Expedition report from RG-2
Carried out by: Lieutenant Andrea Williams
Report states: Peaceful first contact with natives has been successfully established by RG-2 with a local country designated as Yellow forest county. County has a population of roughly eight thousand people and six hundred militia. Has suffered casualties due to recent goblin attack. The goblin problem has been eradicated on the request of Lieutenant Williams with the use of fire and explosives. Goblins along with hyper aggressive and dangerous ferals have been designated as 'Shoot on sight'. The mayor of the county, Finadan Hesto, has provided RG-2 with information regarding the structure and hierarchy of the empire. The lowest level settlements in the empire are villages, with up to two thousand residents and an elder as a representative. These villages are known to merge into smaller or larger counties, the latter of which has a population of between ten and twenty thousand residents and a county mayor along with a militia force for defense. Above them are towns with a population of between twenty and one hundred thousand people with a town mayor and a militia force for defense and walls. Above them are cities with a population of between one hundred and two hundred and fifty thousand people, however these cities all have sturdy fortifications and a proper city guard for defense and a city police force for internal problems. Outside of the city walls are usually slum-like areas with poor living conditions. Above cities are major cities. There are only seven of these cities, not counting the capital of Elyana. These cities are larger and have a population of anywhere between two hundred and fifty and nine hundred thousand people with a lord who has the control of that region. The region itself carries the name of its capital. The only exception is the region of Meilume which besides its capital has another major city, Kuruk, located on the bifurcation site of the Great Alston River. Further information is required for the grand capital of Elyana.
---
19th of June, 2070 (Nine days before the launch of the RG program)
Undisclosed location
It has over a moon cycle since the invasion and prince Bodin was still in his cell. For several days, the agent hasn't called him for questioning. He worried that he had outlived his purpose and that something terrible might occur. Despite the agent saying how that will not occur, he couldn't shake the feeling he had deep inside of him. Still, he didn't think just about himself, beyond all else, he was terrified for his men, the men that came with him to Earth, as the humans called it. He worried if some chose not cooperate, some could be stubborn. On the other hand he didn't care about the elves. The dwarves? Maybe. But as far the blue-skinned bastards were concerned, they could die as painfully as possible.
'Father.', he thought, "Mother. Helga. Franka. Please hold on. I will return to you, I promise.'
As he finished this thoughts, knocking came from his cell door. He instinctively got up and walked to it, preparing his hands and legs. The guard opened the little window and spoke, "That won't be necessary. Someone important wants to see you and he gave us orders not to chain you.", he opened the door, "Follow us."
Bodin was greatly confused by this. Someone important? Was it the prison warden? Or maybe some high ranking noble. Either way, he could only find out if he followed orders, so he did. Following the two black guards, Bodin noticed the path is different. The beginning was usually left, right, left, left. Now it was different. It wasn't the agent who called for him. After climbing up some stairs, they reached a peculiar hallway. It had paintings on the walls and there was long yellow and red rug on the floor leading to a double-sized door next to which were two more guards.
"He's here.", said one of the guards who led Bodin as they stopped. After one of the guards knocked on the door three times and after an 'Enter' from behind it did they let Bodin in. As Bodin entered, the door closed behind him. He found himself in a room he could only compare to the luxurious chambers of nobility. Arts and paintings in corners and walls, a rug made out of a bear beneath a masterfully crafted desk and chairs which looked more comfortable then his bed.
"Ah, wonderful.", spoke the man in the corner. He had his back turned to Bodin as he opened a spherical box made of wood and pulled out bottle of what the prince assumed was alcohol, "Please, take a seat. I will join momentarily."
Bodin slowly walked over to one of the chairs and took a seat. A great sense of comfort immediately filled him. He had to praise the craftsmen for this work, for it was better than anything he had ever seen before.
Finally taking a bottle, the man walked over to Bodin, "I apologize for that.", he spoke, immediately giving Bodin signs that he is of great stature and significance. He was slightly shorter than Bodin, had black and grey hair and was wearing a pitch black suit. "I can often be picky about these things. Only the best.", he said as he poured the golden liquid into a beautifully made glass. Bodin took a sip of and a strange and strong aroma filled his mouth. His eyes widened as he stared at the glass.
"Do you like it?", the man asked, "Jack Daniel's whisky. That man was a master of his art."
"I wish our wine makers could have met him.", Bodin said, "My father would love this."
