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. 

Mockshah in the Black Coats

 As the fifes and drums entered her ears she knew right away who was marching from the other side of the moor full of ruins. In formation and wearing black and red the Black Coats under a new Field Marshall advanced on the bloodied field of Karon Al-Addin. Some called him the Black Fox, others called him Mockshah the Pirate. Why a pirate like him was allowed to live she would never know. Her own enemies set her up and framed her. That alone forced her to pull off a Heist at Oakmont, Nahbooe. She did not trust him, because of his former pirating days. At age sixteen he first became a pirate after his sword Master died or disappeared. No one knew what happened to the great sword fighter in the galaxy. Whoever it was they must have been more important. 

Marching in formation the Black Coats went straight for the Black Dominion on the planet Gesu. On the planet Gesu was a lone Dark Sorceress harboring some old members of the MOR that escaped with some forces. On the abandoned world of platforms, the IGC captured some warlords, and mass murderers on ships trying to escape the spreading war on the CSO, Order of the Beast, and the MOR. Amassing their forces the IGC's Black Coats who really served the Kingdom of Deovina, launched their invasion. With however many troops they acquired from the many prisons of the galaxy. Most were former pirates like Mockshah himself, who was instated as a General. He was said to have been a Colonel before going AWOL on the whole galactic alliance. 

Listening to the fifes and drums, she looked out at the field before them. On the largest island on Gesu the Black Coats met the Black Dominion who outnumbered them. Her gaze went to the Mockshah figure himself who rode on a horse in his black uniform. Showing no fear in the face of this Black Dominion, Mockshah pressed his own unit of ten thousand against the various spawn, and skeletal warriors that made up the Dark Dominion. Using what rifles, and melee weapons they could grab a hold off, his own Black Coats attacked. It was as though he fought them before. 

Platform Seas Early 1844: More Islands, More aliens, More Monsters.

 Getting these aliens aboard one of the ships was not that difficult. All 28 of he renegades and the others flooded inside the vessel that was not stuck. For a single how they, the Marines of the VUVR had to help them tug the Sloop out. Once they sent these renegades and aliens on their way the Vestrisians saw other forces land on the island. Allies of theirs sent some help in terms of military personnel. No more than fifty-six allies in total arrived to hold this part of the Platform Seas despite the possibility of death. One squad of twelve Elite troops were sent from Ruhonthra to help. A fire team of Scuba divers and a special trooper from Rovantia. Sent from Malvieth a team of three marines arrive with a marksman. Meze sent over a squad of fifteen of their special marines. Three Gnome volunteers, and a pair of Elf Marines came from Sercane. It appeared to be a long stretch to go, but they managed. One Military Biologist and Chemist Marine arrived all the way from Redrin along with six of their Elite troops. Seven marines of Alagen arrived with the Rovantians. Nahem sent over a single trooper with an armored vehicle. Seeing a small force of this size warranted some skepticism from Vampeete, and Captains such as Bartwai. Losing twelve Marines on this island appeared to be the least amount they expected to lose here. Left the company with one hundred twenty-seven Marines, Vampeete's company gathered weapons, gear, and their dead comrades. Within a span of 3 hand a half hours they took their time returning to HQ. 

Upon their return to the Archipelago Vampeete's Company were greeted by the same units left to protect the circle of islands. All Marine units returned before them arriving with some losses, gathered thousands of guns and weapons. The platoon of 46 Marines who went northwest lost 4 Marines during their encounter with 17 flying mutant monkey demons on the small island's platform. In full detail they described what happened and the appearance of these demon monkeys. Each demon mutant had bat wings, fur all over their bodies except for their bellies. On their stomachs and chest they had scales. When that story was finished the 57 Marines who went south lost 6 men to the encounter of 3 blue demons, 8 spiked humanoids and their pet armored panther. The unit of 73 Marines who took a platform to the west encountered a force of 150 Ogres, and 5 Demons commanded by a weird Mastadon mutant. Losing just 5 Marines they did clear out the small platform discovering two sets of shields the Ogres prized and decorated the platform with. One set of  660 were called Perfergon Shields that looked like metal  leaves. The other set were 229 claw shaped shields called Javexo Shields. As for the unit of 81 Marines their ventures brought them to an island the Rangers missed. During their exploration they lost 6 Marines to a horse sized sentient lizard cat dwarf kaiju who was angry at the CSO. Not bothering to process how they killed it their heads went to the unit of 41 Marines that went straight for a lone tower. Under the command of a former martial arts female instructor, these marines encountered 14 armed Ghouls holding a mad scientist hostage in a tower. Apparently the mad scientist was found in the tower drilling a Green haired, tan skinned, curvy, and busty sorceress forced to be his toy. All Ghouls were shout up, and the scientist got a nice bullet between the eyes. The woman snatched the Captain's guns from her holster. Bringing her over was nothing but a couple of hours of her shooting her mouth off until she gagged with a cloth. It was to shut her up until they arrived back at HQ. Some of the female Marines expressed their jealousy through their expressions on how she looked compared to them. They lost 8 Marines to the tall Ghouls. 

