War, is such a strange notion, especially to those who have the capacity to see how dreadfully wasteful such an event can be. So many lives lead to their death for the sake of a country's interests. These interests rarely apply to those fighting said wars. It is indeed odd for me, a living breathing weapon of war to make such a comment, yet the signs were all there from history. Take the initial conflict that broke out between the Samsiran Empire and the Martop Imperium. This conflict may seem insignificant in the great annals of history, but if you look close enough you would see that it had worldwide implications.

The conflict began on Imperial Calander 789th Grand Cycle. Samsiran troops were placed on the border of the disputed territories, a land that had changed ownership many times between the Samsiran and Martopian people. This land was named Ferdinas and was populated initially by escaped Martopian slaves that sought aid from the Empire. This event led to various skirmishes, seizing the city of Ferdinas many times over. As time passed the population quickly blended together with Martopian and Samsiran communities. Forming the bases of the new Ferdinas provisional government.

These two communities out of desperation to end the continued tug of war sought to declare themselves independent and under the jurisdiction of the recently formed Union of Civilisations or UC for short. The Ferdinas government was led by their elected Chancellor Veltan Icarun who was of both Martopian and Samsiran descent. Levied for aid and the establishment of new borders. The disputed land became more and more complex as both the Samsiran and Martopian delegates constantly bickered over whom held jurisdiction.

The Union stepped in to aid the Ferdinas government with a declaration of independence supported by the Union. Both the Samsiran and Martopians were steadfast in their opposition to the Union's interference but were unable to intercede. This gave Chancellor Veltan the political clout to ensure his declaration was solidified and could endure the opposition of two major nations. Yet, his victory was short-lived as the internal racial issues within Ferdinas came to the forefront. Likely exasperated by Samsiran and Martopian insurgents.

His declaration never reached legitimacy before Chancellor Veltan was assassinated along with his entire family in an explosion. This event sparked a chain of events that lead to worldwide war bringing every member nation into the conflict. War in itself is a wasteful endeavour yet it can be sparked by the smallest of events, from a border dispute to an assassination. By regular means, this conflict would have just been a declaration of war between two nations that despised each other. Due to past tragedies and atrocities. Of course, life never seems to be that simple, this event led to further escalation bringing all nations into a climactic war.

Breaking away from my internal musings I returned to the cold reality. I am seated on some sort of wooden barrel gazing out towards the forest. The entrance to this designated refugee camp was wide open and could easily ferry an army through. Perhaps even heavy vehicles but it would be a tight squeeze. I cast my gaze away from that spot and reach for the grass below my feet. Leaning forward I pluck the oddly coloured fauna with my thumb and index finger.

Inspecting the purple grass gently grasped within, I notice a faint shift in colour from its regular purplish-green to a greener hue. Curious I raise the grass higher to inspect it from below and noticed the change of colour was more prominent. In fact, it was shifting with an increasingly rapid pace between, purple, green and a slight tinge of gold.

Despite the obvious bizarre fauna, the presence of grass and life strangely appealed to me. I'm not sure why but life, in general, seemed like an oddity at first. Perhaps it is because for most of my life I had only witnessed a wasteland of a planet. I find the sight oddly comforting, it's hard to describe further than that, perhaps the persistence of life is something I admire. Well, I best leave such thoughts behind, events are unfolding before me. The tribal leaders had convened a war council with all representatives. Realising the meeting is about to begin I make my way forward towards the tent. Entering through the animal skin flap I take stock of the room.

The population is similar to the previous with Jenateri representing the refugees, the two leaders of Oghala, Pok and Zatrophos. I step forward and am ready for my speech. On the small wooden table is a datapad projecting a hologram, when we first unveiled this to the Garudan they were shocked. I even noticed they had the urge to grasp the holographic map but suppressed themselves. Perhaps trying to retain their dignity or pride, regardless they quickly acclimated. Recognizing the hologram depicted a three-dimensional map of their land. Casting my gaze, I inspect the area once more, it depicted a vast valley with several mountains in the northern distance. Our location was marked with a black diamond in the centre. The map shows the surrounding forested area covering the surrounding, another black marker was placed north of our location.