The man chuckled at that, "I suppose I should introduce myself before we continue. My name is Eugene Anderson, I am the ambassador chosen to represent the United States of America. Our expedition force has already reached North Altia and we are currently preparing to expand and seek contact with the empire and the vassal kingdoms. I assume agent Polanski has already told you most of the details of our world government?"
"Indeed he has. I am still trying to, get a grip, as he said it. It is an expression for calming down."
"Yes. Anyway, I would like to personally thank you for your assistance. Our president is grateful as well. Any and all information is of great use to us."
"Of course, ambassador Anderson. I will gladly do anything to help you defeat the empire."
"I know. I have been informed of what happened between the kingdoms and the empire. My condolences for your loss."
"Thank you, ambassador. But I assume you called me here for more than just a friendly conversation and drinks."
"Polanski was right, you are a perceptive one. Indeed, we have more pressing matters to attend to.". Anderson pulled out a piece of paper from his desk and handed it to Bodin. "This is a copy of a peace treaty for the rosian kingdoms. Take as much time as you want and read it."
Bodin did just that. Just as his father taught him he read through the document, which was written in perfect rosian no less. The terms seemed simple. The rosian kingdoms will agree to step back from the war and not aid the empire. In tern, if the empire attacks them for this, the US is bound by the treaty to aid them and fight to protect their borders. A trade network will be established between the kingdoms and the US so they don't suffer any economical damage. This seemed too good to be true and yet here it was, black and white, pen and paper.
After Bodin read through the document, he put the paper down and took a long sip from his glass, "This is... This is more than I could have asked for."
"It is the best deal we can provide. Will you accept?"
"Me? Why me?"
"Since you represent your country by being the prince, my superiors have decided to let you and three men of your choice accompany you to North Altia and assist in establishing peaceful relations with the kingdoms."
This made Bodin's heart skip a beat and he took another long sip, emptying his glass, which Eugene refilled. "By the heavens I'm becoming like my father.". Both of them laughed a bit at that statement. "I accept.", he said as he stood up and held his glass up, "To peace."
Eugene stood up in response and clanked his glass against his, "To the future."
Both of the took a long gulp from their glasses and Bodin led out a snarl, "My father would love this. May I bring a bottle to him?"
"I will bring a full crate for all the kings and dukes after the treaty is signed."
"Delightful."
---
(The next day)
As per the agreement, Bodin could bring up to three men of his choosing. All the captured soldiers have been kept in a prison hidden from the public. Elves, rosians and dwarves. All the ferals have been killed and tribals have been merged with REC forces. As for the rest, until an agreement is made with their governments, they will stay here. At the moment, the prisoners were gathered in a very large courtyard, surrounded by tall walls with for catwalks which met in the center. Dozens of armed guards were constantly patrolling the walls and observing the prisoners. The warden in charge of the prison was Brigadier General Lawrence MacCann. He's the one who allowed Bodin to enter the courtyard and told him that should anyone attack them they will be put down. Lawrence and Eugene observed from above, watching as Bodin entered the courtyard.
"You think this will work?", Lawrence asked.
"It will. I know it will.", Eugene replied.
As Bodin walked in he saw hundreds of people, rosians, dwarves and elves alike. He could recognize many of them, some from his own city, but he knew he had to choose carefully, all the kingdoms were at stake.
"My prince!", yelled a young man as he ran towards Bodin, "You live! Sire, you live! Thank the spirits!". All the prisoners turned their heads towards Bodin, some approached him.
"My prince.", said another young man as he knelt, "It is a great thing you have survived."
"Gregor Bachwich.", Bodin said, "It is fortunate to see you as well, my friend. Please, rise, all of you."
"It appears you live, Alstonian.", said a tall man who looked older than Bodin.
"Lieutenant Pallius?", the locked their forearms, "I thought you were killed."
"Please, don't mistake me for a fool who cannot fight. You know who my father is. If I died here he would haunt me in the afterlife."
"True. So what happened."
"A lot. And fast. These enemies are formidable. Only dozens of my men had survived. Their iron wyverns had cannons and their carriages boomsticks that fired without stopping. I was hit in my right leg, but their physicians patched me up and now a do not feel anything."
"Indeed.", said Gregor, "We have been treated fairly well. They healed all our injured and killed those were suffering. I personally thanked them for that."
"How many of us are left?", Bodin asked.
"I have counted, my prince.", spoke the young man, "There are one hundred and fifty-nine rosians alive, eighty-two elves and thirty-seven dwarves. No tribals or ferals."
