Castaria-Zegrav Borders #8: Insurgency in Red Curve

 How long have they been planning this? For entire weeks, reports about Kaniima, Badraan, and Zegrav engaging in border skirmishes came in. According to some of these reports along with rumors, many combatants claimed to be loyal citizens. Patriotism towards this newly formed Union of Republics could easily be feigned in his opinion. It would not surprise him at all if they acted patriotic towards the V.U.V.R. just to get them off their backs. Born of a Nochanian Uxane mother and a Zegrav father, Asim-Sugmuk Malik felt more aligned with the Nochanians. Despite his name he showed more connection with his mother's side of the family. 

Before becoming annexed as a new member to the VUVR, Zegrav attempted to conquer the Nochanian Islands. Not only was it to expand and conquer, but to gain better access to trade goods from Valde. Castaria's Empire collapsing left no one to stop them. There was the V.U.V.R., well the members that began it. All the founding states focused on occupation and repairing the whole region. A wave of 106, 276 hungry, greedy, disgruntled, low, and deprived Zegravs invaded. All the Uxane islands had to defend their homes and people. Slaves, land, materials and respect as a new empire were all these Zegrav desired. With a force of 4,535 or more, Nochania fought on the island of Gisugonne. Nochania had 329,250 people leave for Geverine. Most of Zegrav's first wave died in the fighting, and during their occupation. His own mother fired a few rounds out of the window at these invaders. 

Zegrav lost their war to the newly formed V.U.V.R. and became a new member. Corporal Asim-Sugmuk Malik and his fellow Vestrisians passed a herd of forty-five Zegrav Mastadons. They were large in stature, but very timid when it came to small rodents. Asim was glad to be able to see them in Ottante-Vestrisian as a child then again as an adult. His unit of 390 soldiers were part of the 1224th that was called up to deal with an insurgency. Just a week and a half ago they helped another army unit. Part of the 144th Infantry-Rangers scouring in groups of Elves and Dwarves that got caught in an ambush. Both forces fought for exactly four days reducing each others manpower. Mostly chipping away during the battle. When the 1224th came upon them just 37 Dwarves, and 32 Elves. These Rangers engaged 126 Ghouls, 75 Troglodytes, 15 Gnolls, and one Lamia Lion leading the ambush. 

None of the ambushing party lived to tell their reasons behind the ambush. As for the rest of the 144th company, 69 remained alive. The trumpeting sounds of the Ottante Mastadons brought him back to the present. Outside a city called Red Curve they set up a headquarters in the form of a base with multiple camps. Just twenty-seven miles from the borders of Zegrav and Castaria, they prepared to retake another settlement.  In the eastern-central part of Zegrav a total of four settlements remained in rebel hands. Whatever transpired in Castaria also began here in Zegrav. Rumors about a rebellion sparking up in Badraan, Kaniima spread across the regions. Among these rumors the gossip included aliens helping the insurgents and a possible civil war brewing. Asim did not want to know the caused behind them. He thought the 1224th were bound for Zekmar and Dorntalla. Their "real" enemy was the invade not angry rebels upset over some ancient feuds. Every tribe would either be subjects, slaves or dead if the VUVR fell. 

It was still the year 1843 and the Vullanese were getting crushed. More islands fell to the V.U.V.R. and their military started pushing into territories of other foes. All he heard was the areas of Zekmar, Gontrella, and Muskalla were likely to be invaded soon. There was also the rumor of their forces invading Vimasdra. Word about the frontlines seldom reached his ears. He was focused on the borders of Zegrav and Castaria. In a squad of fifteen riflemen, submachine gunners, grenadiers  machine gunners, and Marskman, Corporal Asim-Sugmuk Malik felt at home. Fields of yellow grass, hills, carious rivers, jungles to the south, and small deserts is what he visited with his own father. His own mother took him along when they were hunting down Zegrav invaders. She also allowed him to reload the guns. 

Under the command of Lieutenant Sallah Ritherson, fourteen infantry of the 1224th broke from the main unit. Another squad followed their example with only thirteen members in the squad. Breaking away from the main force they began searching for mounts. The commanding officer of the 1224th battalion, Colonel Eddos Zepher required the Zedelet transports for carrying the wounded. Loading their own packs on their backs the squad wondered about the mounts. Mules proved capable of carrying heavy loads, but moved slow. Horses were fast, agile, and durable. To the misfortune of the rider, they often scared easily. Oxen were used for pulling carts, wagons and sometimes vehicles. Those beasts were too slow for a mission such as this one. Other beasts would be too wild or too dumb for such a mission. Yackdreth had those thick coats and this climate was too warm. 

Any Yackdreth used for this mission would tire easily from the heat. Looking around the tent, wagon hut, lean-to, and nomadic house filled settlement they spotted what they needed for mounts. Often called humped steeds, or ships of the desert, Camels made the perfect specimen for the deserts, and grasslands. Among the mounts for sale and for rent were horses, Camels, Mules, Oxen, Mastadons, and some unusual ones. Roaming around the settlement they found a total of 557 horses, 338 Camels, one hundred fifteen Mules, Thirty Oxen, Eighteen Ram-Goats for smaller races, Nine Mastadons, fifty-seven lizard mounts, and five horned beasts for rent. 

Just checking the are out they noted the settlement consisted of three thousand one hundred twenty seven structures. Red Curve had more buildings, but the estimation was solid enough for them. Corporal Asim-Sugmuk Malik's gaze concentrated more on the people. Inhabiting these estimated one thousand eight hundred eleven tents, four hundred thirty nine lean-to's, three hundred eighty-eight Caravan houses, four hundred eighty two huts they estimated at three thousand three hundred fifty and more. For settlement like this to thrive meant it had more services than just mounts, and beasts of burden for purchase and rent. Some blacksmiths, horse trainers, tent weavers, apothecaries, bodyguards, saddlers, blade smith, coopers, farriers, merchants pawners, healers, tailors, tanners, wheel wrights, tavern tents, and companionship. Red Curve also held some taverns, and other necessities to keep a settlement thriving and working. 

Rounding the corner they found some suitable camels next to a saddler, and animal trainer. Collecting the Camel steeds they proceed to patrol sectors in Red Curve's vicinity. Corporal Malik did his best keeping a mental note on the scenery around them. A tall portal inn stood at four stories towering above some castles, and old towers. It perched on a nice hill with a switchback pathway for steps. Forming part of Red Curve's foundation, twelve old structures appeared restored and renovated. Eight small castles, four old watch towers seated on hills formed a curve pattern. Each one was constructed from red clay and sand bricks. Thus the name Red Curve was given to it. Very little is known about its pre history, but the founding of Red Curve itself is well known. Its inhabitants retell the story of how nomads settled in some ancient ruins, and transformed the castles and towers into a town. 

Possibilities of finding other inhabitants wasn't difficult. Dozens of customers, scores of workers, and craftsmen could be seen among other structures. A trio of Guild riders, some Gold clad hero/writer from Geverine, and Elf Ranger buying new mounts for their own quests. Two female fire mages in the lose red robes rented a single lizard mount. Near some stands and old well three adventurers, three elf fighters, and three veterans haggled over saddles with four different saddle merchants at their stands. Wearing a light blue robe with orange trimmed borders a water phantom mage petted white spotted horse. This eunuch held the appearance of an aging man because of the shaven part of the head, and white dyed hair. His tan brown skin covered his age well. Any Mage with "Phantom" in the title or name were castrated. A multi-thousand year old tradition that is still practiced even after the scarcity of mages in Vestrisia in this era. For females they dyed their hair the color of their elemental powers. Whether they were a regular mage, fire mage, frost mage or water mage their still had to represent the elemental practices and guilds. Travelling with this eunuch was a female Gnome mechanic-inventor, an Old Knight, and Castarian Veteran. 

The Gnome was easy to identify, but for the rest, one needed I.D. papers, or I.D. cards. Here in Red Curve Malik spotted the Old Knight's sigil of a blue cat sewn to the back of a duster coat, and the Castarian Veteran wore a white armband. Anyone who fought against the V.U.V.R. had two options to choose from. Either they wear the white armband with the broken sword icon or serve a ten year sentence in exile. Most chose the armband whereas nine hundred or so chose exile to other parts of Calorn. Noting those off as customers buying or renting mounts Corporal Malik spotted a Red Curve Police officer in Red uniform. This police officer was escorting a family of elves towards a castle. They passed a colorfully dressed knight, nineteen Gryphon Dames from New Vattoram, two cow herders, three warriors, and Elf Blade seated at an open Tavern tent. 

On patrol as well they crossed paths with a mounted Uxane and five Red Curve Police in search of signs of lawbreaking. Exchanging words with them the Vestrisians discovered a few unsavory patrons. Adding this to their mission the squad of Camel Soldiers pressed through Red Curve. While moving west to make a turn the squad spied a Black Knight and a Cleric in wheel chairs near a cottage. Asim assumed they were visiting a site of a lost companion's final battle. Other inhabitants filled the streets shoulders along with six Uxane, and two local Vestrisians. Aiding the crippled souls was a Druid from Prinn, a Battle Blade Mage, and two younger silver knights. Each one gave a salute to the mounted Vestrisians. Being saluted made him uncomfortable for some reason. The idea of insurgents in the area triggered their battle instincts. How did he know the Ogre Hybrid, Leon Dame and former King's Knight would not attack? Hanging out near a cluster of huts he spotted three adventurers talking to an inspector in slacks, tie, and khakis. Next to the cluster rested a trebuchet that was now vintage decoration for the settlement. 

Still patrolling the area in search of rebels, Malik's squad passed a Legionnaire of Boathria, and ex Gladiator from Nevoran continent. Malik's gaze rested on a pair of Zema Ilam horses when a police officer in an automobile came through. Just as it came to a corner some figure in rags, and torn trousers rushed out of the crowds. Wielding what appeared to be a grenade this one figure attacked the police. A pink haired elf watched in horror as it exploded on detonation. Creating a fiery explosion and chaos the attack sent debris flying everywhere. Dozens of people fell whereas scores more fled the scene. Screams of fear and pain filled this section of Red Curve. Survivors lay on the ground in pools of blood. Everyone else either watched in panic, ran from the scene, or rushed in to help the wounded. Getting involved in the aid did help with the image of the V.U.V.R. military. Zegrav was a recent additional member that was still sort of under occupation. Mainly conquered, but still a member of the newly form Union against the invaders to the west. Seeing carnage wasn't entirely new to Corporal Malik. Similar events occurred in Meze and Evusia. Whatever conflict occurred only lasted for thirty-nine day and a half days. A team of seven Swan Knights, a Badraan dark skin, and a team of twelve rescue-medical personnel rushed over. Helping the patients with wounds they made off with three of them. The rest needed more patching up before moving. Malik's eyes widened when he saw the victims were entertainers, and other inhabitants aside from the police in his vehicle. A juggler, snake charmer tribesman, old female Orc, some tournament knight, six Red Curve citizens, female scavenger, fashionable bard, and an ex gladiator along with acrobats made up the wounded and dead. Whatever type of grenade that was it seemed to big of an explosion for a vial grenade. Either the attacker used a bunch of grenades attached together or something bigger. Studying the impact and black marks left on the ground his commanding officer surmised it was a bigger grenade. Even Malik combed through the dirt uncovering thumbtack needles, small screws, iron nails, and shrapnel. The dampness from the blood did not help with the combing for the grenade's contents. He and one other soldiers were able to collect forty-four pieces. What did not help their search were the Red Curve staffing covering up the blood and smoke with sand. Using palm branches they shifted the sand to cover everything up. 

