Henrik began a slow, deliberate walk, across the concrete floors of the base’s hangar. Within, were the three standard models, difference being the wings attached to the back, with thrusters added just under them. However, there was one that looked entirely different. The armored plates, colored yellow, were thinner than armor of the ones around it. Like the others in the room, it had wings, with thrusters directly underneath. On its back, a scaled-up rifle was stored. With two blade hilts stored on its thighs. This was the Durandal, a 9th generation HAU. With its performance so high, there were very few who could pilot it. Which is why he was chosen, somebody with a well-known reputation.

As he tapped on the leg, A wire came down from the cockpit, as it opened. As he pulled on it, placing his foot onto a hook at the very bottom, it brought him up. He soon leaned into his seat, as he pulled the visor on his helmet down. He tapped upon the display, as the holograph came up, with the OS activating. Outside, the technicians made their way across the machine, beginning a final check for any discrepancies. It was clear, and, as such, the 360 display of the area around him became visible. Henrik began to tap through the display once more, testing the legs, making sure the engines ran right, the standard for an HAU pilot.

“Systems are all Green. Henrik Lundgren, Launching!!!”

Soon, the Durandal was on the Ship’s catapult. The machine’s feet clamped onto the rails of the catapult. Something soon followed by electricity flowing through the rails. The Durandal began a quick advance, Gliding across the rails, as the red light of its verniers began to light up behind it. It was only a few seconds afterward, until the machine flew out into the light sky, the red light now streaming behind it. Something that was soon followed by the other machines flying with it, coming out of their respective ships. Liang looked up at the ships that loomed above, walking past the husks of the destroyed weaponry as he did so.

“It looks like they had more forces stored- I'd expect as much… Bijan had better hurry up and get to whoever’s leading this operation.”

Elsewhere, a man stood on the branches of a tree, Binoculars in hand, He leaned in as he took notice of the red streaks streaming across the sky, and the machines that created them. He soon hopped off of the branch, Putting his hand on the headset on his ear.

“Sir, 5 Corvettes and 20 HAUs approaching from above.”

As the words echoed across the comms, a counter-force began coming out, almost instantly. In the streets of a small town- nearby, multiple squadrons of the WFF’s HAUs prepared to launch.

“Moving to Engage!” A commander yelled.

“Acknowledged!” Yelled another.

Then, the light of their engines lit up the sky, as they streaked across the landscape. Eventually, the town in the background became faint, as they reached the forest that served as the battlefield. Bursts of railgun and beam fire flew from the weapon shield in their manipulators, going right toward the enemy’s ships and HAU’s. 2 of the opposing HAU’s were taken out in the volley, with a corvette exploding in a ball of fire as well.

“Return fire, Don’t let them through!”

The Kaemerge forces began firing back, to negligible effect… Something that would soon change, as, shooting through the sky like a meteor, far ahead of his allies, was the Durandal. The rifle stowed on its back was grasped by the manipulators. As Henrik aimed one of the WFF’s machines, he pulled the trigger, firing a burst of beam fire into one of the machine’s cockpits.. Unfortunately for the pilot within, they were not quick enough to move away. As he was hit directly, and vaporized only seconds after the light entered.

“What is that machine?!” One of the WFF yelled.

They soon focused their fire on him, with a storm of shells and beams alike flying toward him. And Even so, Henrik remained calm, as his machine weaved around the shots, Moving to the right, left, up, and down, And making tight turns, time, and time again, none of their shots hit. He soon began firing return shots at their allies who arrived behind them. With cockpits and control systems alike destroyed in balls of fire. The remains of the machines sent cascading into the ground. One of the Pilot’s eyes widened as he took notice.

“How is he moving at that speed? Making those turns? Even with an Inertial Dampener, He shouldn’t be able to do that, not in atmosphere!”

One of the commanders put his hand on his chin as he watched the machine moved… This flight pattern, he could have sworn he’d seen it before… He had seen it before. The machine from one of the many Russian units that came to support the Zhuhong. A monster on the battlefield who’d dealt them so many losses.

“That machine., that way of fighting- now I know for sure. That man is Henrik "Mars" Lundgren, Fall back- I'll fight him off!!” A commander ordered,

“But Sir-” A pilot began, cut off by the commander’s yelling.

“Go!!!!”

