opened fire with his minigun, with enemy soldiers who were not hunkered down being shredded to bits.

Two soldiers even noticed the roaring barrage of bullets getting closer and closer, trying to turn and run before being torn through like paper.

"Opal, we have visual on two enemy transport helicopters passing through your AO."

"Enemy aircraft spotted!" Jayleen shouted, observing the two vehicles maneuvering nearby and opening fire.

After a few seconds of sustained fire, one of the choppers was swallowed by flames as its fuel ignited before nosediving down. Taking its crew and the squad of soldiers inside to the grave.

The second PLA aircraft tried to turn and flee before its fuselage was shredded apart, and the helo crashed into a nearby building.

"Incoming! Incoming!"

There was a series of thuds, and the black Hawk shook violently as Chinese missiles found their mark.

Stryker was thrown out of his seat but managed to grab hold and prevent himself from plummeting to his death.

"Echo-1! Going down! Going down! Grid coordinates 1, 5, 6, 2-"

The metal fuselage buckled and dented as it scraped against the ground. Opal squad hanging on tight, being thrown around the transport compartment as the helicopter skidded against the pavement.

00000000

Cecilia rubbed her temples and cursed under her breath. Her vision was blurred, and her ears were ringing. She did spot a light brown object in front of her with an emblazoned insignia, instantly recognizing it as her beret.

There were the sounds of shouting gunfire nearby, and the coyote's military training kicked in, sending a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Grabbing her beret and placing it on her head.

With her vision clearing, Cecilia saw that she was inside the shattered metal wreckage of the Black Hawk, with her squad nearby.

"Sergeant! Come on!" Stryker said, gripping the coyote's shoulder and handing over her rifle.

"Pilots didn't make it!" Liam said, looking into the cockpit before lunging out of the wreckage.

The rest of the squad was hunkered down behind cars on the street as over half a dozen PLA infantry advanced on their position.

"Last magazine!" Cecilia said, checking her rifle.

"Make it count!" Liam yelled.

A large helicopter hovered nearby, and more Chinese troopers were fast-roping down from it.

"Seven rounds left!" Livia shouted.

"STRATCOM, I need support now!" Sergeant Walker yelled into her radio.

"Negative Opal-1, no assets currently available in your AO!" Command responded, Cecilia cursing audibly.

Cecilia lined up her carbine's reticle with the head of an advancing soldier. She fired a single shot, killing the mammal. She snapped her gaze to the head of another enemy, and a second hostile trooper went down.

On the third attempt, her shot missed, and the bullet whizzed by the soldier's head.

"Shit!"

The coyote fired again, but her aim was off, striking the trooper in his bulletproof vest. The mammal continued forward, emptying his weapon.

"Out of ammo! Switching to secondary!" Jayleen shouted, drawing her pistol.

"Four rounds left!" Livia yelled.

Sergeant Walker looked to her left and noticed an alleyway between two brick buildings.

"Jayleen! Drop smoke!" She ordered.

The hyena nodded, pulled a grenade from her belt, and tossed it on the ground nearby. The object promptly spewed a thick white cloud.

"Fall back! Fall back!" Cecilia yelled, Opal squad springing up and turning on their heels.

Stray bullets from the PLA continued to pierce the smoke, one of them striking Jacob in the back and knocking him down.

"I'm good! I'm good!" The rabbit shouted, Livia helping him up as the group made their retreat. Opal squad followed the alleyway, turning left and hearing the voices of the Chinese troopers fading in the background. They turned left down a branching pathway before dashing into a doorway in the wall that had been left open, likely by a mammal trying to flee the city in haste.

The last one through the door, Liam, locked the door and barred it behind himself.

The squad looked around, seeing they were in some sort of kitchen. They proceeded into the next room, which appeared to be a cafe. There was a glass countertop with a display case, inside of which were colorful cakes and pastries. A few small tables sat in front of large glass windows facing the street.

"This looks like a bakery of some sort," Jayleen said, picking up a gift card on the counter.

"Hopefully, they won't mind if we help ourselves," Liam said, grabbing a small frosted cookie from the display case. Only to receive strange looks from the rest of the squad. "What? I need calories to keep going!"

"Jacob, are you ok?" Jayleen asked.

"I'm fine; it hit my vest." The rabbit said, Stryker pulling a flattened disc of lead out of the back portion of his comrades's Kevlar vest, letting it fall to the floor with a clink.

"How the hell could they beat us so badly," Stryker said. "On our home turf!"

"We need to figure out our next objective," Cecilia said before grabbing her radio. "STRATCOM, do you copy? This is Opal-1."

"Reading you Opal-1. Thought we lost you there for a moment."

"We're all good STRATCOM, but we're down to our last few magazines. We've holed up in a bakery."

"Affirmative Opal. Try to proceed to rally point Alpha. It's located due east of your position. We'll try to arrange a crate of ammo and supplies be airdropped to you."

"Roger, Wilco."

"Be advised there are a large number of enemy advance units in your sector."

Cecilia moved towards the cafe's front door, unlocking it and looking down the street to the left.

"Hold! Chinese patrol!" the sergeant said, putting her fist up and ordering the squad to stop. Half of the team took cover behind the countertop while the other half dashed back into the kitchen.

Rumbling could be heard as a Chinese light tank rolled by on the street outside, flanked by infantry squads.

"Let 'em pass!" Sergeant Walker whispered sharply.

A PLA trooper shined his flashlight into the cafe windows, prompting the squad to hold deathly still. Clutching their weapons, just in case they had to shoot their way out.

But the soldier turned away, and the patrol moved down the street to the right before rounding a corner and disappearing from view.

"Ok, we're clear," Cecilia said, leading the way out of the cafe. "Don't engage the enemy unless absolutely necessary. We're low on ammo, and they'll tear us apart."