Flag of Zegrav

 

Acting as a crossroad bridge between Vestrisian and Ottante, Zegrav is home to many dark skinned humanoids, and a few other races. Finding itself a land of grassland, deserts, savanna, jungles, oasis, rivers this land of Zegrav also had a few mountain ranges. Although it is rich in minerals it still chose to invade Uxane Islands north of its bay. It has to share waters with Geverine, Lheobethe, and Castaria. To its south lay the Evusian Empire, which was at war with Zegrav's natives on and off. Now it was a member of the V.U.V.R also called the Vestrisian Union or Vestrisian Republics. 

Draconic Collaborators or Warriors of Retoriam-Fecuvia -Korvatzi 1844

 Was it time to show their true colors? Or should they feign allegiance and die for their new masters? Walking into the room he found his 3rd wife reading to his 8th son, and two youngest daughters. She read from the bestiary of dragons that once flew the skies of Calorn yet still fly on her three moons. According to the dragon books there were thirty two types of dragons. Lung Dragons, yong Dragons, knuckers, ampitheres, Lindworms, Wyverns, marsupials, colony dragons, Dwarf Dragons, stone dragons, firebird dragons, earth dragons, Apophis Dragons, Sea Dragons, Blue crest Dragons, Red Dragons, Green, Black, Metallic, white, fire Drakes, Leviathans, behemoths, nagas serpents, nidhogs, wyrms, hydras, cockatrice, purple and gray dragons. He ha to remember all those dragons. Closing the door to their chamber Baron Blackmire interrupted the reciting of the 350 page bestiary. His wife, one tall beautiful battle mage, Ingrideinne the motherly had a knack for stories, teaching, training, and hard working. Knowing her since childhood, he knew she was afraid of spiders. It was something he always teased her about. Whenever he went too far she would through a small fireball at him. Blackmire also had a angry hedge mage in his armies. 

"Time for bed children, you need your sleep. Tomorrow will be a day of festivities and fun." Blackmire said making the next day sound exciting for them. Each little face had an excited expression appear. His own wife, his mother, gave him a more cross expression. 

Ignoring her Blackmire said his goodnight to each child before taking her off to their own quarters. She was silent in her black gown with silver designs. All he had on was a wool laced shirt with their Black Dragon insignia. Although not the only Black Dragon Clan or Family the Blackmire House felt forced to pledge allegiance to the alien Gantronese. Those light gray humanoids with no noses, scared faces, and large black eyes. Some say these were ghost demons from the skies. However they did provide protection from the other invaders, the Nazdar. Entering their room he saw a Green Dragon wine bottle holder on a counter bar against the stone wall. Next to it lay two chalices. A Duwal Chalice with twin Dragon Blood figures guarding a skull crest. The other was a goblet with a blue divine Dragon holding a blade. Sitting down he pulled his wife in with him. She did not resist as she got in bed while he poured them a little wine. Blackmire started to drink, but his Ingrideinne did not for some reason. 

"What is wrong?" he asked her lowering the wine from his face. 

"Are you going to face them?" she asked him. "Are you going to confront our new masters?" 

"Not yet. They have summoned us to protect our half of the small continent." He assured her rubbing her shoulder. 

"If they haven't already, they will send our men to fight against those Vestrisians. What do they want?" She retorted back at him grabbing his arm with fear. 

"I have summoned the other Dragon Clans. We must march to the south where this new enemy has just landed on our shores." Blackmire responded. 

"You mean the Gantronese lands. This was once home to the Blackhell peoples who are likely to side with the new invaders." she tried to argue. 

"We have new weapons to use against these new invaders. A few Lesdonian vessels went down from a turret they gave us." He boasted to her face. 

"That five man turret that looks like a death trap only sunk small skiffs or gunboats!" She said as though it was a rebuke. 

"Ingrideinne they gave us a Nazdar Tank, well three Nazdar tanks."

"One stolen tank, and two broken down ones." She replied. 

He wanted to tell her about the 375 Assault Rifles, and AA transporters the Gantronese also gave them. That would either have to wait or be shown in a few days. Finishing his wine alongside his wife Blackmire laid back and fell asleep. Morning came as the light of the dawn hit his closed eyes. The children entered their room with the nanny chasing after them. Forced to get up because of the children he ate morning meals with them and his wife. Each one were excited over what he was going to show them. What none of them expected was a bit of company. Seven other guests arrived wearing traditional clothing of their respected regions. Count Redmire of the Red Dragons arrived with his fiend looking maid. Lord Greenmouth of the Green Serpent Dragons, Baron Abbogus of the Gold Dragons, Gantronese-Puppet Commander Count Viggu Rabashi leading the commoners, Sir Eudes the Green Drake had the militia under his command. Looking at each leader he spotted 6 kegs, 8 crates and 6 barrels that were taken from a siege tower some lone Oni made into a home. On the wall hung a ceremonial Dragon Costume with Draconic Bat wings. 

"Welcome my fellow collaborators. The Gantronese have ordered us to repel an attack by an invader. No it is not the Vestrisians, but someone else." Blackmire addressed to his guests. His feast for them was waiting in the other room. 

"I understand the past blood feuds are still lingering over our heads. It would benefit us all, if we stood together while serving the Gantronese. I have offered 337 of my own Black Dragon Warriors to serve them. What about the rest of you?" Blackmire addressed to the gathered leaders. 

One at a time the leaders presented how many they were offering to defend their realm. Count Redmire offered a unit of 715 Red Dragon warriors for this defense. Lord Greenmouth brought over 635 Green Serpent Warriors. Baron Abbogus commanded just 198 Gold Dragon Knights for this fight. Count Rabashi had over 7555 armed commoners and peasants under his command. Sir Eudes commanded over 1,000 militia armed with Gantronese weapons. One company of 210 Foreign mercenaries was given their own commander by the name of Eman Bowerstone the Harpoonist. Not playing around Blackmire insisted they begin moving troops to the south. Gantronese authorities, their rulers, would not doubt have someone executed over any delays. 

"Making the most of the forces were are allowed to marshal, we have to move quickly. These 10,650 warriors we rallied already exceeds what they allow to be marshaled." Blackmire persisted before the other leaders who came. 

"How much time did the Gantronese give us?" Rabashi inquired folding his arms. 

"Just ten days to rest and begin moving our troops." Blackmire answered Rabashi. 

"Moving a large amount of troops is going to be difficult. Most of the motorized vehicles are taken by the Gantronese!" Greensmouth touted before the meeting of leaders. 

"We can march on foot!" Abbogus gave him a sincere glare that would send apprentices in the corner wetting their pants. 

"We have no time to march on foot, Abbogus. A fort of Retainers is under siege by these monster aliens called the Order of the Beast and CSO." Greenmouth pointed out. An argument arose among them over what to do. Blackmire put his head in is hands with his elbows on the table. Hearing arguments when they needed to get a move on created head aches. As they almost came to blows something hit him. Someone else could lead their forces. Another person could do this for them. 

"How about someone else do this for us? Lead our troops or their own troops that is closer to the front." He suggested to them. Every leader fell silent. They knew of whom he spoke of. A loner, who had military experience when fighting the Nazdar, Vestrisians, and the tribes of the Unknown Lands. This person was familiar with the area. 

"Mogg the Ghost Marked Orc is closer to the invader than we are." Blackmire suggested to the leaders. In his mind he knew how it sounded. The invader, if he was a neutral official watching this unfold their Gantronese Masters would be the invader. Fighting for them would make them a traitor to the rest of Calorn. It apparently made them traitors, anyone who fought for the Gantronese or Nazdar. One Grussian Prisoner of War spat the words at his face from their prison cell. 

No one said a word in response. Each one showed a blank yet scared face. He knew what Mogg was like, the Orc Hybrid wasn't what they really cared for nor had the balls to confront. Looking down at the table he spotted the Dragon Letter opener sitting next to some Draconic Sea Lions figurines on the table. Representing real draconic sea lions in the southern seas, the decorative pieces appeared eye catching. These really belonged to the cross chamber full of artifacts his wife arranged. However she insisted on setting the sea lion pieces on the table. For a half an hour he convinced the other leaders to let him contact Mogg tomorrow while they prepared to march south. 

At dawn they marched with a force of over ten thousand. Only five of the leaders went with them. Blackmire kept close contact with them via a radio given as a gift from  the Gantronese. Through this communication he learned smaller forces joined them. One band of 25 fire warriors of Retoriam, a company of 252 Green troopers with Gantronese rifles, one creator wit 25 automaton sets of armor with swords, and another company of 152 marksmen joined them. Blackmire himself had to march down there two days later. A unit of 92 Cat Folk warriors, 6 Dog Soldiers, 43 human collaborators, 468 rifle Dragoons, and 7 barbarians arrived at his home. Leaving the castle-mansion to the defense of a Gantronese Field Marshall, the cat folk guards and Dog soldiers he marched with the rest of that unit. Riding with this unit they arrived at the scene of the invasion. Carnage was all they found as well as the forces they sent over. Corpses of the invading forces, collaborators, some of their own knights and warriors littered the grasslands just before the coast. Signs of infighting could be found in abandoned villages, some coves, and the main bay. Some fortress was under siege around the time their forces arrived. Just 77 retainers to a Gantronese Lord survived a battle and siege. Corpses trailing from a nice grove towards the fort showed how fierce the fighting was. Blackmire surmised the determination of both sides over control in this region. Checking the bodies he noticed their Gantronese Masters seemed less in number among the casualties. Were their masters losing manpower or were they trying to use them as cannon fodder. 

Disposing of a population through war was never seen by Blackmire since 1838 AN. Several nations of Elves and Dwarves were sent to their deaths in the Unknown Lands bordering Mulzan. Although they were gifted cipher wheels as friends to the Gantronese, these humanoids were used as expendable troops. That was something Blackmire could barely forget no matter how hard he tried erasing the memories. Combining the new forces with Red Dragon, Green Serpent Dragon, Gold Dragon, Black Dragon warriors, and their militia, Blackmire's new command found the invaders at a beach further west. Speaking with newly promoted commanders because of the intense combat killing off the original ones proved difficult yet informative. Over a division's worth of aliens invaded marched under the banners of some Order of the Beast, and a Chaotic Surprise Oligarchy that acted like rivals. Eager to send the invaders to their graves or into the seas, his Gantronese masters insisted on attacking them. Claiming they would be finishing them off they engaged a force of more than eleven thousand. Another collaborator unit attacked from the northern flank with just 915 troops out of ten thousand. Hearing this news Blackmire wondered if this army attacked with over 100, 000. 