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
This made Bodin lower his head in grief. He had hopes more would make it, but this was enough. The fact there were any alive and not killed or tortured was good. It gives him proof that the humans are good people.
"Thank you, Matheo.", Bodin said.
"Prince Bodin!", shouted an elf.
"Captain Zorgin. It appears you live."
"It will take more than barbaric magic to kill me. On to more important matters, I am planning an escape."
This made Bodin raise an eyebrow, "How so?"
"We have more than half a cohort's worth of soldiers. We can overpower the guards and escape. We will take their weapons and give them to the dwarves, they can figure out how to use them."
"And after that?"
"We find a way back to the rift."
"Your plan is idiotic.". A statement which shocked everyone around him. "This prison is built like a maze. It would take you hours to find a way out of here. The guards have the same weapons they used to defeat our armies with, your numbers will mean nothing. And even if you get out, you have no idea where we are. You would be in a foreign land with no weapons and knowledge. Besides, the rift is controlled by the enemy and all attacks will be worthless."
"How do you know all of this?"
Taking a deep breath, Bodin looked at his men and the elves for a moment, "I have spoken to the humans."
Everyone around him stood in silence and stared at each other with widened eyes. Finally, Gregor spoke, "You have, my prince."
"I have. They told me they would spare the lives of all rosians if I tell them what the wanted to know. They have chosen me as a representative of the my kingdom and by extension all rosians. Their king has chosen to leave us in peace if we agree to not aid the empire in this war."
"My prince.", spoke the young rosian.
"By the heavens.", said Pallius.
"You fucking traitor!", shouted Zorgin, "I shall have your head for this!"
"No you shall not.", Bodin said, surprising the elves, "Not only am I a chosen representative, but I am to bring three of my people with me and I am under the Americans' protection."
"A load of horse shit.", said a brutish elf as he grabbed Bodin by his clothing. Pallius grabbed the elf's wrist, "Release him.", but before he could, a bullet hit in the head, blowing a piece of it off. His dead body fell to the ground and the people around him all stepped back in fright. All except for Bodin who only fixed his clothes.
"Look up.", Bodin said calmly. They looked up and the sight frightened them. Dozens of guards aimed their guns at them. "Those guards have orders to shoot you should anything happen to me."
Zorgin gritted his teeth, "You traitor."
"And who have I betrayed!? You? A selfish empire that started a war it had no hope of winning? Who enslaved our people and forced us to fight and die for a meaningless cause? I will not let my people die because of your idiocy! So attack me, I dare you."
Zorgin clenched his fists and breathed through his teeth. He looked up at the guards and widened his arms, as to show he won't attack while he slowly walked to Bodin, "You will pay for this. Your people will suffer and these humans will not protect you from our power."
"I'm willing to take that wager, elf.". Zorgin spat and returned to his men.
"My prince.", Gregor spoke, "If what you say is true, then where does that leave us?"
"If the kings and dukes agree to the treaty, the elves will lose all support from the south and we will gain the protection of the Americans."
"You call them Americans, my prince.", Matheo asked, "Why is that?"
"Because the country we are in right now is called America. They have many countries with many great armies and all we've seen a tiny fraction of their might. Their world has close to seven billion people in it.". This statement shook them to the core.
"If that is true.", Pallius said, "Then they have armies of millions, maybe more. And all of them have the weapons we just saw."
"Indeed. With their help, our lands will no longer suffer the cruelty of the elves. And it would only be a matter of time before their empire falls." This put a smile on their faces.
"I wish I could be there to see it.", Gregor said.
"Actually my friend.", Bodin said as he placed a hand on his shoulder, "You will."
---
The 28th day of late yellow season
Elyana, The Empire of Light
First general Laeroth was still in the war room. He spent countless hours trying to prepare for the next assault of the humans. But at the current moment they haven't done anything. Laeroth wondered if they were building up their forces or were they just scouting to see if they could find points of interest to strike. Worst case scenario they already destroyed the Meilume capital and no one survived to report. All of this terrified. The enemy was unknown and he hated that. Against the rosians, dwarves even tribals, he knew what to do, he knew how they fought. This? This was a change too large and too sudden. The only silver lining is that the message was sent to the generals of the XI and XII to enforce the river as well as the message to the Meilume nobility to evacuate. He hoped they could be saved from the enemy.
While he was standing over the map, a soldier ran into the chamber, "General!".
"Speak."