The skies above were hazy and choked with smoke and ash. Buildings had holes in them from artillery or missiles, sometimes filled with flames. Others were utterly destroyed.

Fires burned throughout the city, crackling and snapping, mixing with the din of distant gunshots. Power lines were strung along or across the city streets, often knocked down to the ground below. Occasionally, the downed wire would sit in a puddle of water, presenting a danger to anyone walking through it.

Rubble and abandoned vehicles littered the damaged city streets, which were pockmarked with cracks and craters. Every so often, the body of a dead civilian, police officer, or American or Chinese soldier could be seen splayed on the ground or slumped over.

"Stryker, you said this was your home city, right?" Jayleen asked.

"Yeah..." the mule responded sullenly.

"I'm sorry you have to see it like this."

"Just give me a chance to nail the bastards who did this. I'm gonna make them pay."

"I hope we get a chance to burn down their cities," Livia said.

"Is your wife ok, Stryker?" Cecilia asked.

"Yeah, she's staying with some family in Nevada. She's safe but worried. I hope that-"

"Wait! Look!" Jacob interjected, the rabbit's keen ears and eyes picking up an approaching aircraft. A bright cone of light shone from the prowling vehicle to the ground. Raising his rifle and looking down his scope, the sniper could make out the red star on the fuselage.

"Chinese bird! It's coming this way." Jacob informed, the roar of the rotor blades getting closer.

"Into that bus! Quick!" Staff sergeant Walker ordered, Opal squad hurrying inside the derelict vehicle in the center of the road. The enemy aircraft grew closer as the mammals crouched down and peered out the damaged windows.

"Stay low, don't move," Cecilia said, the searchlight of the Chinese helicopter moving directly over the bus.

It lingered briefly, shining down directly on the hidden American squad. But just as Opal squad thought they were spotted, the spotlight moved, and the aircraft continued down the street.

"Ok, let's move!" Staff Sergeant Walker said, Opal squad exiting the bus and continuing forward.

"Chen patrol ahead," Jayleen whispered, pointing to a squad of four mammals ahead of them. The Chinese soldiers had not noticed the Americans, walking down the street in the same direction Opal squad was going. A mammal at the rear, a human, glanced backward frequently to ensure they weren't being followed.

"We'll have to take them out quietly," Jacob said.

"Roger," Cecilia said, drawing her combat knife. "Slow and steady mammals..."

The coyote crouched and crept forward, hiding behind a row of concrete bollards. Careful to make only the slightest noises that even a rabbit would overlook, she managed to stay out of sight of the human. She stood up, swiftly closed the distance, and tapped the mammal on his shoulder.

"Huh?"

The man turned around, and when he did, Cecilia drove her knife into his throat. The human's eyes going wide before glazing over.

Jacob crept by behind a soldier, examining the amount of ammo in his weapon, slicing his neck open with his knife.

The coyote and rabbit then advanced on the remaining two enemy soldiers, executing a perfectly timed simultaneous takedown that killed the last of the squad.

"Clear, let's move," Jacob said, drawing his sniper rifle.

More gunfire filled the air, this time a lot louder than the constant background noise that filled the air across the city.

"That sounds close," Livia said. "Be on guard."

Up ahead was an intersection filled with abandoned vehicles, piles of rubble, and bits of trash or detritus. A crashed Harbin Z-19 attack helicopter lay in flames off to the right side of the intersection. But at the center was a Chinese ZBD-09 infantry fighting vehicle with a black paint scheme. Its top-mounted 30mm cannon covered many infantry patrolling the area.

"Shit, that's a lotta hostiles..." Jayleen said.

"And an IFV," Stryker added.

"The smoke is getting thicker. Maybe we could try and sneak past."

"I have a better idea," Livia said, pointing to the left side of the intersection. "Look, gas station. See that tanker truck? It seems like they were in the middle of receiving fuel. What if we rig it to blow?"

"That'll certainly distract them, and we'd be destroying the gas station so they can't use it." Cecilia thought out loud.

"Maybe we can catch some of them in the blast as well," the vixen added.

"Good thinking, Winters. Jake, you're our resident lightfoot. Go down there with Livia and rig that place to blow."

"Affirmative."

Jacob stowed his sniper rifle and drew his pistol, he and Livia creeping forward. Taking cover behind a parked car, then advancing to the fuel truck. The subtle voices of enemy troopers could be heard, engaging in conversation.

"Placing charge...." Livia whispered, placing a C4 explosive onto the fuel truck while Jacob covered her.

The pair backed away once the charge was armed, returning to the rest of the squad.

"Ok, mammals, be ready to move by on the right side," Cecilia said, Livia preparing her detonator.

"...see you in hell." The fox quipped before clicking the switch.

A bright orange fireball consumed multiple enemy soldiers, the blast wave shattering windows nearby and sending dust into the air. Smoke rose into the sky, and debris began to fall down as the PLA infantry began running over to the explosion site to check on their wounded comrades.

"Let's go, right side!" Cecilia said, leading the squad across the right side of the intersection. Crouching behind parked cars and the helicopter wreckage to stay out of sight. The Chinese IVF and its accompanying infantry got further and further away as Opal squad continued down the street.

"Reduced visibility," Jacob said, noticing that the smoke that filled the area had become thick enough to only see about 10 feet in front of them.

The glow of flames from an indiscernible source and the setting sun turned the area a pale orange. A chorus of gunfire, explosive detonations, and the screeching of missiles or engines played continuously in the background like a grim soundtrack. Every so often, a thunderous blast or the crashing and scraping of metal was audible. Likely from an aircraft crashing to the ground or a tank having its ammo and fuel detonate in an immolating inferno.

The smell of smoke and burning material was so widespread that a mammal's nose would develop olfactory fatigue, and a deep inhale would be required to detect the pungent scent.