Knowing this would lead to his death Blackmire attacked alongside thirteen thousand others who made a mess in the fighting. Facing various alien mercenaries they discovered a few rebels joined them. One unit of 200 people of the Blackbell Isle chose to fight against the Gantronese, an island on the southern end of the continent. Another unit of traitors was among them, known as the Lairthos wolfmen, a humanoid race that pledged fealty to the Gantronese. Apparently, it was a fake pledge through their eyes. He drove his blade through the throat of one wolfman as 950 green faced troops engaged with bayonets alongside 708 hobgoblin-wolf like beings called Tessari, 621 Mahadi cat folk. Forced to fight in gunfights, close quarters combat his forces also engaged 809 tattooed warriors called Woadi. For several hours forces loyal to the Gantronese fought off another set of alien invaders preserving another alien's foothold. Taking out these new invaders wasn't easy, but they managed to wipe out the rest of them while driving the remnants into the sea. Either forcing them down into the muddy water face down, or choking them under the water Gantronese collaborators won a costly victory. Ending this battle alongside his fellow Tenmosians Blackmire slew other aliens such as Vanudai Ratmen, Qhelmite Bug humanoids, Chugo pigloid humanoids, Primate Bhitalions, Andazi reptilians, elite blue demons, Chugsin(warthog humanoids), Ogres, and Baubauns (baboon humanoids). Among these aliens they discovered a few Vestrisian Dark Elf collaborators who were likely acting as spies to these new alien invaders. Some of them had fake I.D.'s along with VUVR ID's with the Vestrisian Emblem and flag on the back of the ID card. 

Kezef's fleet year 1844

 His own fleet managed to secure a few spots in this newly found region. It added more islands they counted as out of Gantronese hands. Yet the Gantronese were still up north, and they had several more alien factions to deal with. He now looked at 29 mega ships heading this way. Each one belonged to a different faction other than Gantronese. Hearing much of the islands were cleared in their vicinity proved to reveal mixed results. Casualties were expected, but to deal with a mishmash of allegiances among the strange aliens found was not what he expected. Having more than five factions named through the radio communications gave him an idea of how much of a quagmire the situation looked. Other than the Gantronese and their Aquanne Hitto allies, Admiral Kezef had to think about three or more factions. Some Order of the Beast, the Chaotic Surprise Oligarchy, the Toceanids, and some liberating faction called the IGA. For Kezef this appeared too much to keep up with. 

Although he applauded and saluted the efforts of their troops, he could not believe they could secure the whole unknown region. Called the Platform Seas, this massive archipelago of islands stretched from the Iperantosi Isles to the southern hemispheres of Calorn. Thanks to some maps and willing pilots, he was able to note this blocked region of the sea hosted thousands of islands. Looking out the bridge to his flagship, he wondered if it was a good idea. Did they move too far into these unknown parts of their home world? Kezef read stories about caves leading to undiscovered caverns and underworlds. Even the Ottante continent still had places no one really ventured. For at least a few weeks or more they had been here, and hardly heard any word of Gantronese movements. That is what concerned him the most. Not hearing any news or reports since their victory against the Gantronese. Every privateer they hired barely gave a whisper to them. As unnerving as it was he just had to remember, the alien invaders had more valuables to loot. Plus they hunted everyone they suspected of piracy before this war began. 

Partially heeding his crews' existence Kezef glanced over at some islands he got to walk on with some escorts of course. Taking a good look at the structures himself he also found some exotic animals living on these islands. A flock of yellow, green, and blue birds called Atotolins roamed around the western islands. These slender bodied, large headed water hens could be found in other parts of the world. Yet to find them here in the platform seas was baffling. He gave orders not to hunt these birds down since they came with enough provisions. Kezef turned his focus away from the thoughts of the birds, and the islands. Next to him one of their new allies came to his side. A commanding officer whose name he already forgot. Yet it was good they forgot his name as well, but not his rank. 

"Admiral if these Gantronese regain any foothold they will still have to contend with ten thousand or more enemies. Ones that are not from our factions. My own superiors are sending in a brigade to help." the alien put in. 

Not intending to ignore the alien elf Kezef signaled for them to send a warning fire at the incoming fleet. With a bolstered fleet of forty-three vessels he felt ready to take on this fleet of behemoth ships. Some appeared the size of islands. His flag ship fired a warning round at the twenty-nine ships. Letting loose a barrage from their own turrets, these enemy ships answered. A sea battle ensued before his very eyes. Although he fought the Gantronese, Evusians, and the Nazdar, he still felt an uneasy discomfort. His fleet along with nearly a division of personnel were in unknown territory no cartographer mapped out, and not a single explorer came back alive. Aliens, wildlife, monsters, and strange structures were all they found in this part along with the same enemy they had been fighting. He did not take it seriously at first until he met some of the aliens who turned against the enemy. Kezef was even more convinced when he came face to face with the turncoats, prisoners, and a new faction bent on interfering here. Even if their faction were to help, Kezef would prefer it if their superiors did not dictate commands to V.U.V.R. personnel. 

"Signal for the Aquanne Hitto to attack along with their Toceanid friends." Kezef ordered. No more than 1053 Aquanne Hitto warriors remained of the hordes that came down to Calorn to fight for the Gantronese. Kezef recalled talking to a General at dinner about them. The General believed the Gantronese were pulling in subjects from other parts of their empire here just to prevent uprisings. Kezef sort of disagreed with him there. He believed the Gantronese were stretching themselves thin. They had to be other wise they would have overrun the southern islands by now. Watching the sea battle unfold from the safety of the bridge Kezef considered the possibility the Gantronese are holding back. 

His flagship's guns roared as the crew gunners unleashed lethal shells meant to sink or damage a vessel. Following his ship's lead, the rest of the fleet opened fire from a position that protected their gains. Even though they maneuvered ships slightly north of their claimed islands, the platform seas still exposed flanks. Forces loyal to the Gantronese were bound to come down at the bidding of their Masters. Thanks to the cooperation of other alien defectors they had a few airships to transport personnel out of here quickly. Studying each large behemoth vessel he could only guess the size of the crews. A dozen of the shells fired made impact on their intended targets. Every other shot hit the water, or some smaller island nearby. Grabbing his binoculars, Kezef assessed the damage from the bridge. One of their shells hit a smaller turret, another hit the rails to the deck, the rest just hit the side hulls along the bow, starboards, and broadsides. Seeing they did minor damage, Kezef waited for the next barrage of shells, which could be followed by a return fire. 

In command of a combined fleet he aimed to keep as many ships afloat for any future engagements. The Gantronese still had a formidable presence in these platform seas. A small brigade's worth of troops held the islands and platforms north of their positions. Thanks to the six aircraft patrolling the region signaled more forces were on their way. It could take every personnel on their own claimed islands to fend off the size of the Gantronese force coming for them. Preparing for the return fire Kezef ordered his crew to go into evasive mode. His crew sprang into action as his Lieutenant Captain repeated his commands through a phone piece on the wall. Feeling a little secure inside a trapezoid shaped bridge Kezef watched the crews prepare the Hervorne. Her bow turret fired a third round before they received an answer. Heavy, and light shells hit more than two hundred areas just in front of the combined fleet. A few islands were hit with tremendous explosions. Splashes from the impact rose up like large waves. Hervorne and a dozen other ships felt the choppy waves that managed to rock them. Their maneuvering made the rocking feel like they were in a small storm. Turret crews fired whenever they felt level. Kezef wished they would stop firing and conserve ammunition. 

After several minutes of fighting the waves the Hervorne and nearby ships regained balance through some side-to-side maneuvers. Ships behind them fired their turrets backing those who sailed at the front. Kezef felt tense as held on to a hanging handle on the ceiling. Sailors sat at their posts while he stood up in front of his command seat. He would be sitting down in it, but he felt uncomfortable at the moment. A good walk around the ship would give his legs a good stretch. Letting the ship Captain off the hook for his cabin seemed like a bad idea for his own legs. Kezef would have enjoyed an extended stroll through his flag ship. His military mind was needed, the Gantronese had sent their first fleet since the engagement at sea. More ships arrived to engage the alien fleet, which relieved his fleet of being needed there. Another Vestrisian Admiral and her own fleet arrived, a fleet of Elves, Half-Elves, Orcs, Goblins, Half-Orcs, Half-Goblins, Humans, Dwarves, Gnolls, and Troglodytes. Most of the Gnolls, and Troglodytes who chose to assimilate. He met a few dozen of those humanoids who were raised into the modernizing civilized society. 

After another volley of fire each behemoth vessel were hit. Firing at least nine more times the combined fleet brought one of the behemoths down. In a fiery explosion this monster vessel burst into flames as it succumbed to the amount of damage. Watching just one of those sink gave them relief. Cheers went up all over his ship while the gunners were still firing rounds. Eight more volleys of combined shelling brought another one down. One of their own allies lost a ship to five shots out of eighteen from two of the behemoths. Appearing as a blow to their fleet they were still in this fight as a third behemoth went down in ten shots. Kezef watching a fourth one go down in eleven volleys of fire from ten ships alone. To their luck hardly any more of their own vessels suffered any hits except for the one they lost. It belonged to Alagen, an ally of theirs who showed determination to fight. A fifth behemoth went down after fourteen sets of rounds, but it came at a cost of one Vestrisian Destroyer. It went down in six or seven shots. Kezef felt his heart sink as the blow stabbed his heart. Over two thousand sailors were now dead, drowning, suffocating, or afloat at the mercy of this situation. In the heat of the sea battle a sixth behemoth went down, reducing this fleet to twenty three vs thirty-nine allied ships. Checking the flag on these beasts he noticed the Gantronese Flags, and the Nazdar Flags flying over them. 

"How many rounds was that, Lieutenant Blackbell?" He asked the third in command aboard the Hervorne since Captain Durnire was in his cabin. 

"Sixty-five Sir." the Lieutenant answered. 

Not bad, not bad for the first day of engagement. He thought to himself. During his time in the Navy he would see hundreds of rounds fired resulting in little or no damage to any hostile ship. Times were a little different now. Stronger ships, more turrets, large carrying capacity along with a slightly larger crew. There was also the newest technology in radio communications, and radars. Some ships did not need fuel thanks to engineering of Gnomes, and Dwarves working with sea Goblin mechanics. A new enemy invaded their home world threatening to expand into Vestrisia, and Ottante. Some new technology to combat them was secretly handed over as well as scavenged, salvaged or stolen. Watching these behemoths slowly move around Kezef could only imagine how much fuel these mechanical monsters guzzled up. More shots were exchanged before the Behemoths started to back off. A flare shot from one of the leading ships ordering the fleet to stop. In a stroke of luck the Gantronese fleet backed off and began to retreat north. Kezef sat in his seat relieved to watch them retreat. 

"They are retreating!" one of the Command Bridge Crew members cried out causing a loud rise of excited voices. His entire crew cheered with joy at the sight of their enemy retreating again. The whole fleet expressed their excitement over this. For them it had been weeks since they saw the enemy retreat like this. In his mind he knew the enemy would return. 

Dawn came as the next day began with the two sides returning to positions. Instead of twenty-three Behemoths they saw twenty-one come after them. Kezef received word their own ground troops on the islands fought off the Gantronese forces. Marines, Rangers, Infantry, Allied soldiers, turncoats, and new allies fought off over 7,000 troops with just 12 tanks engaged their forces on nine different islands. Every tank was destroyed or sank in the muddy shores. Gantronese forces lost well over 5,250 infantry and 75% of the forces originally holding the northern islands. According to prisoners this was the only force they managed to send along with the rest of the defenders who surrendered or allowed themselves to drown. As for their casualties, a few hundred men and women died in the fighting. That did not explain the missing behemoth. One of the Aquanne Hitto had to inform him and other Admirals here that a force of 1,053 Aquanne Hitto launched a night attack on the crew of a behemoth. It was after they slaughtered the survivors of the enemy crews in the waters. Toceanids were preoccupied with summoning something else to help. Not even a score of Aquanne Hitto survived despite massacring the sleeping crew. Other behemoths opened fire on the one they attacked, sinking it as it burst to flames. 

