Upon his order, the Outpost went haywire on what had to be done. With the Lieutenant of the base having to make a two hour trip to the nearest base with a long range comms and ask for a helicopter transport.
Walking out of the officers quarters, Jackson stops at the foot of the lone two storey building in the area as a white horse darbed in the flags of the Holy See, ridden by a beautiful armored maiden arrives. "As per our agreement. Here are the originals." handing over the resealed letters, she takes it and nods. "Thank you, Jackson. I'll be sure to show this to Bishop Archhein as soon as possible." He tips his cap as she disembarks her mount.
"I believe this is a custom from your planet, yes?" she reaches out her hand and he gladly takes it as an electrifying shiver was sent to his spine. In his head, he could sense a sneering stare from the doors of the UN Outpost of Janishaire. "Thank you for your help too. This was not easy at all but with the stuff we got. I can now act on my own accord." He then turns to the center of the city, the Cathedral's tall towers peeking through the sea of houses. "I really hope you'll live a long and happy life, Julie."
With a bit of a blush and a big wide smile on her face. She nodded aggressively. "Hm! I shall! A sword maiden like me isn't easy to defeat! I hope you return to your world, Jackson. Go back to your loved ones and the people you treasure." he looked down on the curb and nodded. "Yeah. I sometimes dream of them. This month, we'd be celebrating my Mother's birthday. We'd go eat at buffets and then at night, eat pizza." Shrugging, the man then helped her back on her horse as she disappeared at the junction.
"My Lord, have you ever participated in a Coup before?" he jumps as her presence was suddenly felt by the man. "A-Ah... no. Not really. I've only been on the other side. Doing Peacekeeping work after the war." With a sigh, he sits on the curb, watching the Elves and other non Human beings go about their day in the area. "After the victory. Our leaders never really thought that giving modern weapons and exosuits to tribals that've been at war even before Jesus was born would generate so much chaos."
Resting his chin on his palm as the Queen stood next to him, her hands on her hips. He breathes in. "These people... I've never seen it before. They were all willing to wipe people from their own country, heck region just because they spoke a little differently. They had the same history, skin color, creed, and religion. But the French weren't smart enough to draw better lines on the map to avoid bloodshed." He then looked up to the blonde beauty, she was gleaming in the darb area. An icon of civility in a not so civil place. "Why'd you ask?"
"Because this will all lay down on how fast one can be, My Lord."
"What do you mean?"
"You know where their place of power is?"
"Maltese? Well, he's inside the Capitol, right?"
"Then, we must be steadfast and violent. We picked the worst city to siege, My Lord." leaning down, she had her left hand on her back and right on her knee. With a stylish and upfront posture, the Queen had a smile to her that could knock out the strongest of brutes. "We built our Capitol on a flat plain grass so that we could detect oncoming armies way before they could reach the walls. With your modern vehicles, you should be able to close that gap. Though... Do you take Maltese to be the type to be violent?"
He instantly shrugs. "No. Maltese is Military Intelligence. These types would rather have ten plans than to do things my way. You also brought up a great point having Zavalda's National Guard on the front, he'd have to make a choice to engage the most Veteran unit in the entirety of the UN. One that has upfront experience in the Demon Army."
"Heh. You seem to already know what to do then. In terms of our demands, what shall it be?"
"I already got some in my mind. I'll save it for when I'm there. Maltese will have a taste of everything that's been in my mind."
"Ohhhh, I look forward to that, My Lord." he stands straight up and busts his hips forward. "Gah. I'm really getting too old for all this political crap. Come on, let's head in."
As he was about to step inside, a familiar voice echoed from the sidewalk. "OH! General!" He peeks backward and could see the Scientist who was working on a research paper about the beauty of the Natives of Threa. "Meh."
He heads in, ignoring the man who instantly noticed his cold demeanor. "WHAT! GENERAL! I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!" Elizabeth, who had crossed her arms, just lifted a finger and grabbed his collar. "My Lord, manners. Men of intellect must always be listened to."
"The last time we listened to a man of intellect. All I felt was the need to sleep." Finally reaching the steps, he lowers his leather briefcase and bows to the Vampire first and then salutes the General. He just replies with a quick and lazy one while Elizabeth still had her fingers on his collar. "What is it now, Doc?"
"I've been going around Chamilos, the Downtown of Janishaire and I've found this great family who was willing to participate in my experiments!" Without even giving it a thought, Jackson starts walking as Elizabeth lifted her hand, making his shoes no longer have contact with the wooden floor of the entrance and just sighs. "What do you want then?"
"I require you to sign some papers as I need some vehicles to be with me."
"Just have that stupid Maltese bootlickin' Colonel do it."
"Ah, but they'd go through all of the bureaucracy wouldn't they?"
"They'd also do the same with my signature."
"Hah, maybe in Woodstock with all the other Generals. But not in a backwater Outpost that very few people care about."
"Gaaaah... meet me upstairs." As he walks, the Scientist proceeds to take his briefcase. With a wink to Elizabeth, he ran up next to the high ranking officer. "So you know about the Elves, well their epidermis is actually quite different from a Human. Though you can say it's more like an upgrade of a Humans. I have already written a paper, this could be used back on Earth I am sure! It's fascinating how they got their perfect skin while even living in terrible conditions."
As the man mouthed off, Jackson could only scratch the back of his head as Elizabeth looked around and the players at the checkpoint on the road just continued to scan their surroundings. She heads inside, closing the doors behind her.
It's already near the evening when their MRAP arrives in front of the hotel in Cathedral Square and the whizzling of a helicopter could be heard resonating through the sleeping city. The Lamps were trembling as the downwash of the chopper arrived at the intersection near the Outpost in Downtown. Watching the Blackhawk touchdown on the cobblestone road were Knights of the Kingdom and the Holy See and some hooded figures on the rooftops.
Its powerful searchlights and landing lights beaming the shiny wet road as the red and blue navigation lights blinked alternately. Jackson and his party exit the armored vehicle, jogging to the chopper and not letting anyone have a longer look at the two Vampires with him as they hopped into the passenger seats and the helicopter crewman slid it close. The surrounding buildings had to turn on their candles to see what was the commotion about and the Elves just stared at the flying machine take off into the darkness of the night.
With only its lights shining. The skeleton pilots silently flew the General through the night. After an hour and thirty minutes, they had to land at another outpost where external tanks were attached to it, extending the range even more as they were transported to Zavalda's Air Base.
Even though it's been a month already, the Airbase hadn't changed much. In some areas, the garbage and useless scrap had gotten to four storey heights. Even with the help of the more stronger and well equipped guilds with summoned creatures like Giants and Undead, the city was only partially cleared as dim white lights of the former people who used to lived there brushed whatever they could scrounge up and the military, setting up free gas stations that has lines upon lines of cars even at the dead of night.
On the barracks section of the Airbase, there was a 24/7 free food bank and players had set up tents on the grass as military personnel did their best to tend to their needs. Everyone was still busy even though it's already nearing midnight. Military trucks of all sizes and types frequent the road outside and the nearby motel.
With his sudden visit, none of the officers at the base was notified of the arrival of such an important high ranking military officer and there's no parade nor lines of well pressed soldiers there to greet him. Instead what was there were the many cargo planes delivering either packages of food or heavy equipment to help in the repair and rehabilitation of the entire ruined settlement that used to house millions. Upon his entrance to the Air Traffic Control tower, an old face greets him.
"Jackson!"
"Thomas!"
