Expedition report from RG-5

Area of recon: Shore of Meilume due east of Galdush

Report carried out by Lieutenant Eric Ross

Report states: RG-5 has encountered an elven outpost on its way to the shore. The purpose of these outposts is to act as checkpoints for the Imperial army as well as to maintain surveillance within an area. The outpost encountered by RG-5 had thirty soldiers guarding it. RG-5 attempted peaceful contact, however the elves engaged and RG-5 retaliated. All enemies have been neutralized and RG-5 has suffered no casualties and the outpost has been searched. Upon reaching the shore, RG-5 made peaceful contact with a local fishing village. They helped in local affairs, such as hunting down several feral welfen and repairing their equipment. In return, the locals gave them information on the coast south of the North Alston river. There are seven villages between the river and the Alston kingdom border and three more north of the river, which make up the fishing community of the southeast coast of the empire. The southeast coast and shore is patrolled by the Imperial third fleet with its center in the port-city of Cheemo. Further information is required.

Other news: The airstrip has been finalized and drones have been sent to various locations. New findings include the official location of the river-city Kuruk to the north and Imperial fort Mundus to the west. A large cluster of Imperial soldiers has been seen gathering on the opposite side of the North Alston river. Numbers count between one hundred and one hundred and fifty thousand, including auxiliary troops. No signs of any movement south of the river. Will continue to observe. The CIA has been able to establish a network in the Meilume capital and leading agent, Edward Garcia, has confirmed that the nobility is attempting to flee the are. RG-3 is advised to speed up. As for the city itself, the population is estimated to be roughly six hundred thousand with a fortifications and a force of ten thousand soldiers. No elements of any Imperial spy network has been discovered.

28th day of late yellow season, 3000th cycle

Meilume capital, Empire of light

General Laeroth's words reached the nobility of Meilume and they heed its instructions. Lord Bellon Belus rushed his family and the guard commander followed. Servants carried bags and soldiers formed a formation to escort them to Una, where they will meet with the army that will bring them to the other side of the river and then to the city of Imslone. Bellon was always a father and husband first, and lord second. Nearly two hundred thousand soldiers were slaughtered in less than a moon cycle. That was proof enough that he needed to leave the capital and save his family. Abandoning his city in the face of the enemy was an act of cowardice, often severely punished, but he would take any punishment for those he loved. He would not be like his father.

Bellon walked through the halls and double-checked every room. "Hurry up! Leave anything not of use! Leave the valuables, they are only dead weight!"

"Bellon!", a woman called him.

"Nimriel.", he said.

"Must we leave? This has been our home for cycles. And our family's home for far longer. Leaving it is-"

"It is the only way. The only way for us to live. We must, Nimriel. If we do not, the enemy will take us."

"But Bellon-"

"Think of our daughter, Nimriel. Think of Taria. What if those barbarians breach the walls? After they're done with the peasants, do you believe they will spare us? I will not allow such a thing to happen."

And speak of the devil, Taria appeared from the corner, wearing a battle uniform with a sword sheathed on her left hip and holding a helmet in her right hand. "I am ready father."

Bellon couldn't say he was shocked too much. Since she was little she used to sneak into the courtyard and train with the guard commander. He knew and let her do what she wanted. It made her happy. But this was uncalled for.

"Stop fooling around Taria.", Bellon said, "This is a serious matter."

"Then take me seriously.", Taria responded, "The enemy is coming and I must be ready."

"You are not staying. You are coming with us to Imslone."

"I am not. I will not commit an act of cowardice and leave my post."

"Your post is beside me. I am your father!"

"I am not a little girl anymore! I have trained with Aego for over a hundred cycles! I am ready!"

"This enemy destroyed two armies and bested two generals! We stand no chance! Our only choice is to flee as far as we can and let the armies deal with them. Best we can hope to do is slow them down."