I turn to everyone and begin the explanation of our plan, pointing towards the camp entrance specifically the dirt road, leading out. I explain the plan of setting makeshift barricades as a line of defence. This was immediately questioned by the two leaders almost simultaneously but I managed to explain further. I had planned to lead the enemy into a trap by setting up a false barricade made of wood with spears placed upright behind the defence. Giving off the illusion of a defensive force meeting the attackers. The refugees on the other hand will be safely hidden within the forest. I shift my finger to the entrance specifically the left and right sides. Requesting Jenateri and her people lead a stealth scouting mission.

With Pok assisting with the scouting mission, I turned to Zatrophos detailing his part to play, he would take squad liberty to hide within the western forest. The element of surprise is critical for this battle, the fact that the enemy is unaware of our true military capability is key. I had planned to unleash his squad who had been eager for bloodshed, given how excited they were at the prospect, odd since they were going against not only Garudan's but their own kind.

Placing that into the back of my mind I turned back to the task at hand, glaring at the holographic map. I considered another key element. From what Pok was able to gather from the refugee the enemy is not as united as they claim. The structure of the enemy force is quite brittle. Previously during the invasion of Reporak, the western lands were once controlled by the Gabinak tribe. I believe the invaders call themselves the Uhuran Theocracy. According to Jenateri after what I can only assume was some form of a long period of insulting their society and ancestors, she explained the basic information.

The Theocracy was initially a union of tribes that adhered to the Uhuran way, a religion so to speak that honoured the sky fall deities. The doctrine of faith had since fallen out of favour for most of the southern tribes. Their religion is quite complicated but the basic doctrine is the sky fall deities created the Garudan species and will return to unite all of Garuda. These gods are nameless and live amongst the stars or the blackened sea above, they mark each constellation as a deity of sorts.

The Theocracy initially had very little power over the south and had been heavily suppressed by the warriors of Zagagord, a western province of barbarians bordering the Uhuran's. Once the arrival of the Wokan legitimised their claims in their eye of the Theocracy, they saw a resurgence. With aid of said sky deities, the western Zagagordan warrior clans were crushed by a small force under Randax, their supposed God. Refugees fled from the western clans south and were taken in by the Roporakan people. With the western enemy silenced the Uhurans began their conquest south. The lands of Getabor, Pol-Tak and Okh Rid all fell to the Uhuran army commanded by Wokan soldiers. The last was the people of Roporak who ferried the northern refugee's the Noped forest to hide. That brings us to now, with an Uhuran force bearing down on us, yet we still have advantages, such that I will exploit.

Twenty Minor Cycles Later, Noped Forest, Gabinak Refugee Camp.

The preparations have been made, everyone is in position, and each squad is linked to my comm unit embedded in my exo-suit. I am currently camped atop a tall tree with a perfect sightline towards the encroaching enemy. Cradled in my arm is a weapon I had not anticipated to be found nor knew existed. Zatrophos stated it was of Demthesian design. The long-range electromagnetic rail sniper rifle is considered an obsolete design but still quite a deadly long-range weapon. Nothing fancy, the weapon has a long cylindrical barrel connected to a rectangular chamber and triangular stock.

The weapon can interface with my suit displaying an ammo capacity in the top right corner of my heads-up display. Looking down the scope, I can perceive the enemy formation from this distance. The refugees along with the help of the Oghalan were able to set up the makeshift barricade. Wooden spears were placed behind the wooden barricades to simulate the presence of Garudan defenders, along with a few false bodies made from stuffed animal hides. The majority of the refugees had been moved deep into the forest with every possession they had. The Oghalan army had volunteered to defend the refugees in the worst-case scenario, aiding in the escape further south.

The goal of this operation was to eliminate the enemy commander according to the remaining Gabinak and Zagagordian warriors. The death of a Wokan commander tends to demoralise the loyalist Uhuran's. One such case was a stray arrow that managed to pierce a Wokan commander in the eye, he apparently fell forward and the arrow was pushed into his brain killing him. His death set off a chain reaction causing the Uhuran forces to split apart, the hardcore members launching blindly at the enemy whilst others fled screaming that God's dying, it is the end times.