The two men's hands violently hit one another and the amount of energy that came from it made the air tremble. "How's things? Must've been a super long ass flight seeing you've come from Janishaire." Thomas, now wearing the bright blue general's ensemble of the Shine Guards smiles and nods. "Good, good. Bit sleepy as the helicopter was shaking the entire way but could be worse."
His party members soon disembarked and looked around the busy airbase. Bahamut was in her small Dragon form, lazily awakened by Alana. "What's the situation with Zavalda?" Thomas just sighs as he looks at the dim lights of the metropolis in the far horizon. "The city will probably never return to its former glory, but it's getting better." he then steps aside, inviting Jackson and his party inside the corridors of the ATC.
Walking together, the two Generals are both side by side. Though one is missing one silver star on his shoulder, it didn't mean much as Mars jumped Bahamut who was busy flying behind them. The woman grabbed the Dragon by the body making her make a noise as if a stuffed toy's air was drained. "BAHAMUT!" She then rubbed her cheeks on her sharp armored scales making the Dragon wiggle violently to escape. "GRRRR! LET GO OF ME, MARS!" Meanwhile in the front, the two Generals caught up with each other. Ignoring the commotion behind them.
"What're you doing here? Why didn't you say anything?"
"I'm just on a hopping flight. Within the next hour, I'm taking a plane to Schon."
"You're going back? Why?"
"Maltese. Let's just say I have a few choice words to tell him." He waves at the General a brown envelope. "This fucker has a lot of things to explain to me."
Seeing his eyes, unmoving and concrete alongside the tightly kept documents. Yamaoka didn't push further. Letting the man rest after a long nonstop six hour flight. The star was slowly rising on the horizon, and the blue of the night sky soon changed to a fiery mix. Inside the base, Jackson ate some readied breakfast with everyone and soon after, got into the next flight. The heavy lift aircraft, C-17 Globemaster, rattled as it took off from the runway. The holstered cargo crates jolted up and down as it gained altitude and another long flight awaited them.
Inside the rattling cargo hold of the plane. Jackson stayed awake. Reading the documents he got from the UN Outpost in Janishaire and from the Roc Courier. With them stating the deeper involvement of multiple other unknown parties. "Tsk, if we stayed. We wouldn't have enough time." and a detailed report on the actions of the High Elves within the region. Many of them detail the old Curate Fortress being used as a secret entrance. A fact that is not on the altered one that's being given to the Internal Bureau.
In the report to Maltese, it also states the actions of the Agents of Morgan. Having multiple pages dedicated to their actions and preventive actions that must be taken for them to not know too much. As this is the jurisdiction of the Military, the Army Captain who wrote down didn't mince his words and stated fact for fact that he recommends more straighter options including removing the players or even some of the rights of the Internal Bureau in getting involved at the affairs the Military has their hands on. This made the General scoff multiple times while seeing how thick and numerous are the pages to be given to Maltese compared to Morgan, which is only a handful and barebones.
Though there weren't any lies in the report given to her, it's far too vague and open. Most of it left to interpretation, giving her Agents a headache as they were forced to go around like headless chickens with the lack of information being given.
Whilst he looked at the translated messages between those working behind the allowing of Non Humans into the Holy See. The messages were not only proper and written as if the person who did this was educated, but also the fact that they had access to Banks so openly and could use it to pay hired Assassins from the Elf Empire. This made him lean forward even more, with the vast amount of connections and ties that's working against the Church and those in the Empire.
"Just how much were we missing? Goddammit." shuffling through the letters, he once again takes a look at the code for the Bank money that's supposed to be the payment. Looking around him, everyone was still awake though busy chatting with one another. Elizabeth honking on Bahamut for being toyed with by Mars. "Pffft... I never knew a Dragon could make such a cute noise."
"Enough Bloodsucker! Say that again and I will burn you!"
"But Her Majesty is correct, Bahamut. What was that about? It was so cute!"
"How am I supposed to know?! That never happened before!"
He looks at Alana who feels his stare and changes her seat next to his. Leaving Bahamut with only one contender. "Alana, can you tell me what currency this is?" She checks the number and eyes at the last three digits. "It's in the local currency, M'Lord."
"Hehehehe. I wonder, if I pick you up right now, would you make the same noise?" The Dragon quickly poofed into her Human form and lifted a middle finger to the Queen. "Try me."
She merely laughs at the inappropriate gesture. "Dragon, you are highly mistaken if that gesture holds the same meaning here. To me, you are merely lifting your middle finger. Now come here!" she quickly changes into her Dragon form again and slips away. Climbing on top of a tethered down Main Battle Tank on the cargo hold.
Her sharp claws clacked around the armor of the tank with the Queen, having lurked around and hopped over from the right side of the sixty eight ton war machine.
"So, it's in the local currency so that it could be harder to trace?" Alana nods at him with a smile. "Mhm. As I've done this before myself, M'Lord. When hiring certain people of certain specialties to do things for the Minuit family business." she then puts her finger at the zeroes. "These four zeroes actually mean it's from District Four of Janishaire. It's near the exit we took when we were heading to the Elven Fortress dungeon."
Nodding, he took it from her and crossed his legs. Breathing out, he ignored the commotion in front of him. "Elizabeth really likes cute little things doesn't she?" He then shuffled through the other documents and ended looking back at the ones found in the UN Outpost. "Modifying reports to State Sec. Tsk. No wonder it was so clean. We couldn't find anything to pinpoint because it was changed from the very start."
Putting the letters next to it, the man makes a long hard sigh. "Add in to that the fire between those inside the Empire and the Holy See."
"M'Lord, I find it so fascinating how you Humans seem to always fight each other even when you're all allies with the same objectives."
"What? The Elves themselves are having an internal conflict, aren't they?"
"The Elves though would rather settle this matter between closed doors. You Humans are more open. Like Captain Julieanne who wants to expose them, and you, M'Lord who has a very violent siege in plan."
"Why? Do you know what the Elves would do?"
"I actually have a tight idea on it. They'd have a discussion about it in the court of law for a few years and carry on."
"By a few years, how long do you mean by that?"
"Ten? Twenty? Somewhere around that, M'Lord." He just sighs, collecting all of the documents into the brown envelope and hugging it as he tucked himself in the not so luxurious seat. "What do you think, Alana? Will we pull this off?"
As he looked at the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank in the brown camouflage of Zavalda's national guard. On the side of its turret was the new logo of the newly formed unit. The arrow goes straight through the helmet of a Demon Knight. "I believe we will. It's you who's in charge, M'Lord. Since when have you failed us?" he sighs. "When Elizabeth got captured. I know it's water under the bridge but that's something a man like me can't take lightly."
The Countess just leans forward as Elizabeth finally catches Bahamut and holds her like a stuffed toy. "It's not your fault, M'Lord. There are forces in this world that's far beyond our control. Forces not even us Vampires can fight against." leaning back, the woman veers over to the Queen who had sat back down with a surrendered Bahamut.
"You won't fail, M'Lord. You have us believing in you as always. If Maltese can conjure some obstacle, we'll go through it. As we've done so many times before. As long as we're all together, we can fight even the forces of the Outer Gods and win." raising her hand, she rests it on the man's head. Slowly stroking it.
"It's absolutely cool that you won against the Demon Army, M'Lord. I will probably never forget that battle even after a thousand years." Hearing this, he tilted his head with a smirk and breathed in. "Was that... really that cool? I just remember trying not to shit myself and hubble together what remains of Zavalda and the Coalition forces in that damned city." he looks up once again to the tank of the National Guardsman. "They really fought bravely, and are willing to go through with me with this."