"The eight captives have arrived."
Laeroth's nerves calmed down ever so slightly. At least he would get some insight of the enemy. "Take me to them."
The soldier led Laeroth through the halls to the captives. Eventually, they reached the chamber where they were lined up and surrounded by guards. Three men, two of them young and strong, the other a bit elderly, four woman, one had dark skin and one thin eyes. Next to one of them was a child, a little girl, most likely princess Khelsa's age. Apart from the otherworldly savages, Laeroth saw one more.
"How can I help you, prince Armas Garvos?", Laeroth said as he distastefully watched Armas and his thugs touch and drool over the female captives.
"Why yes, general.", Armas said, "Do you mind if my friends and I take these fine females off your hands?"
"I do. These prisoners are here on my orders. You have no right to take them."
"I have every right general. I am a prince after all."
"If you acted like one, maybe I would have allowed you."
"Are you talking down at me, Laeroth? You forget your place."
"My place is here, at the emperor's side, fighting this war. Not trying to entertain your disgusting desires by giving you valuable captives for free."
Armas laughed at that, "Valuable? These are women. You don't need them, you're a soldier. Four of us and four of them. One for each, a good deal. You can have the men. I will spare you the trouble of telling my father."
Laeroth groaned, "I have no time for this nonsense. You can have them, but should they get severely injured or die, it will cost you."
"Of course, of course.", he snapped his finger and the thugs started dragging the women out of the room. The largest one carried one of them on his shoulder and on his way back grabbed the little girl by her hair. She screamed and begged him to let go, but the brute didn't care.
"Not the child!", Laeroth shouted.
"Oh come on.", Armas said, "Bardak likes them young."
"I said no!", Laeroth shouted again and this time the guards in the room pointed their weapons at the thugs.
"You dare?", Armas asked, "When my father hears about this-"
"If your father was here, he would hit you so hard you would fall! I would do it myself if I had the approval and trust me, I am close to doing it anyway. Now, leave the child and get out of my site."
After some groaning, Bardak let go of the girl. She kept crying and hugged the tallest man for comfort. The man looked strong and capable, most likely one of their soldiers. The thugs and Armas left.
"You.", Laeroth said poiniting at one of the guards, "Take the girl to princess Khelsa chamber. She is most likely there with her mother. Tell them I sent you and no harm is to come to her."
"Yes, general.", the guard replied and extended his hand to the girl, "Come along.".
After some hesitation, the tall man spoke, "Go with them. You'll be okay, I promise.". The girl dried her tears and took the guard's hand and the two of them walked out.
"You speak the Imperial tongue.", Laeroth asked.
"If that's what you call English, then yes."
"Interesting. What is your name?"
"What does it matter to you?"
"You can either tell me, or I will force it our of you."
After some grunting, the man spoke, "Brian O'Neil."
"Tell me, Brian O'Neil, are you a soldier? How many of you are there? What kind of weapons do you posses?"
"Sir.", said a soldier, "The two were captured with these.". He brought in two large and two small weapons that looked like boomsticks, along with blue clothing with a metal badge.
"Interesting. You are soldiers, of a kind. Perhaps your city's police force?". The two men looked at each other. "I see."
"You ask a lot of questions.", Brian said, "But first you answer mine. Who are you?"
"I am General Laeroth Leobell. Commander of the first army and the Chosen legions. Protector of Elyana. You will answer my qustions, or I promise, your time here will be filled with pain."
"Maybe if we each take one?", spoke a woman's voice from behind Laeroth.
"Princess Lilyth Camilla. Prince Hagmar Pasos. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"We heard that the captives have arrived.", Hagmar said.
"And since Armas already took four, I figured we might help you with the interrogation.", Lilyth said.
"A fine idea, my lady.", Laeroth said, "Pick which ever you prefer."
"I will take this elderly one.", Hagmar said, "I do enjoy the tales of the old and wise."
"I will have this tall one.", Lilyth said, "His name was Brian, correct? I have ways of braking men who think they're strong."
"Oh? I'm looking forward to that, princess.", Brian said as he stepped forward in front of her. She was below his neck, but didn't flinch. One of the guards shouted at him and punched him in the face, but Brian was only slightly knocked back. He got back to his position and headbutted the guard in the nose, making him step back in pain.
Lilyth grabbed his cheeks and pressed them, "Oh you are a good one. Fenris, bring him to my chamber."