I suppose in certain circumstances religious fanatics can make great soldiers as long as their faith remains intact. I wonder how well the Followers of Meraxis fought on the battlefield, well they are likely all dead so it no longer matters. With such thoughts placed far in the back of my mind, I turn my gaze to the battlefield. The Uhuran army has arrived and they are as expected, a mishmash of Uhuran tribals each with apparently no modern armour. Yet many if not all have some kind of laser and kinetic weapons. Lining my scope to observe the enemy's truly poor formation I inspect their weapons. Most have rifles similar to Zatrophos's recycler, perhaps they were given a stash of Wokan weaponry.

The enemy is lined up or at least as close to a line as they can ever get, around a few hundred Uhurans cobbled together. Behind them is a large Demthesian heavy vehicle. It is grey in colour and rectangular in shape like most Demthesian vehicles. Running on tracks with a large mounted Gatling laser on the top. I can spot a driver's screen just below the manned weapon. Within the likely heavily armoured vehicle is the clear vision of a Wokan. I turn to my communication links and access Zatrophos's commlink and video feed, the screen appearing on my HUD flashes with his viewpoint.

He is peering behind a tree, weapon in hand towards the enemy's formation. Several others in the squad are also concealing themselves behind the dense foliage. I speak directly to him and request a status report. "Squad leader, what's your status?" I request in a somewhat eager tone, as I am most worried, he may go on a rampage. Zatrophos is quite the aggressive member of his species, apparently, he has no issue firing upon his own people, if they are the enemy.

His grizzly voice comes over the communicator. "Status is bored commander, when can we kill something?" I can hear several laughs from the rest of the squad, they are indeed eager for blood. Normally such individuals would not make for good loyal troops but in times such as these, I can't afford to be picky.

I nod to myself, reaffirming my resolve to commit to the next action and speak up, delivering my orders. "Remain there until I give the order, bloodshed will come as I doubt the enemy has any desire for diplomacy." Immediately after I spoke another round a snickering comes from the squad. I listen for a time before a loud amplified voice can be heard. I glance back to the battlefield and a loudspeaker can be seen amplifying the voice of what I think is Garudan.

The individual is speaking in a southern dialect for some reason, so I can understand him, at least the majority. The voice is high pitched which makes it rather uncomfortable on my ears, but I listen regardless. "For the glory of the sky fall God's, his divine eminence Randax God King of Uhura has decreed this land seized by the Uhuran Theocracy!" He states clearly and with a religious fervour that makes his little speech seem fanatical. He pauses for a time before continuing his proclamation. "By his divine eminence decree, lay down your arms and kneel in reverence to your new God and renounce all heathens." The speaker then steps forward, his voice amplification equipment held in his right hand, near his mouth and finishes his speech. "All heathens that resist shall be purged and only the righteous shall live within his holy world, so sayeth Randax!" The rest of the army roar as if in the triumph of an already secured victory, too bad really, they seem quite ecstatic.

I turn to my other communications link and speak to Pok who is currently with the scouts. "Pok, have you managed to reach the destination?" There is a sullen silence for a short time before he replies with a simple affirmation and now the plan can begin. I return to my weapon's scope and aim directly at the former speaker's skull, hovering my index finger over the trigger. The third communication link lights up on my HUD, this communication link is connected to the Oghalan leadership. Casting my gaze to the link, I quickly deliver my orders. "Begin." With a single word, the battle shall commence in earnest.

Looking back down the scope I notice the makeshift barricades with spears sticking out behind them. Since the Uhuran army had not heard a reply, they began opening fire. Laser arcs and kinetic ammunition littered the refugee camp. Tents were torn to shreds; makeshift houses were obliterated under the constant barrage of these deadly weapons. The sporadic firing eventually stopped as the wooden barricade was torn to pieces. The army began to march forward entering the refugee camp. The army looked high and low and of course, could not find a single Garudan within, and like that it begins.

With nearly half the enemy's number now pouring into the remains of the refugee camp. I turned to a device laid gently on a tree trunk. This device is a smaller data pad used primarily as a detonator. After the meeting I had, some of my troops pilfered every piece of useful hardware from the ship. This yielded some very useful little gadgets. One was a nice chunk of the ordinance, enough to level this entire forest. I am concerned as to why such weapons were aboard that ship but glad, they're in my hands. An explanation of these explosives yielded that only a small fraction of them could be used to cause major damage and that is exactly what I plan to do.