Kezef ordered for the surviving Aquanne Hitto to leave and save their species. However they refused, insisting on acting as spies while the next day of battle commenced. Twelve shots is what it took before another Behemoth to go do down. Another blow to the behemoths, but not as staggering as watching a Sloop sink to five shots, and a VUVR ship sank after suffering three shots. One behemoth ship with a Gantronese and Vorcadam decoration on the bridge sank in fifteen shots. Kezef's fleet suffered more losses. The second Vestrisian ship sank after suffering five shots. One of their own frigates does down after 6 shots. It pulled out quickly with smoke emitting from her hull. An Ivodran ship sinks after getting hit 8 times. To his left flank an Evusian light Battleship sinks after 16 hits. Everyone else either pulled back or helped collect survivors as the Behemoths went everywhere. Two of them were forced to retreat, and three of them had a few working turrets. He could not tell if they were winning or losing. They brought more ships, but these aliens had larger vessels that proved hard to take down. Looking through his binoculars he noticed each one had a different shape than the other. More conventional weaponry was installed over the energy blasting ones he heard about from spies. Nevoran Federation fleets suffered heavy loses to the alien ships that used weapons that shot out beams of fire. Despite the advantage the alien ships still went down after several days of fighting. One report detailed an explosion caused within an alien vessel guessing it used too much energy or something ignited. 

Seeing his own fleet retreat he began to lose hope. Several ships let loose depth charges, mines, and torpedoes. Kezef's heart started to beat harder and faster as he grew tense from watching. His hands squeezed the binoculars shaking them a little. Beads of sweat emerged from his pours as he watched a few torpedoes hit two of the behemoths. This is the end of our expedition. He thought to himself, keeping that from the ears of his own crew. The Hervorne slowly turned around with one of the turrets still firing away. Hoping to outrun the enemy fleet Kezef's combined fleet went full speed ahead. Kezef handed command of the ship to Durnire while he raced over to a balcony facing the stern. Getting to the stern side of the destroyer he witnessed a behemoth ship hit a reef, or something while another got entangled by large tentacles at an area they had not ventured. From the skies scores of alien fighters attacked the Gantronese and Nazdar behemoths. Turning to face the direction the fighters came zooming in he spotted Yvonnes airship with the Vestrisian Flag painted on it. Leaving the scene of the battle felt difficult due to the loss of thousands of sailors. Just as many sailors were rescued in time before the whole fleet returned to base. 

For the rest of the evening he held a meeting on one large island where the discussions, planning, and apologize grew into tense arguments. No one threw a punch just protested ideas, turned down roles, and threatened to leave soon. Kezef's reminder to them about the enemy losing ships as well and air superiority at them moment, calmed them down. When he mentioned the sea monster they also got angry and scared of that thing before someone on his side managed to shut everyone up. Captain Argosan Vroigson of the Lybresan Frigate Bogam, half goblin-half human, got everyone's attention. He reminded them of new allies, the fleets they had on the other side of the Arm of Lost Souls. 

"...My fellow Captains, Naval Officers, and peers, we have another fleet on the other side of that wall of ruins. More than half the behemoths are damaged. I say we stay and fend them off!" Captain Vroigson slammed a hand on the table. Around the meeting table the other Naval Officers nodded in agreement. Some of them crossed their arms with intrigue, and skepticism. A few muttered their approval. The room filled with chatter for a moment or two as they discussed among each other. 

On their third day the combined fleet let these behemoths have it on the seas. Fore a whole hour the coalition bombarded the first line behemoth ships, peppering them with turret shells. Not caring if their guns overheated, they went at it. Maneuvering was easier in the southern part of the waters they chose to fight in. Although it seemed awfully close to home base, it was still north of their positions in the open water. Six or so shots sunk a behemoth flying Nazdar colors. It resembled a battleship mixed with a blimp. On another one, five good hits destroyed a smaller behemoth resembling a steel shark. As the sea battle dragged on the coalition flanked the behemoths, which forced a portion of the fleet to pull back. Four well placed torpedoes and four hits sank a third behemoth that flew a Gantronese flag. Taking with it thousands of souls, this third one held the shape of a forked blade of some sorts. One damaged behemoth ship with an eagle shape took four more hits before going down in flames. Its bridge, radio tower, turret, and hull became nothing but destroyed debris. Twelve hits took down a lightly damaged behemoth that sort of resembled the shark one. A sixth one went down after receiving hits from multiple ships. Just three hits to the engine following ten others demolished the ship. Four more ships on the coalition side sank on the third day of battle. One of their Destroyers sank after receiving eleven shots, four hits sank a Steel Sloop, four hits sunk another Destroyer while twelve hits sank an allied Cruiser on his left flank. 

Just four more losses in this battle compared to eight more losses to the behemoths. Only twelve behemoth ships remained. Twelve damaged behemoths managed to stay afloat. Was he counting wrong or did more behemoths join the fight. A ship of his own fleet went ahead of the fleet. Not what he wanted, and it was too late to call them back. One single tear went down his cheek as he watched the ship go down with over several hundred sailors he commanded. His heart became heavy. Kezef dropped the binoculars while slumping back down in his seat. Another Vestrisian fleet gone to the enemy guns. Another volley managed to sink seventh behemoth for them. What did that make it now, elven or ten behemoths to worry about? Sure they were damaged from the fighting, but each still posed a threat. Ignoring everyone in the bridge and a few calls to him, he clasped his hands. All he focused on was the heavy loss, the ten or more behemoths still a float and  how to get out of this one. In his mind he wondered if this was a fleet cut off from communications with the fleet just northwest of these hidden islands. Taking his eyes off his own hands he saw a Vorcadam Death Bringer went after this one ship caught in the open. As it came upon its starboard side the Death Bringer succumbed to torpedoes from the west. Squadrons of alien craft zoomed in from the skies. A mixture of aircraft attacked the Gantronese and Nazdar behemoths who could only answer back with flak guns, and AA fire. From behind them and their eastern flank scores of aircraft roared overhead towards the enemy. A wave of flying engines created a startling noise that he and some crew members jumped out of their skins. 

Roaring Eagles, Dreamfires, Screaming Hawk, and Holy Angels came to their rescue in a few waves of dive bombers and torpedo planes. Like seagulls and pelicans diving for food these aircraft unloaded on the remaining behemoths. Watching 108 of their own aircraft attack these behemoth ships made Kezef uneasy. Did the Gantronese and Nazdar have aircraft coming in to counterattack them? With wings resembling an inverted shape their Roaring Eagles held the shape of an eagle. Its H tail and cockpit took away its resemblance to that of an eagle. Known for its dive bombing feats the Roaring Eagle-7 became the VUVR's number one aircraft for the job. It was also produced, and shipped over to certain allies. Kezef was astounded by the capability it had against these alien aircraft. Dreamfires held more than one wing shape. The only one he saw was the D shaped nose and the thick Oblique wings, the Dreamfire 5b. An aircraft whose wings can fold upward or backwards to make room. Agile, fast, well armored this Dreamfire could act as a fighter, bomber, and torpedo diver. Its double engines allow speeds up to 625-701mph making it the fastest aircraft in their arsenal. Whatever the engineers did to this aircraft went beyond expectations. Due to its speed the Dreamfire was tasked with escort jobs, and fighters for dogfights. Screaming Hawks showed a more mid-wing aircraft with straight edged, and tapered trailing end. Its mixed engine made a screaming noise thus dubbing it Screaming Hawk. Acting as a dive bomber, and torpedo launcher, the turbo fanned craft can carry nine bombs, and two small torpedoes. Holy Angels flew with three engines, double tails, space for two pilots, and four guns could place a bomb or three on its target at once. Only three of these types came from air craft carriers while one of them had to be launched from Ruhonthran Islands. Kezef smiled at the sight of twelve behemoths going down ending the battle for the southern platform islands. 

A Luring Site

 Roaming through the dunes of the desert he found himself crossing over into Morgadra. Ottante a he knew it was home to jungles, grasslands, and hills to the east. A large desert rested in the heart of Ottante with hundreds of Oasis dotting the landscape. Only four rivers managed to flow through the center of Ottante. The others flowed through Zegrav or along the borders of Zekmar, Nevkamuu, Dorntalla, and portions of Gaskouth Ladai. Astride his Camel, Igfit, Nomadic Desert Rider, Mirobi Omarnis was alone with his wits, Hunter Blade, Curved Dagger, War Staff, Muzad Scimitar, limited arcane knowledge, and his T.M. 13 Rifle. Mirobi acquired the Hunter Blade from his father as an inheritance, the Curved Dagger from another Dark Elf Noble he fought, the War Staff was hand crafted, the Scimitar was a gift. As for the T.M. 13 rifle, he fought the Gantronese in Zekmar and Dorntalla along with every tribe in Ottante. Hundreds of thousands came to the borders of Zelhinan City to aid in fending off the Gantronese invasion. Members of the V.U.V.R. and other modernized states shipped weapons to help them fight off the Gantronese invader. Recalling those days still traumatized him, but he shook the memories away. How they were able to stop such a force was beyond him and others. Weapons of breathing metal spouting out smoke from their heads, backs of rear ends startled him. Metal monsters of iron and steel that crawled on wheels for legs emitting smoke and making gurgling growls louder than a wailing wraith in the desert. Winged monsters that flew overhead scared off the steeds for a while until others came to shoot them down. Some of the floating scarab behemoths that gave out light over the lands it covered in shadow appeared too much for them. 

Yet they prevailed despite all of that. Around the same time, according to travelers, and Gantronese Prisoners, another faction caught their attention. Another invader called the Nazdar waged war on the Gantronese invaders drawing forces away from the main campaign in Zekmar, Gaskouth Ladai. Tribes and peoples were there including the Muzad Nomads, the Baedur Pirates, Elves of Lheobethe, Camel Kols of Kaniima, outcast Zema Ilam, the Borvadosi, the Badraani, Uxane from the East, Zegrav, Dune Dwellers, and mercenaries. Warriors of other races joined in that year the gathering began. Orcs, Goblins, Elves, civilized Gnolls, hybrids of different races, half-elves, Dwarves, and Lamia rallied to fight off the invaders. It was a hard one fight, costly for both sides, however they the inhabitants of this world could afford such losses. Mirobi kept on the course on Igfit who carried him, his water flasks, tent, bullets, rations, bedroll, lantern, extended rope for quicksand, lantern, 2 oil flasks, spyglass, Tinderbox, torches, extra robes, leather poncho, 3 blankets, soap, extra clothing, signal whistle, water skins, Whetstone, and Camel feed. He did have his mess kit taken off a Gantronese soldier. In his possessions rode a claw knife, goggles, own grappling hook, canteen, helmet that resembled a mix of a bowl with a bell, compass, various coins, map in scroll case, lock, manacles for his prisoners, set of cooking utensils, Gantronese boots, and gloves. He had other equipment, but were useless in the desert. 

All alone Mirobi Omarnis of the Moon Wraith Clan, and Morgadran Dark Elf Circle, pressed his Camel forward. Before his very eyes stood an erect obelisk of black marble decorated in gold, bronze lettering. His eyes gleamed with awe at the sight of this structure sitting alone in the dunes. Bringing his Camel over, Mirobi dismounted when he was close enough. The only sounds he could hear were his own breathing, the desert winds, his camel grunting. 