"Hold," Jacob said. "Hear that?"

The squad stopped, straining their ears and hearing an engine growing closer.

Suddenly, a large shadow appeared in the smoke before them, with two bright spotlights casting white cones like vigilant eyes.

"Get to cover!" Cecilia whispered harshly. The squad darted between two parked cars, ran across the sidewalk and into an alleyway, and crouched down as the Chinese vehicle rolled by on the street like a menacing beast on the prowl.

Jacob and Jayleen kept their weapons trained on the vehicle as it passed. "Come on, we'll cut through the alleyway." Staff Sergeant Walker said.

However, as they advanced, they came across the corpses of a squad of American soldiers lying dead on the concrete. Their crimson ichor flowed into cracks and quenched the weeds that grew up from small patches of dirt.

"Damn, those fucking bastards," Livia growled.

Jayleen ran over and put her paw against the neck of a dead polar bear on the ground, then gave a sullen look and shook her head.

"Looks like they had ammo with them," Cecilia said, noticing a container lying near one of the soldiers. "Though they probably burned through most of what they had. Grab as many rounds as you find, and collect their tags too."

"We're collecting a lot of tags today, CiCi."

The squad replenished their own weapons from their fallen comrades. Livia even managed to get her paws on a SMAW rocket launcher that a combat engineer had been carrying, stowing the cylindrical green weapon on her back.

"We may have bullets now, but we're still blind out here," Jacob said matter-of-factly.

"Hmmm... Command, I need a recon aircraft equipped with a thermal camera on my location now." Cecilia said on her radio.

"Copy that Opal-1," STRATCOM said. "Dispatching a Little Bird scout helicopter. ETA, 5 minutes out. Be advised that a National Guard advance force is approximately 3 clicks east of your position."

"Affirmative command. Be advised we found a dead friendly patrol and recovered ammunition."

The American infantry turned and headed further down the alley, reaching another street obscured by smoke. After a few minutes, the low buzz of rotors could be made out over the distant gunfire and artillery blasts, and a new voice came in over the radio.

"This is Redeye-2, I'm on station above your AO and can provide recon."

"This is Opal-1; we read you Redeye 2. Scan the area due east of our position." "Solid copy Opal-1. Activating thermal imaging system."

There was a pause as the helicopter flew ahead before the pilot's voice was heard again.

"Be advised I have half a dozen signatures inside the smoke to your east. High likelihood they are enemy combatants. No indication they have a visual on you."

"How do you wanna play this staff sergeant?" Stryker whispered. "I say we introduce them to some of our newfound ammo."

The mule leveled his light machine gun as if preparing to fire.

"I'll second that," Livia said.

"I say we do it quietly." Jacob chimed in, drawing a finger across his throat.

"Good point, Jake." The staff sergeant whispered. "Stealth has gotten us this far. You and Opal-5 take point."

With a nod, Jacob and Liam stowed their weapons and crept forward, drawing their knives.

"10 meters in front of you, Opal-5." Redeye-2 said, the shape of a mammal appearing ahead.

Liam reached his arms around the soldier's neck, clamping his muzzle shut and drawing his blade across the trooper's neck. There was a low gurgling, and the infantryman fell to the ground.

The lion lurched forward, stabbing his blade into the neck of a Chinese machine gunner. However, this time, the kill wasn't as clean, the mammal gurgling and choking as he collapsed.

*"Dírén!"* ("Enemy!") one of the PLA soldiers yelled in alarm, having seen or heard one of his allies being taken down. The hostiles opened fire, muzzle flashes briefly lighting up the smoke. But visibility was so reduced that their accuracy was atrocious.

Liam drew his shotgun and charged forward, spotting a shadow in the smoke and blowing it away with a shotgun blast.

"At your 10 o'clock Opal-4!" Redeye-2 shouted.

Jacob fired his pistol blindly towards his left, faintly hearing a cry of pain followed by a thump.

"Enemy down Opal-4. All hostiles KIA."

"Thanks for the assist, Redeye-2."

"Opal, be advised I'm detecting 3 signatures just 30 meters from your position. To your 3 o'clock Opal-1. They are crouched down and might be planning an ambush."

"Roger that," Cecilia said, the squad leveling their weapons and slowly moving through the smoke.

"Uhhh.... be advised, signatures appear irregular." The scout helicopter pilot said. "Unable to identify with accuracy."

"Redeye-2, where are the unknown signatures?"

"Approximately 15 meters, directly ahead."

"Redeye-2, hover as low as you can above the unknowns without putting yourself at risk."

"Copy Opal-1."

The whirr of rotor blades increased to a roar as the scout helicopter lowered above the roadway. The backwash from its rotors blew away the smoke nearby, revealing a trio of mammals hunkering behind a car.

It was a family of lions: an adult female clutching a blanket-wrapped kit in her arms, along with an adult male and a teenage male.

"Check fire! Check fire! Civilians!" The sergeant yelled.

The mammals began to back away, untill Cecilia spoke up again.

"Hold on! You're not in danger, we're US Army. Jayleen, check them out."

The hyena stowed her weapon and retrieved her spare canteen, offering it to the mammals.

The female lion was the first to accept and take a drink, washing away the smoke that dried out her throat and made her want to cough.

"Thank you," the woman said. "I'm Heather; this is my husband, son, and daughter."

The older male stood up and stepped forward.

"My name's Nolan; we couldn't get to the evacuation site in time!"

"It's ok; we should have made sure everyone got out before the enemy arrived."

The young kitten began to bawl, and Hannah gently cooed to try to calm her down.

"Hey... hey... it's ok... it's ok..."

"Hang on, I got something that could help," Liam said, walking over.

The lion covered his face with his paw for a moment before revealing his face with his tongue stuck out and his eyes crossed.