Once the enemy force had marched directly into my little kill zone. I moved my hand over to the detonator, the small button written in Shahnese was glowing brightly. With a single tap, I could destroy around a hundred lives. Strangely I hesitated, this action would cause many deaths. I couldn't describe this instinct as if there was something on the back of my mind compelling me to retract my hand. I decided to ignore it and immediately sentenced my enemies to death. Tapping the detonator with my finger, it lights up signally the engagement.

The ground shook violently followed by a loud, ear-shattering series of explosions. I had previously made sure my allies and troops are prepared but indeed the explosion was far greater than anticipated. I cast my gaze towards the refugee camp, examining the situation through my scope. The camp was now in ruins, the events following the flash of white light revealed the carnage I had wrought on the enemy. The scene was filled with chard corpses, stray fires, and obliterated buildings along with a few screams of wayward survivors, likely to die from their wounds.

I could drown myself in the grotesque sight but decided to turn my gaze to the task at hand. I glanced down my scope aiming at the remaining army. Placing my sight directly on the heavy vehicle's turret operator, before sending a signal to my troops to attack. The remaining army only a hundred strong remained in front of their vehicle with completely demoralised and fearful faces. Even their little speaker was stunned in silence. What followed was even more carnage, I accessed the video feeds of the two squad leaders. Zatrophos and Pok's second in command Greska. Squad Honour and Liberty emerged from the western and eastern forests and immediately opened fire. Squad honour made not a single sound before bearing their weapons and firing arcs of deadly laser fire on the army's flank.

The two squads were like night and day with Zatrophos screaming the Wokan battle cry at top of his lungs. With the same ferocity as a beast, he charged into the enemy's ranks. Their ferocity was somewhat expected but their speed was truly impressive. My Garudan troops would fire and return to their cover, but the Wokan charged in without fear, as fast as lightning. The eastern flank of the enemy lay sprawled with bodies barely anyone was able to fire back. With only a few stray shots' not everyone hits centre mass. The Wokan squad on the western flank as seen through Zatrophos's video feed was truly a force to be reckoned with.

Well, before they get killed, I transferred my gaze to the scope, placing the sights on the turret operator and squeezing the trigger causing the weapon to light up. Following this, an electric discharge emerged from the weapon propelling a piece of metal through the air as if slicing reality apart. The next thing I could see was the turret operator's head exploding in a mass of blood and gore. With their fire support disabled I turned back to Zatrophos's video feed and watched his battle or slaughter I'm not sure which.

As if experiencing his perspective, I could see through his eyes as if I was there. The sight of him stomping on Garudan's head before ejecting his weapons ammo cartridge. His voice boomed with another battle cry, as he reloaded and began firing wildly into the enemy's ranks. Many enemies fell from his brutal yet efficient barrage of weapons fire. With each death, the enemy although still larger in number started to buckle and break in formation. I could already see if he cared to adjust his gaze from his next victim, how the enemy had started to break ranks and flee in all directions.

Truly this army was a poor excuse for a military force, simply utilising the wave tactic. Superior weaponry and religious zealotry were needed to keep the army cohesive, it is not an effective strategy. These zealot fools are no enemies I need to concern myself with, only the damage they can cause to civilians is all that needs to be taken into account. Realising the enemy is inferior in resolve I command Zatrophos to secure the vehicle and commander. He doesn't respond as he is firing his weapon into a zealot's corpse yet he is clearly dead. Is that some sort of tactic? Seem's like a waste of ammunition, regardless he acknowledges and heads towards the vehicle.

His body lowers and places his lower arms on the ground before propelling himself forward like some sort of predator. Launching himself over the crowd of fleeing masses he lands hard on the vehicle's roof with a loud thud. Raising his weapon, he opens fire on several Garudan soldiers rising from the top hatch. They are obliterated as expected. With their blood staining the vehicle's roof he quickly launches himself to the hatch. Bringing his weapon down he aims it down the hatch, the sight of a fearful Wokan can be seen, aiming a laser pistol.