Their largest group, the 253 Marines sent further south, came back at the same time as Vampeete's unit. In their encounter, they mentioned losing 7 Marines to 33 ISN marines under the command of some uptight, stubborn female Marine Captain. She shot at them first believing they served the Gantronese now. All 34 ISN members were dead now, including some lone Tessari Brute who held a dead Viceroy named Durrett. Under the command of Evusian born turncoat Captain Val 85 Marines lost 8 Marines in a single encounter with an Adult Red Dragon with an island to itself. None of them wanted to talk about the incident. Most Marines could tell the bodies were crisps by now. Whenever someone tried mentioning among them, they were slapped across the face or in the back of the head. Doing a full head count they had 869 Marines left in the battalion. For a total of five days they rested after performing the gun salute. Colonel Gleicher addressed them the day after the granted 5 day rest. Although they were here to investigate this area, their mission was to ensure the Gantronese could not use this route. Gleicher was about to speak when 4 aircraft roared overhead. Looking up at the four aircraft that cut him off they barely heard Gleicher's cursing. Greigorsson could read his lips as they insulted the aircraft that signaled the arrival of another fleet. Looking at the trident shaped wings Greigorsson identified them as Storm Titans, the preferred aircraft launched from their Carriers. He presumed a smaller aircraft carrier was here with a tiny fleet. His gaze on them could not last long as the aircraft flew towards the south. 

"Listen up Marines. Those islands we cleared are going to be under allied control. Pushing past the furthest islands, we will see how far this sea of platforms stretches." a Major addressed the battalion. Colonel Gleicher had no words to speak, he was so angry with the Navy. 

"Sir, don't we have reconnaissance planes to scout the area?" one Marine asked saluting before asking the question. 

"Yes we do, but those will either be shot down or lost in the fog that appears." the same Major who filled in for Colonel Gleicher corrected the Marine. 

"Thank you Major Mimmickson. Marines our Superiors in Ruhonthra and Home Base have sent a squad of 18 extra Marines. Everyone else are needed at the front lines. Some of the aliens who surrendered have chosen to aid us. Since they are trying to get away from the CSO and Order of the Beast we can only have one aid us, Avinne Yvonne the gunslinger. She has more cause to...kill these CSO and Order of the Beast. Her backstory involved a bit too much abuse, and violation. She will be taking you through the area." Gleicher explained to the battalion of Marines who were now rested, but uneasy about fighting these new aliens. 

"Yvonne come on out and meet the Marines you will be escorting." Gleicher called out for their gunslinger escort. 

A female standing at 8.8 feet tall with reddish hair exited one of the metal buildings. At first glanced this sexy female gunslinger appeared entirely human. When she came closer they noticed something was off aside from her height. Donning a weapons harness over a cotton green lace shirt, riding chaps over short trousers this female had a set of lizard scales in place of her eyebrows. This Yvonne had a set of four revolvers on her. Two Onway Revolvers, and two crude Vorcadam style. When looking at her hands that rested on her hips Greigorsson noticed she had seven fingers on each hand. Looking at the grips he noticed they were elongated. This Avinne Yvonne was a sight to behold, and a desirable one. If one could get past the eyebrows, and the seven fingered hands they would find her arousing. Checking her out it could be noticed the alien woman was more flat than most. 

