The air in the SWAT command center was under new wind. The recent, mysterious death of their old commander had sent shockwaves through the entire faction.

wanderer attend the funeral ceremony. they are blend of prussian military parade, full with their iconic spike helmet.

He stood in line, his dark cloak a stark contrast to the rigid uniformity around him. The announcer's voice boomed, "Friedrich Hindenburg… a final farewell." A military anthem blared as the coffin slowly descended. A some SWAT officers reflexively snapped into a roman salute before awkwardly correcting themselves to a standard military one. Wanderer sighed at the gesture then watching the glass coffin sink into the dark cold ground.

Later, Wanderer dismounted from his mobile home—the Bastion itself. This place felt different, more… lively, after the old commander's demise. A noticeable change met his eyes: women moved freely throughout the facility. In the past, the SWAT faction had adhered to strict gender segregation, ostensibly for efficiency. Women were relegated to the subterranean levels, performing more mundane tasks as a separate part of their society. Wanderer strode towards the main hall, taking in the unfamiliar sight.

At the center of the table, Aresia, a woman with blonde hair and braid, spoke in a calm, collected voice. "It's easy to see the dangers posed by the mutants, the Series Nine, and the True Horde. They must be destroyed before they threaten our way of life."

A one-eyed SWAT commander nodded, his face etched with concern. "Your father's legacy has been one of constant war, profitable, yes, but undeniably dangerous. Will you follow in his footsteps?"

Aresia's voice remained steady. "My legacy will be my own. I will not blindly follow in the past's footsteps. I have the power to shape our future, and I will do so with careful consideration and strategic planning."

"I understand our history and the dangers it brings. But I was not raised to run from them. I was born to face them head-on, with the full force of my will and spirit."

"My goal is not conquest or war, but survival. And to survive, we must evolve."

"Evolve?" Wanderer muttered, spinning his chair.

Aresia nodded. "That is correct, Wanderer. The world has changed, and so must we. We cannot cling to old ways if we want to survive. We must learn and adapt, evolve if necessary, to face the challenges of the new world."

"The mutants, the Series Nine, and the True Horde are not to be taken lightly. They have strength and cunning that we have not yet seen before. We must prepare ourselves for the challenges that lie ahead."

"So, nuke?" Wanderer asked nonchalantly,

Aresia met Wanderer's gaze, calm and assured. "While a nuclear strike might seem tempting, the consequences would be catastrophic. The fallout would devastate not only our enemies but also the surrounding lands—and our own people." She paused, her expression turning serious. "Moreover, our resources are stretched thin. A nuclear strike would leave us vulnerable to counterattack."

Wanderer sighed heavily. "I thought you were just like your father."

"I understand your concern, Wanderer," Aresia replied, her voice firm. "But I am not my father. I've learned from his mistakes and will not repeat them." She leaned forward slightly, her tone becoming more persuasive. "I believe in a different approach: diplomacy, negotiation, cooperation. We must find common ground with other factions, build alliances. Only then can we secure a true future."

"Alright, at least you like to speak to... those... half-animals," Wanderer muttered, rising from his chair.

"I understand your sentiment," Aresia countered, her voice remaining even. "But even those we label 'half-animals' are capable of reason if approached with respect and understanding. We are all human, after all." She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room. "We've been fighting for too long, lost too many. I want us to live in peace, to build a better future for ourselves and our children. But I need you on my side, Wanderer. I need your help to make this vision a reality."

Wanderer left eyes flinces slightly" alright,, so tell us your dream.. more specifically,, what your answer for short man power? do we keep our breeding house? and do we will keep trick immigrant to flock into swat to be a cannon fodder? and about what your answer when the patricah soldier feel.. now they lead by.. woman?

Aresia stood tall at the head of the table, her voice measured and resolute. " "The breeding houses—those corporate-run flesh farms—are an abomination. They will be shut down immediately. No more selling human lives as corporate assets."

The declaration hung heavy in the air, a ripple of murmurs spreading through the room. Some nodded in agreement, others exchanged uneasy glances. Abolishing the breeding houses was a radical departure from established norms.

"Instead," Aresia continued, her voice gaining strength, "we will implement a stable, efficient, humane recruitment process. We will no longer deceive immigrants. We will offer them sanctuary, a place to call home, free from persecution." A few soldiers shifted uncomfortably, the concept of treating immigrants with dignity clearly foreign to them.

"I understand some patrician soldiers may struggle with serving under a woman," Aresia acknowledged, her gaze firm. "But it's time they learned to respect leadership regardless of gender. Women are just as capable as men." Another wave of murmurs, this time tinged with more open dissent, swept through the room. Aresia remained unfazed.

