“To my ruler Kallem, Lord of the Verliance Aristocracy, glorious news from Tarvass. Voievod Athanasius Brighton. They have reported that the Pamlinitie Kingdom has arrived and already engaged the Altaerrie forces. Athanasius intelligence spotted the enemy speedily moving south from Virc’Veria to lay siege to the port city. We will not have to worry about the Pamlinitie-Aristocracy border remaining in our hands.

  In the meantime, the Brighton continued their artillery strikes against Salva, Vagahm, and Indolass. They early success we had quickly faded as the Altaerrie quickly replayed their layered defense batteries, and now most of our shells are intercepted. We still do not understand how these humans are able to track our attacks so efficiently, but I do believe it confirms that they have superior electronic systems. The only weapon that has been very successful has been our energy-based artillery. At least the General is confidently reporting that he can harass the enemy, even if they are not inflicting the desired casualties.

  With these positives, I do sadly have to report the Tarvass navy has been completely destroyed. This includes our two support monitors that we deeply care about the city. They were instantly targeted once they left port by a swarm of missiles during a recent operation of shore bombardment, and the few that returned were quickly destroyed. I have already ordered a cease of any additional warship support to the conflict.

  I did give the order to maintain the Brighton artillery campaign against the Americans, and the city has become a focus of the enemy artillery. The city amplifiers have destroyed many of their seekers, but our supply is shrinking. If we do not hold at Virc’Veria, I do not know if we can hold Tarvass.” - Field Marshell Verlcon Korva

  May 13th, 2069, (Military Calendar)

  Hastsano Gap, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

  Murbol Mountain Range, Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

  *****

  Ryder sat behind the smoldering log, reloading his weapon. He glanced across the river at the unfolding chaos—the battle had mutated into something far beyond a simple skirmish.

  The 2B/2nd MICB/101st, was now fully engaged. Their lead company had dug into hastily-formed positions along the riverbank, their coil rifles lighting up the tree line with arcs of blue energy. Bolt blasts and shroud strikes rained down like hellfire. Several American squads had taken up defilade behind rocks and alg mounds, returning fire with clinical aggression.

  Interspersed among them were IRiSS units—humanoid combat robots moving in precise fireteams. Standing nearly two meters tall, the dull gunmetal androids marched forward in staggered lines, each unit armed with the M337 medium machine gun. One dropped to a knee and unloaded a burst of suppressive fire, shredding a group of Unity zealots attempting to flank. Another leapt across a ditch with hydraulic grace, grabbing a wounded soldier and dragging them to cover with seamless efficiency. There was no yelling, no panic—just perfect mechanical violence.

  Above it all, a small Unity airship hovered over the battlefield. It wasn’t a carrier or heavy lifter, but an amplifier—one of the cursed floating rune forges the Unity deployed to manipulate magical fields. Its hull was cracked open like a blossoming flower, glowing blue glyphs pulsing along its spines. However, one of these robotic warriors was struck with an electronic shock from a Unity weapon, rendering the interior circuitry inoperable.

  From its core, magical lightning lanced downward in waves, causing the forward American company to flee from their position, with some taking direct hits.

  A crackling bolt slammed into an American mortar team’s position, tossing dirt and armor in all directions. Another arced into a squad of advancing IRiSS, scrambling their HUDs and temporarily disabling three units. An eerie humming filled the air with every discharge, like a war hymn sung by a dead choir.

  Despite the casualties, the Battalion didn’t retreat. Fresh squads from the rear companies were funneling forward, pouring fire into the entrenched Unity ranks to capture the stone bridge.

  “They were waiting for us,” King said, crouched beside a tree trunk, smoke coiling around his helmet.

  “Are you surprised?” Natilite asked. “The Unity would not wish you to ally with the Coalition.”

  “Not what I mean,” King muttered. “They knew exactly where to counter us.”

  Ryder didn’t respond. He just reloaded again and fired another burst toward a Unity heavy shield bearer pinned down by Wallace and Barrett. Something gnawed at the back of his mind—an itch of doubt.

  With securing Orackoo and the 101st Brigade deployed to the Hastsano Gap the Americans were now ready to go on the offensive. However, the enemy was also prepared and counterattacked, deploying forces to slow down the Brigade's advances. With the enemy doing everything possible to prevent the two nations from making contact, speed was the key. This had forced Colonel Hackett to send his Minutemen around the flanks to link up with Legion X.

  Time and time again, the Unity responded with uncanny timing. It wasn’t just strategy—it was anticipation as if they knew where the Americans would go before they moved.