"You dare doubt our guard like that, father! These soldiers are just as strong as those of the Imperial army and our walls have held off the rosians and ferals! We can-"

"Do you not hear me you silly girl!", Bellon's voice boomed through the walls and made the servants and guards stop in their tracks, "I do not care for your illusions! The enemy is real! Wars are bloody and repulsive and not a place for you! You are the daughter of a lord! You are the heir to Meilume and a member of the Belus family! You will cease this foolishness at once and act accordingly!"

This was the loudest Bellon ever had to shout. He could feel his throat hurting. Taria could only feel tears falling down her cheeks as she lowered her head in shame. In truth, she just wanted to prove she was as capable as she claimed. That despite being a girl she could live in the world of men. But her dreams would have to wait. Bellon groaned and shook his head as he kept walking down the hall. Nimriel hugged her daughter and tried to reassure her everything will be alright, but her words fell to deaf ears.

As Nimriel left, someone else walked over to Taria from behind. As he placed his hand on her shoulder, Taria turned around and saw a man she thought of as her second father. "Aego.", she said through tears.

"Do not be saddened, my lady.", he said as he wiped her tears, "Your father said what he said because he cares. You are his only daughter, more valuable to him then this entire world. He only wants what is best for you. And right now, the best for you is to go to Imslone."

"B-But the enemy. What will you do?"

"I am coming with you, my lady. I left my first captain in charge. He will make sure these otherworlders were bleed for this city."

Taria hugged him, still shedding tears, "Thank you Aego. Thank you."

Aego hugged her back. The love between them was mutual.

---

29th of June, 2070

Since the Rift Groups programs have been initiated, soldiers all around have been eager to join. Some more than others, some less. But none were as stocked as sergeant Emma Davis. The second youngest member of RG-1, she was nicknamed 'Trigger-finger' for a reason. Great results in the shooting range, but not much else. Still, when she heard the 'Prodigy' was joining she couldn't control herself. Ever since they left for Alston, she's been clinging to Logan like a leach.

"Sir, how many people have you killed?", she asked.

"I lost count.", Logan answered.

"Sir, why have you joined the army?"

"It's a family tradition."

"Sir, have you been shot?"

"Yes."

"Sir, may I see it?"

"No."

"Sir, why did you leave the special forces?"

Logan didn't answer that one.

"Sir-"

"Emma, shut up already.", Jacob said.

"Yeah, I think you're getting on the captain's nerves.", Michael said.

Staff sergeant Jacob Brown and corporal Michael Hoilman, Emma's friends since high school and pretty much the only reason she's not in jail. They've stuck by her side, being her big brothers for years and kinda grown attached to her. It was like having a little sister.

"No I'm not.", Emma said.

"Yes you are.", Jacob said.

"You hold your captain in quite a high regard.", said Krolm, the leanoid, "Why?"

"Are you kidding me?", Emma said, "He's Logan Connors. All of Fort Bragg and the rangers know about him."

"Are rangers perhaps elites in your army?", asked Kai, the welfen.

"We're rangers.", said veteran sniper sergeant Nick Harper aka 'Bullseye', "We're a strike fast group made for quick attacks and quick action. We're not like the rest of the army that fights on the front lines. We fight in forests, towns, cities, forts, you name it. We hit fast, hard and take care of our mission."

"Hell yeah we do!", shouted lieutenant Lamar Jones, the 'Heavy gunner'.

"Interesting.", said Clara, the lepian, "So that's why you have us with you. It makes sense, you don't really need us on the front lines when you got your large cannons and these armored carriages."

RG-1 wasn't just a normal group. It was the only group with sixty-six soldiers and a captain, along with twice as many vehicles. This made them quite a force and that was necessary since they were being deployed to the border of Alston. After prince Bodin agreed to assist REC he chose three people who would aid him. Gregor Bachwich, son of Herwin Bachwich, the baron of the border town of Afa. He will important in establishing first contact with the rosians. Lieutenant Pallius Blazewing, son of Lor Blazewing, a great military figure in the Opherin army. The Opherin kingdom prides itself with a great military history, having fought more battles than any rosian kingdom or duchy in history. And finally, a youngster names Matheo Calo. There was nothing special about him other than him being prince Bodin's personal squire. He's been with Bodin for years and the two became more than just prince and servant. Furthermore, Bodin promised Matheo he would bring him back to his mother in Olinor. Prince Bodin himself didn't choose to come along. His reasoning was that he wants to present himself in front of all the kings and dukes when they all gather together. One more person did come with them. Ambassador Eugene Anderson. Together, they will establish peace. Or war.