"Quit your whining Igfit, this is a find I shall tell Miderna about. A Scholarly Shaman of the tribes would want know about this." He said to his Camel despite his Camel not caring about the usual chatter other than commands. Igfit went into a sitting pose as all camels do. Mirobi left his Camel alone to take a better look at this Obelisk. Awestruck by gold letters he presumed were runes or hieroglyphs of the ancient civilizations, he went closer. Getting closer, and closer he laid a single hand on one of the letters or symbols that appeared like a figure of shields, and another of bronze. Tracing his fingers on other symbols the ground began to shake under his feet. 

Thinking it was an earthquake or quicksand he darted for Igfit who immediately got up. Mirobi climbed back onto the saddle on Igfit's back only to witness two figures emerge from the sand. One four armed 10ft tall stone golem, and a bronze one emerged from underneath the sands. Looking at the Obelisk he figured it out. By touching this Obelisk he awoke some guardians or something. Going for the stone golem first he shot at the monster with his rifle causing it to stagger. Turning his attention to the bronze one he saw it was one of iron mail plate armor made from shields. Sucking on is own teeth he pondered on how well he could even handle these two ancient materialistic guardians. Reminding himself of past victories Mirobi gathered courage. At this point it would be courage that would lead to his death. My how curiosity could lead to dangers. 

Urging Igfit not to panic he took a shot at the stone Golem's chest destroying a piece of its chest. From the flank came the shield golem. He dodged a blow from its arms as Igfrit sped up. Knowing these two monstrosities would crush him he tried keeping his distance. Making circles around he tried chipping away at the stone golem doing his best to avoid the metal one. All it did was make it angry and draw the other one closer to the stone one. Coming in between them he managed to get both of them to hit each other. Mirobi had to shut his eyes closed and cover his ears. One of the loudest blasts emitted from stone clashing with metal. Like a thunder clap in the ear the blast almost pierced his ears. Becoming stunned for a moment he nearly fell off his Camel. Making another foolish round to engage them he discovered the two were missing pieces from the clash. Both had huge chunks of their chest, stomach, and heads missing. Stone, and metal pieces scattered allover the place in the form of debris. Steadying his mount Mirobi studied both golems. Each one had a strange orb or spiraling piece of metal in its chest. Getting ideas on what those were and how valuable Mirobi did one more charge in between the two golems. At full speed he had Igfrit charge in between the two monsters. Forced to swing their slow powerful swings the golems hit each other in the chest with what remained of their limbs. Mirobi turned around to see his work. Both the bronze metal shield golem and the four armed golem lay in heaps of destroyed, and dented materials. 

Flag of Gontrella

 

Allied to the Vullanese Empire, Gontrella is a wealthy Constitutional Monarchy that is slowly slipping into becoming more of a Federal Dictatorship. Known to the eastern states of Vestrisia as a hungry state, Gontrella often invaded the smaller neighbors until the VUVR was founded. Gontrella was responsible for starting several conflicts in recent decades, and funding slave business with Castaria until its fall. 

Two Goblets

 Grabbing the Goblets she wondered if this could really work. Do these goblets take you to another dimension, or to a different world? She had to find out for herself. This was too tempting to pass off as some mumbo jumbo. Was she really going through with this? As personnel of the investigative team for the enchanted, divine, occult and arcane, Agent Moonsugar had the job of collecting any artifact or trinket with some signs of magic or paranormal mixed in. Handpicked from the ranks of the Black Coats, Irene Moonsugar held experience with the undead, shapeshifters, ancient dark warlocks, some ethereal monsters, shamans, beasts from folk tales, multiverse creatures, and aliens under her belt. It was a lot to encounter in the course of four years. At the age of thirty-two she felt a little accomplished by this job. She served in the Black Coats from the age of eighteen until the age of twenty-eight. Behind her stood the mechanical dragon lord some knight took down three years ago. Her coworkers put it together, which made her snigger at them behind their backs. It took them three tries to get it right. She checked to see if anyone else was in the chamber before taking them over to her office. 

Inside a vast exhibition chamber of maroon walls and arches with black veins Agent Moonsugar had her office behind a pillar. A good and bad location. If anyone needed to find her they would have to go behind the pillar near the rest rooms at the back. Making her way up to her office she passed display cases on tables containing the most recent discoveries. With both goblets in her hands, she took a second to glance at three of the exhibits no tourist or regular citizen were allowed to see. The Black Crown of Gimassuun, Piggy Bank of  Aicila Nikkison, and the Gauntlets of Liv rested in their designated cases. Looking down at herself she wondered what everyone would do if she went missing. Everyone wanted to suckle her for hours drinking and enjoy her. That is what Moonsugar did not want to happen. Going ahead with what she was about to do, Irene entered her office. Quickly shutting the door, she locked it. Forced to tuck one of them under her arm pit she dropped a pen. Just leaving the pen there she placed the goblets on the desk. Not in the mood to receive any calls she disconnected the phone from the floor plug connection. 

Irene's office was decorated with inspirational quotes from her favorite celebrities within the country. Beatrice Voidriver the singer, Mariette Evenglide the Model-Seamstress, and Noel Icestone the clever dancer choreographer, and actress. Their quotes meant everything to her. Before she could read one of the quotes the Goblets started glowing at the embedded gems. One Goblet was decorated with a topaz, and the other had a finely carved emerald. Seeing them both glow like this freaked her out. Irene went for a bottle of wine inside the side cabinet on the wall. Inside the cabinet she had eight of her favorite drinks. Eager to get through the glowing gem situation Irene snatched up the white liquor bottle. Pouring some in the goblet with the emerald, she prepared to drink from it. Irene's world sort of stopped as her heart beats slowed then quickened. Growing louder her heartbeat thumps engulfed the room. Irene could only hear the heartbeats. Taking a drink from the Goblet she saw the other Goblet Levitate then shoot straight for her. The other one ripped out of her grasp and spun around her while the other other did the same counterclockwise. Enshrouded in a whirlpool Irene stood still with amazement and fear, scared of what was happening before her eyes. She wanted to scream for them to stop, but nothing came out of her mouth. Inside a whirlpool of green, gold, and white she felt sick. Expecting her stomach to churn and force her to upchuck the wine Irene sat down. Instead of the fine carpet her hands felt she was sitting on sand. Picking up the sand in her hand she looked at it with disbelief. 

After what felt like an hour the Goblets stopped spinning to reveal her surroundings. Irene's surroundings were no longer an office, but an Oasis in what appeared to be a desert full of dunes. Getting up to check it out a figure came up to the oasis. Astride a camel creature the figure dressed in a blue desert cloak that covered them head to toe. Irene called for them, but her voice did not reach them. Was she in some kind of dream or hallucination? Moving around she discovered an abandoned village in the desert and oasis jungle. Beside the village she found a mechanical golem, shut down for some reason. Approaching this golem Irene was confused by the markings. These markings were unfamiliar to her. Recalling all the runes she studied, and saw, she could not put a finger on what these markings were. She was not on the planet she was born on. All the Golems were either nonexistent, in a museum, or torn apart and turned to scrap metal.  Searching herself Irene looked for a piece of paper and something to write on. Finding nothing to use she looked for a piece to remove and take back with her. Whatever figure she saw noticed her and called to her from the grouping of palm trees. Giving up on the markings Irene snatched up the goblets. Unsure if she recognized the language Irene still went over to the blue cloaked figure. She still tried grasping where she was or if she was sent to some other dimension. Approaching the blue cloaked figure Irene was greeted by a grouping of small green marble sized balls that emitted from their hand. Ducking down she assumed the little balls were shot at her. She was wrong about that. 

Whoever this blue cloaked figure was they sent the green marble lights towards a wooden statue that resembled a winged feathery lizard of some sort. Sitting on a stone pillar the wooden carving near the same village of the golem animated before Irene's eyes. Turning around she kept telling herself this was just a dream and clutched the two goblets. Glaring at the one she drank from Irene suspected this had something to do with a prank. Irene's profession slapped the idea out of her mind. Looking at the Blue Cloaked figure Irene made herself blind to the statue's movement. The figure pointed at her and said something she barely understood. Some dialect of desert elf. From behind the statue swooped at her. Using wooden talons, it grabbed her by the shoulders. At its animator's or conjurer's beckoning the statue brought Irene over to them. Just as it dropped her on the sand, something else burst out of the abandoned village. A brass statue, standing ten feet tall holding an instrument, came alive. Causing the base, and its foundation to shake and crack, the brass crafted statue broke itself free. Emerging from its stance it stood at a towering nineteen feet tall. This was not her day at all. Irene was expecting something different, not something that would try killing her. At least that is what she believed when seeing the wooden carving statue came to life. 

Exiting the village, the brass statue glanced around at the living figures that barely came up to its knees or so it appeared. Resembling a tribal figure with a large hat, and beard, the stature also wielding a brass tribal horn with ornaments dangling from it. Grasping its instrument, the brass put the piece to its metal lips and emitted a horrible metallic screeching sound from the instrument that looked like a horn she saw in a museum somewhere. It had holes like the instrument that was decorated in civil tribal markings. Irene had to cover her ears as did the blue cloaked figure that sent the other statue to attack the brass giant. Watching the wooden carving go after the metallic figure she wondered if the figure could also reanimate the metallic golem. When she turned to the figure another one emerged from the village in a maroon-colored robe. Irene guessed this was some enemy of the blue cloaked figure who immediately threw a knife at them with their powers. 

Irene felt herself up for a weapon but found a small handgun she always kept on her. Drawing her little pistol she shot at the maroon figure in the leg, and side. Not intending to wait for them to react Irene rushed over to the Oasis. Diving on the ground she dipped the other goblet into the water. Quickly gulping it down to see what would happen the sand swirled around her. Experiencing the same effect only with sand, pebbles, rocks, and water swirling around her Irene closed her eyes. The feeling of throwing up grew intense, and she could not hold back. Holding on to herself she waited for it bring her to wherever it took her before throwing up on the floor of her own office rug. One she swore would never get any stains on it, ever. 

Just straight from my mind and interests

During my childhood my interests in fantasy, swords, and sorcery type of genre grew. As any young boy who became nerdy my interests went towards Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Stargate, and a bunch of other movies within that realm. Even the likes of Dungeons and Dragons. Other than the movies, and video games my interests went towards home decorations that involve fantasy themes. Over the years I kept thinking back of the days when I would go to the bookstore at the mall that would have a lot of fantasy books. I did read a lot as a kid, and played a lot of video games, which inspired me to write. Creating my own world came naturally for me. As an adult I chose to collect some things I thought looked cool for my house. 

Spending time alone has given me the chance to go where I want, and write whatever I want while enjoying the day. Collecting dragon statues or dark fantasy stuff that catches my eye is only part of the collection. Deep down I would rather enter a cool shop with all of the neat fantasy stuff rather than have to order it online. 

Platform Seas Early 1844: Clearing Islands

 Eating a quick meal, the marines and their new alien friends loaded up. Forming a large fleet of seaborne craft over nine hundred Calornese and IGA paratroopers landed on two of the seven islands. Greigorsson found himself with the group landing on the island to their right. He expected heavy gunfire from machine guns, rifles, snipers, and mortars, which would no doubt lead to heavy fighting. There was also the prospect of a massacre on this island. What they found instead were five sharkmos camped out on a separate island to another with crater holes from that alien bomber. It killed the five sharkmos and destroyed some automatons on the other island that was so close to it. A rowboat could barely get through the space between the islands without running aground. Moving on ahead they find the rest of the automaton robots near an eight-story high platform making the total number of bots to forty. Finding nothing else but the blood, shattered sentries, and spilled fuel running the automatons, the Marines went for the third island. On this one they found the 146 IGA Marines who attacked the platform held by mutant monsters who took it from the Gantronese invaders. Holding up inside the platform they found the remnants of the 146 Marines that took the platforms. These Marines eliminated 276 Mutant monsters who were part of a different faction. 