  It made Ryder wonder. Maybe Natilite was right. Maybe Earth-born troops were too used to absolute informational superiority. Maybe the Unity had been playing this game longer than they’d assumed.

  A sudden crack behind them snapped his thoughts back.

  Barrett slid into their position, sweat and mud streaking his faceplate. “Are we fighting this out, sir?”

  “What about our objective?” Natilite asked. “By the time we get through here, the Legion might be destroyed.”

  Ryder looked at the river—Unity across, Americans pushing forward, the airship still discharging its payload. The first wave of the Airborne was locked in. There would be no slipping through unnoticed.

  “Cover me,” Ryder ordered.

  “I will come with,” Natilite said without hesitation.

  They moved fast, ducking and weaving through the rear of the battalion formation, passing medics shouting for stretchers and gunners screaming for more mags. Natilite deflected two incoming shrouds, her shield sparking and flickering with each impact. They reached Horatius’ position in moments.

  “We need a new way around,” Ryder said to Antius, who was in the middle of directing volleys with his Palatini.

  “No,” Antius growled. “We stand and fight. Legionaries do not fear battle.”

  “Our mission is to contact your Legion,” Ryder said. “Let my people beat the crap out of them. We’ll flank around somehow.”

  The Capitaneus hesitated, eyes scanning the battlefield, before giving a tight nod, coming to the same conclusion as the Comanche leader. He gestured for Caius.

  The Areani scout appeared as if from smoke, speaking rapidly with Antius in Lat. When they finished, the Capitaneus returned to Ryder.

  “There is another path south,” Antius said. “Caius knows it. An old footbridge.”

  “Anything better than wasting time here,” Ryder replied.

  They moved fast. Ryder’s team pulled back while Horatius formed up. The terrain grew wilder as they moved away from the main battle—slopes sharper, trees twisted, the air cooler and unnaturally still.

  But just as they prepared to slip from view—

  A sudden roar burst from the tree line.

  A Campbell light tank emerged from the brush like a beast unshackled. The squat, angular vehicle tore through the undergrowth on independent track legs, its 105mm cannon already tracking. In a single burst, it fired a thunderous volley across the riverbank, annihilating a Unity fire position. The twin cannons didn’t pause. It swept again, molten rounds cutting through an embankment and forcing a scorpion walker into retreat.

  More airborne troops arrived behind it—squads rappelling from low-hovering dropships, boots slamming into the dirt, coil rifles raised. The battle grew teeth.

  “Damn,” Wallace said, watching the tank hammer another Unity position. “They brought the whole damn zoo.”

  Ryder didn’t respond. He looked one last time at the growing inferno behind them—the rippling energy, the screams, the shouts, the thunder of war.

  Then he turned away.

  “Let’s move.”

  Comanche and Horatius disappeared into the forest, following the river south. It took nearly an hour before the sound of war faded into the trees. Even then, they all could hear the thundering roars of battle.

  *****

  Ryder and King quietly moved through the foliage until they reached Horatius, who had stopped with the rest of the Palatini. The two grew closer until they joined the Legionaries. Toward the front was the end of the tree line with Antius, Canina, and their Areani guide hiding behind the bushes.

  "What is wrong?" Ryder asked. He noticed the open grassy meadow with little cover as he finished asking. Only an old, rusted walker is in the center from some previous war between Worathig and Hispana. It was a perfect ambush if the enemy was watching. "Never mind."

  "Is there another route?" Canina asked.

  "Yes," Caius said. "It would be a large diversion that requires climbing a cliff."

  Ryder didn't enjoy that answer. The two Special Forces already had to make multiple diversions to reach this point. The first was when the Unity controlled the only known bridge that could support two Battalions from the 2nd MBCT, 101st Airborne. Somehow, the Unity predicted the exact route the Americans took, ambushing them at the choke point. This resulted in a significant battle, forcing the two teams to devise a way around it.

  Their Areani scout from the X Legion knew of an old wooden bridge further south. After dealing with a few hostile scouts and avoiding hostile seekers, and Fraeya and Natilite being forced to save two members of the team after the bridge collapsed, they finally got to the other side, bypassing the main enemy force.

  "Not on our timetable," King said.

  "Charging forth is the only way," Canina stated. "The longer we linger, the more Legionaries fall."

  "That settles it," Ryder said. "We will go in three groups. Natilite first, she will cover us. Horatius next, and then Comanche. We meet at that wreck."

  Capitaneus Antius agreed to the plan, and his Legionaries prepared to march. Speed was the key, so they didn't deploy their shields. Comanche spread out through the trees, weapons at the ready.