Right now they were on their way to Afa, only several more minutes. In the LAV where the tribals were, private first-class Ethan Williams sat, writing in his journal. HE was the youngest and newest addition to the group. Fresh off the academy, he graduated to be a sniper and was eager to learn from both Logan and Nick. But something kept him from them. Next to him sat Carla, who kept eyeballing him and his weapon. Ethan was nervous, he wasn't used to girls sitting near him, or even looking at him, and Carla seemed interested.

"What is this weapon?", she asked.

"O-Oh ummm, this?", he stuttered, "This is a modified and modernized Mk22 ASR sniper rifle. It can hit a target from about twenty two hundred yards away. In your measurements, that's four thousand leagues."

Carla's ears went up, "Amazing! I bet I could hunt a lot of meat with it."

"Well, ummm. It takes a lot of skill to use it. I could show you, sometime."

"Oh?", Carla raised an eyebrow and moved closer smiling, "I think I would like that.". She purred a little which made Ethan stutter and sweat. Across from the, Lin watched with her arms crossed.

"What?", Carla asked, "Envious?"

"Not at all.", Lin said as she grabbed Lamar's arm, "I prefer strong males.". Lamar opened his mouth but couldn't say anything. He and Ethan just stared at each other.

"Before your boners brake your belts and that LAV becomes hotter than a pizza oven at Papa John's , I wanna let you know we're almost there.", said lieutenant James Wilson over the comms from the leading JLTV , the most veteran among them, chosen to uphold discipline.

"Thank you.", said Logan.

"They seem to be getting along.", said ambassador Anderson.

"Indeed.", said Gregor, "I must say, you humans are more strange than you are frightening. The way you use words with one meaning for another. And your expressions as well. Definitely not the savages Canus described.

"I'm glad we could prove that to you. And it appears we are about to prove it to the rest of your kingdom.". They were nearly at Afa. This town serves as a fortified stronghold against the empire should they attack. It's walls were tall and thick, with bastion towers and a single entry gate. It would be difficult for the elves to take it.

"The town currently has a thousand soldiers protecting it. It usually three thousand, but two thousand went with me through the rift. Most likely on the orders of the elves, my father would never allow it."

"Only three thousand?", James asked.

"Three thousand official soldiers, but should the need arise we can recruit militia fighters from the residents. The town itself has a population of eighty thousand."

"That's a lot of people.", Eugene said.

"Yes. Luckily, it is able to support them, even if barely. The elves aren't exactly sharing people."

"That will all change soon."

As the convoy approached the gate, a balista javelin hit the road in front of them. The city defenders had assembled on the wall and aimed their weapons at them. While the vehicles are armored, the JLTVs have weak spots a javelin can pierce.

"Hold it!", shouted a man on the wall, presumably the commander, "Present yourselves immediately."

"I'll take care of this.", Logan said as he exited the JLTV with his hands raised, "I am Captain Logan Connors of the Rift Expeditionary Corps! We are from Galdush and have come to make peaceful relations with the kingdom of Alston!"

"Why should we listen to you!?"

"If not me, then how about someone more familiar!".

In that moment, Gregor stepped out of the JLTV and, to put it mildly, made the defenders' hearts skip a beat. "Commander Barion! It is good to see you!"

Barion couldn't even speak for moments. His young baron was alive. Against all odds, he made it back. "Y-Young baron!", he finally spoke, "You... You live! How!? And what are you doing with the enemy?!"