The kit giggled as Hannah gave a quiet thank you.

"Jayleen, how are they?" Cecilia asked.

The hyena was busy shining a flashlight into the teenage lion's eyes, which the latter did not enjoy.

"Clean bill of health, ma'am."

"Ok, Redeye-2. We have a family of civilians down here: 3 mammals and 1 kit. Can you do a pickup?"

"Affirmative Opal-1, that street is wide enough that I can land."

"Roger that, form a perimeter mammals."

Stryker mounted his light machine gun on the hood of an abandoned car, pointing it down the street. Liam drew his desert eagle pistol, crouching behind a parked van and keeping the gun leveled. Jacob faced the opposite direction, scanning the street with his scope, finger on the trigger. Livia did the same with her DMR while Cecilia and Jayleen stood in the immediate proximity of the civilians, providing direct cover.

Redeye-2 slowly descended to an open spot in the street. The Little Bird helicopter's superb maneuverability and agility coming in handy.

"Let's go!" Redeye-2 said as Cecilia and Jayleen ushered the civilians aboard the helicopter. Hannah and her baby sat beside the pilot while her son and husband sat in the passenger compartment.

"All set! Good to go!" Cecilia said. "Roger, good luck, Opal-1."

As the Little Bird lifted up into the overcast night sky, tinted orange from flames, STRATCOM radioed the squad.

"Opal, be advised, National Guard advance force is 100 meters east of your position on the next street over. Link up with them and report to their CO for tasking. Challenge is 'bay' response is 'mass'."

"Copy STRATCOM," Cecilia said. "Ok, mammals, double time!"

Opal squad entered a townhouse via an open front door, passing by the staircase, through the kitchen, and emerging into a garden, where they cut through an alleyway to the next street over.

The squad was greeted by a large convoy of American military vehicles and soldiers moving down the street. One of which shined his flashlight down the alley and spotted Opal squad.

"Bay!" The soldier called out, leveling his light machine gun.

"Mass!" Cecilia yelled out, the trooper with the flashlight lowering his weapon and ushering Opal squad towards him.

"We're Opal squad, with Delta Force," Staff Sergeant Walker said. "Who's in command here?"

"Lieutenant Adams, sir!" the soldier responded, pointing to a human standing nearby in a tank helmet and standard-issue fatigues.

"Lieutenant Adams?! I know him! Thank you, soldier."

"You know the lieutenant?" Jayleen asked, Stryker piping up with a reply.

"Yeah, he was giving a briefing about the threats Russia and China posed. On the same day, all this shit went down."

"Jeez, that seems like a lifetime ago."

Infantrymammals ran by with weapons, climbed into APCs for transport, jogged down the pavement, and carried equipment. Parked vehicles lined the street, including a Humvee full of supplies, a truck rigged up as a minelayer, and a medical evacuation vehicle with a red cross on the side.

"Let's top off our ammo supplies. I have a feeling we'll need every bullet," Cecilia said, pointing to a supply truck parked on the side of the road. The truck was surrounded by crates and tables covered with ammunition boxes, magazines, and gadgets. Opal squad grabbed as many bullets as they could carry, also taking grenades, medical kits, and other supplies. Stryker even picked up a portable duffle bag holding spare rounds, slinging it over his shoulder just in case they ran out again.

"Liam, pass me those smokes," Jayleen said, her feline companion passing her a pair of M8 smoke grenades.

"You know you really shouldn't smoke..."

"Alright, everyone good?" Cecilia said, her squadmates nodding. "Then let's get in contact with a CO."

Opal squad hurried across the street, an M2 Bradley passing by in front of them.

"Heavy engineers!" Lieutenant Adams shouted, calling to a fox sitting inside an M88 Hercules on the side of the road. "Get over there and repair that light tank!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" the fox called, crouching down inside the Hercules, which began to move.

"Lieutenant Adams!" Cecilia said, Opal squad standing to attention and raising their hands in salute. "Staff Sergeant Cecilia Walker, Opal Squad, Delta Force!"

"At ease!" The lieutenant said. "Opal squad, it's good to see you again! We weren't expecting special forces."

"We're ready for tasking, lieutenant."

"That's good. We're gonna need your skill. Let me give you a sit rep! The PLA has moved a lot faster than we expected! We got thousands of civilians to our east who are trying to get clear of the combat zone! We need to stop the enemy as soon as possible!"

The lieutenant pointed ahead down the street.

"We're moving to launch a delaying attack on the Chinese and hold them until national guard reinforcements under Colonel Parker's command arrive!"

The conversation was interrupted when three mammals—a human, a panther, and a raccoon—strode up to the lieutenant. The raccoon had a bandage over his head and left eye, while the human had one around his arm.

"Visited the aid station and were good to go, sir!" The human stated.

"You sure you're ok to fight?" Lieutenant Adams asked.

"It's gonna take more than a bit of shrapnel and lead to keep us down, sir."

"Alright, get back to your squad."

The three mammals jogged off, while the lieutenant turned back to Opal squad.

"I could use your expertise in moving up in conjunction with our armor."

"Roger that, sir."

"Ok, let me connect you to our radio frequency. Also, if one of you could fill the spot for the top gunner on that Buford, it would be appreciated."

The lieutenant pointed at an M8 Buford parked nearby. Atop the vehicle's turret sat a mounted light machine gun controlled by a mammal standing in the vehicle's top hatch.

"Stryker, you're good with light machine guns," Cecilia said. Have at it."

"I thought you'd never ask..." the mule responded.

"Alright, mammals, we're moving out!" Lieutenant Adams shouted. "Let's go stop some bad guys!"

Stryker stowed his LMG and hurried over to the Buford. He clambered on the light tank's turret and shimmied down partway into the vehicle. His torso stuck out of the hatch as he aimed the mounted machine gun, an M2 Browning, straight ahead.