  Natilite flexed her wings while holding her M77. Once given the order, the Templar rushed through the grassy meadow. Her sprint was faster than that of a soldier in a battlesuit, as she used her wings to accelerate her speed.

  Within seconds, the Templar reached the old wrecker. Without hesitation, it was as if the sprint had no physical effect. She rested her DMR on one of the legs, aiming at the forest. This allowed Horatius to dismount and rush through the grass.

  Ryder watched, waiting for a sniper to kill one of the Legionaries. It would be so easy, with the trees all around. Or the shot could be from a nearby rocky hill. The Captain was relieved that nothing happened, like all the Legionaries, as this was the perfect ambush position. They regrouped with Natilite and took up a defensive position.

  "Our turn," King said.

  "Do not stop," Barrett said. "Fraeya, stay close. Run straight."

  When Comanche got ready, they rushed from their position and went through the grass. A strange sense of fear crept down Ryder's spine as he felt exposed. It was easy to tell from everyone else's eyes that no one felt comfortable being exposed in this way. Easy for a sniper.

  The distance was short, but it felt like it was forever. Luckily, everyone reached the wreckage unharmed. Most took their positions, but Ford and Gonzales were catching their breath. They were not exhausted, but from the stress of being caught in the open.

  "Halfway there," Forest said.

  "Okay, Nat," Ryder said. "Stay here and over us."

  "I can do that," Natilite said.

  "Duron," Antius said. "Scout those trees. Horatius, follow suit."

  As the two teams prepared to finish crossing the meadow, they heard multiple horns. The two teams spotted them. The tree-lined by the rocky hill, hundreds of orc riders flooded out of the forest and into the meadow, heading toward them. All were riding four-legged, horse-like animals with various colors and stripes on their faces, which extended down their necks to their front legs.

  "We have been flanked!" Forest yelled.

  "We are going to get run down before we can do anything," King said.

  "Orders?" Higgins asked.

  Ryder stared out at the incoming cavalry, not knowing what to do, as this was not something the Army had trained him for. His Minutemen team opened fire and killed many hostiles. The issue was that there was nowhere to run. They would quickly become exhausted if they abandoned their position; however, if they stayed, they would be surrounded with no cover.

  He looked toward Horatius, as they would have experience in this situation. To his surprise, they were already responding to the problem.

  "Captain," Antius said. "Huddle your team tight."

  Not fully understanding why, Ryder obeyed the order as they had the expertise on the situation. Comanche quickly responded, integrated with Horatius, and plugged any holes. At first, he assumed they would hide behind a shield wall, as he had become accustomed to witnessing. However, only Vestalis and Rutilus equipment wouldn't be helpful. Besides, neither of them was switching to their defensive stance.

  That was when he saw the battle mage ?lia Valhana creating a firewall around them, forming a square. This stopped the Worathig riders from swarming their position, forcing them to surround the wreckage. The warriors with melee weapons were unable to attack, but this did not stop the ones with ranged weapons.

  Comanche and Horatius engaged, quickly neutralizing any hostile rider who dared to get too close. With little room to maneuver, the two teams could do little about it. This did not concern the Palatini as ?lia gave directions to the Comanche mage, pointing to the firewall.

  Fraeya looked confused at first, glancing toward Ryder for directions. She wondered if she should obey someone else's orders, being a member of Comanche and not Horatius. While Ryder appreciated her level of loyalty, this was not the time for semantics, and they ordered her to listen to whatever plan the Noble Elf mage had.

  The Elf girl sprayed the firewall with water magic. The Horatius mage continued using her fire, mixing their opposition spells together. A large amount of steam spread across their position, blinding them from the orcs and creating an intense heat smoke screen.

  Feeling a large amount of sweat dripping down Ryder's skin, he understood Antiu's plan. The enemy could not storm their position due to the fire and was now blinded. Seeing Horatius attaching their Noxvisus to their eye socket. For Comanche, they lowered their VISORS, and dozens of red boxes appeared on their HUD, marking the targets past the thick steam cloud.

  The two teams focused fire against the orc riders, only having to worry about blind weapon fire over accurate fire. The HUD flickered slightly from the moisture, fogging the interior of his screen. Ryder knelt on the ground to lower his rifle. Seeing a red box approaching, he quickly fired his M31 down the hostile. Seeing other red boxes vanish from his comrades left him feeling that they could escape this mess. But with every target neutralized, more seemed to appear around them.