"Alright Marines, you lot are like children compared to my height, but don't let that deter our new acquaintance. Follow me, this archipelago was once a city-state the Order of the Beast and CSO formed." Yvonne informed them and began leading them to their transports. 

With no other choice the battalion of Marines followed the giant female. Picking up gear and weapons they began their journey to the ships. When she passed all the transports and ships they realized she was transporting them by a different craft. Leading them to the  other port islands she revealed a large craft of a different, but older design. Docked at the largest port this archipelago  was some blimp airship attached to a larger craft anchored at port. Compared to the modern ships they sailed this aircraft looked outdated in the shape of a frigate. Greigorsson and a few others stopped to gaze at it like children gawping at a new bike in the window of a toy store. He had to be pushed along with the others to this immense craft they would be riding in. Through the crowd of Marines he spotted this Yvonne kick three goblins awake, who jumped into action. He was once neighbors to some Goblin family who were always prickly. They never bothered him, and he never bothered them. 

Climbing the gangway to the ships outer deck they got a good look at the crew she assembled. Showing she travelled these waters often he spotted the crew was made up of mainly 200 Iperantosi Sailors armed with heavy guns. Their olive, red, tan, and brown skin never looked more pleasing to the eye, Fellow Calornese humans  who did not side with the invaders. Under the command of their Majors and Captains, 887 Marines boarded the airship and found the passenger holds. Claiming a cot or hammock they prepared to sleep or rest while on board. Greigorsson found a yellow hammock next to where a cannon used to be. In its place was a dismantled machine gun the crew would no doubt use at some point. It took an hour for them get going since this craft was a massive beast. Laying in his hammock Greigorsson closed his eyes trying to block everyone out. 

Yvonne's own Blimp airship the Insolence took almost two hours before it stopped again. Insolence came to a slow stop that appeared to drag on for a while. Yvonne had the blimp circle around an island that flew a colorful looking flag. Insolence circled around four times before settling in the waters at an island with four platforms, and a small town sized settlement on the island. Looking out the porthole Greigorsson saw they appeared to be near the end of the platform seas. Gathering what they needed for this mission the Marines disembarked from the airship on the alien metal dock port that was constructed on the island. On the dock they were greeted by aliens and humanoids from other worlds acting oblivious to their arrival. The first thing he saw was a pair of monster humanoids sitting at a wooden table. Some bull humanoid beast grew angry and started fighting an antlered humanoid warlord. Standing guard was a skeletal looking humanoid armed with a long axe. From behind its flank a green demonic orc dog attacked if over an exposed bone. Towards some taller buildings close to the tallest platform tower were several of those freaky tall moon gazers they encountered. On their left flank they also spotted water Nymphs with the bodies of crocodiles. As the Marines poured out of the air craft their large force caught the attention of these various aliens. Near the closest tower building a female caterpillar humanoid alien sent some white ox humanoids dressed in traditional garb. Seeing the hooves on these reminded him of the Zunia-Pucks back home. These humanoids had white fur on their legs whereas the humanoids either had brown skin, brown fur, or pinkish beige. 

Yvonne's own sailors allowed the Marines to disembark completely before letting them know what was going on. Her voice echoed through a loudspeaker on the ship. In some different language she summoned the other alien inhabitants on the platform islands. Looking at each other the Marines decided to get into a loose formation with some space in between for others to fire between them. Over the course of nine or so minutes they watched 367 alien warriors of different races come see them. From behind the Marines, Yvonne's Sailors open fire on the gathered crowd. Their own Majors barked for them to open fire as well. Greigorsson did not get a chance to get a shot out as the other mowed down the crowd of aliens like a scythe cutting through hay. Checking the bodies of the dead they discovered scores of Gantronese troops among cat folk, duck humanoids, fish people, Goblina, Ogre spawn, reptilians, and various other humanoids they did not recognize. Taking a closer look at the buildings they spotted Gantronese flags draped over some doors. Dozens of survivors peaked out of the buildings to see if it was all over. One of the Iperantosi waved for them to come their way. Most looked like fox humanoids, cat folk, Dark Elves, Dwarf Goblin hybrids, and a group of 15 pirates who appeared to be putting on an act. One of them claimed to be nomadic tribes of Iperantosi. Looking over at the Iperantosi the Vestrisians could tell the big difference. A bunch of voices emerged from the crowd only to be silenced by Yvonne. Out of the smaller crowd a group of five mutant bunny humanoids pushed their way up to the vestrisians. One of them yelled up at the ship saying they had some Leviathan egg to check on. None of them knew how to fly a ship or drive a motor boat. 