As the Buford and other armored units began to move forward, squads of infantry, including Opal, stuck close by, providing support.

The chatter of gunfire and blasts of grenades grew louder as the Americans moved down the street, coming up behind soldiers and vehicles already engaged in combat.

The infantry hunkered down behind the rubble of a collapsed building strewn across the street while an M2 Bradley fired its chain gun at targets in the distance. The M2 suddenly exploded as it was struck by a rocket shot down from the roof of a building nearby.

"Hostiles ahead! Light 'em up!" Lieutenant Adams shouted.

"You heard the lieutenant! Give it to them!" Cecilia said, Stryker, opening up on the Chinese troopers atop the building with the Browning. The mule then turned his gaze down the street to provide cover for advancing US infantry.

"Eat lead motherfuckers!"

Stryker tore through a trio of enemies shooting at his comrades. However, the PLA did manage to kill a few US troops. More bullets rained down from windows in a building directly ahead, forcing Opal squad to duck down behind a pair of concrete barriers on the side of the road.

The Buford stopped and raised its main gun before firing at the structure with a devastating blast. A cloud of dust appeared, bricks and debris falling from the building to the ground below, and the PLA troops inside were permanently silenced.

"STRATCOM." Lieutenant Adams said on his radio. "We're continuing to advance towards the state capitol."

"Affirmative Lieutenant," command replied. "The air and artillery support you requested is on station, awaiting your mark."

"Roger that command, over and out."

The US armored column turned a corner and began to move down another street, only to be greeted by 2 squads of enemy infantry surrounding a Chinese type 15 Black Panther.

"Shit! Hostile Light tank!" Stryker yelled the Type 15 immediately firing its main canon, striking the lead M8 Buford.

Stryker cursed as the vehicle he was in shook violently, The shot sundering its armor.

The Buford's driver immediately threw the tank into reverse and backed up, turning the turret to fire a return shot. But the shell went wide, destroying a storefront behind the Type 15.

"Livia! We'll cover you!" Cecilia shouted as Opal squad and the other infantry began to engage the Chinese forces. "Get some charges on that tank!"

"Roger!"

The fox crouched down prone on her stomach and slowly crept forward behind a wrecked police car on the side of the road. The Black Panther's canon fired again, and the glass windows of the police cruiser were shattered to bits by stray bullets.

Eventually, she was only a few meters from the enemy tank, drawing her pistol and putting a few bullets into a Chinese combat medic firing his rifle. She made it next to the Type 15, retrieving an explosive charge from her pack and placing it on the vehicle's exterior.

Inside the tank, the commander was looking through his viewfinder at the Americans outside, remotely operating the turret on top of the vehicle and gunning down 3 mammals. For a brief moment, he noticed a flash of white on his left side, wondering what it was before the explosive charges detonated and blew him to hell.

"Hostile armor is scrap metal!" Livia shouted as the US soldiers tossed grenades and opened fire on the Chinese till the enemy was neutralized.

The M8 Buford, with Stryker at the turret, retook the lead, advancing until they reached California State Capitol Park.

"Jesus Christ..." Jayleen said as the sight ahead of them came into focus.

Far to the right was the pale white form of the state capitol, with the building's black-trimmed dome clearly visible. What would typically be a calming park full of greenery and vegetation had now turned into a sparse field. Full of the smoldering remains of plants and bushes that once grew proud and mighty. Trees lay shattered on the ground, with hedges crushed under vehicles or artillery strikes. The remains of destroyed war machines and broken fortifications littered the area, evidence of the great struggle taking place. Knocked out tanks, abandoned transports, and turned over trucks.

A few squads of Chinese infantry and lightly armored infantry were visible, immediately being engaged by the attacking Americans. Stryker fired his machine gun but had to duck down inside the vehicle as the enemy returned fire.

"Jesus fuck!" The mule yelled, bullets pinging off the tank's hull and the hatch above him, sending bits of splash and sparks flying in all directions. Once the shooting stopped, Stryker grabbed the Browning and tried to keep using it, but nothing happened. The gun just clicked, and the striker noticed an area of damage around the receiver.

"Fuck! HMG got knocked out!" Stryker yelled, climbing out of the tank and joining the rest of Opal squad on the ground.

"Lieutenant Adams here, requesting light artillery strike! Coordinates to follow."

"Coordinates received." Said a voice over the radio. "Firing a rain of shells."

A few seconds later, explosions of dirt, fire, and smoke went off right on top of the Chinese troops, destroying both infantry and armored units. After a few seconds, the barrage stopped, and any survivors were quickly neutralized or sprinted away in the opposite direction across the park.

"Command, requesting airdrop of an infantry unit and medium tanks. Marking drop point."

A soldier tossed a canister into an unoccupied part of the street to the left of the American forces. The canister began to emit vibrant blue smoke.

"Request approved, lieutenant," STRATCOM said. "Reinforcements are inbound."

"Alright, they're falling back! Mammals! Move up and take defensive positions!" Lieutenant Adams ordered. "Infantry and armor reinforcements are inbound! Stand clear!"

As the Americans took position on the edge of the destroyed park, a trio of heavy cargo planes flew overhead, mammals jumping out of one of the aircraft and deploying parachutes.

The second and third planes each dropped an M60A4 medium tank, placed on top of a pallet and supported by a trio of parachutes.

The M60s hit the ground with a thud, the vehicles already running and containing a crew inside. Disconnecting the chutes, they prowled forward.

The parachuting infantry touched the ground and freed themselves of their jump harnesses before drawing their weapons.

Within moments, the tanks and infantry unit were combat-ready.

"Fourth squad! Get into those buildings behind us and provide covering fire!" Adams ordered.