  The sound of the horn almost overwhelmed the sound of the weapon fire due to its sheer volume. Worathig clansmen continued to ride around the wreckage, taking potshots. Unable to snipe their targets, they switched to volley. This forced them to ride closer to the fire-steam wall, making them an easier target.

  One stray energy bolt impacted Gregory Berett's chest, causing him to thrust into the walker's hull before sliding onto the ground. Steam was emitted from his chest plate, and some packets caught fire. Barrios grabbed his plating, unclipping it before tossing it over the fire-steam wall, before the ammunition exploded.

  The female kitsune Rosa-Plutas Gavia rushed over and investigated the wound. She stated that he was all right, with his undershirt having a few burns. The Sergeant First Class grabbed his sidearm and rejoined the fight.

  "If we keep this up," King said. "I think we can outlast them."

  “I have to give our Legionary buddies,” Barrios said. “They know how to fight.”

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “It would suck if we had to carry them throughout this war,” Wallace added.

  "Antius?" Ryder asked. "Is that the plan?"

  "Correct," Antius replied. "This is not the first time we have been surrounded by cavalry. If we inflict enough casualties, they will flee."

  "Matt!" Natilite yelled.

  Ryder didn't need to hear anything else, knowing there was a new problem. He climbed onto the wreckage, feeling the steam dripping down his face until he could see over the fire-steam wall.

  "Over there," Natilite said.

  He pushed his VISOR as the intense heat and moisture were interfering with the software. He saw an Orc standing in the meadow, protected by a dozen shield warriors. It was a battle mage, his staff glowing dark. Skeletons emerged from the ground around the meadow, some still wearing their ancient armor.

  "That is not good," Ryder commented. "Can you snipe him?"

  "Too late," Natilites replied.

  The Worathig warriors surrounded the mage and chanted as the skeleton army the grassy plains, coming from all sides. The first wave ran through the fire and steam; unfazed by their defensive magic, Natilite drew her sword and dropped onto one of the skeletons, crushing it beneath her. With another walking through the flames, the Templar flung around, blocking the rusted blade before destroying the bone structure.

  More skeleton warriors flooded through the fire-steam wall, attacking everyone. Some of the Horatius Legionaries unsheathed their swords and engaged. The Twins used their strength and tomahawks to break apart the unarmored bones. ?lia was forced to focus on one of these necromancy warriors. The battle mage's pyromancy magic flames only scorched the old bones black, but didn't destroy them. It was Fraeya geomancy spells, lifting the rocks from the ground and shattering the skeletons.

  With most of the team's soldiers distracted, some Worathig riders could leap over the flames and into the crowd.

  With a giquus-a horse-like animal leaped over the steam, the beast landed next to Ryder, preventing him from gaining a line of fire. Seeing the orc rider's mace coming at him, the Captain was forced to use his battle rifle as a shield, blocking the attack. He then grabbed his sidearm, killing the orc.

  The Captain put away his sidearm and aimed his M31 at the orcs, leaping over the steam and flames. After killing another, he noticed their smokescreen was disappearing. With their mages focused on self-defense, no one could maintain their only protection from the other cavalry.

  An orc commander was rallying dozens of his warriors past the disappearing steam. As more gathered, the commander raised his ax into the air, about to give the command to charge against Comanche and Horatius.

  A loud horn echoed throughout the meadow, but the sound was different. Being more musical and rhythmic.

  At first, Ryder is concerned about more Worathig entering the meadow; however, he sees a renewed spark in Antius's reaction. The Orc commander didn't give the order to charge against them, looking to the east instead.

  Ryder looked to the east and saw someone on a horse. Not an alien animal like an Earth horse. While it was hard to tell from a distance, a human held a brass instrument. With another horn sound, hundreds of legionaries' cavalry charged out of the forest, riding horses and ossinlundo – a two-legged raptor animal with a large beak and feathers.

  The Legionary cavalry took the Worathig entirely by surprise, flanking them. They smashed into the Orcs with overwhelming numbers. Dozens of them pushed right through the hostiles until they reached the wreckage. Behind them emerged a four-legged walker, equipped with an accelerator ballista.

  The walking tank aimed at its primary weapon. A sharp close as the energy flowed through its coils before firing—a powerful kinetic projectile impacted on the Orcs' mage position, annihilating the mage and its guards.

  Both Comanche and Horatius held their weapons in the air in celebration before their senior enlisted reformed the ranks. The Worathig warriors that once surrounded them had abandoned their positions, fleeing in all directions toward the protection of the forest.