Within the cockpits of their machine, the men all showed looks of distaste at the command. Though none would say it, they were less than willing to accept this much. They’d been under him, Commander Zhu, for years, after all. Regardless, they began backing up, as the commander began flying around, evading the Sigma particle beams that soon came at him from Henrik, pulling the very same tight turns. It would not end there, as he would begin firing back at his enemy. Regardless, Henrik dodged the shots fired at him. Though, the shots began to move closer, and closer to him, some even chipping through his armor. At first, on the shoulder, and then, a leg. within, the end of Henrik’s lips began to lift, as a smirk came onto his face.

“Sending your men away, so they can survive… how honorable.”

Regardless, the commander continued firing, until nothing came out. As he took a look at the display, he took notice of the fact that his ammo was empty. He clicked his tongue, throwing the weapon to his troops. As his manipulator grasped the hilt on the side of the machine, a black blade that resembled a Jian. Something which began vibrating, the sound of which moved outward as an EM field was projected from the hilt, to protect the blade.

“it looks like I'll just have to do this then!!!”

As Henrik watched this, his eyes drifted across his display, as he thought of a way to respond to this attack.

“So that’s how you wanna play it, Alright then…”

“Friendlies, Stay out of the way, This one’s mine!” He commanded.

The Durandal’s Manipulator reached for the hilt on its side, and, soon after, the blade activated, a beam of red light projected from it. Within moments, the two machines soon streaked across the sky, launching swipes as soon as they got into range. The two blades stopped in their tracks, as they clashed. Something followed by electricity flaring outward, lighting up the sky. Within another moment, the two pulled back. An exchange of blows egan, Both pilots swiped and stabbed, stopping strikes with the shield’s their machines held, before they found that they were promptly destroyed. Leaving them to battle only with the blades. Despite how much they tried, it looked as if neither could get the last strike. However, within the Commander’s machine, blood began to pour out of his mouth, as the G-force had finally begun to take its effect… His body could take a lot of punishment, but this was something else.

“I’m not sure how much more of this my body can handle...I need to end this!” Thought Zhu.

Soon, as Henrik took another strike, Zhu drew back, and swiftly moved around the machine. Following up with an attempt to drive his blade through the machine’s thrusters. But, with the pilot’s quick reflexes, the Durandal moved out of the way, rotating in the air. The attack missed, and Henrik’s machine was now in a position to attack. That much, the pilot did, thrusting his saber into the Machine’s cockpit... In Zhu’s last moments, as the blade rapidly approached his cockpit, he could sense it, his oncoming death… It was only then that he let out his final words.

“Men… Survive.”

He placed his hand on his forehead, saluting one last time, before the blade came in, Vaporizing the man’s body almost instantly. Henrik soon retreated, as the commander's HAU exploded. Removing what little hope there was in him surviving. Within one of the machine’s, a youth, looking to be in his late teens, tightened his grip on his controls, as he began seething.

“Commander Zhu… We-- we must avenge the commander!!!”

The light on his machine’s back began to intensify, as he prepared to make a dash for the Durandal. However, he stopped in his tracks when another machine blocked his path. The pilot within was a girl, who appeared to be around the same age. She had narrow, gray eyes. Her thick, curly, sapphire hair reached down to her back. The pilot turned his attention to her machine, his anger staying all the while.

“Mingxia, Get out of my way!”

However, she did not move, knowing very well what could have ended up happening.

“Don't be an idiot!!! If we were to do that- there'd be no point in his sacrifice!!! This is war, Jianjun!! Death is to be expected…”

Soon, another pilot came to them, one who looked to be as young as the other two. Stopping in front of the one named Jianjun as well.

“Besides that, If he was able to kill the Commander, what can we do to him?!” He questioned.

He went silent, considering what they said.. And, began to withdraw, as per the late Zhu’s orders. Followed by his team members. Of course, they were not the only ones affected by this, a man sitting in the cockpit of an HAU on the ground, sighed at what he just saw take place.

“:Zhu…Danmit. Continue the advance-- watch out for enemy air support!!!”

Soon, the Corvettes above began launching volley after volley at the opposing troops on the ground, as they attempted to retreat. Time and time again, the Kaemerge forces charged after the battered units. The tide of the battle had been turned in their favor. Liang took notice of this and took action. Taking his Jian out of its hilt, he jumped forward. Further away from him, was a formation of tanks. Sticking out of the hatch, was Lu himself, watching the battlefield. At first, his expression was neutral. But, as he heard a rustle of the trees above him, he looked up, and took notice of Liang on a direct course toward them! His expression quickly became panicked.