"Affirmative, sir! Moving to designated position!" a soldier yelled as mammals began to hurry inside the structure, sticking their rifles and machine guns out of the windows.

Lieutenant Adams moved up behind Opal squad, scanning the distance with binoculars.

"Alright! We pushed them back!" the lieutenant said. Now we just have to hold until—Hgg! "

There was a flash of red, and the lieutenant fell to the ground.

"Sniper!" Jacob shouted, immediately raising his rifle and attempting to find the hostile soldier and put them down.

"Mammal down! Mammal down! We need a medic!" Cecilia said, Jayleen instinctively crouching beside the fallen human and opening her aid kit. She put a compression bandage on the lieutenant and injected him with painkillers.

"All callsigns be advised! A large Chinese force is gathering to launch a counteroffensive on your position!" STRATCOM said as a squad of scout infantry began to attack, advancing across the park and opening fire on the Americans.

"They're making a counterattack?!" Livia said in disbelief. "Damn them all to hell!"

"STRATCOM! Lieutenant Adams is down!" Cecilia said, another pair of medics loading the lieutenant on a stretcher and hauling him away for treatment.

"Affirmative, that position needs to be held at all costs. We still have thousands of civilians fleeing east," STRATCOM said. "You have command on the ground now, Opal-1. I repeat you have command on the ground. Take control of units in your local vicinity and hold off the Chinese advance. Reinforcements from the California National Guard are only 20 minutes out."

A look of surprise crossed the coyote's face, and she opened her mouth to say something. But at the last moment, she stopped, remembering what would happen should the enemy breach their defenses. Taking a breath, she reaffirmed her duty, clutching the American flag patch on her shoulder.

"Roger that STRATCOM," Cecilia said, her face hardening as she checked the ammo in her weapon and switched to an all-units channel.

"Alright, mammals! This is Opal-1! I have command! We'll hold Chen here at the State capitol! All units dig in!"

Soldiers began to use entrenching tools to dig fighting holes. Those with burrowing skills, like foxes or rabbits, dug into the earth with their own paws. Sandbags were filled with dirt and stacked up to make small walls.

Combat engineers constructed barricades and machine gun turrets. Demolitionists placed landmines and explosive charges.

Opal squad crouched behind an ad hoc defensive wall, bracing their weapons against the sandbags and looking out across the park. Stryker unslung his ammo bag and placed it on the ground nearby, unzipping it to reveal a cache of magazines.

"I want our minelayer to place a row of mines in front of our position." Sergeant Walker ordered.

An M977 truck pulled in front of the American position, launching projectiles from a series of tubes in the back of the cargo bed, pointing to the vehicle's left. The mines landed on the ground and automatically armed themselves, waiting for a hostile soldier or vehicle to tread on them.

"Mines laid! Waiting for hostiles!" The truck driver said, pulling around behind the lines of American tanks, infantry, and defensive emplacements.

"Liam! Get on that TOW launcher!" Cecilia yelled.

The lion smiled smugly, hurrying over to a hastily constructed missile launcher. It resembled a horizontal green tube on top of a tripod, with an oversized boxy targeting reticle attached.

"Oh yeah, I can do some damage with this!" Liam said, crouching down and looking through the scope.

"Opal-1, be advised," command said. "PLA units are coming at you with tanks, infantry, and APCs. You have fire support priority. Air assets and artillery units are ready to run fire missions on your mark, over."

"Copy STRATCOM!" The sergeant responded.

"Enemy forces are closing in, recommend you take up defensive positions immediately."

"Here they come! Don't give 'em an inch, mammals!"

"Let's show 'em how it's done in the US of A!" Stryker said, placing his light machine gun on its bipod.

"Staff sergeant!" Jacob said, looking through his scope. "I have eyes on infantry squads and armored transports!"

American units took cover and leveled their weapons as dozens of Chinese troopers began to advance across the field from the southwest. They were accompanied by a trio of dull green APCs with sloped fronts and top-mounted machine guns.

"Hold!" Cecilia ordered as the hostiles got closer and closer. Suddenly, there was a small explosion, throwing dirt into the air and incapacitating 2 Chinese troopers. A second later, another blast went off underneath one of the APCs.

"Open fire! Open fire!"

Muzzle flashes lit up the area like a Christmas tree. Machine guns chattered and spewed bullets while sniper rifles echoed as their powerful shots cut through the air. More mines detonated as the enemy approached, with squads of Chinese troopers exiting their transports.

Jacob aimed at the gunner on top of the Chinese armored vehicles, a ZFB-05. He fired, and the mammal snapped back before falling out of view.

"Liam! Livia!" Sergeant Walker ordered. "Take out those armored transports."

The white-furred fox readied her SMAW and fired, striking one of the Chinese APCs and knocking it out with a blast of fire, smoke, and debris. The shrapnel raining down on enemies nearby.

Liam fired his missile launcher, the wire-guided projectile hitting the last APC before the enemy could exit. Knocking the vehicle out and neutralizing the squad inside before they could engage.

"That was beautiful!" Stryker said.

"More bang for the taxpayer's buck!" Liam shouted back.

Every so often, there would be a random explosion from a landmine going off; however, occasionally, the attacking forces spotted the weapon and shot it to pieces with their rifles before it could be used against them.

A Chinese engineer took a knee and looked through the small sight on his rocket launcher. Flinching as a few bullets struck the ground nearby, and his squadmate's head was blown off by a rifle round. But maintaining his composure, he lined up the reticle with an American tank and fired.

A rocket streaked through the air, hitting one of the M8 Bufords with a reverberating bang and shower of sparks. Obscuring white smoke began to emit from the light tank as the crew activated their smokescreen generator.

"Engineering vehicles! Stick close behind our tanks! Keep them fighting!" Cecilia ordered, dirt from a grenade blast raining down on her.