  Relief spread through Ryder, seeing that they had made it through the ambush and completed their primary target. When he saw Legionaries riding to their position, he ordered everyone to cease fire, letting the Legion mop up.

  A Lat male riding on an ossinlundo stopped before them as his warriors formed a perimeter between the two teams. "Centurion Probus, commander of this Contubernium."

  “Flavius-Elpidius Antius, Capitaneus of Horatius. We thank you for your aid."

  “Horatius? I am honored to have relieved a Palatini such as yourselves. My Legionaries will deal with this filth. Stay put."

  “No time,” Antius said. “This is Captain Ryder of Comanche, the Altaerrie Duke of Salva. We need to meet the one who is in charge quickly.”

  “The Altaerrie?”

  To the Comanche Captain confusion, he saw Centurion Probus whisper to his comrades. At first, he was concerned that their presence wasn’t welcomed for some alien reason. But then, he noticed a glow in all of their eyes. Not pride, not envoy. It was something else. Hope.

  May 13th, 2069 (Military Calendar)

  Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

  North America, Earth

  *****

  The Princess of Salva expected a larger conference room for their first meeting between worlds. The table was round, with each national flag hanging over the side. It was a bare-minimum gathering.

  General Sherman said these were all high-level personnel from the United States Government. The highest officials represented their respective departments: Secretary of War Charles Robinson and Secretary of State Frank Atkinson from the Administration, Senator Ross Sullivan of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Congresswoman Casey Harrington of the Astro Development & Operational Subcommittee. There were others, such as Ambassador Susan West and the President’s newly appointed Alagore Czar, Grant Holloway.

  All of them were experienced statesmen and women, leaders of a mighty nation. It had only been a few months since she was a slave—and that did not include the fact that she was still a child. On top of that, today marked the beginning of the United States' legal recognition of her House, throne, and country.

  The negotiated treaty would grant her people a Protectorate statute, affording the Americans control over military and foreign policy while maintaining a degree of economic, political, and cultural autonomy. For them, it was about framing. If her country became an official country again, for the Americans, this war would become a defensive war, protecting a critical ally rather than a war for imperialism.

  Based on what she witnessed while under Kallem, it was a standard deal. When he surrendered to the Unity to maintain his rule, he was forced to adopt the Katra—something the Americans were not doing.

  She watched Varitan Yeldan, her political advisor, mingling with the people from Congress, answering questions regarding elf life and telling stories of the rebellion before the Bridge was discovered. The Woof Elf was enjoying himself, able to respond without hesitation. The Princess was impressed that her motuia from a nearly forgotten lower-class City-State was diplomatic and adaptive. If she didn’t know better, she could assume he had always been a member of the American elite class.

  The girl could tell just by looking—every person in the room had their own agenda. That terrified her. The future of her people depended on how well she represented their cause. The Princess did not want Salva to become only a gas station, as the Americans called it, but to be seen as a serious ally.

  Additionally, due to Susan West’s persistent reminders, many in the American government were not entirely on board with General Sherman’s plan regarding her and her father’s House. She had come to learn that royal politics was a foreign concept for this nation, and it was up to her now to quash any doubt.

  "You look nervous," Sherman said. "Don’t be. Today is a meeting of understanding. It’s mostly boring political talking points."

  "Kallem always said, the first impression is the only impression."

  "Wise mindset. Everyone here is not going to attack you."

  "Not true," Assiaya said. "I hate West, and I noticed the Secretary of State shooting glares in my direction."

  The dark-skinned military commander gave a conceding nod. "Point taken. However, don’t play into that. The War Department and the White House are on your side. Be respectful, confident, and cute. They won’t want to be seen being aggressive toward you."

  "The Senate?"

  "They’ve been supportive, but they also have their concerns. If we play our cards right, we can lock in Congress's support. This meeting is behind closed doors, so you don’t have to worry about getting every answer correct. Show confidence and strength, and your contractors will respect you."

  "I only served drinks and food. Not engaged in high-stakes diplomacy. How can I show confidence?"

  "I understand the feeling," Sherman said. He then kneeled to her level and whispered, "Some advice. Give short and simple answers. And if you feel intimidated, imagine them wearing women’s makeup. Oh…, also, don’t morally lecture."

  She couldn’t help but giggle at the idea of grown statesmen with powdered faces. She remembered the painted nobles in Kallem’s court—so obsessed with looking wise they made themselves look foolish.

  When everyone arrived, the meeting began. People took their seats, and that was when Assiaya saw her chair—elevated with a booth so she could look over the table. As she climbed into it, she felt embarrassed, especially as most eyes in the room watched.