Firing a few shots barely missing Zatrophos, causing the now angry Wokan to shoot the bastard in the shoulder. Blood sprayed from the wound and the sound of a weapon falling to the ground can be heard. Zatrophos then launched down the hatch and landed his right foot directly in the Wokan's chest pressing him to the floor. He then moved his gaze around the vehicle's internals, noticing a frightened Garudan cowering in the corner. He looks like the one who made the whole speech to the town, before the attack. Guess his words were simply that, air and sound.

Naturally, Zatrophos disregards him and immediately moves towards the downed and wounded Wokan commander. The fury in his eyes is rather evident and inspires raw untamed hatred. Zatrophos raises his rifle and roars his command to the furious Wokan. "Stay down, little low clutch... Before I make your clutch-mother regret not feeding you to the wild!" His tone was stern and laced with violent provocation. Yet the Wokan commander seemed relatively unfazed, his expression morphs into what would be considered a Wokan grin.

The downed and injured Wokan started smiling in glee before his raspy pain-filled voice spoke clearly, directed at Zatrophos. "Well, I will rather be a low clutch than a coward who let the last defence of Woka fall to the Legion!" The accusation was clear, especially when he began pointing his shaky fingers at Zatrophos. The pain seemed to not deter him as he glares angrily. The statement was followed by further words as if to mock him. "I heard how your clutch-kin died, burning from the inside while you wept like a birthing sow!" Now I am not well versed in Wokan culture but I think that was a clear insult and well done. This was obvious from the shaking video feed, Zatrophos is clearly enraged. The heavy breathing was also a dead giveaway along with the rising of his fists ready to strike.

With such a circumstance I quickly speak through the communications link, trying to calm him down. "Don't listen to him, he is just trying to rile you up, remember the mission." I speak in a slightly pleading tone as my preference would be that the enemy commander lives, he can be useful. Of course, my words go unheeded, Zatrophos drops his rifle and lunges forward. Grappling him with his lower hands he violently pulls him up. Grin still plastered across his face, a furious roar follows as the grinning Wokan is savagely beaten, one pounding punch at a time.

Blood splatters across the video feed, the Wokan commander is brutally beaten to near death, his screams of mercy drowning out my orders, ironically his grin left him pretty quickly. The face was beaten to an unrecognizable state even his clutch mother would likely not recognize him. Finally a roar unbefitting of my prior tone comes forth from my lips. "Squad leader Zatrophos, I command you to stop, now!" The pitch of my final word rises sharply accompanied by Zatrophos's laboured breath. Now absent the sound of flesh slamming against flesh. He had stopped as if coming to his senses. He drops the near-dead commander, slumping to the ground. The cowering Garudan yell's fearfully at the top of his lungs before fainting with a loud thud.

Now with some semblance of control, I order him to drag that lumbering meat to the top of the vehicle and end this meaningless battle. He complies and I witness Zatrophos drag the almost corpse up the ladder. Now out of the hatch, he throws him to the ground. Zatrophos steps forward, placing his right foot on his back, causing a slight groan of pain. Next, I hear a loud battle cry, followed by him firing wildly in the air. This action brings the attention of every fighting warrior. The sight of the nearly decimated Uhuran forces is a sight to see, gore and bloodied corpses litter the battlefield. Once they turn to witness their commander sprawled across the vehicle, their morale broke noticeably.

They ceased their firefight and many fell to their knees as if there were puppets with their strings cut. I order my soldiers to end their barrage leaving the rest of the Uhurans to surrender. Yet one remains to stand, still gripping his weapon whilst the others had already disarmed. This one immediately roared at the top of his lungs. "For Randax, the one true God!" Before bringing his weapon to bear on Zatrophos, realising the deadly intent. I align my scope and fire an electromagnetically propelled piece of metal, through his skull. His head explodes and his lifeless corpse falls into a slump, causing the remaining Uhurans to become even more demoralised. They slump down in total submission.

With this battle won I leave the confines of my perch and make my way towards the battlefield, I had yet to receive any further update on the other operation, so I briskly walked over. Arriving at the blood-covered arena of death I inspect the dead and captives. It seems we had no casualties or minor injuries. The enemy had insufficient weapons and armour along with limited battle tactics, the battle was not well fought. Against a vastly inferior foe, it's to be expected. Arriving near Zatrophos and Geska I notice the unconscious Wokan commander slumped on top of the vehicle, his arms dangling down the side and looking to be near death.