"I assure you, they are not the enemy! I will explain everything, but first, I need to ask you to open this gate and let these soldiers in!"

Barion hesitated for a moment, "B-But young ba-"

"Commander, do not make me order you!"

He immediately understood, "Open this gate immediately! Let them in! Someone inform the baron!"

The gate opened and the convoy made it in. Luckily, there was enough room to fit all of them in. Barion and his men, as well as the people could only stare in awe at what was before them. Truly, people from another world. The commander stepped down and greeted them as well as Gregor.

"Young baron, you have a lot of explaining to do.", Barion said.

"All will be explained soon.", Gregor said.

"Gregor!", shouted a little girl as she ran towards him.

"Elora.", Gregor said as he hugged her, "My little sister. It is good to see you.". Behind her came his mother and father, who at first walked slowly with tears in their eyes, not believing it's him.

"My son.", Herwin said as he hugged Gregor, "By the heavens. You live."

"Mother. Father. I have returned. Let me introduce you to someone. This is Lord Ambassador Eugene Anderson from the land of America on the other side of the rift. He is here to represent his country and the humans."

Herwin immediately walked to him and bowed, "I am Baron Herwin Bachwich. Thank you for sparing my son's life. It is an honor to have you here, Lord Anderson."

"The honor is mine baron.", Eugene said, "I hope we will be able to discuss peace with you and your kingdom."

This confused Herwin, "Peace?"

"I have much to tell you father.", Gregor said, "The prince lives."

Completely frozen, Herwin took a few moments to process that before replying, "He lives?"

"Enemies!", shouted a soldier from the wall. Commander Barion and Logan rushed up the wall. Logan grabbed his binoculars and observed the enemy from a distance. They came from a treeline, they're camp was behind it, otherwise RG-1 would have spotted them.

"I count five hundred.", Logan said, "Various races. Elves, rosians, ferals."

"How?", Barion asked.

"These are binoculars. They allow me to see things from a distance. Try it."

Logan handed the binoculars to Barion, who observed them for a few moments before putting them on his eyes and faced the enemy. "Incredible."

Barion handed them back but Logan refused, "Keep it, I have a spare. I can get the elves, but why are your people attacking you?"

"Those bastards aren't our people. They are traitors and thieves who think the kingdom is done for. So they run to the empire and beg them for forgiveness.". He spat in disgust.

"And the elves. They don't look like the army."

"They most likely were. They call them rogues, those who stray from their so-called 'Path of light'. Both of these traitors sicken me."

"Then let us help you."

"Why would you help us?"

"If we're gonna be at peace with one another, we have to establish a certain level of trust, don't we?"

Barion pondered for a bit before answering, "Very well. I am eager to see the army that defeated the elves."

Nodding Logan walked to the edge of the wall and faced his men."Jones, take your men and mount the machine guns! Davis, bring the ammo! Williams, Harper, get to higher ground and shoot anyone that looks important or a large threat! Wilson, take Green and set up the mortar! Move it, they'll be here in minutes!"

RG-1 immediately went to work. Jones and his men carried the machine guns from the trucks and mounted them on the walls, Williams and Harper climbed up the tallest tower they could find and got into position. Wilson set up the 60mm mortar in the town square.

"I think we should get to safety.", Eugene said.

"You are right.", Herwin said, "Follow me."

Logan got into position with his Mk30 SCAR chambered in 7.62mm. "Commander, I need a favor."

"What is it, captain?", Barion asked.

"If these guys fire arrows, we don't have shields to defend ourselves. You think your men can take of that?"

"Certainly. Get the shields ready! Protect their soldiers!". In moment, each ranger had a rosian soldier behind him or her with a shield ready. It was time to fight.

The horde moved closer and closer. First they walked and then picked up the pace as they put shields above their heads. Naturally the ferals ran towards the wall like rabid animals. "Hold!", Logan said as he gripped his gun, "Wait for them to get closer!". There was one elf on a horse swinging his sword and giving commands. Not for long.