  "Let’s get at it," Holloway said, stubbing out a cigar. "Thank you all for coming to this summit during these strange times. The two government and military branches gathered alongside the Princess of Daru'uie. Today’s meeting will coordinate the situation with Alagore, the Bridge, and how we will manage the greatest wonder in Mankind’s history. Others, Pandora’s Box. This is the first step to deciding which one is true. But first, you can all pray to whichever God or spirituality you believe in."

  To her surprise, the Sergeant-at-arms began the pledge of allegiance to the American flag in the corner. Assiaya stood and thanked Tekali for this opportunity and requested Istrikia and Torrith—two deities with minor moons that orbit her host world—for moral support.

  As the meeting began, Assiaya raised her hands. The Czar acknowledged her, and she stood in her chair. Sherman grabbed the seat while Yeldan steadied her arm.

  "Before we begin," Assiaya said, "I wish to thank everyone in this room and your country. I came here to demonstrate that my people and your people can coexist. I watched my Militia and your warriors defend Salva’s bravery; because of that, we are free. We could not have done it without your aid. I wish for your understanding that you are not alone. My House and people wish to be an ally and friend during your arrival on Alagore."

  "Thank you, your highness," Holloway said.

  “Before we start,” Atkinson said. “I wish for some clarification. According to Ambassador West's report, the formal nation was called Daru'uie, but the treaty says Velunara.”

  “Yes, sir,” Assiaya said.

  “Since we are building a new nation,” Sherman said. “I asked the Princess to come up with a new name.”

  “It is a merging of Elvish and Latin,” Assiaya said. “The Council agreed to call our new people, Velunara. It means everyone on Alagore living together in peace as one.”

  “Isn’t that what the Unity is doing?” Atkinson asked. “I get the segmental meaning, but we probably should avoid such meanings.”

  “He is right,” Sullivan said. “Especially the whole unification and genocide thing.”

  “It is amazing how close to two go together,” Robert commented.

  For a moment, Assiaya shook in fear, seeing how everyone jumped at her proposed name for her new country. She believed that, along with the Salva Council, it would be a welcome move for the other City-States to join her House. Not aggressive or challenging to the Americans, but not submissive. To see how quickly everyone in the room shot it down forced her to summon all of her will not to cry.

  However, she noticed the White House representative chuckling.

  “I like that,” Holloway commented. “I would be best to avoid any connections with the old regime.”

  “Do you not think it would send the wrong message?” Atkinson asked.

  “In every way,” Holloway replied. “It will piss off those hyper-ideologues and put a small but sharp division into their reputation. Keep it did, kid.”

  The Princess's nerves calmed, seeing the Czar back her proposal.

  "One last thing, please?" When the Czar allowed her to continue, Assiaya added, "I know many of you are concerned or opposed to why I am here. You may be right that I am not strong enough for this duty, but I want everyone to know I will do my best. And that I do love my Father. He was the only one to ever come back for me. The only one who protects and loves me. Some call us a fake House, which may be true, but I know I love my new family, and I know that is true."

  As she sat, the bottom of her dress caught her boot, nearly causing her to fall, but Yeldan caught it. Everyone in the room was watching.

  "Thank you for your statement," Holloway said. "Please take your seat."

  "I do wish to say," Atkinson began, "no one here is questioning your two love. It is a loving story between you and Captain Ryder. The issue my department has is whether this is the most effective way to achieve our goals on Alagore. By the way, where is this so-called American Duke?"

  "I apologize," Sherman said. "There was an emergency development on Alagore that required his talents. We are about to contact Hispana. I also want to clear up any confusion: American law forbids any royal title, so Captain Ryder identifies himself by his military rank when dealing with the American military."

  "That is good news," Holloway said. "Many Americans will not understand the differences. It will be best to keep the Duke title on their world and Captain here."

  "But," Atkinson added, "does that aid our objective?"

  "What do you mean?" Robinson asked. "If we can link with the Coalition, it will strengthen our position on this moon. Let alone building trust with the natives."

  "So," Harrington said. "This is a Hearts and Mind game?"

  "Who cares?" Atkinson snapped. "We told the American people and the world that our interests are securing the Nevali Region, not the entire planet. We cannot wage a global war on a different world."

  "I believe it is a moon," Roberson corrected.

  "Semantics."

  "As the President said," Sherman interrupted, "our territorial conquests are limited to the formal lands in Nevali. Legitimizing the Assiaya throne only strengthens our position on Alagore. To achieve that goal, Unity must be removed from the Aldrida continent."

