PART 1
Wanderer stared at the casualties list displayed on his intercom: "14 warriors dead, 12 warriors wounded." SWAT casualties: “24 regular units lost, 3 regular units wounded in action. No casualties among the elite units.” He switched off the display, He walked toward the mobile home, Shizuka and Furqan following behind him.
Shizuka spoke, "Don't worry, we'll figure out a solution to the interim lieutenant issue later. For now, let's just enjoy the feast. We've more than earned a little break."
Wanderer stopped walking and turned to face her. "I mean... are you okay? You seem... indifferent."
Shizuka looked confused. "Me? I'm fine, really. I'm just a bit tired. Today's battle was intense, but I'm glad we were victorious," she explained, her smile fading slightly.
"Alright, good girl," he said, patting her head.
Shizuka let out a soft laugh, her expression softening at Wanderer's touch. "Thanks, Commander. I appreciate the concern, but I can handle myself. You don't have to worry about me all the time, you know," she replied,
Later, Wanderer and his lieutenants Shizuka and Furqan made their way to the SWAT feast,
there is Swat officer wearing a dark blue uniform. on their chest they had a minimal name tag. such Officer P-1, officer B-1, they use their rank and service location as id. and the old and most highest rank simply called as Old commander. a man with bold head and bulky apperance. he had worked with Wanderer in the past, greeted him.
"Another freak down, decimated by us. Good job." The old commander gestured for them to sit. Wanderer nodded and took a seat at the reserved table.
As he settled in, the old commander's words echoed in his mind. Another victory, another notch on the belt of the SWAT. He tried to ignore the twinge of unease in his gut, pushing aside thoughts of the mutants he'd just helped eliminate. Around him, laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as the SWAT celebrated their win.
Around him, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses fill the air as the SWAT celebrate their win. Wanderer scans the room, taking in the mix of hardened veterans and younger recruits, all united in their unwavering loyalty to the faction.
As the feast progressed, Wanderer and his lieutenants mingled with the other SWAT members, sharing stories and laughter. The atmosphere was jovial,
later The old commander turned on the monitor behind him, revealing an aerial view of an oil derrick complex flying the True Horde banner. "The next mission, these freaks are after the oil. They'll sell it to the caliphate for medicine, tools, and weapons. If we want to win this war, we must cut off their source of income," he declared, his voice filled with determination.
Wanderer's eyes narrowed as he studied the map. He knew the importance of oil, its long gone era when Human is develop a biofuel now they should fend themself into a oil again for quickest solution for fuel. But he also knew the cost of securing it.
"Oil..." he muttered,
The old commander met his gaze, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "And don't forget about their barn and their herds. We will capture or burn it. We must not let them keep breeding," he added,
As the old commander continued to speak, Wanderer's mind began to race. There were so many ways this mission could go wrong. The oil derrick complex would be heavily defended, and the True Horde weren't known for their mercy. On top of that, the thought of burning their barn and harming their animals left a sour taste in his mouth. He knew war was never pretty,
Later, after the celebratory feast, Wanderer found himself drawn to one of the trailers. A woman with a purple swimsuit was lounging on top, soaking in the sun. Her black sunglasses shielded her eyes from the harsh sunlight.
"Girl... you'll get burned for sure," Wanderer called out, his voice carrying over the noise of the camp.
The woman lifted her sunglasses, revealing a pair of sparkling blue eyes. It was Nodira, Chrome's wife.
Wanderer climbed onto the trailer, standing beside her. "You seem pretty relaxed," he commented.
Nodira chuckled softly, shifting to a sitting position. She looked up at him, a sly smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"Ah, Wanderer. I've been wondering when you'd come find me. I figured you'd be too busy celebrating with the rest of your crew," she replied.
Wanderer grinned. "Well, I care about my lieutenant... your husband."
Nodira's expression softened at the mention of Chrome. She knew Wanderer's concern was genuine.
"Thank you for looking out for him," she said. "I know he can be a handful sometimes, but deep down he's a good person. I just worry about him, you know?"
Wanderer nodded. "Hah... yes," he replied, picking up a nearby towel and tossing it at her body to cover her exposed skin. "But... tell me. What do you do to him? Hmhm?"
Nodira feigned surprise as the towel hit her body, covering her from Wanderer's view. She raised an eyebrow at his question.