Platform Seas Early 1844: Aiding brothers

 What to do with these twenty-eight remaining renegades wasn't a difficult decision to make. Force them to work in order to stay out of bondage. Making them prisoners again would require a squad to watch over them. Making them work allowed the Marines to rest and patrol the island. One day after arriving on this snowflake shaped island. Sitting on the unexplored ocean at 4 miles long and 3.5 miles wide this island had 32 other islands encircling it, and six other islands close by. Exploring those would have to wait. As many of them expecting someone else showed up on the island. From the southwest a stolen Iperantosi motorized Xebec arrived at the island in middle of the day. Crewed by 100 alien ant men, and 87 lizard folk this Xebec had a green faced figure at helm. Acting as the Captain of the Helm was some Green face humanoid in a green tunic, purple pants, gold shoes, belt and donning white hair dye. Hooked to the starboard side of the Xebec was an anti aircraft boat that belonged to the Gantronese. Whatever these humanoids were doing here they appeared intent on reclaiming this island. With a unit of 120 Marines, and 28 alien volunteers they held their ground against the 188 aliens. Using the terrain, some buildings, and the few machines they brought, these marines massacred 127 of the 188 trespassers. One platoon sized force remained of these trespassers, and about 28 of these trespassers lay wounded on the sand. Only 33 of these invaders fled back to their ship. Suffering zero casualties themselves they chased after the 33 humanoids to their Xebec. 

Getting to this Xebec was not the hard part, discovering these invaders arrived with extra help. Another company of warriors came to reclaim this island aboard a badly crafted sloop shaped vessel. How it even floats is beyond Greigorsson as he took a quick glance at it. His gaze had to be torn away as these new company of invaders covered the escape of the 33 Antmen, and lizard folk. This company consisted of 103 Purple skinned Orcs armed with maces and led by a Yellow skinned Warrior. All of these Orcs and humanoid wore identical Gantronese fatigues under plated chest plate armor. Forced to fight another group of aliens, Vampeete's Marine Company took no prisoners. Every single Orc in the Yellow Warrior's band were riddled with bullet holes from Vestrisian Marines. It felt like a waste of ammunition since some of the bullets bounced off the armor at certain portions. Gunning these Orc aliens down was the third or fourth massacre this island witnessed. Another large portion of an arm of sand soaked in blood and littered with more corpses. Looking closely among the trees and bushes some of them spotted skeletons in the sand. To most it was difficult to tell because most of the skeletons were mostly buried or covered in fresh blood and corpses. Xebec and Sloop ran aground onto the island's beach. One of them appeared stuck in between two arms of the snowflake shaped island. From the way both were parked it looked like no one among these mutant aliens knew how to steer or pilot a ship properly. 

Observing the carnage after their third massacre on this island they spotted 23 of the Xebec's crew and manpower among the dead. The ten remaining Xebec crewmembers climbed up the Xebec's portside as quickly as possible. There was no letter I in team according to some sayings. However there were was also the dangers of becoming sheep who are gullible. These Xebec crew members scrambled to get up the ropes and ladders while knocking each other off. Watching these Lizard Folk and Antmen fight each other off the portside became a spectacle to enjoy. His mother would say this was because they lacked team effort. If this was team effort getting here, then didn't they blindly follow green face like blind sheep to the slaughter? Greigorsson found himself closest to the event and raised his rifle. One by one he shot down the ones who were still clinging to the portside of the Xebec. Vampeete ordered for him and nine others to check out the Xebec and the sloop. Stepping over some extra corpses that were caught in the cross fire they hoped the sand and water could wash away the blood off their boots. Looking for a clean rope was not impossible. About four ropes were found unstained by blood. Climbing up the rough ropes felt like climbing tiny thorns and spikes that did not puncture his hands. Greigorsson climbed up the rope first discovering no cannons in the gun port traps along the starboard and portside. Instead they discovered mounted machineguns, harpoons, telescopes, and terrifying statues carved from wood. Whoever these Ant men and Lizard Folk were they could only get that information from the 28 former CSO members collaborating with them. Searching around for other passengers and clues they found plenty of used up weapons in the lower deck. Among these weapons they found five pistols, five alien rifles, and three revolvers with holsters in suitable condition. Getting through the cluttered deck would take up too much time. Turning around they went to the cabins. As they attempted to open the door it slammed shut on them. Someone else was still on the Xebec. 