"Affirmative, sir!" a voice called out, and an M88 Hercules raced over to the damaged tank so its engineers could make in-combat repairs.

"More hostiles incoming!" Jacob shouted over the overwhelming noise of gunfire. "I'm seeing IFVs and light tanks!"

Cecilia and her squad were bathed in orange light as an M60 tank to their right was destroyed in a ball of fire. Opal squad shielding themselves as flaming debris rained down.

"Fuck! I'm hit! I'm hit!" Liam yelled, doubling over and clutching his arm.

"Jayleen, get him up!" Cecilia said, raising her carbine and firing at the enemy, taking down one of their soldiers. The hyena ran over to her comrade and began to dress his wound.

"It's not serious!" The medic said. "Compression wrap and some painkillers, and you'll be good to go!"

"Livia! Laze that light armor!" Sergeant Walker said, tossing the fox the laser designator she picked up.

"Copy!"

The engineer clicked on the device, and a thin, bright green laser streaked toward one of the hostile light tanks. Missiles and bullets flew overhead as she tried to keep the beam on target.

"This is Opal-1!" Cecilia said on her radio. "Requesting tank buster strike on hostile armored vehicles!"

"Solid copy Opal-1, ordnance inbound."

Within moments, another voice came over the radio. "This is Maverick 1-1! Target locked!"

"Cleared hot! Cleared hot!"

"Roger that! Line riders away!"

An A-10 warthog howled in the sky overhead, a pair of missiles breaking off from the aircraft and streaking through the air. Punching into the Chinese vehicle and ripping it apart.

"Good effect on target!" Cecilia shouted.

Another one of the Chinese IFVs ground to a halt as a shell knocked out its caterpillar tracks. Making the transport easy prey for American rocket launchers.

"This is Maverick 1-1, coming around for a gun run."

Livia trained the laser on another, still active IFV as the howling of the A-10's engines grew louder like an approaching beast. But that sound was soon drowned out by an immense roar as the aircraft unleashed its 30 mm cannon. The targeted IFV was ripped in half like a wild predator tearing through its kill.

"Woo! That's how you fucking do it!" Liam shouted, gazing up to watch the A-10 peel away. The lion by now having returned to his position.

"Opal-1, this is STRATCOM." A voice-over comms said, "What is your status?"

"This is Opal-1. We're holding!" The staff sergeant shouted into her radio, between brief moments, firing at enemy troops. "But we could really use some support out here!"

"Affirmative Opal-1. Hold position. Reinforcements are less than 10 minutes out."

"Copy, sir!"

2 more squads of enemy infantry were gunned down as the Chinese assault continued to blunt against the stalwart American defenses like a wave breaking against rocks.

"Hold firm, mammals!" the staff sergeant yelled. Show them the mettle of an American soldier!"

"They're coming at us with medium and heavy tanks!" Jacob noted, spying the armored vehicles through his scope as he gunned down an enemy sniper.

The approaching vehicles were type 96 and type 99 tanks. The latter was the heavier of the two and had geometric-shaped armor, while the former had a more rounded turret silhouette. Some of the tanks had a dull green camouflage, while others had a blotchy yellowish tan and dark green pattern.

By now, all the mines the defending mammals had deployed had been destroyed, thankfully taking a few Chinese soldiers and vehicles with them. One of the buildings behind the Americans was struck by incoming heavy cannon fire, the front of the structure crumpling in half and the roof collapsing. Screams from soldiers inside the building could be heard over the radio as they were crushed under the falling rubble. Multiple structures around the combat zone have been turned to debris from explosives or artillery.

"This is Opal-1! Requesting cluster munitions strike on Chinese armored units! 150 meters from my position!"

"Standby for authorization," STRATCOM responded.

"Opal! Cluster strike is coming!" Cecilia said, gunning down a Chinese shotgunner. "Awaiting authorization!"

"Stoppage!" Stryker yelled, pulling his light machine gun behind cover and attempting to clear the blockage. Behind him, Jayleen used a defibrillator on an incapacitated American soldier, and Liam loaded another missile into the TOW launcher.

"Fuck the bureaucratic paperwork!" Livia yelled, ducking down as bullets whizzed overhead. "Where the hell is that airstrike!?"

"Second and third squads! Check-in!" Cecilia said into her radio, two voices immediately responding. In the background was gunfire and explosions, along with indistinguishable shouting.

"This is third squad, we're holding ma'am! But I got a lot of wounded mammals!"

"Roger that! I'll direct our ambulance over to you! Have your medics get those who aren't seriously injured back in the fight!"

"This is second squad! Everyone and their mother is out here with a rocket launcher! Our tanks are getting beat to shit!"

"Have your engineers provide in-combat repairs! We can't afford to lose that armor!"

Another voice chimed in, lacking the distinct sounds of combat in the background.

"Opal-1, requisition approved! Cluster munitions inbound! Mark targets!"

"Eyes on hostile armor coordinates to follow!" Cecilia said, looking through her binoculars.

"Coordinated received, ordnance on the way."

"Cluster strike inbound!" Sergeant Walker shouted, grabbing a spare magazine from the ammo bag and putting it into her assault rifle.

"Hell yeah! Bring the rain!" Stryker yelled.

An F-16 streaked overhead, dropping a canister that separated into hundreds of smaller bomblets as it fell to earth.

"Bombs away! Bombs away!"

The bomblets hit the ground and triggered dozens of explosions, killing all infantry nearby, destroying two of the Chinese tanks, and critically damaging an enemy IFV.

"Targets neutralized!" The pilot reported.

A new male voice joined the radio call, somewhat monotone yet with a noticeable West Coast accent.

"Opal-1, this is colonel Parker! We're coming up on your 6 and 9 o'clock! Hold position and we'll show these Chinese the true meaning of war!"