  "Of course," Harrington said. "The military man wants an all-out war."

  "We cannot hold our interests with nice language," Robinson commented. "Our enemies will not allow us to be so limited-minded."

  "Not my point," Harrington said. "Regardless of what the President said in his public speech, based on my reports, we have never attempted to negotiate with the Aristocracy or Unity."

  "You're kidding?" Yeldan commented.

  "Please be respectful," Harrington said.

  "I have been," Yeldan said. "The only logic of negotiating with them is surrender. The Unity will not accept anything less."

  "They cannot be that extreme," Harrington responded. "We worked with Stalin during the Second World War. There has to be a way, especially after they see our strength and determination."

  "Did you forget right after that war," Robinson said. "We fought a forty-five-year Cold War immediately afterward? From what I understand, we are dealing with religious Marxist zealots. If your enemy's only desire is for you to kneel, that limits our options."

  "Please," Harrington said. "That is what people said about the Russians. That is what they said about Imperial Japan, and in the end, they came to the table. Even the North Koreans come to the table under the right circumstances."

  "Only after dropping two nukes and their entire Manchuria Army was crushed," Sherman said. "We are not close to having that much dominance on Alagore."

  "My point is," Harrington frustratedly said. "The question deep in every human soul has finally been answered. We made contact with another world and first deployed the army to war. This isn't how we all imagined meeting Spock."

  "I have to agree with my Congresswoman," Sullivan said. "Let this be on record: no one blames the President for the situation. Everything up to this point has been unprecedented. However, we cannot operate in the unknown forever. We should try to find a way to end the conflict."

  As the debate continued, Assiaya followed the conversation surprisingly easily. Outside of a few details she had no context for, it was the same political bickering she had grown so used to while serving Kallem. However, there was a detail that confused her. She raised her hand to speak, and once granted, she said, "Your Congress declared war against the Aristocracy and Unity, so why ask for peace now?"

  "It is about exploring options," Atkinson said. "If we can find a way to end this war while promoting our interests, we should take it."

  "And that is the issue," Sherman said. "If you read my reports, there is no wiggle room."

  "The General is correct," Robinson said. "We are not talking about a country attempting to expand their borders for resources, trade access, or absorbing new population. We are dealing with a utopian ideology equal to Communism and Fascism."

  "We are getting nowhere," Holloway said. "The issue is, there is no wrong answer here. The current situation is not ideal, but we must look at the reality on the ground, not what we prefer. I think it would be best to ask Assiaya what her opinion is since she has the most insight on the matter."

  "You're kidding?" Atkinson said. "She is biased. We cannot expect an honest opinion."

  "With respect, Atkinson," West said. "Holloway is correct. Being Kallem's slave has proven to be a unique insight."

  Assiaya stared at the Ambassador, shocked that the woman sided with her. After looking around, she could see the same reaction from the General and Secretary of State. When told to speak, she said, "Atknninson…, sorry…." Seeing that he was not offended by her inability to pronounce his name, she continued, "I hate Kallem with all of my heart, and I wish for you to overthrow him. He murdered my first family and enslaved me. But…, I must admit, he will not negotiate with you unless he has no choice. He loves his country and will do anything to defend it. He only surrendered to the Unity because he saw no other path to avoid destruction. He sees you all as a threat and will fight until he cannot."

  "I think we have our answer," Holloway said.

  Atkinson leaned into his chair, taking off his glasses. "Fine. Until we reach a better position on Alagore, the State Department will take a supporting role."

  "That leaves the question," Sullivan said. "What are the Military plans to win this thing?"

  "General," Robinson said.

  Sherman turned to the digital whiteboard, which displayed digitally scanned cartography from Salva showing the continent of Aldrada. "I apologize for the lack of MGRS and professional details you are accustomed to. We cannot create our own maps outside of the Nevali Region and are forced to use natives."

  Three blue circles form over the digital map of the Nevali Region, where USAM operations take place: the Hispana Republic to the northeast and the Thali'ean Fiefdom to the west. A red circle appeared over the Aristocracy to the east, the Worathig Confederacy between the US and Lats, and the Pamlinitie Kingdom to the south.

  "Our current operations are against the Aristocracy and their vassal City-States within Nevali," Sherman continued. "My plan is to expand out and use Assiaya House to either sway or by force to join our side. I want to put the region into a state where we can coordinate. Then, I want to create a buffer zone, giving us enough breathing room and local manufacturing capability to sustain an off-world war."

  "I noticed you said buffer state," Harrington said. "Your goal isn't to drive these Vampires out?"