"Go away!" a voice yelled. 

Sergeant Jake Ratledge scoffed angrily at this and started kicking at the door. Greigorsson was not going to argue with that idea. Ratledge was more of the older marine who still had the energy to serve his country. Whoever was still in there had to be dragged out or shot in the process. They had no time for games or hold ups. This island was considered secure according to Vampeete's logic. Once an island was secured they had orders to either come back to base or move on to the next one. Another Marine, Private George Blackburn joined Sergeant Ratledge in kicking down this door. After half a minute of kicking the door barely budged from its hinges. This wore both of them out and forced them to give up. Whatever wood this door was made from it appeared tough, and whoever held the door shut had immense strength. Looking at the eight other Marines Sergeant Ratledge nodded at them. 

"Suit yourself!" He yelled through the door hoping they would hear him. 

"Well you can just leave for all I care, Skogers!" the voice retorted back. 

Ratledge mouthed for them to open fire. As a firing squad the nine Marines lit up the door with their E-7 rifles, 7mm submachine guns, and light machine guns. Ripping holes in the door they finally got to see who was holding the door. A brown furred and black spotted dog warrior humanoid, and a blue ghostly figure with a long tail lay on the floor boards riddled in bloodied holes. Stepping over the destroyed door and corpses, Greigorsson expected an ambush. Acting fast the sent team of Marines searched the cabin for more survivors. Inside the cabin section of this Xebec, they found documents, damaged portraits, muck, sea critters, and someone else. Hiding inside the Captain's main cabin was a Purple furred alien Fox humanoid holding what appeared to be a camera recorder. Clothed in a dirty tan tunic robe. Whoever this humanoid was they did not speak a word of common Calornese, which was really a Vestrisian language spoke all over Calorn. Bringing this one was going to be difficult as they could not understand them. They kept rambling in a panicked voice with their wide eyes glued to them. Jake tried taking the camera away, but there jerked away then scratched him. As though they were just dolls or mannequins this Fox bulldozed past them. Racing to get out there this Fox humanoid dove out of a port hole they forced open. Left with no survivors they returned to Vampeete to report their discovery. He already sent a team to search the other vessel, the Sloop. On board this Sloop the team discovered 4 pesky cats, 7 nude women covered in tattoos who gasped when discovered, one talkative Nymph with tattoos on both arms, some Tortoise humanoid mutant called Adaman of the Order of the Beast, and a thin looking Alchemist who helped with fireworks. Vampeete attempted to control his irritation about all this. They already stayed here for too long to his liking. Other teams of Marines already returned to HQ in the Archipelago Circlet. 

"We move out in three and a half hours. Our job here is done! A coalition will be holding this island while we regroup at HQ then move on to the next set of islands." Vampeete ordered the lot of them. 

"Major, what about the others? The aliens we found." A Captain asked him. 

"We send them sailing around the effing sea that is what. They are free to go." Vampeete replied back with a hint of annoyance in his voice. 