"It's all you kid.", Harper said as he watched Williams aim his shot.

Letting out a breath, Williams pulled the trigger and splattered the elf's brain all over the field. "Boom boom motherfucker."

"Weapons free! Light them up!", Logan shouted as the rangers opened fire on the ferals. The freaks fell by the dozens as bullets pierced their chest, heads, legs, arms and turned them to cold, dead corpses. The mortar fired at the enemies behind them, who stopped in their tracks, clearly confused and terrified. The rangers aimed their weapons at them and started cutting them down.

"Get some, blueberries!", Davis shouted, "Come closer! I dare ya!"

The few dozen that survived retreated back to the trees. The rangers cheered, but the rosians didn't cheer as much as they stared in awe. Now they see why the elves lost, these people are powerful.

Commander Barion walked to Logan, "Thank you for the assistance. But I doubt this is the last we have seen of them."

"I know.", Logan said, "That's why I'll have one of my guys scout those trees with a drone along with Lin and Clara.". Logan walked down to the two of them, "Scot! Get over here!"

"Coming!", Scot answered. Scot Green aka 'Mechanic', was the group's engineer. He was also their drone pilot. "Yes sir?"

"I need you to pilot the Fly into those tree lines and scout for the enemy.". The SPFD Fly was a small recon drone invented by DARPA to save both room and energy. Solar-powered and long-lasting battery, coupled with its long range and small size made it a very useful tool to have in recon missions. "Lin, Carla, you two are also going. I need good eyes and ears over there."

"Sure thing, sir.", Lin said saluting the best she could.

"You two do know how to use a radio, right?"

"Of course we do.", Clara said, "We're not idiots."

"Good. Go.". Lin and Carla ran to the trees as Scott maneuvered the Fly.

The baron and his family, along with Ambassador Eugene walked over to the soldiers. The baron was first to speak, "That was... most impressive. But I must ask. Why peace? Surely you seem powerful enough to take the kingdoms by force."

"Because my people aren't barbarians, baron.", Anderson said, "If peace can be made, then we will do anything to make it a reality."

"I see. And the prince? What does he say about this?"

"You can ask him yourself.", Anderson said as he nodded to Logan who signaled his men to set up a desk and a large screen. "With this device we can talk to the prince and even see him."

"Amazing.", said Herwin as he eagerly awaited to see his prince. After some preparations, the screen was ready and it turned on. The lights slightly startled the rosians before the screen was clear and on it was prince Bodin himself. "My... My prince.", Herwin said as he knelt, "It is a miracle. You truly live."

"Baron Bachwich.", Bodin spoke, "Please, rise. I am not before you just yet. This is strange for me as well. Am I correct to assume the human soldiers have arrived?"

"Yes, my prince. They recently just helped us crush an attack from a bandit horde."

"Do you then see why I have chosen to make peace with these people?"

After a momentary pause, Herwin nodded, "I do, my prince. It is incredible to see that a nation so powerful is willing to make peace with its enemy and not subdue it."

"We are not their enemy, baron. The elves and their empire is. This is why they chose to make peace peace with us. They understand we are just vassals forced to fight. I suggest you hear Lord Anderson out."

As they were talking, Scot called for Logan, "Sir. I have a visual."

Logan nodded, "Alright. Commander Barion, would you like to see the enemy?"

"Yes.", Barion answered, "Show me."

Scot pulled up the video feed on his screen, "This is their camp. I count roughly three thousand. Lin and Carla confirm."

"Where are those two?", Logan asked.

"In the trees."

"Call them back and give me the radio.", Logan took the radio, "Galdush base. Come in Galdush base. This is Captain Logan Connors of Rift Group 1. Do you copy? Over."

After a few moments the radio spoke, "Copy Rift Group 1. Sitrep. Over."

"Galdush, we have made contact with border town Afa. Upon entry we engaged a third party, designation rogue elves and bandit rosians. Half a battalion attacked us but we drove them off. We confirm the enemy numbers in three thousand, various races. What's the status on our air forces? Over."