Just taking a looking at these mutants they found a variety of mutants, monsters, and humanoids. Among these alien corpses they found some Cultic Fanatic, some Druid, twenty-eight raptor humanoids, humanoid guard, forty-one Demons, a Mage, thirty-three Centaurs, and a Noble who appeared to be alive. Others included some alien priest, fourteen Draconic Men, some Abjurer still breathing, one lizard scout, an Arch Druid, Arch Mage on top of a Spy, a swashbuckler, an assassin, thug, and Bard. Checking each body they found precise shots in them from the alien Marine Humanoids who also took out what appeared to be a Woadi, some centipede reptile, a Conjurer, a Mutant Veteran, Diviner, Gladiator, who covered the still breathing bodies of an Enchanter, Illusionist, and Evoker. Forcing them up they made them move ahead of them. They also identified some Woadi warrior among the corpses of a Knight of Allon, Kraken Priest, martial artist adept, some master thief, a necromancer with no nose, some four-armed transmuter, war priest, Troll warlord, and three cat folk. Among the mutants they discovered some mutant weasel, mutant vulture, mutant toad, mutant sharkmo, Scorpion man, rat man, three octopus, five snake mutants, two mutant grabs, three mutant crocs, three ape mutants, five Bear Mutants, and three Boar Mutants who were all experiments. Near the entrance to one of the platform towers they found fire beetle humanoid, a frog humanoid with its tongue cut out, a Goat man, some lizard folk, a centipede, and a Black Guard with one arm missing. Upon approaching the closest tower, a Woadi Berserker and three Warlocks attacked them. Forced to kill these humanoids the Vestrisians revealed there were more on this island. As for the rest of the CSO members a pair of wounded Gnolls, a Lizardfolk fighter, a cultist, some clueless champion, two bandits, and a female archer came out of one of the buildings. Each one allowed themselves to be taken prisoner by the IGA forces. Taking another look around the blood, and spilled guts were starting to dry on the sand, and metal floors. 

Pressing forward to the other island they overheard the Mutants took the island from the Gantronese whom still have a presence close by. On the island north of them their fellow Marines found an island held by one hundred automaton sentries that held against Gantronese, and CSO. The alien bomber took them out quickly. Hardly losing anyone else the Marines pushed on to the next three islands. Dividing their forces into three groups would strip them of their strength. On two of the islands they found seven IGA soldiers, two pilots, and forty IGA Elves who joined them. On the third island were one hundred more of those automatons that held a platform. Eliminating the remaining sentries, they spot other islands. A total of five or six more islands between them and home base. Through binoculars their commanders spotted the flags of the CSO, Order of the Beast, the Gantronese and one other faction. Greigorsson, and his fellow squad mates took a peek at these flags for themselves. In the far distance they could see the archipelago circlet they left with Yvonne. He knew days had gone by, but to him it felt like a whole month went by already. 

It was more likely half a week that went by between them leaving the archipelago and now. Under the command of Captain Eaglestone, and the Majors the Marines and allies prepared to launch an attack on one of the islands. Each had a sizeable force holding on to it. With a battalion of eight hundred fifty-two Marines, twelve alien Marines, seventy-eight Paratroopers, they attacked the closest island. A total of nine hundred forty-two or less made up a battalion that could have formed into a brigade. All the IGA forces went in first since this occupying force was more of their enemy than the Vestrisians' enemy. Forming a vanguard in the first wave, these alien marines attempted to catch the garrison of mutant brutes holding the island. Signs of the Gantronese, and Iperantosi presence was too obvious to ignore. Dozens of Iperantosi corpses lay in stacks next to a pile of Gantronese corpses. The fighting happened the moment they landed. Scores of Brutes opened fire on the landing parties. For sixteen minutes the Brutes defended their claimed island with only one hundred and one various Mutant Brutes. Wielding a variety of weapons these brutes attempted to hold their gains against a larger force. Checking out the weapons Greigorsson saw they had Gantronese Yekato Assault Rifles, Numei Katan rifles, Poisoned Flowers or PF 71s, other strange alien weapons, and a mixture of melee weapons. 

Ordered to clean up the bodies Greigorsson and his squad mates found all sorts of mutant brutes. A pair of Purple Mutant cyborg chefs who cooked skogers, nine reptilian shell mutants, crocodile mutant, two ape mutant ogres, a shark mutant, goat spider, Orc humanoid, two bat wolves, twenty-four wolverine beasts, some scaly corpse eater, fifteen four armed, big headed blemmies, sixteen brain mutants with pincer claws, a trio of Pig mutants, three mutant lizard frogs with deformities. A pair of wormlings with arms, stingers, and suckers for mouths, a mutant dire mouse with no fur, six limbs, a split head and a long tongue. One psycho mutant demon that took thirty bullets to kill, a Blue Fuzz monster, an orange scaly lizard drake with one hone called a Lizod, two tri-clops vampiric Goblin, an armored dwarf wolf, large turquoise skinned steer ogre, and an Ugly tall creature as the leader. These one hundred one mutants took down forty of the IGA marines, and three of their own. 

Only stopping to line up the dead they prepared to invade the next island. Maneuvering all the craft needed for the other island took some time due to the shape of the recently cleared island. Calling it "Mutant Island" as a pun the Marines and their new allies left no one to guard it. While they were advancing on the next island to the east, a report via radio, had orders to head back to base. Once they cleared the other three islands. The sun dropped down turning the day into dusk as they approached the next island in force. Hardly giving the defenders a chance, they overran a force of one hundred three C.S.O. members that claimed this C shaped island. Every structure and tower on that island were arranged to form a castle wall without the walls in place. None of them had any arrow slits just glass windows. Gleicherson was near a Captain Eaglestone who took out a map of the area. Under the roof of a dome shaped structure, they discovered they were closer to Colonel Gleicher's position. Two or three other islands remained in alien hands within their vicinity. Given permission to rest the Captains and Majors ordered any fresh people to collect the dead. Just seven of their marines, and paratroopers died in the fighting. Losing a Marine did hit them in the gut, but it was expected during a war like this. It was not shown among them, but most of the Marines expected to die during this expedition into unfamiliar islands on their home planet. As for the aliens they were down to one hundred forty-three Marines, and seventy-five Paratroopers. Including the pilots and soldiers their forces increased to two hundred sixty-seven. Merging their own unit of eight hundred fifty-two made up a brigade of a thousand personnel. 

That night Greigorson and some of his squad mates checked out the dead CSO members. With a flashlight or two they made out six Ghoulish Hybrid aliens, three black rat beings, and a human sized sentient crow in identical clothing. A crew of seven Goblins they killed were found near a Gantronese battle tank, one large black alien ant wore a white sand poncho, and a skeletal warrior wielded an axe, and shield before going down. Some automaton knight with more flesh than armor had to be killed with grenades. Some Ghoulish Giant that killed two of their invasion force still gripped its weapon in death. One winged Orc killed while on the roof of a tower had to be fished out of the wet sand. There was some bull-headed human beast that stood tall and angry. It lay dead with eight shots to the chest. An ugly purple haired troll with a gut, chubby limbs, and amethyst on its belly had to be decapitated in order to kill. Four dire fish humanoids were almost going to become dinner until they found some disease on them. One large Sharkmo lay nude save for a tattered shirt and collar. Five ugly, creepy fly humanoids tried swooping down to attack some members of their invasion force. Each one were blown to pieces. Dressed in armor similar to the Vorcadam Samurai, four feline humanoids lay dead near a bulldog man in a rough studded vest, and chainmail leggings. Five ape men hybrids in alien fatigues were found lined up with a Dire Beaver mutant in regular clothing, and a tall Bionic Warrior that took three grenades. Over half of this CSO force was made up of fifty-three aliens that resemble black and white flightless birds found in the glaciers. Finishing their little peek at the dead aliens they found two Death warriors in in banded mail with skulls on the shoulders, some robot cyborg sentry in green-red colors, and some tusked sea mammal Mutant. The last one dressed similar to a whaler and pirate with one leg missing. It was shot in the head as it was just waking from a nap. Wherever these aliens came from, they brought a wide variety of strange, exotic weapons to their world. 

Going for the next island to the northwest, the combined force attacked a spider shaped island. Slightly larger than two of the previous islands combined, this one was garrisoned by ninety-six Gantronese. These Gantronese clung to a platform the IGA attacked two days ago. Holding on to a keep tower shaped platform, the Gantronese here put up a decent defense. For them to take this platform, encircled by a clearing in the jungle, they had to besiege it. Snipers, and Marksmen chipped away at the garrison. Over the course of four hours ninety-six Gantronese soldiers died, and just fifty-seven of the attackers died in the fighting. Just the Gantronese Captain remained alive who put his life in their hands. Greigorson recalled how many times they took a prisoner of war who was an officer. They proved useful yet at times chose to be deceitful if they did not have the right person interrogating information out of them. In the process of burying the dead they marked this island like they did the others. Collecting their corpses would have to wait, since the main enemy still had forces in the north, and new alien factions were in the south. Before they attacked the last island that lay between them and home base they took their helmets off in honor of their fallen. Four minutes were spent praying their souls would be transported to the afterlife in peace. Putting their helmets back on, the marines, and aliens boarded their craft. Pushing to get back to base, they went ahead with their assault. 

Each man felt like they grabbed a pair of balls, and the women nerves of steel attacking the last island. Met with a hail of a multitude of different aliens wielding exotic weapons, the coalition unleashed all they had. Not caring how much ammo they used up the brigade swarmed the island held by a force of three hundred fifty-two aliens. These aliens happened to be Order of the Beast members. Forced to take cover the attackers lost forty-four of their own while killing the whole garrison, except for five. Just five aliens ran away to the south. Recalling the ferocity of the battle Greigorson walked around in order to shake off the adrenaline of the battle. Like the other islands, he got a good look at each dead alien monster. Making up the islands defense were seventy-eight Duck humanoids in alien jumpsuits, three tall hairy monster gunners, two Death Ghouls, five bunny humanoids, one orange ape man, five reptilians with back shells, thirty-four beast men, a dire sentient black cat, one toad humanoid, twenty-two bear men, an alien horned monkey beast, some orange dinosaur beast with a catapult on its back. According to the IGA marines the rest were likely offensive forces, or simple bodyguards, and scientists. Such aliens included twenty-one Centaur Beasts, three triclops aliens, four wolfmen, forty-five Gnolls, twelve wolf demons, six sea wolf beasts, four Bearded Devils, two half dragons, six orcs, thirty-one Bull Mutants, four Lion men, three skunk apes, Lizardmen, Skink Priest, twenty Beast men hybrids, some rat beast of terror and a Wyrd Demon. Other aliens included three Satyrs (Goat men), three Owl Knights, a tusked mammal humanoid, five troglotrolls, three hunchbacks often found among the Nazdar ranks of Grevaskii slave soldiers, three ape cats, three hobgoblins, four Ogres, a cyclops, and some Goblin engineer pilot. As for the rest of these alien monsters they appeared to be five mastadon warriors, a cyclops centaur, and two snake men who fought the IGA, the Gantronese, and the Vestrisians until their end. Seeing a chance to head back to base the nine hundred sixty strong force returned to base. Greigorson collapsed on his cot next to his friend, the typist, and a few others. Staring at the ceiling, he knew it was only a matter of time before the Gantronese counter attacked. 