“There he is, Liang Yu!!!! retreat- our weapons won't be able to stop him!!! 4th and 5th armored units- move to support our HAU's against the enemy- everyone else- return with me!!!” Lu barked.

The tanks began to break formation, going off into different formations. As they went to join the battle, or attempted too. As this all took place, Tsunan continued to watch the battle map, with his hand on his chin, as he began to consider what he was seeing.

Tsunan: We seem to be making a bit of headway, but at this rate- this'll end in a stalemate. I need to come up with a new strategy, we won't be able to win like this…

However, he was snapped out of his thoughts, as not one, but multiple screams filled his ears. The yells, however, were quickly silenced, as he heard the clatter of metal onto the floors. He quickly got up from his seat following this.

“What was that?”

Soon after, the blast door protecting the command room opened up, revealing a darkened hallway. Tsunan turned on his heel, watched intently, but he saw nothing. He looked around the room for the source until he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“I'm afraid that you won't get that chance…”

Tsunan looked over his shoulder in surprise, seeing Bijan standing behind him, with the blade of plant matter in his hand… It was then, and only then that he realized his blunder.

“: I was so focused on that one that I neglected to prepare for the other… I suppose that’ll be my last mistake, then. Looks like I won't be coming home… Letia, Imbril”

Wordlessly, Bijan thrust the blade into his chest. Tsunan’s body went limp almost immediately, as he fell back onto his killer. Bijan would soon push the man off of his blade, letting him fall to the floor. Soon enough, the effects were more than clear. As, coming off of the communicators in the room, were the commanders on the field calling again and again for the Major’s orders. Unaware of his death. Bijan soon walked up to the communicator, as he cleared his throat, and began speaking in his native language. The one made standard by the Kaemerge for years.

“Kaemerge Edvaesi- Snetv Da'zt, I sivien, Snetv Da’zt- Wi yesti devi aen zaenyaet ha'ois pha'snsill, Meqa's Tsunan yel vaeiv mh dh yetvl…Atv ha'ois a'nyis ra'ddetvisl zaerr la'a't mi tifn. Soissitvis a's mi vilnsa'hiv itnaesirh!!!”

(Kaemerge Empire- Stand Down, I repeat- stand down- We have made it within your fortress, Major Tsunan has died by my hands…And your other commanders will soon be next. Surrender or be destroyed entirely!!!)

However, his words were not met with surrender… Rather, rage.

“Lord Tsunan!!! You bastards!!!” One of the Kaemerge yelled.

The fighting continued even with this fact known. In fact, the troops seemed to fight with more vigor. The same could be said about the force that battled against Liang, firing waves of rounds from the guns on their tanks, attempting to do something. Regardless, Liang hopped through the fire, letting the shells crash into the ground, which broke under their points of impact. By now, he was finished delaying. He flew forward, directly toward Lu, landing on the tank, directly in front of the hatch. And, before he even had time to process it, Liang plunged his Jian into his chest, killing him almost instantly. Then, Liang retreated, swinging his chain whip at the tank, cleaving it in half.

By this point, the change was clear, though some continued fighting, it was clear that the momentum was lost. Soon, some began to heed their words, dropping their weapons, while some HAUs and ships alike landed. With pilots and Operators exiting the cockpits of their HAUs and tanks respectively. Though, there was a separate case, the ace pilot, and his machine. Henrik Lundgren did not attack, nor did he surrender. Instead, he turned tail and began flying off.

“Well, looks like they’re done. There is not much I can do here… I'll return to base.”

Part B

Three hours after the deaths of Tsunan, Dasel, and Lu, the WFF charged into the base, taking their weapons, food, and other materials they’d likely need. Many of the Kaemerge troops had surrendered, or tried to escape. At this point, what happened to the second group was unknown to them. Along with their forces, three men in particular made their way to Tsunan’s old command center. While Liang and Zhang stood looking at one another, around the table that held the holographic map, Bijan tapped through a terminal, moving through whatever files he could get. The room was dimly lit, as it was before, with the blue light from the screen being the only source, besides what came in from the hallway.

“I've been meaning to ask you. Where else have commanded? You seem too good with this for this to be your first time leading an army.”Bijan questioned.

“Well, you'd be correct... My full name is Zhang Li Wei- "The Liberator", as some would call me.” Zhang answered, making Bijan look at him over his shoulder.

“The one who helped to take the Zhūhóng out of power? You’re a living legend!”

“I suppose you could say that. We decided to keep our weapons on hand in case something went wrong. From what we've seen so far, the "Republicans" and their Federation aren't that much of a step up from what the Emperor and Chamber Of 6 were… We don't exactly know if we can trust them as of now, but I suppose we'll find out.”