"Three air squadrons of Invictus ACs and a Boeing Stratofortess is currently being fueling and . Should be ready in half an hour."

"Galdush I request a tactical bombing run. The are will be marked via drone. How copy?"

The radio went silent for a few moments before speaking again, "Affirmative RG-1. Stratofortress will be up in the air as soon as possible. Make sure to mark the area. Galdush out."

"Copy that Galdush. RG-1 out."

"What was that?", Barion asked.

"You're gonna get another demonstration."

"Captain!", Carla shouted as she ran towards him. "I have eliminated an enemy scout.", she said as she extended a severed head towards Logan.

Logan smacked his lips before replying, "I see. Get rid of it."

"Yes sir.", Carla said as she tossed the head to a nearby pile of trash.

'At least she's helping', Logan thought.

---

(Two hours later)

The bandits and rogues were sitting in their tents, trying to plan an attack. The otherworlders were an unexpected problem, but hopefully a problem they could be dealt with.

"Alright, listen.", said an elf, "We'll strike at night. It didn't work last time because there were too many of them, but I reckon there can't be more than a few dozen of them."

"That doesn't matter.", said a rosian, "I've seen what that few can do."

"You attacked with five hundred to scout their defenses. You were never supposed to win. Besides, we can use the tribals to deal with them. As we are attacking the front, they will go to the sides and strike."

"Are you sure this will work?"

"Yes. Soon, Afa will be ours."

In that moment, an elf rushed into the tent, "Sir, you must come see this!"

They left the tent and came to the center of the tent. The one who called them pointed upwards into the sky. There they saw something flying. A wyvern? No, it was too big. Its wings didn't flap. What could it be? As it flew over them, something fell from it. Many egg-like things started falling and as they fell to the ground, they engulfed the camp in fire and shook the earth. In moments, the whole camp was on fire and everyone was either dead or dying. The ground was turned to a burning pile of scorched bodies.

If there were any doubts about the power of the otherwolders left, they were long gone now.

---

(Meanwhile)

Road to Una

The Belus family along with commander Aego and two hundred soldiers were on their way to Una. Taria did not wish to ride with her father and so she rode on a horse along side Aego. Their hopes were that they would reach Una in several days and then cross the river.

"My lady.", Aego spoke, "Are you certain you should be riding along side me and not in the carriage?"

"I do not wish to speak to my father.", Taria said, "At least not now."

"I assumed we cleared this matter."

"We have but... I still need time."

Aego sighed, "I understand. Still, you should not hate him for-", he stopped and halted the soldiers.

"What?"

"Something is not as it should be. This outpost is quiet.". The soldiers tensed up. They could also feel that something wasn't right. In a split second, Aego was shot by an arrow in the side.

"Ambush!", Taria yelled out. Suddenly, elves, welfen and leanoids ran from the sides and the outpost. The soldiers prepared but found themselves overwhelmed by the enemies' numbers. Rogue elves fired arrows at them while welfen and leanoids exploited weaknesses and struck. Still, the soldiers fought hard, making sure the traitors and savages suffer. The enemy numbers were dropping, but not quickly enough. Taria used her training and cut down several rogues before crouching down to help Aego.

"Aego!", she yelled, "Aego hold on! You will live! Please!". She cried as he struggled to breathe. He grabbed her arm and pushed her to the side, just in time for her to dodge a spear from a leanoid. She watched as Aego spat blood before dying, his life leaving his body. In pure rage she screamed and struck the leanoid in the side. Pulling out her sword she blocked a strike from a rogue, stepped closer and headbutted him before slitting his throat.

Turning to her left she saw the rogues and tribals dragging her family. "Father!", she yelled, but couldn't help as a rogue hit her in the back of the head, knocking her down on the ground. Her blurred vision fading away as the rogue smiled down at her.

"Sweet dreams, little girl.", was what he said before she passed out completely.

End of chapter 9