"M'Lord, it's just like yesterday. You really don't know how cool you can get sometimes, don't you? I often think of how much Percival and Don don't hold a candle to how awesome you can."
"Pfft. You really know how to please me. Thanks, I got the fuel to go through this fully."
"Heh. I find it hard to believe you used to do this without a woman behind you, M'Lord. Just how did you manage back then?"
"I don't." he unstraps the buckles of his seat as he stands up stretching his arms and legs. "Feels nice to be wearing modern clothing again. "My Lord, you should know that the Capital's entrance is a prime location to funnel a wide formation. I suggest you form a column before heading in."
With Elizabeth's advice, he nods and rubs his chin. "I really can't make a long term plan but I hope Maltese caught onto what I am doing late. The Airbase out of your country's border is a super busy one. It grew into a massive base now since the fighting on Vitas' border had gotten more tense." walking to the tank, he placed his hand on top of its fenders and skims it.
"To think I've gotten so used to the Abrams. Whenever I see this, I often panic and scream and pray that we get to shoot first before it could." he then rests its elbow on it. Having a small laugh, he looks at the unit logo on the side skirt, a single arrow with two dots behind it. "I've killed alotta Nineteen Kilos in my time. I now know what it's like to be in their shoes."
"My Lord, these tanks of yours can go pretty fast. You mustn't let go of that speed when you crash through the front gates."
"Hm. You're an expert on this field so I'll probably have you become the Two-IC of the entire operation. Bahamut, Alana. You will screen for me, make sure I reach Maltese."
The Dragon who had a blank expression to her as her back squished upon Elizabeth's bountiful chest just nodded while Alana gave a thumbs up with a cute rejuvenating smile alongside it.
In the long flight, Jackson only slept for a few hours, spending the rest in thinking alone at his seat and before he knew it, he had once again fallen asleep.
"Recent tensions have risen in the Pacific. It's been two years since the Asian Alliance's victory in World War Three and today, cracks in the alliance had started to appear. With Chinese Navy Cutters going head to head against Vietnamese Coast Guard ships in the West Philippine Sea. Experts had reacted with comments that an organization as big as the Asian Alliance. It is bound to eat itself from within. Though counterpoints had been made in relation to NATO's long history before its complete dissolution in the Paris Accords. In other news, Asian Peacekeepers in Africa had contained the situation in Rwanda, the Spokesperson of-"
"Cut the smartphone. Colonel. Are you awake?"
Opening his eyes, he finds himself inside an Oshkosh MRAP outside of a city. The checkpoint guards had just done checking their vehicles and had allowed them in. The bulletproof glass of the heavy armored 4X4 had cracks on it from previous battles it had been in. The whirls of the turbine engined T-100 Main Battle Tank closely following the last vehicle in the convoy.
With an entirely new design on the turret and chassis, the MBT was a far cry from all the other tanks used by the Asian Alliances which were either built licensed copies. The new T-100 sported an entirely automated turret and the crew, being encased in an armored box. The bustle conveyor belt autoloader, even up-armored with multiple spall liners and its gun, now a massive 152mm Smoothbore cannon.
Unlike the previous design of the T-95 Black Eagle which needed another variant for a multi purpose duty. The T-100 comes in stock with its own Anti Air autocannons mounted on the sides of the turret and sported a sleek honeycomb camouflage that's now tainted by the dirt that's coming at it from all sides.
"Colonel. We're entering Kigali now." looking around, he just squirms on his seat as civilians were running past them towards the checkpoint where there was a huge bottleneck already created. Behind some of the destroyed buses were Missionaries alongside the United Nations helping out wounded victims. The Westerners just looked at the Asians slowly roving towards the city. "I've never seen anything like this before, sir. I've been so used to the large cities back home. To think this is their Capital city."
He, on the other hand, couldn't really notice much from the dust being kicked about by their heavy vehicles and the hundreds of people walking out of the city. "The Tutsi really can't catch a break. At least now, someone from outside the country intervened." looking down, the assault rifle tucked between his legs was locked and loaded "Driver, watch the road. Many of these are women with children. Colonel, when will your entire Tank Brigade come into play here?" As his sentence finished, shots started to crackle through the dusty air.
The gunner, looking through the thermal camera on the controlled turret on the roof of the vehicle couldn't see much due to the sneering summer heat and the clouds of dust kicked up by the fleeing civilians. Jackson didn't waste any time and opened the door. "RUN BEHIND THE MRAP! BEHIND! BEHIND!" Though not understanding English, they were able to notice his gesture and hid behind the thick plates of the mine resistant vehicle.
"Gunner! Do you have contact? Sander One, where's the shots coming from?!" The shooter wasn't discriminating, shooting injured people, women, and children as the shots varied from an automatic and semi automatic. "The shooters are at least three, one with an AK and another with a rifle or carbine. Sander Three."
The Chinese looking man then grabs the Colonel by the straps of his vest and brings him in. "Colonel, can you tell your tank to not fire? There's infants around us." juggling through his vest, he quickly felt his radio. "U-Uh, tank. Do not fire. Do not fire. We have children all around us, mind your overpressure." the tank commander quickly replies with his heavy tone. "Copy, Knight. Permission to roll to the front of the convoy. The civilians are less there, we should be able to open fire."
Looking at the man next to him, a mere nod was given and he went back to his radio. "Affirmative, that is granted. Move alongside the sides SLOWLY. Mind the civilians and use those better thermals to locate the shooters." A bullet then bounces off the opened door, closing it as Jackson panicked a bit and lifted his rifle up, pointing it at the dust cloud.
The whirl of the turbine engine of the tank rumbled the area as it drove past them on the driver side. Crushing the dilapidated cars as its threads mowed down all that tried to get into its front. Not even the corpses of the dead were saved from it as it barreled down the curb, avoiding the living. "Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners." hearing this, Jackson could see one of the Missionaries had gotten himself shot in the leg and was profusely praying to the rosary.
"Knight Two to Sander Three and Knight One, we have eyes! Contact two shooters on the roof of the only three storey building. Permission to fire the main gun!" Jackson quickly got to the frequency and gave the tank commander a harrowing scream. "FUCK THEM UP!"
A loud boom then serenades their surroundings. Kicking even more dust as a second one followed afterward. "Sander One and Two, push forward past Knight Two and disembark!" The Colonel then grabs his rifle and exits out. "E-Eh?!" Sander Three, albeit confused, picked up his Type 95 bullpup assault rifle and followed the man towards the lone three storey building in the area.
The two squadrons were fast in their clearing, going from room to room which were all empty. Reaching the top floor, the metal door opens and a grenade was thrown down the staircase. This made them all run in panic. The handful of soldiers in full combat kit ran like hell as they dodged the explosion. Jackson on the other hand was already full of adrenaline and with Sander Three, climbed up to the door.
Sander Three's Squad Leader in an exosuit took the lead and opened the door. Popping out on the other side, they opened fire on the two shooters. One adult with a rifle and another being a kid not younger than thirteen with an AKM. "Hǎo gōngzuò Tsung. Colonel, can we return to the MRAPs now? I do not like being outside like this."
"My Lord, are you alright? You were having a fit again.'' Hearing Elizabeth's beautiful voice. His eyes opened wide. It was bloodshot red as he looked around and noticed they've reached the Airbase right outside of the Kingdom of Rose's borders.