"Our future isn't in wars of conquest, but in building a sustainable society," she insisted. She scanned the room, observing the reactions. She saw hesitation and uncertainty, but also glimmers of hope. "I know this is a lot to process," she said, her voice softening slightly. "This isn't the strategy you're accustomed to. But we must evolve, and quickly. The mutants, the Series Nine, the True Horde—they aren't waiting for us to catch up. We must act, now. With smart strategies, open minds, and collective effort, we can not only survive but flourish."

She met each soldier’s gaze, her own unwavering. "Are you with me?"

A chorus of "Yes, ma'am!" erupted, "Then let's move forward. Let's show the world we are not just warriors, but healers, builders, leaders."

A veteran stepped forward, . "Ma'am, I've fought my whole life for this faction. How can I just lay down my arms and trust these outsiders?"

Aresia nodded, "Soldier, I understand. But we must be willing to adapt if we want to survive. Our priority is no longer domination, but cooperation."

The veteran hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I hear you, ma'am. I respect that you're trying to do what's best."

Aresia placed a hand briefly on Wanderer’s shoulder, her expression earnest. "I appreciate your… patience, Wanderer. I won't let you down." She turned back to the room, her voice regaining its command. "On that note, I have an announcement. The breeding houses are hereby disbanded."

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Wanderer clapped a hand to his forehead, a dramatic gesture that drew everyone’s attention. "Nothing, please, continue," he said dryly.

A small smile tugged at Aresia's lips. "Of course, Wanderer. As I was saying… the breeding houses are defunct. We will no longer force anyone into reproduction. Our focus will be on consensual relationships and family planning." She paused, letting the implications sink in. "This is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also crucial for building a stable and sustainable society."

The SWAT commander leaned forward. "We need a clear plan to manage our reproductive resources. Otherwise, we risk further destabilization."

Aresia nodded. "You're right, Commander. We need a comprehensive plan. I propose establishing family planning centers and reproductive health clinics to provide education, resources, and support. We'll also allocate resources to improve access to birth control and reproductive healthcare…"

Wanderer sighed again. "Which means cutting the defense budget, doesn't it?"

Aresia turned to him, a reassuring smile on her face. "Not necessarily, Wanderer. We understand the importance of a strong defense and the welfare of our people. We'll balance our resources accordingly." She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "In fact, these centers will improve troop morale and overall health. Healthier, happier soldiers are better soldiers."

Wanderer nodded, his expression contemplative. "I hope reality meets your expectations," he said, acknowledging her vision.

Aresia returned her focus to the room, her determination palpable. "I have faith in our ability to make this transition smoothly and effectively. Our focus must be on collaboration, compassion, and mutual respect. We will work together, listen to one another, and forge a better future for all." She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the road ahead. "Are there any other concerns, gentlemen?"

Then, a thin man with nerd appearance, the assistant stepped forward, projecting a holographic map of the surrounding area. "We've detected increased Caliphate activity, Captain. They're mobilizing forces near the border."

Aresia’s gaze sharpened. "Thank you, Assistant. This is a serious development. We need to be ready."

She turned to Zane, the another SWAT commander who present. "Commander, what's our defensive posture? Can we hold against a full-scale Caliphate assault?"

Zane scratched his chin, his eyes fixed on the map. "We have a solid defensive line, but it wouldn't withstand a sustained attack. We need options."

Aresia nodded. "Agreed, Commander. The Caliphate is a formidable foe, and we cannot underestimate their strength. despite they no longer with their messiah " She turned to the assistant. "Have there been any reports of communication attempts from the opposite side? Do they seem interested in diplomacy or just open warfare?"

The assistant shook its head. "No diplomatic overtures have been made, Captain. All signs point to an imminent invasion. The Caliphate's rhetoric has turned increasingly hostile, painting us as infidels and threats to their way of life."

Zane leaned in,"If they're willing to cross the border, it means they're confident in their numbers and firepower. We need to hit 'em hard and fast before they gain a foothold."

Aresia considered Zane's words,"You're right, Commander. Hit fast and hard, but we must also be strategic. We need to hit their weak points, not just blindly charge into their strengths. We need a well-planned and coordinated attack to minimize our losses and maximize our gains."

She looked around the room, her gaze meeting each soldier's eyes in turn. "Are there any suggestions for where to strike? Any intelligence on their weak points or vulnerabilities?"

Wanderer spoke up, his arms crossed. "Don't be too hasty. They might just hunt down some freak. Or... let me talk to them. I'm a merc. I'm a neutral dude in the wasteland."

Aresia turned to Wanderer. "Wanderer, your experience as a mercenary and your neutral status could prove valuable in this situation. However, I am hesitant to send a single individual as our envoy. We cannot rule out potential threats, and your safety would be a priority."