"What do you mean? What makes you think I've done something to him?" she asked,
Wanderer chuckled, enjoying her act. "Well yes... only three things make a man change his heart. First... woman... second... is woman... and third... is woman," he said,
Nodira laughed, amused by Wanderer's playful banter. She shook her head in mock frustration.
"You're not wrong, you know," she admitted. "Chrome is like a wild horse. A stubborn one at that. It takes a very special kind of woman to tame him. I should know."
She smirked and lifted the edge of the towel, giving Wanderer a tantalizing glimpse of her toned body.
"You...!" Wanderer exclaimed, his voice rising. He quickly looked away, his face flushed behind his mask.
Nodira chuckled at Wanderer's reaction, enjoying the way he struggled to keep his composure. She leaned forward slightly, the towel slipping down a little more.
"What's the matter, Wanderer? Can't handle a little skin? Don't pretend you're not enjoying the view," she teased.
Wanderer coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment. "I don't know your true feelings... sometimes... I even wonder... what your true goal is."
Nodira's expression turned serious at Wanderer's words. She leaned back against the trailer, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
"What are you insinuating, Wanderer? That I have some kind of hidden motive in being with Chrome? I love him, you know that. It's that simple," she said,
Wanderer nodded, his skepticism still evident. "Hmmh... I'll buy that... for now... but tell me... how did you both meet? Beside... you know... war."
Nodira grinned, amused by Wanderer's curiosity. She leaned back against the trailer, her expression nostalgic.
"Well, it's a bit of a long story, but I'll give you the short version. We met on the battlefield. He was a fierce warrior, and I was a woman of mystery. Our eyes met across the carnage, and the rest is history, as they say," she replied.
Wanderer raised an eyebrow. "Humpf. What is his relationship with your father?"
Nodira frowned at Wanderer's question, her expression becoming more guarded.
"Why do you want to know about Chrome's relationship with my father? What does that have to with anything?" she asked, her voice defensive.
Wanderer shrugged. "I know it's a sensitive topic... but I want the truth... is it true that you were used as a bargaining chip to make peace between Chrome and your tribe?"
Nodira sighed heavily. "I suspected you knew about that. Yes, it's true. I was arranged to marry Chrome as part of a peace agreement between our factions. It was a political arrangement, nothing more. But over time, I grew to love him."
Wanderer nodded,. "Really? No hate at all? You can be honest with me, you know..."
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Nodira hesitated for a moment, her expression conflicted. She looked away, avoiding Wanderer's gaze.
"At first, yes. I hated the idea of being married off to some brutish warrior as part of some political deal. But then I met Chrome, and everything changed. I saw beneath that tough exterior, and I saw a man with a heart of gold. It may have started as a political arrangement, but it became something more...something real," she admitted.
Wanderer humming. "Hmmh... yes..."
Nodira turned back to Wanderer, her expression softening. She could tell he was still skeptical, still not quite convinced.
"Look, I know it's hard to believe. But trust me, it wasn't easy for me either. I had to learn to trust Chrome and let go of all the prejudices I had against the Eastern tribes. But I'm glad I did. Chrome is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of guy. Even you can't deny that," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.
wanderer nod "alright.. i trust you ,, but please.. put some bodyguard on your trailer.. what if.. some man broke into this place" wanderer then wiggle his eyebrows
Nodira laughed at Wanderer's suggestion. "Ha! You really think I need bodyguards? I can take care of myself, you know. Besides, I doubt any man would be stupid enough to try anything while Chrome is around." She paused, then raised an eyebrow at Wanderer. "But if you're worried, I suppose I could always use some extra protection...maybe you can volunteer?"
Wanderer shook his head. "No, thanks. I might give more harm than protection."
Nodira laughed again, amused by Wanderer's response. "Ah, come on, don't be so modest. I'm sure you'd be great at protecting me. You're a skilled warrior, after all." She teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Wanderer nodded, glancing down at the dagger on her thigh. "Alright... I think that's... please make my lieutenant feel good tonight."
Nodira followed Wanderer's gaze down to her thigh, then looked back up at him with a sly smile. "Don't worry, I'll make sure Chrome is taken care of. But what about you?" She stepped closer to Wanderer, her eyes trailing over his body with a suggestive look.
Wanderer smiled. "I'm satisfied with my woman... for now... Oh god, what am I talking about? I'll always be satisfied with her... thanks to Gott."
Nodira laughed again, clearly amused by Wanderer's comment. "I see, you're a loyal man, through and through. I respect that." She grinned and gave Wanderer a playful pat on the shoulder. "And don't worry, your secret is safe with me. I won't tell your woman that you were checking me out."