The cargo ramps open and the cold wind hits him hard, making him shiver as Alana and Elizabeth both stretch their arms. "Ahhhhh... so good to be back, M'Lord." he just patted her head as he went straight to the Commander's office inside the air traffic control tower. "Eh? Your Majesty, did our Lord have another episode?" she just nodded as Bahamut had a concerned look as they followed the man into the base. "Bloodsucker, do you think this is weighing too much on him?"
Surprised with the Dragon's serious tone, Alana stops at her feet. "We have been going in and out of fights and problems. Our Lord is probably tired. He usually gets these episodes when he has a lot on his plate."
"Then, we must get this done and rest in your Manor. I don't want this to last any longer." Alana and Elizabeth both nod as they continue the walk to the Air Traffic Control Tower.
Not seeing the General after such a long time, the Base Colonel instantly recognizes him. "Sir! Good to have you back! I've received your letter and as ordered. Zavalda's newly formed BCT is moved here under the new initiative for the Offensive into Vitas." With a quick exchange of salute, Jackson sat down on the chair in front of his desk and leaned forward. "Can you mobilize equipment for combat now?" hearing the words that came out of his mouth, the smile wipes off the Colonel's face.
"Ah... ah... I could sir. But with General Maltese in the Kingdom. I cannot fully mobilize all of the Companies inside the Airbase as some of them went to the Capital for security. Major Garland has also been issued new orders to set up defenses in the main gates." The man then shuffled through a bunch of paperwork and pointed his finger at the unit composition of the Zavalda new Brigade Combat Team. "And sir, why haven't you sent the routes yet? The entire BCT is almost here now."
"Why? When the Offensive is not on the border of Vitas. But to the Capital of Rose." The Colonel's jaw dropped. "S-sir... General Maltese, the Supreme Commander of the Joint Forces is currently stationed there. T-There must be a hiccup in your plans." With a smirk, Jackson shrugs his head. "Alright, sound the alarms and get everyone in a column. Also, call Major Garland. Make all of the trucks return.'' The Colonel immediately holds the number 1 on the telephone as he looks at the five star General in front of him. "Uhm, sir, where's the deployment area?"
"On the front gate of the Airbase. Objective is to head to where Maltese is."
"Sir? Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, I am. That man has a lot to answer for and his mind games won't work on me anymore when I have evidence of him leading me astray. Do you know where he exactly is right now?" the Colonel stood at ease, not saying a word. This made him have a bigger smile in return as he walked to the side of the man and put his arms over his shoulders. "Colonel, I made sure the people stationed here are from my half of the Military. Don't worry about Maltese. You answer to me, I answer to him."
He looks out of the window, the hardened Veterans of Zavalda's National Guard with their battle scarred vehicles all piled up neatly on the tarmac. Patiently waiting for further orders. "You don't want a scuffle inside this Airbase now, don't you? This is the lynchpoint of the forces working on the Western borders of Vitas."
"S-Sir, King Nergal is just waiting for us to make a mistake. When he appeared in the Three Kingdoms War with the robots, he used that to test our mantle and capabilities. You are deliberately hamper-" Jackson's hands tightens on his shoulders. "Or, you shut up. Do as you're told."
The Colonel's hands started trembling as someone returned the call, he answered the person on the other side with a shaky tone. "Alert the base status... mobilization. Alertness level is now at the highest. Twenty four seven all round patrols with air and armor. The First Zavalda BCT is be issued orders on the spot." Outside the doors to the ATC tower, the two Vampires and Bahamut get startled as alarms ring all throughout the airbase and soldiers start running around and helicopters spooled up.
"Good." Looking around the high vantage point, Jackson notices some civilian and military construction vehicles on the sides. "What's that for?"
"That's classified, sir."
"Colonel."
"It's something about some Knight Army, sir. General Maltese is currently looking for them in the Castle."
"Jesus... so that's what he is after. No wonder he allowed Elizabeth to be in the ranks of the UN." he looks at the Colonel, his eyes staring down the CO. "It's under the Military's initiative to look for a way home and excavate ruins. The ship that carried Elizabeth's coffin that was subsequently attacked in the Docks was from the Military, not State Sec. How long had he known about this?"
The Colonel just shrugged his head in reply. "Of course. Order and don't tell. Tsk, that son of a bitch."
After a few minutes, thousands of players were rushing out of their barracks and a long line of armored and soft vehicles were lined up on the straight road outside of the motor pool. Everyone had their combat gear on with loaded bullets and shells on the tanks all meant for war and not some exercise. Walking out the front door, Jackson puts his hands on his hips.
"My Lord, I am merely reminding you. The Capitol is located on a flat plain. They will absolutely spot a convoy of this size miles away."
"You don't have to tell me twice. Maltese is a man of brains, not a brawler. He'd rather make something this elaborate than do it straightforward. Even in the reports he was being given, the people were recommending guns blazing but he never chose that and instead conjured some insane crap."
"Doesn't that mean that he just respects the peace and order of the hierarchy, My Lord?"
"Which makes what we are doing as something very chaotic and irresponsible. I'm betting it all that even someone like Maltese submit to Might is Right. He already messed up by not intercepting my orders to Zavalda's army and not reading between the lines. Something tells me he is busy with something in your Capital city."
"Hmmmm... I shall see to it that you live through this ordeal, My Lord. You truly know how to make one's eternity an entertaining one."
"Don't worry, I'll live." He looks towards the man with a beret standing around a bunch of Squad Leaders. "Elizabeth, go. I'll give your orders later. For now, just patrol around." with a nod, she disappears from his sight and the General approaches the Zavaldians huddled together.
Sensing him, they turned to the man and saluted which he promptly returned. "Tell me, do any of you have an idea of what is happening?" one of the Squad Leaders raised his hand. "Something about giving Maltese a piece of your mind, sir?" with a big wide smile, Jackson nodded. "Correct."
The soldier in a beret then raised his hand. "Sir, what about enemy airpower? Maltese has an entire air wing to protect him."
"Don't worry about that, we have Bahamut for that." he looked around and then back to the General. "Remember, Dragons are the master of Wind magic. The larger they get, the more they need to learn how to properly wield it. Giant Dragons like Bahamut can turn and go faster than the most agile fighter jets thanks to their mastery of magic." he then goes into the circle and opens his hand.
The beret soldier then goes into his plate carrier and pulls out a map. "Our plan is easy. The trek will be for a few days. It will give Maltese the heads up so we need to be fast when the city walls come into view." Walking up to their circle was Major Garland. With a salute, he walks next to the General and leans down on the map.
"Ah, Garland. Good to see you again." The Major smiles and shakes the General's hand. "Of course sir. The city of Zavalda and the Guild of Ervtes as a whole owe Eldwood alot. It's thanks to your command that our city lived and the people were saved." Jackson nodded and returned to the map.
"Garland, what's the composition of Maltese's forces?"
"Some Mechanized forces and Special Forces are located right deep in the main Castle."
"Air support?"
"They have a bunch of Blackhawks, Hinds and Apaches, sir."
"Respawn points?"
"There's seven. All of the Icons of the True God. Plus one is the Church, sir."
"That means no wait time for their respawn and a varying reinforcement route." Rubbing his chin, he sighs and returns to looming over the map of the city. "Do you know the ones exposed or are they all inside houses? The Vampire Church is already out of the options."
"There's exposed ones here and here." Garland then points his finger at the main gate and three other junctions inside the city proper. Behind them, Tank Commanders soon joined the circle alongside Pilots. "The rest are inside the Main Castle itself and in the Theater, sir."
"Dangit. But it will do. As much as possible, I don't want anyone to respawn."