She paused, her brow furrowing in thought. "I appreciate the spirit behind your offer, but I'm not certain it's the best course of action. What do you think, Commander Zane?"

Zane nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Wanderer does make a good point, though. His reputation and neutrality could provide an opportunity to open a dialogue without risking a full-scale confrontation. It could give us time to prepare our defenses and gather intel." He glanced at Wanderer. "But we need to ensure his safety above all else. If anything goes wrong, we will be left vulnerable."

"I'm from there, and some of them know who I am," Wanderer said confidently

Aresia looked at him, her interest piqued. "Wanderer, can you elaborate on that? How exactly do you know some of the Caliphate's soldiers? And more importantly, how could you guarantee your safety if you were to visit them as an envoy?" She turned to Zane. "Commander, do you think it's possible to coordinate a safe extraction if the envoy were to run into trouble?"

Wanderer leaned back slightly, a hint of a smile on his lips. "You see, it's a long story after the Great Coalition War. In short, I was an ally with them at that time. And don’t worry about extraction. Just give me the tools, and you will see why your father cannot depose me."

Aresia listened carefully, her brow furrowed in thought. Finally, she nodded slowly. "Wanderer, I understand that you have history with the Caliphate, and perhaps you could indeed be an asset in this scenario. However, before I can approve your involvement, I need more information. How reliable are your contacts within the Caliphate? Are they still loyal, or have they since changed alliances? I cannot risk our people's safety if we can only trust half of your words."

"At least we are both fellow humans and fellow comrades," Wanderer replied then lean on chair. "That kind of vibe is unexplainable, you know?"

Aresia raised an eyebrow. "Wanderer, you have a way of speaking cryptically. I'll admit, it's a bit... unnerving." She leaned in slightly, her gaze focused on him. "I understand what you're saying, but I need more concrete assurances. You claim to have a connection with the people of the Caliphate, and while that may be true, it still doesn't give us a full picture of the situation. How can we be sure that you won't be viewed as a traitor?"

"TRAITOR?! How dare you!" Wanderer's voice rose slightly as he stood, but he quickly sighed and sat back down. "I bet you had the impression that I’m just a soldier of fortune, isn’t it?"

Aresia held up her hand,"Wanderer, I apologize if my choice of words offended you. It was not my intention to imply that you are a traitor. I simply want to assess the situation thoroughly before making any decisions. We cannot afford any miscalculations that could jeopardize our position."

She took a deep breath and looked directly at him. "You must understand, Wanderer, that in our line of work, trust is a rare commodity. We need to know that we can rely on you and that your intentions are true."

Wanderer put his hand on his forehead, "What I do is to stop a potential full-blown war because some woman who leads this 'ordo' made a decision in less than a day."

Aresia's gaze hardened slightly. She straightened up, her voice calm but firm. "Wanderer, I appreciate your concern for avoiding full-blown war, but I must remind you to choose your words carefully. I am the current leader of this 'ordo,' and my decisions must be respected."

She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Our priority is to protect our people and ensure their survival. If there is a credible threat to our faction, I will act accordingly, regardless of personal feelings or opinions."

"Good. Then that's what I'm saying. Now, choose.," Wanderer replied,

Aresia met his gaze, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "Wanderer, I understand your concern, and I appreciate your offer to mediate. If you are willing to act as my envoy to the Caliphate, I authorize the mission. You’ll have the necessary resources and support." She paused. "But if anything goes wrong, we'll be ready. Your safety and success are paramount. Keep us informed and work towards the best possible outcome. Are we clear?"

"Yes," he replied,

Aresia nodded, satisfied. "Very well. I’ll prepare the resources and arrange the meeting. I trust you to navigate this with wisdom and caution." She turned to Zane. "Commander, ensure Wanderer has everything he needs."

Finally, she turned back to Wanderer. "Best of luck, Wanderer. May the gods' light guide you."

The assistant nodded, taking notes. "Very well, ma'am. We shall make sure to provide him with all the necessary equipment and support." He turned to Wanderer. "Sir, follow me. I've prepared your gear and mapped out the route to the Caliphate."

"Good days, gentlemen... and woman," Wanderer said, following the assistant for his incoming mission as envoy.

Aresia watched him go, a mix of anticipation and concern in her eyes. She turned to the rest of her team, her voice firm. "Commander, we prepare for any eventuality. High alert at all times. Be ready to react quickly. I’m hopeful Wanderer will succeed, but we must be prepared for anything."

She looked at the holographic map, the Caliphate border a flashing red line. "Commander, I want a full assessment of our defenses within the hour. And I want contingency plans. All of them."