Platform Seas Early 1844: Crystal Shaped Island

 Dropping the five humanoids did not clear the island of possible hostiles. It only attracted some more attention to them. One unit of 139 VUVR marines pushed on ahead, regardless of being in the open. From the towering platforms a company's worth of humanoids came after them. Forming a firing line, they obliterated the force of alien humanoids and mutant hybrids. Watching these humanoids fall allowed him to get a glimpse of what these alien invaders looked like. Mutant humanoid ducks, green faced humanoids, armored humanoids, some large Goblin humanoids, and four legged beings. In the midst of their firing, these humanoids returned fire. Some of their own fellow Marines fell on the sand and soggy portions of the beach landing. Three killed in action, and 8 wounded were the only casualties. Whatever these aliens fired at them, most projectiles went over their heads. No more than 100 Marines raced over to the first platform tower. Rushing up the land bridge to the main island they stepped over the corpses of two hundred thirty two humanoids that attacked them. Greigorsson could not keep his eyes off the various alien humanoids they just mowed down. One hundred thirteen green headed humanoids, 28 ugly Duck humanoids with different shaped bills, 60 various humanoid spawn in full armor, a Mahadi Cat warrior, twenty large Goblin Humanoids called Tessari, and 10 four legged hybrid creatures made up this force. Stepping over the bodies gave a solid view of what kind of armor they wore, and the type of weapons. Most of them wore chest plate armor painted red, orange, yellow, green, and purple stripes. For weapons these humanoids wielded crossbows, harpoons, knives, daggers, strange pistols, machetes, handcrafted weapons, large wrenches, sledge hammers, scimitars, spears, and billhooks. There were other types of weapons, and armor he could have named in his head. Greigorsson found no time to look at them during their movement with the company. 

Approaching the two boats they spotted a total of eleven aliens and humanoids outside the platform towers. Closest to them were 4 mutations guarding the pair of fine motorboats. One two  headed hellhound, a red-purple sentient octopus creature with a mouth on its head, a goat man, and a humanoid bunny geared up like a gunslinger. The hell hound started barking, snarling, and growling. It was on a leash held by the goat man in a kilt who smiled at this. Past this group they could spot a dapper dressed duck humanoid tied up and dangling from a tree near the tallest platform. Below him stood an automaton cyborg lizard waiting for it to fall. It brandished and sharpened its metal claws while licking its teeth and lips. Near the other platform tower a wizard whom appeared ugly was caught in an argument with a handsome elf. He orders for a large Ogre to pummel this elf to the ground by the ugly Wizard over some insult. As for the tenth and the eleventh humanoids, a fat pig humanoid was forcing itself on a busty looking heroine. She tried beat him off her while it held her legs and kept at it. Greigorsson was a little more concerned for the elf and the female heroine. Captain Bartwai tried having a conversation with the quartet of humanoids who did not show any interest in fighting them. Greigorsson watched the three scenes continue until gunfire abruptly emerged from ten firearms on his side of the island. All four humanoids became riddled in holes. The bunny humanoid tried returning fire only to grazing the skull of one Marine. 

All this did was grab the attention of the angry Ogre, and hungry cyborg lizard whom charged at them. Riddling both humanoids with lead the Marines took out two more aliens. In the midst of the shooting the Wizard, and pig humanoid got caught by stray bullets. Only the elf, the heroine, and hanging dapper duck remained among the eleven figures. Moving further they split their force in half. When approaching the heroine they found the pig was still barely alive and continuing to violate her. It was on top of her now and likely suffocating her. Choosing the strongest of the unit, Vampeete ordered for the pig thing to be pulled off, and tossed into the sea. This heroine looking woman gasped for air as it came back. 

"We need the medics over here! Load up our wounded! Lieutenant Vosson take the wounded and the three aliens back to base." Vampeete ordered. A pair of Marines picked up the female who immediately screamed and squirmed as they touched her. Tears started streaming down her cheeks. 

"Ma'am we are getting you out of here. Please let us help!" Vampeete commanded hoping the woman would at least let them take her away. 

When they picked her up again she grabbed the Major begging for him to save her friend Tia. Greigorsson felt very surreal emotion that could not get out. Seeing any one like that was scary and concerning. It felt strange, didn't they just kill, then chose not to kill out of instinct. Doing his best to shrug it off he followed his commander, who lead them over to the elf and the dangling duck humanoid. Beaten to a pulp the elf looking humanoid had a black eye, broken nose, busted lip, exposed cheek bone, broken arm, and bruised up leg. He could barely talk because of that. The beaten up warrior had to nod his head yes in response to some questions. As they took the wounded over to the boats the ones who carried them off returned just to see the duck fall on his head. The rope holding the dangling duck humanoid snapped because of over use. As for the duck humanoid itself, no one could feel a pulse. He landed on his neck. Greigorsson only heard the humanoid was dead. He did not even touch the corpse. With the unit divided in half they searched other parts of the island. Captain Bartwai led them through  a section of the alien settlement to check out  the other parts of this star-snowflake shaped island. Just looking around it the island gave a manmade feeling than a natural one. According to Hentrott nature can craft some interesting things over the course of either millennia, centuries, or even decades. Some times overgrowth can appear in as little as a few months. 