"Yes, my lady.", said Fenris, the largest and personal guard to Lilyth. He was equal to Brian. The elderly man quietly walked with Hagmar.
"You will tell me everything I want to know.", Hagmar said, "We'll start with your history."
The man laughed a little, "Then I have much to tell you, sonny."
"This leaves me only you.", Laeroth said to the last man standing in front of him, "But we shall talk tomorrow. I have other matters to attend to. Take him to the holding cells."
The guards took the man to the holding cells. Laeroth went to his weapons. "Take these weapons to the dwarves. They will know what to do with them. I need to know how they work and if we can use them as well."
"Yes, general.", said a soldier as he grabbed them and put them in a bag.
"Where are the survivors of the invasion and the Galdush battle?"
"They are in the courtyard, resting at the moment.", said the soldier who brought him to the chamber.
"Thank you, you are dismissed.". The soldier saluted and Laeroth went to the courtyard. He walked as fast as he could. This was a chance to know more about their tactics. Eventually he got to the courtyard and saw the several dozen soldiers sitting on benches. On one hand he was glad any survived to tell the tale. On the other, he was filled with grief that only so few survived out of the two armies. He walked up to them and they immediately stood up and saluted.
"Please, do not exhaust yourselves. Which ones are from the invasion and which are from the Galdush battle."
Three officers stepped forward. One spoke, "I am lieutenant Orris. Fourth cohort, third infantry legion of the fourth army. I was in the invasion."
"I am lieutenant Finion.", the second spoke, "Seventh cohort, first archer legion of the seventh army."
"I am siege commander Beor.", said the third, "Siege legion of the seventh army. Finion and I were in the Galdush battle. He was in the night raid and I was in the attack on the second day?"
"Night raid?", Laeroth asked.
"Yes.", Finion said, "General Drannor ordered us to attack during the night so the enemy can't see us and use its cannons. But..."
"But what?"
"It did not work. The enemy used magic to create spheres of light which filled the sky and gave away our position. It was... It was a slaughter. I had never seen so many men die so quickly and so gruesomely."
As the soldier started shaking, Laeroth put his hand on his shoulder, "I need you to tell me. All of you. Tell me everything."
---
(Two years ago)
Thailand
True salvation was not yet defeated. Even after the majority of their heads have been cut off, there were those that remained. Remnants, trying to finish their work. Global agencies worked together to stop them. After locating one of their outposts in Thailand, US, Russian and Chinese special forces have been deployed to take them out. Among them were two promising recruits, Logan and Floyd. This was their first assignment and a part of their training. If they succeed, this would boost their rank in the force.
The two of them walked along side two more operators. They went between two buildings to reach a small hut on the edge of the outpost. As they moved, enemies appeared from above them, but Logan took them out with great aim and reflexes. The others shot the ones who exited the hut and opened fire on them.
"Thanks lieutenant.", said Floyd.
"That's my ranger rank, Floyd.", Logan answered, "Here I'm just like you. Now focus."
"Right."
The team entered the hut and found a hatch leading down. One by one they went down and found out it was a bunker with several rooms. They moved through the hallway, checking each room separately. After walking to the last room, the first two who walked in were shot by a woman with a machine gun. Floyd and Logan hid behind at the door frame as Floyd started to blindly fire. It seemed to work as the woman fell to the ground with a wound to her stomach.
Logan entered and went left, Floyd to the right and aimed at the woman. Logan looked through the computers and files, trying to find anything useful.
"I can't find anything.", Logan said, "It's encrypted."
"Let me see.", said Floyd as he turned his head.
"No! Watch her!", Logan shouted, but too late. The woman clicked a button on a detonator and the computers blew to pieces. Explosions went off in the other rooms and the bunker began to shake. "We have to go!". Logan ran to the ladder but Floyd hesitated a bit as he looked at the woman. He then began to run to Logan, but the ceiling collapsed, leaving him trapped.
"Lieutenant!", Floyd shouted as he coughed, "Sir!"
"Floyd!", Logan shouted.
"Sir! Help! We need to dig!"
"Just hang in there!"
"Sir! I don't wanna die here! Sir! Sir! Sir............"
---
"Sir!", shouted lieutenant James Wilson.
Logan shook from his sleep, "What!? What is it?"
"Sorry to wake you sir. But we're here."
Logan looked out and saw walls in the distance. It was the border town of Afa, their objective. "Right. Thank you lieutenant. Sorry for falling asleep."
"No worries, sir."
"Let's do this."
End of chapter 8