Once again the man in the beret raised his hand. "Speak."
"Sir, what will happen if your demands aren't met?"
"That's up to you. I am planning on staying till it is." He turns around and looks at the Squad leaders. "Write down to bring extra ration packs and water. Load them up on the IFVs. None of the transport trucks. Maltese will definitely target those if things go red." he then turns back to Jackson, his green eyes stoic and solid.
"You aren't gonna ask if I'm gonna allow you to choose?"
"No need sir. We will follow you to the depths of Hell like we did in Zavalda. This is the least we can do for you."
"Heh. I gotta hand it to you. You make me remember why I still play MilSims even after the shit I went through in the war. Nothing beats this brotherhood." He raised his hand and put it on the First Lieutenant's shoulder. "This is a bond forged by war. You feel it, I feel it and everyone else does. A bond made by the shared struggle of men trying to make it out alive."
He looked at the eyes of the Squad Leaders, Tankers, Pilots, and Engineers as his head nodded. "I owe you all a great deal for this. But I hope this won't last for more than an hour at most. I'll make sure none of you will have to stay here for more than a day and go back to repairing your city." The players all nodded back, some smiling and even giggling.
"No worries sir, it's not like we can live in that city."
"Yeah... I still regret having to order the destruction of the buildings. I know its war, but the consequences... I hope you guys will summon a million skeletons to rebuild that city in no time."
"Don't think about that, sir. Sir Ervtes himself already said it will be rebuilt. Bigger and better."
"Good. That's good. Look, this is simple as it comes." Looking around, the circle has grown. Everyone was present for his briefing. "This is haphazard and sudden because if I plan anything, Maltese will probably get a sniff of it. We will drive right to the main Castle by following these roads." He points at the Eastern entrance where they'd make a right and then left and then right turn into the main road and then push towards the upper streets.
"Just like that. No one will stop. Go forward and don't look back. And again, I will say this again. DO NOT kill or harm anyone as much as possible. We all equally know how angry we are after respawning. So let's avoid that and do this as clean and fast as possible." one of the tankers then raised his hand. "Speak."
"Sir, does this mean even roadblocks are free game?"
"Yes. If the people manning it aren't moving. That's their grave."
"So RoE is malleable at best."
"Yup. Just don't fire any guns. Let's avoid that."
"Rog. And sir, no stops, right?"
"Affirmative. Do not stop. This has to be fast, violent, and chaotic. We cannot give Maltese a chance to regroup forces or shore up defenses."
The Tanker nodded as he gestured for one of the Engineers to come to him. "Attach the Mine plows. I already know this is going to be fun."
"That's all?" one of the Pilots then raised his. "Speak."
"In terms of Bahamut's air support, what will she do again?"
"She will ground all enemy aircraft with wind magic. Anything that's already flying, that's up to her. Remember, do not be fooled by her size. She might be big, but with magic. She can be as nimble as an RC plane if given the chance and faster than the jets in the skies." He also points back at the map. "If the opportunity presents itself. I'll let her destroy the respawn points. Do not shoot, just fly low and harass."
The Pilot backed off and he looked around with some of the NCOs jolting down his orders. "I can never thank you guys enough for this. Now, Elizabeth. Do you have anything else to say, since you're the one who is Second in Command?"
Walking towards the huddled soldiers, she stylishly made herself known. The players all just looked in awe of her beauty. "Wow... your preeeetttyyy..." the Tanker immediately gets his mouth shut by one of the Squad leaders but it was already too late and she had stopped. "Oh why, thank you. Aren't you a gentleman?" Even the Squad Leader can't help but blush openly with her smile.
Walking to Jackson and stopping next to him, she looked around her and proceeded to perform an elegant bow. "Just do as I say. The roads of the Capitol aren't that hard to navigate as long as one holds a general idea of the layout. Fret not, I shall be with you in the form of a Bat." No one lifted their hands, the Pilots even lifted the visors of their helmets to get a nice long look of her. Elizabeth just smiles as she turns to Jackson.
"Errrr... alright. Let's get this done. We'll start operations by noon."
Having to explain to his remaining party members about the plan. The Alana didn't protest and Bahamut was giddy with the idea and everyone soon hopped on the MRAP that sat near the front of the convoy. With two hours to prepare, the long column drives off the Airbase and into the borders of Rose.
Rolling along the cold countryside of Schon. Alana, who was on the front of the convoy, presents herself as a Minuit to the gate guards. But seeing the long column of armored military vehicles whose tail end they cannot see even though the bush, a Lord had to be called who soon arrived in his dashing white horse. He couldn't even hear himself at the sound of the numerous turbine and diesel engines that were running all together just outside their Kingdom's walls.
"By Angkramellia the God of us, what is happening here?!"
"My Lord. Lady Minuit is here. She says one of the Outworlder Generals has to talk with the visitor from the other world currently in the Capital."
"Good Angus may he bless us with the sweetest of bloods. Can't they not perform a coup whilst visiting the Kingdom? This is why I have no respect for the King's wishes and not wiping these Mortals from the planet."
He then walks towards the gates and sees the beautiful Lady Minuit. He immediately dropped his act as he elegantly kneeled and kissed the top of her hand. "Lady Minuit, May I ask why you are with these people? Such displays cannot be accepted in our solemn country." she then takes her hand then properly bows.
"The Human General, Sir Jackson, fears that his colleague has something planned that might work against our Kingdom. He must be let through." hearing this, the man looks up to the players all suited and geared for total all out modern war. Swallowing his saliva, he steps aside. "Guards! Call for the Cavalry to escort them to the Capital!"
One of the Gate Guardians immediately ran into an open road where he spread his wings open and flew away. Jackson had his arms crossed as Alana returned to his vehicle. Upon opening the door to him, she only nods and the man raises up his fist in victory. "Alright! Everyone, keep it cool. Do not go too fast for now and listen to your platoon commanders upon change of plans or route." Various callsigns then reply with copies and understood and soon, a bunch of horseback Vampires comes to the main gates where they lead the convoy to the Capital.
Having horseback escort, the convoy had to stop at night. Having to wait for the Knights to feed and let their horses rest. In the spur of the moment, he had Alana to order them to get inside the flatbed trucks in the back and be transported. Saving them much precious time as they speed away till dawn.
With a huge dust cloud being kicked up by the column insight, Maltese's soldiers standing on the gates of the capital as the Star was dwindling down in the horizon and the cold embrace of the night approaches had to wipe their eyes from what they were witnessing.
"What in the... is that a convoy?!" The soldier next to him grabs the skeleton soldier and steals the binoculars in its hands. Lifting it up, the man's eyes opened so much it was as if his eyeballs were about to pop out of its sockets. "H-Holy crap... that's a lot..." the player then manning the .50 caliber machine gun looked up as he noticed an oddly shaped cloud that was moving fast.
He didn't even say a word and just ran away from his position. One of the soldiers started shaking him violently. "Tung! Tung!" lowering his binoculars, he turns to his friend with an angry expression. "WHAT?!" The player just lifts his hand up and the finger, pointing to the skies.
Looking at it, his jaw just dropped. His feet fixed on the ground and he stood like a deer caught in headlights.
One of the officers stationed there sees the cup of water on top of his Humvee's dashboard start to violently rock. "What the..." He hops out to see his men staring at something far in the plains and subsequently, others looking above and then behind. Turning around, the man's jaw drops as he instantly collects himself and looks back at the path towards the Capitol. The lead vehicle of the column was a Main Battle Tank and he walked right in front of its path, waving his arms and hands.