Most of the island was covered in vines, various plants, and trees. It took them most of the day, however they did make a few discoveries. Perched on an islet to itself a winged reptile monster flapped its wings at them. It send sand and shells at them causing a few of Bartwai's Marines to shoot at it. In the midst of dusk the creature flew off to another island. As they continued on under darkness the alien structures started to light up. Something or someone turned on lights inside the structures, and outside them. More than one score of lights could be seen on the towers, and thirteen could be seen on the smaller structures. Pushing further they had to use flash lights in order to find their way through this island. On one end of the island's multiple arms rested a small village of overgrown structures. The lights barely made a dim light as some blinked or shimmered. Out of the buildings some 28 tall figures exited in the nude. Greigorsson closed his eyes while others shielded his eyes. He could hear the mutterings, and cursing of the platoon about seeing these tall nude figures. One of these creatures came into the light revealing its night gray skin tone and surprisingly erect long manhood's. In the center of their nude circlet lay a small vehicle that remained unused for some time. One by one the tall figures grabbed themselves and entered the water. 

"Okay, whatever the sverx those things are, we just go on past them. Let do their weird ritual and not report this. Got it?" Bartwai said the platoon of Marines still trying to shake the image out of their heads. 

Not bothering to go anywhere else on the island, they backtracked to where the rest of the unit was. All Bartwai said was they found 28 other humanoids who committed suicide in the sea, and they found what appeared to be an overgrown village, and abandoned alien motorized bike. While they tried to sleep Greigorsson heard something he did not want to hear about those tall figures. 

"That must have been a whole arm length!" the person said moments before laughter, and a slap across the face came after. He could not sleep because of the mental images stuck in his mind. 

Waking up he did hear about the finds within the other structures and the towers. Overhearing this from Captain Bartwai who had breakfast with Major Vampeete, he learned the island was occupied by 278 renegades of the CSO. It was found in some log along with a bunch of other stuff these aliens brought with them or stole. On this renegade island they found 36 boxes of tobacco, 21 box crates of ground choco, 11 boxes of Pey Dye, 15 boxes of Gold nuggets, 16 crates of spices, 18 crates of textiles, 14 boxes crates of coconuts, and 8 crates fruits. Scattered in different parts of the island they found adventuring gear, survival kits, lamps, lanterns, oil, mess kits, rations, and hunting traps. In most of the buildings they also found strange potions, a dozen quiver of arrows, ropes, chains, hooks, scales, manacles, spyglasses, various tools, and,  105 firearms. Even though looting wasn't permitted or condoned they went ahead and grabbed up valuables. Such loot included plenty of coins from different parts of Calorn, and worlds. Some of the Marines found some instruments, Greigorsson found some gaming cards and dice to pocket. These cards appeared more classy than original cards. Some Marines like Hentrott found some potions along with a few other instruments. 

What none of them expected to find was 28 other humanoids in one of the bunkers. One tutor, drillmaster, bard, apothecary, inventor, con artist, their accomplice, three traders, three Dwarves, 4 Space Elves, 4 humans, and 5 Goblinoids were tied up. Each one had interesting and crude stories to tell. Most of the stories were funny whereas others confused them. Most of the Commanding Officers held a stern expression. Looking up at the skies Greigorsson wondered how long this war would keep him single. 

Castaria-Zegrav #7: Suppression and Liberation

Riding up to the circle of statues to rescue someone felt more like a knightly task to do. Not for the likes of her, and her Country Guards. However, most of the Knights were at the front, serving alongside those they would call peasants in an earlier period. She wished she had that armor to protect her legs. Brynn held the leg that was cut, pressing a hand over the spot where the bolt skimmed her leg. Taking a piece of cloth out of a pocket she wrapped up that part of the leg. Olalyn came to her side, checking on her.

