Hekker Mountain Ranges, 500 km east of Harley Quinn.

10:25, 28 Sept 2025

To welcome the Guest From East, Harley Quinn established Gandalf Medium Operating Base in Hekker Mountains. The idea was simple. TF Amethyst would launch as many disruptive attacks as possible while waiting for supply of ammunition from earth. Once they had enough fire power, they would then launch the decisive attack.

The unit that would carry the plan was 2nd Air Assault Brigade, under command of Colonel Meyer. Even though it had not yet in its fullest capacity, at least 2nd Air Assault Brigade already had a company of infantry, a platoon of Mortar 120 mm, a platoon of Howitzer 155 mm, and two platoons of M1152 Ripper. Other than his unit, Colonel Meyer also had 3rd Tuscan Vanguard Brigade to help him defend Gandalf MOB.

This morning, when he was studying the latest advance of the Guest From East, Colonel Meyer received a report that a deer entered a trap in the outer perimeter. Without delay, he went to check it.

Colonel Meyer had to make sure the event wouldn’t spark a conflict with Karuso Tribe. This mountain folk had lived on Hekker Mountains for more than two hundred years and they considered the whole mountain ranges and every living thing on it was their property.

As he walked over to the deer that hanging on the nets wire, Colonel Meyer said, “Nice catch.”

“Yes Sir,” replied Sergeant Beringer. “But it seems we have to butcher it.”

“Well, let’s see it positively. It must be 40 kg of good meat, at least.”

In an instant Sergeant Beringer grinned for ear to ear. “Aye Sir.”

With the help from two other personnel, Sergeant Beringer put the deer out of the net wire. After that, they butchered it to end its suffering and started a swift work on it. At the same time, a middle-aged man with expressionless face came out from the tree line.

The middle-aged man had a lean but sturdy body. His height was around 186 cm and with a single glance, it was easy to tell that he was an excellent hunter and skillful fighter. Other than leather armor, he wore shirt and pant made of rough clothes, along with tightly tight gladiator sandals.

As for weapons, he had a short saber in left waist, dagger and quiver full of arrows in right waist, and a hunting bow in his back.

The middle-aged man stopped right before Colonel Meyer. Then, in a stiff and serious tone he said, “Chief Meyer, just a reminder, your tribe and mine had already signed a pact.

Your tribe can build a stronghold in this mountain, and your people can explore all forest, valley, and other part of this mountain as long as they don’t hunt or harvest without our permission.”

As he looked at the middle-aged man in the eye, Colonel Meyer replied, “Shahi, I remember it.”

Shahi immediately turned his gaze towards the half-skinned deer in front of Sergeant Beringer. “Then, please explain about that deer.”

After looking at the gunners, shooters, and other on-duty guards in the outer wall and saw they were ready to engage in case situation went into wrong direction, Colonel Meyer calmly said, “We didn’t hunt this deer. It entered one of our traps in our perimeter.”

“In that case, instead of butcher it you should release it.”

After inwardly heaving a deep sigh Sergeant Beringer explained, “Shahi, the net wire dislocated its joint on the neck and both hind legs, and it’s already too late to fix it.”

Still in his stiff and serious tone Shahi replied, “Let the mother nature decide its fate.”

“Well…”

Colonel Meyer knew very well that arguing with Shahi or other forest folk from his tribe was not wise. They were stubborn, simple minded, and had unreasonable short fuse for their anger. In short, even the smallest conversation with them had a potential to become a nasty fight to the death.

Last time they argued in the negotiation to establish Gandalf MOB, it went into a spontaneous and fierce fight. Fortunately, even though 47 men from both side had to enter emergency room, no one had lost their life or suffered a permanent disability.

After taking a deep breath Colonel Meyer continued, “It’s a shame to waste it. So, let my tribe to have it and I will gladly pay the penalty.”

“If you willing to pay the penalty, then I have no further say.”

“Good,” Colonel Meyer cheerfully replied, “Name your price.”

After checking the deer for a moment Shahi said, “5 bags of salt, 3 jugs of honey, 2 pouch of white pepper, 5 balls of bandage, and 5 medicinal packages like the last one you gave me.”

“Done.”

As soon as Colonel Meyer sealed the deal, one of his men immediately radioed the logistic depot to prepare the goods. At the same time, around two dozen of men came out of the tree line. They all wore clothes and carried weapons similar to Shahi.

However, as their expression was calm and free of tension, Colonel Meyer immediately took a deep breath full of relief.

---

After making sure there was no meaningless conflict with Karuso Tribe, Colonel Meyer went back to main building. As soon as he entered the lobby in the first floor, Major Alfred and Brigadier Bullak immediately welcomed him.

“Ser Meyer, who is the leader of our guest this time?” Brigadier Bullak curiously asked.

“Shahi.”

Brigadier Bullak nodded and said, “A stubborn man.”

“Yeah.” Colonel Meyer smiled before continuing, “Fortunately, as long as we don’t break the pact, Karuso Tribe will never become a threat for us. Not to mention, they had agreed with the list of goods that we can use as payment for every penalty.”

“Colonel,” Major Alfred calmly said, “are you sure we don’t need to recruit them as IDG suggested? Every adult from Karuso Tribe, male or female are good hunters and fighters.”

“Currently, they openly help our combatant explore every corner of Hekker Mountains. Most of all, they happily mutilates every scout from the Guest From East who entered this mountain ranges. It’s more than enough for now.”

“Understood.” After a paused Major Alfred continued, “We just received an order from Harley Quinn.”

“Do they give us a green to start the attack?”

“No, they sent a re-deployment order for every element under 2nd Air Assault Brigade.”

“A re-deployment order.” In an instant Colonel Meyer furrowed his brow. “To where?”

“Woodpecker.”

“On what mission? Is Magwurt City under an incoming threat?”

“They didn’t tell. General Rayden will brief you directly as soon as we arrive in Woodpecker.”

“How much time do we have?”

“20 hours.”

In an instant, Colonel Meyer heaving a deep sighs. “We won’t have much time to pack our shit then.”

“Yes Sir, but we don’t need to bring our Rippers or other vehicles. So I think we will meet the schedule with ease.”

“I see.” Colonel Meyer slightly nodded. “Which unit will replace us?”

“7th Base Security Regiment. They will arrive this afternoon.”

“Damn.”

Colonel Meyer didn’t doubt the combat capability of 7th Base Security Regiment. As a specialist in defending a base, they were more than capable to guard Gandalf MOB. It just that handled Karuso Tribe was a whole different beast. It required a delicate touch, flexible mindset, and a lot of patient.

After taking a deep breath Colonel Meyer said in a serious tone, “Brigadier Bullak, half of officers from 7th Regiment are trigger happy idiots, but we both know how difficult to establish a good relationship with Karuso Tribe. So, don’t let them ruin it.”

“I’ll try my best.”

“I know you will.” Colonel Meyer then looked at Major Alfred, “Let’s start the re-deployment procedure. Also, set up a meeting with elders from Karuso Tribe. We have to introduce officers from 7th Regiment.”

“At once.”

Wasting no time, Major Alfred carried out the order. A few minutes later, high activities enveloped every corner of Gandalf MOB.

*****