"STOP! STOP!" With the tank not even showing signs of slowing down, he removes his red beret, waving it around like a flag as the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank rams through the 5 Ton truck blocking the road. Needlessly flattened it and some Humvees parked behind it whilst his, which was tucked on the sidelines, survived. Though the crash was immense and the sound of bent metal rang around the area.
The officer could only put his hands on top of his head as the long convoy of combat ready vehicles rushed past them. "Gate Bravo, What was that? We already have a huge ass Dragon above us and now, we're getting reports of a crash occurring on the-" He dashes to his Humvee, grabbing the mic and presses the speak button while his body is suspended on the seat. "Command! Do we have an emergency inside the Capitol?" only a lone reply comes. "What emergency?!" as a massive shadow flew over them once again.
On the Port inside the city, Apache and Hind attack helicopters turned their engines on. With the rotors all at a hundred percent, the Pilots pour power into the turbines. "H-huh? What? I am at ninety percent collective!" a shadow then skims past him as he looks up to see a Black armored Dragon sending concentrated beams of fire down into the planet. "Holy..." One by one, the exposed respawn points are melted into pure gold and silver. The icons of the One True God are all gone.
On the lead vehicle of the column, the powerful turbine engine echoed through the concrete streets of the Vampire city. The people there only left to look in awe as the machines going at speeds one couldn't fully grasp with how bulky and hefty they look turn to the castle in the middle. Appearing on one of the intersections, a Leopard 2A6 blocks the entire way. "Uhhh... Command! We got a Tango right in front!" a reply then comes to his comms.
The deep womanly voice of Elizabeth overtakes their voices as upon hearing her, they felt a wave of calmness hugging them from behind. "Turn left and then right and then Left and right again. Do not panic. You are near the main road." as the German design Main Battle Tank turned its turret to the Abrams, the tank didn't stare back. Instead, violently skidding to the left as it leads the convoy through the zig zagging streets of the Vampire Capital.
Following Elizabeth's instructions, the column snakes its way through the city.
Upon the last turn, with the main road in sight. The lead tank then encounters an M3 Bradley and BTR-82 blocking the main road.
Turning their turret, the Bradley even lifted its TOW anti tank missiles. The tank didn't stop, battering right through them. With such a clash of metal, the Main Battle Tank threw one of its threads that got caught up in the small jump.
Completely immobilizing it as it skids into the sidewalk. One of the Vampire Noble going about his day merely lifts his hand and it was enough to make the seventy ton iron beast to stop without making him move an inch. "Hah, what're the Outworlders doing now?" He fixes his tunic and coat and proceeds to go about his day with his Elven servant.
Driving past the disabled Abrams, the second one behind it then takes the lead. Now only a block away from the castle gates, the roadblocks all suddenly started to open up. With the barriers being removed and all of the soldiers on guard duty of the Supreme General stepping aside as Jackson's troops moved in the front courtyard.
The soldiers of Ervtes quickly disembarked from there tracked armored vehicles as he personally stormed the front doors of the Castle. Alana made sure none of the Knights could stand in his way as the King himself appeared right in front of the man.
He came out of nowhere, as if the walls of the castle meant nothing to him. In his royal robes, the King warmly spreads open his arms. "Ah, Lord Jackson. What made you come here with such an entrance? Lady Minuit, I hope this isn't what it seems to be." The Countess and General both got to their knees as he didn't even dare to look the King right in the eyes.
"My King, Lord Jackson has business to tend to with General Maltese."
"Hm. He's here. What could this be about then?"
"I gravely apologize for the sudden intrusion to our Capital. I've done this without even sending a letter nor notification. But its urgency is the utmost as the General has plans concerning the safety of the Kingdom." This made King Harold to tilt his head. "You don't mean..."
"It's the First Queen's undefeatable Knight Army, Lord Harold." The King then turns to Jackson. "Human. Lift your head and face me." he does as the King instructs, the soldiers behind him all standing as still as they could. Fingers near the trigger. "Hmmm... I see. Very well then. If this is true, then I must commend you, Lord Jackson. You might be the first Human to receive a statue in this Kingdom. Go. He is in the second floor guest room." and just like a passing gust of wind, the King disappeared from in front of them and the General ran to the upper floor.
Peeking from his pocket was the Queen in her crimson bat form. "My Lord, I've been thinking since the drive the entire night. Maltese should not know that much still. The tomb where I was buried only contained hints of where they are. Not the exact location, though." as he ran up staircase after staircase, the General had nothing but pure adrenaline running through his veins.
"I am betting that he is juggling through so much that he just gave up. When those checkpoints opened, I am sure he had accepted that the jig was up. Elizabeth, I want you and Alana to stay outside. This is between us."
"As you order, My Lord."
Upon reaching the Guest Room, the two players outside made him stop at his feet.
Wearing white shiny composite armor on top of exoskeletons, they looked like true and true power armored soldiers that're not bulky nor wide. Wielding weapons powered by gems, they merely stepped aside as he ordered the two Vampires and the company of soldiers with him to stay.
Though reluctant, the women follow as they are ordered alongside all his soldiers. Opening the ornate white wooden door, the Supreme General was standing all alone, looking at a cabinet full of utensils and ceramic plates adorned with gold and silver. He held in his hand a shot glass with scotch as his subordinate entered. Removing his hat and a quick salute, Maltese could only chuckle.
"You know, I get it now. Why after my service. Vets like me still play brutal and realistic MilSim games. You'll fall in love with the adrenaline, the badassery of your job, and the coolness of what you can accomplish... and most of all, the brotherhood you will build with those you've fought and bled with. Full dive can accomplish all of that, but we can respawn and go back. No need to feel bad for making a mistake." He picks up the porcelain tea cup and inspects it as his eyes would sneer at Maltese.
"But at the same time, you remember the brutality of it all. The maniacal ones you'd meet and the horrific things that would happen. Such is a man. He seeks the goodness of things while trying to avoid the horrible stuff that comes with it. Including those who fuck with you. Here I am now, at the tail end of your games, Maltese." he stops inspecting the tea cup, his head leaning down and the eyes of the man were full of murder.
"Guess I've been found out, huh?"
"Maltese. Why."
"Oh, indeed. Why..." The Supreme General then walks to one of the armchairs and elegantly crosses his legs. Lowering the shot glass to the wooden table with a chessboard on it. The Queen is surrounded while the King is far on the corner. Both of them have a view of one another in an opening but are unable to do anything. "You know, you're quite the smart one. Always going out and into these adventures. It's thanks to that no one in Higher Command ever thought of using you guys or taking advantage of your powers."
With a laugh, he taps his forehead. "You act like you don't know things, but in reality. You're more in touch than anyone else with the politics around here. You know what people are like in power and what they'd do if they have a tool that can provide all they want. What a Knight in shining armor. Truly."
"Cut the crap, Maltese. I specifically ordered and requested that none of the people in my party be used in any shape or form unless they agree to it. I also said, no messing with me. What was this all about then? I did all that because I knew something like this was gonna happen. I stayed away from all the bullshit inside Iron Mountain. It's only thanks to the conflict in Zavalda that you got your chance."
"Jackson... Do you know why Man always goes the extra way for war?"
"I don't care. Cut this crap game and head back home to Iron Mountain. How long had you been planning this huh? Since the time Elizabeth, who was supposed to be burned and exterminated, instead escaped and headed to my gurney in the hospital and gave the Vampire's Oath to me." The General chuckled as his face was on the verge of seemingly vomiting at Maltese. "What type of person are you, Maltese? Do you even know what inhuman things she possesses? Do you think we people can control what she can?"