"Thank God you're here, colonel!" Cecilia said, breathing a sigh of relief. "We'll make this quick, Opal-1."

Heavy M1 Abrams tanks appeared from behind the American defenses and to the park's east side. Firing their 120mm cannons and blowing apart enemy vehicles.

Cecilia's troops, morale boosted by the arrival of reinforcements, began to advance forward along with the heavy tanks.

"Give no quarter!" The staff sergeant ordered. "Take no prisoners!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" Livia shouted, putting a few bullets into a PLA trooper, turning to glance at the incoming American reinforcements.

The Chinese forces began to crumble, being attacked from 2 fronts. However, they held in place and continued fighting, even as their vehicles were torn to pieces and their squads were wiped out.

*“Bù tóuxiáng!”* ("No surrender!")

With a final blast from one of the Abrams, the last 3 enemy troopers were killed, and silence fell over the park.

"Enemy forces neutralized." Colonel Parker said. "Great work, Opal-1. Not bad."

"Thank you, sir. But we do have a lot of wounded." Cecilia noted.

"Roger, I'll send my ambulances to assist."

"Copy, sir."

"All units hold in place to reorganize," STRATCOM said. "Scouts report that PLA forces are falling back."

Dozens of burned-out wrecks of Chinese tanks littered the park, and some of the American soldiers began to howl and holler in celebration. Others were just grateful that the battle was over. The faint sounds of combat could still be heard, growing ever more distant.

"Hey! I need another pair of paws over here!" Jayleen yelled. Her gloved hands were covered in blood as she pressed them against a wounded soldier.

"Jacob, get over there and help her out." Opal-1 ordered, the rabbit nodding and responding quickly.

"Will do, sir."

"We did it, mammals..."

"Damn straight!" Liam responded, he and Stryker sharing a fist bump, the mule unable to resist another mocking joke.

"That'll teach em' not to mess with us!"

"So...." Livia said, the mammals glancing out at the ravaged city, still burning from constant combat. "... who's up for a trip to Beijing?"

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Shandong, Admiral Shen's Command Ship, San Francisco Bay, July 8th, 2018

A human in a Chinese officer's uniform strode through the carrier's command deck, the eye patch over her right eye proving to all who passed by that her military skills came from gritted experience on the field of combat.

She ran a hand through her short black hair and approached a metal bulkhead door labeled "Admiral's Quarters." Knocking on the door, a low yet firm voice answered, dripping with an air of self-assured posterity.

"Yes, please come in."

The human entered, quickly raising her hand in salute. "Admiral Shen, sir!"

The room was roughly the size of a bedroom, with a couch against the left side of the compartment, facing a wooden desk jutting out from the wall. To the right side of the room sat a set of wooden cabinets and shelves containing books, along with a few ornate statues.

An older male snow leopard, dressed in a flawless black uniform, sat at the desk, holding a pen, and looked over the neatly stacked reports and documents.

“Ah Colonel Liao, at ease.” The admiral said, a small smile growing as he saw one of his most loyal subordinates. "I trust you have an update regarding our operations in America?"

"Yes, sir, the assault against Sacramento has been halted. The Americans are dug in and tenacious. Both our forces and theirs have emplaced themselves and are holding position. To push through their lines at this point would require a novel new tactic or overwhelming force."

The snow leopard's eyes narrowed, and he tensed his fingers.

"Hmm... that is unfortunate. But not unexpected, Sacramento is one of their state capitals, after all. And they are fighting hard to keep it."

The admiral took a moment to turn toward a map on the wall across the room to his left, glancing down at a report and then turning back towards the human.

"Tell our units to advance southwards into the Central Valley. The wide open farmland there will be perfect for our tanks and mechanized battalions. Air support will also be invaluable in supporting our ground units. However, the Americans will set up anti-aircraft sites, so we should be wary about over-relying on our planes and helicopters."

"Affirmative, sir."

"Is there anything else to report?"

"Intelligence indicates that Canadian troops are mobilizing to reinforce their American allies. However, they are torn between multiple fronts: fighting the Russians in Alaska and the Arctic and attempting to assist their allies in California and Europe."

"That might be a blessing in disguise. The Canadians are fierce adversaries in the game of war and should not be underestimated."

"We have also been getting reports of American civilians taking up arms to engage our forces. Using guerrilla tactics."

"To be expected. We were well aware that would be the case since the planning days of this invasion. Have our units be prepared to counter guerrilla attacks. Also, begin outreach to occupied communities. Gaining the trust of the populace can help us reduce the likelihood of paramilitary activity."

"Any particular rules of engagement for the insurgents, sir?"

The admiral dismissively waved a paw.

"We shall eliminate them as we would any military combatant." The colonel nodded slightly in agreement.

"Sir, can I ask when the new hypersonic weapon systems we've been developing will be combat-ready?" The human inquired.

"There is still a lot of testing and fine-tuning to be done," the snow leopard responded. We have put a lot of money and resources into our army and especially our navy, speeding up the development and construction of new aircraft carriers. But trust me when I say that the progress of our other projects is on schedule."

"Understood Admiral."

"Now if you will excuse me, I must attend to matters regarding our supply lines. Invading a foreign nation so far away from home is a difficult task. And as one of our greatest strategists said, 'The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.' "

"Sun Tzu. I believe Napoleon said something similar."

"Ah yes, good catch Colonel. I see you also have an eye for military history."

The human turned to leave, but her superior spoke once more, prompting her to turn back to the snow leopard.

"Oh, and do be sure to forward some of our casualty reports to my desk. I would like to draw up condolence letters personally and give my utmost gratitude to the families of our fallen soldiers for their loved one's brave sacrifice."

"Yes, sir, Admiral."

Colonel Liao gave a final salute before turning and leaving. Ready to reorganize her battalions for the drive south.