Wanderer shook his head. "No, thanks. I'm innocent, dude." He jumped off the trailer and waved at Nodira before leaving.
Nodira grinned and watched as Wanderer walked away. "Yeah, sure you are," she called out with a chuckle. "I'll remember that next time you're ogling me." She shook her head in mock disappointment.
PART 2
next day. the workshop was a hive of activity, a symphony of hammering, grinding, and the occasional clank of metal. Some of his new recruits were scrambling to finish up repairs on various vehicles, while others were cleaning human remains off an old truck,
meanwhile wanderer enjoy his premium popsicle he buy from vending machine. and strolling around for inspection.
then a skinny man. label as Swat scout bumped into him, carrying a large box. Wanderer glared at him, his annoyance evident. "Hey, watch it, buddy. You just ruined my popsicle," he scolded,
The scout apologized, his face sheepish. "Sorry about that, sir," he muttered. "Didn't see you there."
Wanderer's anger subsided as he recognized the scout. He had fought beside him in previous missions. "Alright, alright. Just be careful next time, okay? I don't have many of those left," he said, picking up his popsicle on ground and taking a bite.
The scout nodded, his expression serious. "I heard some rumors circulating among the troops," he began, his voice low. "They're saying we're low on supplies, that the higher-ups are holding out on us. Some are saying the brass is prioritizing certain contracts over others"
Wanderer's ears perked up. "I can't do anything about it," he replied, his voice flat. "What I care about is that they pay me like usual."
The scout nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I get it. But...some of the men are talking about mutiny. They've had enough. They're not gonna go out and die for some commander who's lining his own pockets."
Wanderer's let out a deep sigh, mulling over the situation in his mind. he wanna stay away from politic stuff.
"You're talking about dangerous things," he said, his voice stern. "Better just suck it up and keep your mouth shut. It's for your own good."
The scout nodded reluctantly, his expression falling. "Alright, sir. I understand. Just thought I'd bring it up, is all. We're all on the same side here, right?"
Wanderer gave the scout a stern look, then patted him on the shoulder. "Yeah, we are. But sometimes, we gotta pick our battles. This ain't one of them. Keep your head low and do your job. And be careful with your elbows next time."
The close, metallic confines of the workshop were a distant memory now. The sun beat down mercilessly on the convoy as it rumbled across the barren wasteland. Wanderer, his face partially obscured by a weathered scarf, sat atop one of the mobile homes. He was surrounded by a mix of seasoned SWAT veterans and fresh recruits, their faces etched with varying degrees of determination and apprehension.
As the convoy approached the local tribe's camp, Wanderer couldn't help but notice the subtle genetic differences in their physiques. These were not the same mutants they had encountered before. These are still considered a humans, albeit ones with slightly altered shape.
their body is filled by tattoos. and some is completely nude, then a man with long head, a tribe leader greeted the SWAT delegation. He offered tribute and pledged his allegiance, but his eyes held a flicker of unease. As the conversation progressed, a different tribe leader spoke up, expressing concern about the Blood Khaganate, a fierce and independent tribe known for their brutality.
as the meeting continue. a group of horseman and dirt bike is arrive, they are the local tribes, and they offered tribute to the SWAT, showcasing their submission.
However,and another tribe leader pleaded for mercy, mentioning the presence of the Blood Khaganate, a fiercely independent tribe that remained neutral in the conflict. They had hidden bunkers throughout the canyons, and their leader, Blood Khagan, might not be pleased if they surrendered to the SWAT.
"Blood Khaganate, huh? i fought with them before even before the great war" Wanderer commented. "They're stubborn fighters."
The SWAT commander Zane, a man with short brown hair. with scar on his lips. nodded in agreement. "Yes, I've heard of them. They're a small but fierce tribe, known for their brutality and their loyalty to their leader, Blood Khagan. They have hidden bunkers throughout the canyons and they are notoriously difficult to deal with. If they catch wind of us attacking their territory, they will surely put up a fight."
"What do we do? We can invest time to defeat them before going to capture this oil derrick, or just ignore them," Wanderer suggested.
Zane frowned in thought, weighing the options in his mind."Ignoring them might be a bad idea," the zane said. "They've been known to launch surprise attacks on our supply lines before. And we can't afford to lose any more resources. But attacking them also presents a risk. We don't know how many of them there are or what kind of defenses they have."