"Time. The longer the pain and suffering goes, the more everyone equally suffers." Maltese then squinted his eyes as he stared at Jackson. Walking towards the large tall windows that have a perfect view of the front courtyard. His troops were wary of soldiers wearing the same uniform and camouflage as they are. "I cannot waste time with Morgan's methods. We're mere inches from the blade now, and we must act before it beheads us all."
Turning around, Jackson then stares at Maltese. His hands loose and his facial expression as blank as a corpse. "Do you seriously think time is of the essence for me? After all I've been through on this forsaken planet?" Walking to the low wooden table, the Five Star General swaps the King and Queen. "Hey now, that's an illegal move." the man merely scoffs at his comment as he walks back to the window.
"And? What're you gonna do about it? Don't you think what you are doing here is not illegal in itself?"
Seeing the courage and confidence in his voice, Maltese then spreads his arms and rests it on the sides of the armchair. "What makes you think I'd just roll over and accept whatever terms you have? I still have control, Jackson. You are under me, so are the soldiers you are commanding right now." with a grim smile on his face, the Five Star General puts his hands on his back. "What makes you think these people are gonna follow you? A woman once told me a soldier is more loyal to a General who has led them to battle than one that stands behind a thousand trees."
Hearing this, the Supreme General breathes a long hard sigh. "Jackson, these people wouldn't bat an eye if you were to be gutted in front of the square. It's a foolproof plan and everyone will finally be able to put their differences aside and unite. If the people were to find out the Queen has risen back with her unkillable Knight army, the entire debacle between the Elves and the Holy See will end by the very moment." His body then leaned forward, though his hands closed as ever, Maltese looked at Jackson whose broad back was facing him.
"I am not gonna let her become the center of the world again, Maltese. She's been through enough."
"Jackson, you are aware that no one will have the time to figure out it's her, right? The Continents would have to first prepare and get everything sorted before they could act." Maltese then leans his back once again at the armchair. But Jackson wasn't having any of it. He stood as steady as ever, watching the cold exterior of the night overtake the hot afternoon star. "What? Do you even know what you're talking about, Maltese? Everyone will go after Elizabeth afterwards."
"And? We'd all be gone by then." He opens his hands, his chin pointing upwards. "A woman like her won't simply cower and die. She'd survive."
"Don't tell me this is why she was allowed to be with me. Just so that you could do this a year later." Turning around, Jackson's facial expressions have completely changed, he had a violent anger, a tide that's only being stopped by the fact that the man in front of him wore the same hue as he is. Seeing him like that, Maltese's eyes widen and he leans forward once again, his hands now open. "Then what do you propose we do, Jackson? Let Morgan and her lackeys do what they're doing? At its current pace. The Species of this planet will not have enough time to unite. If they do not unite and prepare, who do you think the burden of all these failures will go to?"
"Maltese, I know. But the woman had already been through enough. What will happen to her after the End Times, huh? I will not allow a witch hunt to occur. She's been through enough."
"Then what?! Are you gonna let us all die for some Vampire who out ages the Roman Empire?! What about you! Me! Everyone! Let me remind you that for a planet of this size, even with our modern technology and magic, we're still severely undermanned!" The sudden surge of anger in Maltese caught him off guard, but the Five Star General didn't budge.
After a few seconds, the Supreme General gathered himself and fixed the wrinkles on his uniform as he rested his back at the armchair, tilting his head left and right, as if to fully observe his subordinate. "Pfft. Jackson, don't tell me you're willing to forsake your own kind for a Vampire who had brought destruction to this planet once. Just because she showed you some love and intimacy, that you'd forsake us all."
Maltese's eyes then squinted as his hands closed. "Don't you think that you might be a willing victim of her devious plans?""
"And what if I am willing. Huh?" The Five Star General didn't move. He's as steady as anyone could be as his piercing gaze steers right into Maltese's. "Jackson... don't tell me... I can't have one of my top subordinates and a famed Veteran General want to stay here and continue to be bewitched by a Vampire who had killed countless. She might be the embodiment of beauty, but she's also the embodiment of everything wrong with people in power."
"Who said I was planning on staying here? I never alluded to such a thought or thing."
"And yet you're willing to go this far for a Vampire, a Non Human of all things who you will never meet ever again in your entire life? A Vampire may I remind you that has done things that's worse than the Dictators who let World Wars start and Great Famines to their people."
"I am. Because what kind of a man would I be if I can't protect a woman who wants to live her eternal life peacefully? What type of man would I be if I can't let someone like her live a long life in redemption for her sins? Maltese, I am not a normal Human anymore. I have magic like you do. I can change the world."
"Jackson, that's like saying if Hitler or Stalin came back to life and wished to live to help and better, others should be allowed to do so rather than to face their crimes and hang by the hague."
"That's where you're wrong, Maltese. You said it yourself, Elizabeth is not Human. She has all the time in the world to make up for her mistakes. Unlike us Humans with our short lives, not even sixty years will be enough to make up for what those two did. But she has more and with her powers, she can do much more than become another target for those afraid of her." Maltese then deflates as he picks up the bottle of scotch and sits down on the arm chair.
The Supreme General of the Armed Forces that represents Earth merely sighs. He then pours himself one and swirls the shot glass. After a second, he smells it and smiles. "Then... you are aware that YOU will be the one to carry the burden of this... revolt of yours, correct?"
"Correct."
"And that for whatever shortcomings this plan of yours will bring, YOU will carry it all to the end. Including the countless that will die for your selfish choice. Correct?"
"Correct."
Hearing this, Maltese then spreads his arms. His shot glass is half full of scotch on one as he smiles. "Then, what do you suggest we do, Oh Knight in Shining Armor?"
"Take me to Elvennur. I'll end this in a week or two."
"That's far too much time. It must be done now or tomorrow. If not, the burden you'll carry will be far too much. I cannot guarantee that our numbers will be enough to delay them. This is why I had to do this. It's now or never, Jackson. It's NOW or NEVER. I cannot hope to tell you what I know and what's coming, but no amount of prayer will save you for what's to come soon." The Five Star General then looks out the window.
His men all pointing their guns at the soldiers of Maltese, Main battle tanks of the same make and model pointing their barrels at one another. "Then so be it. This is the life of a man. I wouldn't be the person I am now if I didn't take on all the hardships and pain of life. I wholeheartedly believe a man's life is to help those in need and serve those who wish to better us. Elizabeth, heck even Alana had made me a better man. I cannot betray nor let them down."
Hearing this, Maltese just facepalms and proceeds to massage his forehead. "I guess this is what I deserve for gambling so much. I know you, Jackson."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. This is why I specifically chose you. Colonel and Hardline follower of the rules while capable of thinking outside the box. You were perfect for this role as you could also be a submissive puppy when the eyes of Higher Command lay down on you. I didn't expect that you'd open your heart to this level. To Non Humans of all things." he laughed as he drank some of the wine. "I can't believe it. That dastardly Queen has one upped me. Hmph. The stories undersold her abilities."
He then looks at Jackson and tilts his head. "And you, you've changed, Jackson. You've changed very much in the span of a year and a half."