As the man finished, Lafeyah put his gaze forward.

“I'm sure you'll be able to fight easier- now that we control the sigma particle generators, we can keep them from interrupting communications. It's a pity about your men, though.”

Behind him, Liang scoffed.

“Pity means nothing coming from us… It's not like we knew any of them.”

“You're really pessimistic- you know that?” Lafeyah shot back.

“I wouldn’t say pessimistic, I’d say realistic…”

Bijan simply sighed.

“Anyway- I found what we're looking for… They have Cuifen stored in a base on the outskirts of Lhasa. There's nothing about the location of the other bases- outside of a few.”

Liang nodded in acknowledgment.

“Then I'm thinking they've learned from their mistakes… Perhaps they're doing the digital mapping on a regional basis?”

Bijan paused, as he considered the prospect.

“...That makes this a lot harder then. I'm gonna keep looking to see if I can find anything else.”

“Alright.” Liang responded

Bijan continued to absentmindedly tap through the files, as Zhang and Liang discussed the situation in the country since he left. With the problem of failure to rebuild apparently having become especially debilitating to the Cui Government’s legitimacy. After all, they didn’t allow them to take power just for nothing to change.

Like before, he blocked out the conversation, as he went through the files… Until he noticed something that caught his eye, he stopped clicking as he read the name of the folder. It was marked "Operations". He clicked on it, bringing up several operations, some of which he had heard of, or even vaguely remembered being involved in, or at least there when they happened.

“D’Bourret’s Rebellion-2003”

“Rendeil Insurgency-1957”

“Attack on Redale, Lutheria, 1978”

However, his gaze was focused on one in particular. For a city, he had been in for quite a bit before the tides arrived. To say that he was attached to it would be an understatement. It was practically his home. “Santa Maria- 2000”. Without hesitation, he tapped on it. And, as the file opened, his eyes glided along the page, as he scrolled further down, taking in the information.

"Operation Plans”

-Pose as Local Extremist group, attack city to

activate the abilities of in-active proto-humans, Take them for use as Military Assets

2.Spread Unrest and Confusion to further control in Niopolis and other areas."

That was obvious enough, he knew very well how this organization operated. However, his eyes widened, as he took notice of a single line. The ones behind this operation.

"Organizers, Farid and Safie Lafeyah"

As he took note. His expression of interest turned into one of rage. He gritted his teeth as he clenched his fist. The anger became more visible as his eyes narrowed, and his brows arched.

“On top of what they've done to me... They're the ones responsible for that as well? I knew you were scum, but this... DAMMIT!”

Bijan slammed his fist on the display, which caught the attention of Liang, and Zhang, who both looked over at him.

“What, did you find something else?”Liang asked

Bijan remained silent as he took in the information... It was about a minute or two after that he finally gave an answer.

“Yeah, but that just means I have more questions to ask those two when we get to Tsugashuan.”

Bijan turned away from the terminal and began a brisk walk out of the room, and into the hallway, Nodding at Zhang as he walked past. Liang soon went to follow him, as he exited, he looked over his shoulder at the supreme commander.

“I wish you luck, Zhang The Liberator… We all have our battles to take care of.”

“The same to you, Yu Liang”

To Be Continued

Even with the battle finished, the reason for their quest, still found herself in the isolation room within the fortress. Cuifen sat in the bed, her gaze set on the ceiling. The sounds around here were as they usually were, the whirr of a camera lens, the hum of the lights above her, nothing that she hadn’t grown used to. Though, a somewhat uncommon sound reverberated through the room, footsteps. Now, her gaze moved to her left, where she saw Agni behind the glass, looking down upon her.

“Yu Cuifen… I have some interesting news. That brother of yours is in the region.”

Cuifen’s eyes widened in her surprise.

“Liang… he's back?”

“Don't get your hopes up… even if he does get past their forces, he will not make it to you. He will be slaughtered like those Ardamites.”

Cuifen glowered at the man as he made that statement.

“You're wrong, my brother is strong!!! And if I found out your forces killed him-- I'll, I'll take care of you myself!!!”

However, his expression remains unchanged, even with her threats. In fact, rather than the intended effect of intimidation, it had the opposite, as Agni let out a hearty laugh in response.

“As If some sickly girl stands a chance… Need I remind you that you are only bait- we simply need to lure those two here- I could kill you at any time, so you'd better behave…. “