  "Correct."

  "Why not go all the way?" Sullivan asked. "Even if our long-term goal is to deal with the Unity, the Aristocracy is at our doorstep. Neutralizing them should be our first priority."

  "I believed that at first," Robinson said. "I am confident that our military could drive the Aristocracy out of the region, maybe even invade their homeland. That will take time, though, and might be something we do not have. The issue the General presented to me was that the bloodsuckers are not the key to winning the wider war."

  "Knocking off Kallem's House would neutralize a major threat, yes," Sherman said. "But, it wouldn't achieve the lasting results we want. We do not have the means to wage such a campaign quickly enough to knock them out. According to our allies, the Unity might defeat Hispana and Thali'ean before we could defeat the Artie. If that happens, we will be surrounded on all fronts with no buffer, making any progress against the Vampires mute."

  "The General plan is simple," Robinson said. "Once we expand our perimeter in Nevali, we fortify it to the point even the devil will have second thoughts."

  "So, a defensive war?" Holloway asked. "I do not know if the President will enjoy being passive."

  "We were at Salva," Assiaya said, attempting to support the General. "And we won."

  Assiaya saw the General turn to her with a smile before responding. She turned to the board and saw new labeling over the blue circles. He explained that he was dividing USAM forces into three Field Forces. The first is among her people against the Aristocracy, while the other two were with the Coalition, fighting the Unity.

  She quickly understood General Sherman's plan. He wanted to link with the Coalition and fight the enemy on other fronts, not remain bottled up in her home country. She understood this concern, recalling the multiple times she heard her former master emphasize to future commanders the importance of not becoming surrounded by the enemy.

  "When we link with the other Great Powers," Robinson said. "With this, we hope to create an air and land corridor between the two nations and us. The Air Forces will facilitate the logistics and air patrol. The enemy will focus their air assist against any supply lines we create, so that will be the priority."

  "That is a bold plan," Holloway said.

  "Only if we lose," Sherman responded. "The only way to steal the initiative from the enemy is to stabilize the Coalition fronts. Once accomplished, we can wage a full continental-level offensive until all of Aldrida. But to do that, we must swing as many natives to our side."

  "That is an interesting proposal," Atkinson said.

  "When do you expect to begin the next stage of the plan?" Sullivan asked.

  "The most unbelievable response from the past few months," Sherman said. "We are ahead of schedule."

  The room didn't erupt in laughter, but Assiaya noticed chuckles and gossip among them. Surprisingly, many arguing for a moment were now coming together over a joke that went overheard head. Something about the term [schedule].

  "This assumes we are successfully extracting the Hispana Legion to Salva," Sherman said. "I should be getting updates from Colonel Hackett soon, but our forces have successfully reached the target zone."

  "I would say we should get to the main subject," Sullivan said. "General, you have proposed formalizing our relationship with Princess Assisya."

  "That is correct," Sherman said.

  "I promise to be a loyal ally." As Assiaya finished speaking, she noticed Yeldan placed his hand on her arm to silence her.

  Ambassador West stood from her seat and walked to the digital whiteboard. Profiles of every village and City-State that had already expressed allegiance or those who had secretly pledged allegiance appeared on the screen. She then began speaking about each of their new allies who agreed to follow Ryder's House.

  "You must not speak so eagerly," Yeldan whispered.

  "I wish to earn their respect," Assiaya replied.

  "Earning one's respect does not mean surrendering oneself," Yeldan explained. Being too loyal without considering one's interests will cause the opposite reaction you desire. A respectable ally is not one who acts like a bet but stands on one's feet while assisting."

  The Princess absorbed the logic in his words. She knew factions within the U.S. government opposed her rule. She wanted to quash their doubts before they hardened into obstacles. If she could win over the War and Senate blocs, the rest might follow. She needed to unite the Americans around her House—now, while they were still uncertain.

  Later, when Sullivan mentioned pushing the Velunara Protectorate Treaty through the Senate Committee, Assiaya felt a pulse of pride and quiet relief. She had done it—at least for now. Her people would be waiting: the garrison outside Salva, the newly freed, the hopeful. She had to make this mean something.

  Then, to her surprise, Yeldan stood. “Before any formal legislative action, I expect to see a copy of the bill.”

  Atkinson turned to the motuia political advisor with a frustrated look. He sighed and shuffled paperwork. “Ambassador West will provide you with the document by tonight.”

  “Thank you.”

  Holloway rose from his chair. “I believe we are done here. We will meet again tomorrow to continue this decision—any final amendments to the treaty or following questions.”