Order of Ahmonis

 An order of Elves who seek to liberate their homelands from the invaders. 

Platform Seas Early 1844: Cooperative Villainess, More Islands

 Observing the arrangement of the buildings their Captains and Majors planned to surround the whole settlement. Pressed against one another the cylinder shaped, square shaped, dome shaped buildings reminded him of his mother's pantry. Canned vegetables, tomatoes, meats, boxes of crackers, sugar, mixes, and other condiments would be shoved in there just the way these buildings were arranged. With a few cans or boxes isolated on the five shelves of the pantry installed at the end of the kitchen furthest away from the entrance. His parents would work against him and his siblings out of love so they would be forced to get through one of them or walk across the loud creaky floor boards of the kitchen. Having his thoughts on home made things here easier to cope with. Dimitri did not think about home very often while he was in the Marines. Serving this newly formed Vestrisian Republics was new to people. This VUVR was still a young nation even if it was formed by the unification of old kingdoms and empires. Only difference in this newly formed nations was no one tried seceding from other states. Two alien races just invaded their planet half a century ago. Each nation fighting these aliens would likely fall if they did not form an alliance. Despite being from another world or the stars, these aliens did not poses overwhelming advantages. Thanks to engineers, inventers, gunsmiths, and scientists they crafted weapons that held the invaders at bay. Now they had the means to face them head on, and the numbers. 

As they approached the close nit structures several doors opened up causing the marines to stop. Forced to stop in their tracks the Marines in the front rows knelt down while the rest raised their weapons above their heads. Those situated in the back or flanks covered the outer flanks. Keeping an eye on the sliding doors the Marines held their ground with their weapons ready to fire. Out of these structures a group of seventy-two aliens exited. Dressed in different uniforms, jumpsuits, lab coats, combat armor, fatigues, traditional clothing, modern styles, and a mixture of fashions. At the lead of this group stood a scantily clad female figure. Wearing a cut up silver gray suit vest decorated in chain links, and tight rubber trousers. Her head was completely shaven. For footwear she had on red laced knee high boots one would see a noble lady or aristocrat don during the day. Checking her out Greigorsson could tell she was thin and fit looking. She appeared flat up top, curvy at the hips, and strong in the legs. Whoever this figure was she was once a prisoner, held hostage by someone. 

"Thank you, Skogers for getting rid of those zombies and mutated monsters. Those um, twenty-four aircraft belong to me. If you don't mind we will be getting out of here." the female figure said with an upraised voice. She smiled at them with her hands up as a gesture not to shoot her. Others aliens and humanoids did the same thing after taking off strange looking handcuffs from their wrists. Without checking Greigorsson recalled the twenty-four parked craft now behind them. Some appeared like crescent moons, double edged axes, headless sparrows in a diving position, and a stingray with no tail. 

"Look lady we are just exploring these islands. We will pass through this 34 mile long island, clear it of hostiles, and be on our way! Now either get out of our way or help!" One of the Majors barked at her revealing some estimations on the island were off in Greigorsson's head. 

"Easy now. You can come and go if you please. We were held prisoner until you showed up. We can-" she was cut off by the same Major who barked at her. 

"Who are you?" She demanded from the alien female. 

"The name is Ataxeen Punchen, yet I also go by the name of The Wretched Mercenary. I am for sale and seeking employment. Aside from my crew of 40 mercenary fighter pilots we have 31 others with us. Let' see who do we have." She introduced herself to the Vestrisian Marines who sort of lowered their guard a little. 

"We are all ears, Ms. Punchen who do we have here?" one of the Majors offered the floor to her. 

This Punchen "Wretched Mercenary" introduced them to the 40 crew members whose names were lost in translation. Among the others was a mixture of different races with a variety of occupations. One Pyrotechnician from Nazdar held Estoras named Bannz went rogue on the invaders. Some Mutation scientist working with her named Dr. Veeze held a goblin-bull dog appearance with blue skin. An elf Emergency Responder named Luke Greenspears with a Life Support Engineer called Helper. Both were abducted from Damis much like a Vorcadam Doctor known as Okura Naoki. A DNA Surgeon of the CSO found their way among Punchen's group. Under false names two aliens from a planet called Nerdinn held occupations such as Inventor, and Programmer. One was a half Gnome half Goblin, and the other a Chromatic Dwarf. Next to them stood a Blue Skinned Audiologist raised by another race, and a Cyborg Triclops Cyberneticist held captive then freed. In torn up clothes a monkey humanoid Chemist folded his arms when they were mentioned. On the other side of the group to her left stood a voluptuous looking female Dhampir Hologram Designer in a yellow jumpsuit named Osanna Dawn. Next to her was a purple skinned Disaster Analyst workaholic called Xeff 97. Toward the center stood a Pigloid Machinist, an Elf Memory Surgeon, a half-elf Zoologist, a female triclops AI Developer, Triclops AI supervisor, and Tan skinned Translator. In the far back was an alien humanoid sniper who chose not to shoot them, a Draconic humanoid assassin who was stuck with them, and a Mutated Lion humanoid with a missing arm. At the front of the group stood a Gnome Astronomer, a female snake lamia acting as a bodyguard, a pair of Mahadi Catfolk warriors, some Jackal Warrior, and some Satyr armed with a long sword. The rest of them included a tattooed Oni Warrior, a Bulldog warrior acting as a captive, a hybrid troll showing above average intelligence, and a Rogue Demonologist of Nazdar-Elf descent. When she was finished introducing the group of aliens and native Calornese she blurted out a word in another language. 

All humanoids except the two Mahadi, the Jackal Warrior, and the armed Satyr, dropped down. All four of these humanoids attacked the Vestrisian Marines only to be gunned down by one of the Majors. Uncertain if these others could be trusted the Marines left fifty men to keep watch over them. The rest of the battalion moved past them to search the rest of the island for more hostiles. In between two of the towers on the island they discovered an old ship. Covered in overgrowth, and completely shut down, this ship sat between an old relay tower, and an observation tower. Investigating or exploring this abandoned ship would take some time, which Colonel Gleichers forbade over the radio. Their goal here was to clear any islands of hostiles until superiors ordered them to move north. Going to the very end of the 34 mile long island brought them to their mission limit. Five other structures rested at the end of this island. A metal wall half submerged in the sea flanked four other buildings. A cone shaped building, a cube shaped bunker, a sphere shaped home raised above the ground, and cylinder shaped tower standing at eight stories high. Quickly searching each building, and finding nothing of interest, the Marines prepared to move east. 

In full force eight hundred fifty two marines sped their way to another island, north east of the airbase island. Their path took them past Yvonne's claimed island. On the way to this other island they spotted a Gantronese craft speeding away from it. Greigorsson felt the urge to shoot at them. He would be shooting over the heads of his fellow Marines. That would not go over well with them as their craft bobbed up and down in the sea. Landing on this next island revealed five other islands close by. Finding this one abandoned except for treaded alien vehicles, site of a shoot out they discovered this island was connected by bridges. One to the north, one in the center and the last in the south. On this island they found a map to some "Shrine of the Old One".  Not interested in searching for religious shrines, or cults the Majors divided their forces into companies. Company one went for the north island, Company two went for the middle, Company three went to the southern one, and Company four stayed put. Greigorsson found himself in the middle Company, which went to a platform on this central island. Getting inside this platform wasn't easy as it was barricaded on the outside. It was not the only platform on this island, but it was marked for some reason. Managing to get inside the Marines found over a hundred zombies inside this one platform. Forced to waste ammunition on the undead they cleared one five story platform of 151 zombies that wore a variety of uniforms. Not bothering to clean up they returned to the landing site. Here the other two companies returned with reports and company. In the northern island, Company one took out 272 undead humanoids on the biggest platform. Company three found a smaller company of 78 IGA paratroopers whom seized the island and its platforms after a long fight. 

According to their commanding officer, a purple skinned elf, most of the islands to the south lay empty. Each of those islands were sites to heavy fighting between them, the CSO, Order of the Beast, Toceanids, Aquanne Hitto, and Mercenaries. Not too far to the east lay seven islands past another island inhabited by automaton sentries holding some platform. To the north of this island lay two other islands with automatons and droids. Giving their name as Captain Carrus they explained there was another unit of IGA soldiers on the other side of those islands. It was a unit of 146 Marines who seized a platform island from the Gantronese. Without authorization this company was launching an attack on another island platform taken from the Gantronese by mutant monsters. Carrus offered to help them fight the Gantronese if they could help them with the Order of the Beast and CSO. Having another alien faction help out would give them an edge against the invaders. Greigorsson was in no position to make decisions. That rested on the shoulders of their commanding officers. He looked around seeing it was getting dark. This would not really stop them from moving forward, however they did need to rest. 

Pushing the decisions and mission off for tomorrow they chose to rest. Splitting up their forces they slept in a different platform on the connected islands. Aside from the usual chatter of his fellow Marines, Greigorsson listened to the sounds of the ocean waves hitting the beach. That salty smell of the ocean wafted into his nose as the cold night air blew through the open parts of the structures. Laying his head down he thought he heard rain coming down lightly on the metal structures. Adjusting himself, Greigorsson ignored all the noise while closing his eyes. Expecting everyone else to shut up and sleep he went on to his dreams. A mish mash of events was all he received as a dream until he was jolted awake by a loud engine of some craft roaring past their location. Forced to wake up around morning they got up to see what woke them up. Running outside like curious schoolboys seeing an airplane for the first time doing stunts they witnessed an alien bomber doing circles in the air. Getting a good look at this bomber Greigorsson noticed its shape resembled an elongated aspis shield connected to a  legless scarab with its wings spread out. Its bomb bay doors rested in the center of the craft. With three engines powering it, this craft also possessed four turrets. A pair of rotating turrets on the bottom, and another pair on top of an aspis shield crab shell shape. Its pilot revealed all these aspects of the air craft while making circles around each island as though it was hunting for targets. 

This new unidentified flying craft stopped making circles and dove for the seven islands further away. Eager to catch a glimpse of what it was targeting they raced across the bridges. Sporadic fire emerged from two of the islands Captain Carrus mentioned. They could see the islands lay nine miles away from their location. From the tops of the highest points and the platform towers the marines, and new found allies spotted tracer rounds from whatever was shooting at this alien bomber. Whichever faction it belonged to it had instructions to bomb two of these seven islands. Above the cheering, jeering, heckling, carousal Greigorsson thought he heard one IGA paratrooper point out an island their 146 marines took, and another island they could spot. That island was where their fellow IGA personnel attacked these mutant invaders. According to one he happened to be next to, the Gantronese were at war with them, the IGA, these CSO monsters, and the Order of the Beast. When the bomber made another dive to bomb the targets a trio of Zeykos fighters were spotted in the sky to the north. All the cheers turned to jeers, boos, and cries of disappointment. 

Watching the three Gantronese air fighters go after the alien bomber made the air tense. Everyone's eyes stuck to the skies as the bomber engaged the three Zeykos fighters. Evasions, and angel strikes were performed in the air as the four air craft fought. Each rotating turret let loose a hail of fire on the attacking Zeykos. One of the Zeykos goes down. After a few more passes a second one gets hit and is forced to disengage. The third Zeykos evaded going down in the fourth pass. Prolonging the engagement in the air the Zeykos and alien bomber performed a dance in the air. Two more circles of evasion successfully kept the bomber in the air as its turrets gunned down the last Zeykos. Seeing the dogfight was over the Captains and Majors herded their Marines back in formation. Making another round through the islands the Marines, and IGA paratroopers prepared to move on to the seven islands east of their position. 