"Yes, indeed a dilemma," Wanderer mused. "How about talking to them first? Do SWAT like talking?"
Zane chuckled. "Well, we're not exactly known as the most diplomatic faction around. But I suppose we could try talking to them before outright attacking them. Can't hurt to try, right?"
As they spoke, some of the other SWAT members looked on with skepticism. The idea of talking to their enemies was not a popular one with some of the more hard-liners.
"Good, a non-aggression pact seems good," Wanderer suggested.
Zane nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, a non-aggression pact might be our best bet for now. We'll send a small delegation to negotiate with them, and see if we can reach a compromise. with the following terms..."
The other SWAT members looked somewhat mollified by the idea, though some still seemed uneasy. They weren't used to negotiating with their enemies, but they knew that attacking the Blood Khaganate would likely lead to heavy casualties on both sides. they are remnant of the soldier of old world living on isolated mountain region in south. Qara Dagh (Black Mountain), once its was called a Alai and Pamir mountain. but after intense bombardment and radiation on great war, the mountain range turn into a dark color.
Later, Wanderer's drone followed the SWAT delegation from afar. The armored convoy passed through the ruins of an extinct settlement. The delegation finally reached the Blood Khaganate fort nestled among the valleys, their approach cautious and deliberate.
wanderer had a bad history with them in past. so he use his toy to observe the meeting.his drone follow the delegation from afar. then the armored convoy passing the ruins,
a dried limbs and body is hanged on the dead trees on the road while they closer to khagan fort. a grim spectacle.
The valley narrowed sharply, the walls of the canyon closing in. At its end, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking a sheer drop, stood the Khaganate fort. Red banners flapped from crude towers. Animal skulls and hides decorated the gate. It was a bleak and lonely place, seemingly untouched by the passage of time
As the SWAT delegation approached the Blood Khaganate fort, they were met by a formidable sight. The imposing figures of the Blood Khaganate warriors, clad in red armor and adorned with animal horns, stood guard at the entrance, their spears raised in a defensive stance.
Despite the intimidating presence of the Blood Khaganate warriors, the SWAT delegation managed to negotiate a non-aggression pact.
a Blood Khagan a man with a bull helmet come outside to meet with them. he agreed to the terms, but his eyes held a flicker of suspicion.
As the delegation left the Blood Khaganate territory, Wanderer continued to monitor their movements through his drone. However, he was soon caught by one of the Blood Khaganate retainers, a man with deer helmet. who used an EMP spear to disrupt his drone's signal. Wanderer, realizing he had been discovered, quickly maneuvered his drone out of range. but its too late and his drone crash to the forest
“fuck. nyooh. my drone!..” wanderer sigh after losing his expensive drone
Later, after the SWAT commander received news of the successfully signed non-aggression pact with the Blood Khaganate, he turned his attention to the main objective. It was time to capture the True Horde oil derrick.
while they preparing for incoming. attack. wanderer in his Mobile home still looking at his frayed drone after the recent emp attack by one blood khaganate lord retainer. wanderer pout while look at shizuka. looking for comfort
Shizuka had been sitting next to him tinkering with her gear and keeping an eye on him.
Seeing Wanderer's pout, Shizuka put down her gear and gave him a small smile.
"What's the matter? Still brooding over that EMP attack on your drone?"
Wanderer frown “yes, i lost my eyes now..”
Shizuka chuckled at Wanderer's melodramatic lamentation. "Oh, come on. It's not the end of the world. You've got plenty of replacement drones, right?"
Wanderer sigh “yes. but its.. my favorite drone..”
Shizuka shakes her head in amusement, grinning at Wanderer's attachment to his favorite drone.
"Your favorite drone, huh? You're such a sentimentalist, you know that?"
Wanderer narrow his eyes “im.. sentimental to everything.. now pat my head!”
Shizuka chuckled at Wanderer's request, but she did as he asked, reaching out to pat his head affectionately. "There there, you big baby. Don't get too attached to material things. What matters is that you still have plenty of other drones to use."
Wanderer sigh. look at empty seat on front, beside furqan. his favorite drone is frayed. and his lieutenant. Chrome are still on rest duty "its.. might not good day to fight"
Shizuka notices Wanderer's forlorn expression and puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, don't worry. We've been through tough times before, and we've always come out on top. And besides, I'm here with you."
The desert stretched before them, an endless ochre canvas under a harsh sun. The empty seat beside Furqan spoke volumes. They were heading into battle shorthanded.