"What did you expect? I am in another world full of beauty and wonder. Why should I be the same person as before? Let me tell you Maltese, I've seen things no other man could believe." Jackson then walks to the Supreme General and sits down opposite of him. "Destroyers on fire at the Dead Sea as thousands scream for their lives, Cities razed to the ground in mere hours as its citizens-" His eyes twitched multiple times as the man started to fiddle with his fingers. "As its citizens burned alive, women, children, elderly. I saw young men, East and West fight one another tooth and nail even after all our advancements. The beautiful and innocent light of youth disappeared as war took their souls and fed it into the machine that makes endless corpses."
Leaning forward, Jackson then takes the now surrounded King off the chessboard and lifts it up to the level of his left eye. "Those who survived deserve the world, and those who have died deserve the hope of the world. For a better future for everyone. Elizabeth can be both of those. A proof of redemption, proof that even the farthest and coldest species of Threa can also be loved and respected like anyone else." Maltese then downs his entire shot glass of scotch and wraps his fingers around one another, now looking more like a professional business man than a General of a military. "But sadly, we've already reached the limit of Humans allowed in the Elf Kingdom. How do you wish to proceed, Mister Knight in Shining Armor?"
Sighing, Jackson stands up and walks back to the window, watching the thin ice below, both sides mere inches from turning the front courtyard of the Vampire Castle into a crater full of bullet holes. In the garden, he notices Alana with Elizabeth in her crimson bat form. His eyes widen and a smile comes to his face. "Heh. I have an idea." Maltese's squints but breathes out a long sigh. "Very well. But don't hate me when the End Times comes and the cycle goes back to the first again for this planet. Jackson, you will be in the frontline of this. Since you are this dedicated, I'll have you to carry the weight of it all."
Shrugging his head, the Supreme General looked up to the ceiling as he sighed. "This delay will cost us so much. This cost, I will lay it all down on your shoulders."
"So this is how you're going to get rid of me huh? Pfft." The General just walks off to the door. His back facing the Supreme General. "You're on, Maltese. You're on."
Walking out of the door, Jackson's men were all on the corridor's sides. Their guns still in their hands as they eagerly turned to their General. "Orders have changed. Return to your posts and barracks. Thank you." The soldiers quickly saluted as they packed up their rucksacks and walked back down. Everyone soon got into their respective vehicles and drove back to the Airbase while Jackson stayed behind. Giving his final orders to the officers, he gave them all an exchange of salute and handshakes as they drove back to the base.
After a while it was already nearing the middle of the night, the General turned to the Countess. "Alana, bring me to your Manor."
"Of course, M'Lord. Bahamut had actually suggested we would go back and have you rest. You've had a long day, after all."
"Wait, where is Elizabeth and Bahamut?"
"Ah, I think they went to the back. The East Garden to be precise."
"Is that so?"
With her leading the way, the Countess takes the man through the various halls and corridors of the Castle. Ending up in the East Wing where modern construction equipment is scattered. Skeletons in camouflage and hard hats were standing at ease at the sides as he found the Queen looking at the now destroyed gazebo with Bahamut on her shoulder.
The two then walk to them where upon the touch of Jackson, makes the woman jump. "Ah!" she turned around and elegantly bowed to him. "My Lord. I apologize. I didn't notice you there."
"That's odd. You usually don't let your guard down to that level."
"It's just that..." She turns to the gazebo that's now destroyed. All the arranged flowers there now scattered everywhere. "My... such devastation." All Jackson could do was squeeze her shoulder as her hand rests on top of his. "Did you arrange these?"
"Hm. Long, long ago. I did. A reminder to General Mar. This is where my Crimson Army rests for eternity. To disturb such a grave."
"I'm more surprised they found it so quickly. King Harold really did it now."
"Haaaah... he is a monkey after all. He dances to the tune of the majority now. My Lord, Countess, Bahamut. Please help me grab these flowers and rearrange them." Taking the Lilies and Daisies of Crimson Hue. The entire party got together in making sure everything is back to where it was. Though the gazebo is long destroyed, they merely made sure the flowers that once stood around it could be safely be with its groups. "This is all I could do to the Sons of the Nobles who happily sent their best to become my thrall."
"How did they do that?"
"Nobles back then would pick the best Human who had shown aptitudes that suit their House. They'd train these new Vampires to become the strongest to ever be bred." laying the last flower down, she stands up. Dusting her hands. "They'd then give those who were beyond exceptional to me, to become a Crimson Knight under my own personal Retinue. They even have their own research place here in the Castle. Though it's long sealed, it seems."
Soon after, Alana called for a carriage. With most of the column already leaving the city. Jackson could only give salute after salute to the players that went with his plan and on the way back to her Region. Jackson laid down all that he and Maltese conversed about. With Elizabeth having a devastated expression on her face while Alana was filled with anger and Bahamut, holding a more reserved expression.
Returning to her Manor, Jackson didn't even waste a single moment. Walking back to his room and plopping down the bed. Only removing his jacket and hat, with his shoes being the last. The trio was shocked by how tired he was. Not even a second had passed and he was already deep in a slumber. Before long, he started to snore loudly and a drool dripped from his opened mouth.
Alana quickly got to talking with her Butlers and Servants while Bahamut devoured a prepared meal for her alone, as the Chefs remembered her taste for meat.
Elizabeth on the other hand appears out of the shadow from the corner of Jackson's room. Wearing her old royal gown of crimson hue and her Queenly crown, she sat next to him who had now been moved into a proper sleeping posture alongside a change to his pajamas.
Slowly, she rests her gloved hand on top of his forehead, smiling upon the feeling of his warmth.
"Ah, My Lord. Thou'west heart is truly full of kindness and love. Thine courage can take on mountains and one's confidence to move'th valleys." She then leans into his forehead and gives him a light kiss. "Such is the fate of a Man. Gave his all for those he loved, just to be sequestered by the world." She then reaches in the blanket and takes his right hand, lifting it up to her heart. "Knights are to carry the burden of the people, but some Knights carry only the burden of their loved ones. To repair and mend the mistakes of their forefathers and ancestors. For you, an outsider to do such a thing and go this far... No words can compare."
Standing up. She elegantly twirled around the sleeping man. Stopping just before the balcony doors. "Thou beseech thee to honor the Vampires most greatest virtue, to give one's service to a combatant whose bested them. I pledge thyself to you. This is my solemn vow and may the witnesses in this Room take this promise to heart. As this contract shalt not be broketh even upon the worst curses and perils." Upon reciting this, the woman disappears and the man sneezes in his sheets. Turning to his left as he slept soundly through the night.
The next day, Jackson awakens with the same look as always. Haggard and tired, he puts on his slippers and opens the door to the halls. There, Bahamut was in her Human form. Drinking some water while reading something on paper. Yawning and scratching his back, the man goes up to her and pats her head.
"Mornin' Bahamut."
"Morning, Master."
"Where's everyone?"
"Ah, the black haired one is in her office, the blonde one is in the back enjoying tea. Though, she seemed a bit... sad I believe."
"Is that so? I'll check on her later then. But for now, what's for breakfast?"
"Master, you're four hours late."
"Eh?! Why didn't you wake me then?"
"Master, have you not seen yourself recently? You need to rest for weeks if possible."
"Ahhhhh... I see. Well... ugh. I'll be in my room then. I need to change back to my uniform."
"What? Master, you need to rest."
"I need to get our carriage delivered. I hope Junior's all fine. Poor horse."
"Master, I'll do that for you. Just go back to rest." She shoos him away and Jackson, having a tired expression still just scratched the back of his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Alright. Be careful and no eating of pets." The Dragon just continues to gesture for him to go and she closes the paper she was in the middle of and stretched her arms.
"Ah, time to get to work."