Platform Seas Early 1844: Greigorsson vs zombies and aliens

 Right after securing the castle like platform the marines patrolled the waters around the island holding this platform. They had at least twelve more platforms to clear out. Yet it seemed their newfound friend Yvonne brought them to the edge of the platform seas. In his mind he believe they might clear out another one. Looking around the whole settlement they found plenty of essentials, weapons, junk, trinkets, food, furniture, and some vehicles belonging to the Gantronese. On the northern coastal port they found three amphibian landing craft armed with anti-aircraft guns. Using these would enable them to reach other islands. Checking the ignition of each one they found them to be in working condition. Ammunition was limited showing some more use. One of the Majors contacted Colonel Gleicher who had orders to kill any aliens who did not flock to them except for any factions of the IGC. Gleicher informed them the Gantronese still had 1,320 troops holding 8 platforms, and another 2,240 troops on some close nit islands. All those islands and platforms were up north, and one was located to the south. According to maps some Rangers found there were at least thirteen or more platforms occupied, while the rest were either empty or inhabited up north. Some former CSO and Order of the Beast members warned their former comrades, IGC and Gantronese each held islands near their location. Every other islands to the south were unoccupied and overgrown. Yvonne may not have command over them, but she was their transport. 

"Vestrisians, I bid you good luck with the rest of your mission. My Iperantosi and I are claiming this island. We need to pick up some members of a Knightly Order that landed on an islet to the southeast. They are called the Order of the Invincible Plume. Take any boats you can find there should be plenty. I bid you farewell." the tall Yvonne left them with eight extra motorboats, pointed out three heavy AA transporters on the southern part of the island. Not sure if this Yvonne could be trusted to leave men behind the Majors ordered for them to check for more vessels to use. For an hour Greigorsson patrolled one part of the island outside the castle like settlement. Ratledge and his team joined Greigorsson's platoon in the search for more vessels. This island stretched a little farther than they thought. On the southern and western sides of the island's structures lay a sizeable jungle. Appearing like the jungles of Borvados, and southern Ottante this jungle hosted flocks of creatures. Wingless furry birds roamed the area chasing each other. About three sail spine lizards crawled on the sand hissing as they prowled for prey. 

Some of the Marines shot in the air scaring the creatures away for laughs and fun. One of the Marines, Private Banappel kept shooting at the strange creatures while chuckling. Sergeant Ratledge barked for him to stop, yelling as loud as he could at the Private. Other Marines of the eleven-man group were about to tackle or snatch him away from the jungle. Greigorsson stepped over to pull him away. Two large creatures burst from the jungle in the middle of a fight. A green dire tiger and large hairless were rat creature appeared before the marines. Locked in a fight between each other the Wererat, and Dire Tiger were oblivious to the eleven marines. Banappel stopped firing at once. Everyone froze at the sight of both creatures swinging, and clawing at each other. One hissed, and screeched while the other growled. The Tiger bumped into Banappel who was frozen stiff. Backing away in a blink of an eye the Tiger pounced on him. With one claw it ripped his stomach open. Private Banappel fell backward letting his ten fellow Marines open fire on the two creatures in response to the attack.  It took a few rounds of ammunition to take down the Green Tiger and Wererat. As silence fell the group of Marines backed away in case something else jumped out. Greigorsson kept his eyes on the trees, and bushes. Just looking at these trees reminded him of the ones on Ruhonthra. Palm trees, coconut trees, fern trees, exotic oaks, a few banana trees along with the Eel trees. Greigorsson wondered if his banana would please a woman again. He hoped it would be an Uxane, or a tan Evusian. Most of the fat hogs in his town did not appear happy, but arrogantly stubborn to even maintain a good wait. He did not mind, just pondered over why they didn't push to exercise more. Sometime before the war he remembered some girl from Vorcadam whose family moved in a decade prior. He offered to meet this one at a library, but a pandemic was going on. Some large whale hog suggested they stay for 30 minutes. She was there an hour before him. With that date ruined he had no other choice than to wait patiently to see her again. 

Sporadic gunfire broke his concentration. Everyone in his squad turned to face the direction of the sound. When they heard it again they rushed over to the source of the shooting. Racing through the island they passed several metal buildings that held some overgrowth on the walls, and through the windows. Running through the enclaves or camp sized settlements they came across smaller patches of jungle to race through. Greigorsson burst out of a small patch of jungle. On the southeastern part of the island they find another squad of Vestrisian Marines engaging a group of strange humanoids wrapped up like mummies. Over the linen strips of cloth they wore tunics, collars, circlets, headdresses, green broad collars, oblong crowns, and headdresses draped over their head and shoulders. Each of these humanoids wielded a gold green staff weapon. Some appeared like green pens with gold snakes wrapping around them, and bronze trim. Others held the design of spears with thick poles. Whoever these weirdos were, they must have come from a different planet or got brainwashed. Greigorsson could only think these guys were part of some cult or ancient civilizations fanbase who got their hands on alien weapons. These new invaders surrounded a fire team of five Marines who were part of a squad of 12 marines. No more than seven of their own countrymen lay dead, and just two of the weirdos lay dead. Did these weirdos come out of the sand, scaring them or something? Greigorsson aimed his rifle at the closest one and spotted something else he should have expected. Guarding their flank lay a seaworm like centipede monster with red, dark brown-, and sand-colored scales. It's length must have stretched at least 16.7 feet in length, and a body height of 4.5 ft.  Standing on 22 legs with sharp points. Seeing this for the first time freaked the other Marine's out who started firing at the beast first. Ratledge and a few others shot up its eyes and pincers. It screeched and writhed violently, knocking down some of the mummies. As wriggled on the sand in pain the new invaders fired on their squad. 

Shooting out miniature purple, and green bullets that appeared like tracer rounds. Three more Marines fell in Greigorsson's handpicked unit. In reaction to the invader's they filled them up with lead. All thirty-three fake mummies lay dead around their captives. With not time to waste they rushed over to the group of fellow marines who were sent to patrol the island as well. Ratledge cut them off before they could even speak. No one wanted to hear any excuses or an explanation about what happened. Forced to carry their fallen countrymen they raced back to the port area where the other Marines regrouped. Major Unnose, a completely bald 5'10 figure with a strong physique who donned sunglasses took command over the whole lot through Gleichersson's permission. Looking at the twelve fallen Marines they knew it would take time to transport or bury them. Praying to the three main deities, Zuexis, Ipsul, and Gaivos to guide the souls of the dead, they buried them inside body bags. Marking the grave with their helmets the Marines prepared to move out in force. The process of digging a grave wasn't too difficult, but the very ideas of never seeing these comrades again ripped them apart inside. With Unnose in charge the 874 Marines decided to move out in force. Taking whatever floating craft they found around the island they moved south to another island 47 miles away. 

Leaving the island city abandoned gave Greigorsson a wheezing feeling in his lungs. Their new ally did not return yet. Regardless of being so far from HQ they pressed on to another island along the end of the platform seas. Looking to the right Greigorsson had to look over the heads of other Marines to see another wall of rock formations that stretched for miles. Recalling some of his schooling days Greigorsson tried spotting possible volcanos jutting out of the ocean. Castaria's southeast was flanked by island volcanos. For most of their journey to the next island he could not stop searching for a volcano among the rock formations. As the current rocked the craft up and down Greigorsson couldn't find a single volcano among the rock formations. Returning his attention to the path ahead Greigorsson spotted twenty-five islands. 

Seated on the ocean's surface in front of the Marine battalion a 32 mile long island that appeared roughly two miles wide. Much like the island Yvonne claimed behind them this one had metal alien structures among a long dense jungle. Covering most of the island the foliage and structures allowed very little vision of what lay on the island. Towering over the rest of the island stood nine Expecting to be shot at upon their approach the marines crouched down as they disembarked. Aiming their weapons and the foliage the marines split up to flank the island while checking it out. Finding nothing in the northern part of the island they pressed further. Towards the middle part of the island they found some sot of runway for aircraft, and an airport. Lined up in two rows facing each other on opposite sides of the aircraft lots sat twenty-four aircraft. Past the runway rested a small city with landing platforms. None of them could tell how many buildings there were because of the close nit construction. Their gaze went to a few other humanoids roaming around the aircraft. Seven obscure looking aliens patrolled the are. One beige skinned potato humanoid with arms, and legs, a mollusk mutant creature with a large shell, one four armed Dire Ape, one pink-yellow skinned lizard-mantis-monkey with three pincers, and six limbs formed one group. The other three were a light blue Ogre, some Shark looking humanoid called a Sharkmo, and a bronze skinned figure with ten arms. 

Taking positions the VUVR marines flanked the seven strange monsters using bayonets. Doing that wasn't easy, despite their larger numbers. Using bayonets as spears proved effective, but it cost lives against the other two, the multi-limbed alien, and the large mollusk. About six of their own were lost to the multi-limbed alien, two to the Mollusk, one to the potato creature that laid on top of the Marine, and 5 men died while taking down the Ape monster. As for the Mantis-Monkey they lost six more men. To the Blue Ogre, and Sharkmo the Marines lost two men. Each monster either crushed or tore their countrymen to pieces. Even Sgt. Jake Ratledge died at the hands of the Mollusk. It wrapped an extra eye around his throat as he stabbed it with his dagger. Losing twenty-three Marines on this island wasn't enough to break them. Experiencing war changed people. If they add the elements of monsters along with men getting torn or crushed then the experience is terrifying. Greigorsson and the rest of the unit had to shake it off as best they could. Despite some better judgements each one took a rolled up Wanda's herbs. A type of plant whose leaves can be smoked for relief. All someone had to do was roll it up, bind it with thin bark, and lit it up. From the main port of the airport settlement a horde of figures shambled their way to them. Unsure if these people were drunk, exhausted, oblivious, or drugged up they hold their fire. One of the commanding officers orders for them to halt. 

"Stop right there! That is far enough! I SAID STOP!" Major Blue shouted at the crowd of shambling figures. 

When they did not respond or show any signs of stopping their Majors barked out to discharge weapons. Pulling the triggers, the Marines obliterated the oncoming horde of shambling figures. It did not become clear what they were until they approached the fallen. At first glance these slain figures appeared human or humanoid. Upon closer inspection these figures had something off about them. Looking down at the faces Greigorsson saw no life could be seen in their eyes. Most had pale faces or or rotted faces and signs of decomposing. Estimating the number to be 527, other Marines surmised these to be zombies. Greigorsson remembered encountering one or two of these types of living dead in the streets. On a cool night, Dimitri and his pals roamed around the edges of the city limits. Along the borders of Bloodstone they came across an abandoned shed once part of private property. Most of the property burned in a fire two decades prior to his birth. Regardless of warnings they checked it out. At the back of the abandoned shed they found a figure, which they believed to be a homeless person. Realizing it wasn't a homeless person they darted out of the area screaming in the streets. Greigorsson did his best controlling a smile that tried appearing on his face. Turning his gaze up, Greigorsson kept his eyes straight ahead of them. Passing the alien aircraft the Marines reached the grouping of buildings encircling a tower.