“Are you okay? Can you still fight? Are you comfortable with that scar there?” Olalyn asked her, showing a commanding father’s concern over her new wound.

“Yes, Captain Olalyn I am able to continue this fight.” She replied, straightening herself up.

Knowing that they needed to get back the encampments both raced to find the emissaries. Circling around the statues they searched for these emissaries. After a six-minute search they did not find them. Rendezvousing at the Mulzaneen corpse they met empty handed. Choosing to go around the statues, the encountered another group waiting for them. Two male figures, a Castarian and Zegrav, 9 Gnoll gunslingers, 8 angry Gnolls who appeared to hate the V.U.V.R. and an Orc Chieftain holding a pair of emissary's hostage.

“My, my what do we have, Warwick?” one of the figures asked with a mocking expression.

“A pair of emissaries, Envoy Applemore of Evusia, and Diplomat Wyvernson of Niakoth. Our alien friends, Gnoll brothers, and Orc Chief to a plain tribe have a bit of beef with your Vestrisian Republics. Efreeti, I believe some payback is due.” The one named Warwick replied to him.

Before their very eyes, two emissaries died at the hands of their captors. Neither Brynn nor Olalyn froze for even a few seconds as they sprang into action. Those two emissaries had vital information for the Premviste and Mastar. Yards away she spotted three feline humanoids emerging from the tall grass. Behind them a total of 12 Vestrisians rose. These twelve soldiers opened fire on both the felines and the 20 captors, and insurgents. Brynn only got two of them, whereas Olalyn slew one Gnoll that charged him. Olalyn hollered out their ranks and names to the soldiers. Brynn glanced at the house used by Thanielle, and Bloodring, which was a country farmhouse. In the background she spotted a tower ruin next to a farm ranch near some woods. Using the woods as a barrier, this farm consisted of a stable, two farm homes, a well, a bird bath outside the house. Although small it could still hold more livestock. Just 10 cows, 15 chickens, 14 goats, 17 sheep, and two donkeys. A woman feeding 3 calves, and a calf feeder could be seen on the farm. Past this farmstead she spied a horse ranch. She was checking it out when the 12 troops approached them. All twelve still had their rifles on them.

“Are you blind or stupid? We are Vestrisians you green dingbats!” Olalyn yelled at them.

                All twelve troops lowered their E-7s, T.M. 13 bolt action rifle, and carbines. Looking at their faces, Brynn could tell these troops were at least eighteen or nineteen years old. Each one had shaven baby faces. Only you below that age or above fourteen were still in bootcamp. If their parents allowed that of course. Most of them looked like Castarians with white, beige, or slight tan skin. The rest of them looked to be dark Zegrav, or half Goblin in appearance.

                Lieutenant Powellson, squad leader of the 302^nd squad, 1187^th division, Vestrisian Infantry and Reserves.” The Lieutenant addressed himself like a green one.

                “Bury these bodies, except for the envoys’ corpses. You get an undertaker to help transport the bodies. Take whatever you find off these insurgents.” Olalyn commanded them. He left the green troops to their task and led Brynn back to their steeds. As they walked away one of the soldiers hollered for them.

                “Wait, Wait Captains, Majors, we found this leather journal! It has notes in it.” One of the soldiers raced over to them. Turning around, Olalyn told him to take it to base.

                Letting the soldiers deal with the alien bodies, the pair of Country-Guard Captains mounted up. Riding at a western set course, they headed towards the main encampment. Passing the farms, she noticed a child working there. This child appeared to be an orphan being aided by two care takers, and a Gnome artificer working on a shaded lamp. Coming to the side of the ranch, she could see 27 horse mounts grazing on the grass. They already gave their mounts time to graze and rest a little. Pushing forward on the road they followed it to a small settlement. Flanking the road was a hamlet-village. It consisted of a forge, tavern, old station, 3 windmills, 3 water towers, Veterinarian, another station, some stables of a horse farm, two farms, a horse trainer, horse caretaker, and an equestrian. There was also a bunny farmer with 30 or so bunnies. Outside they spotted 29 houses 5 equestrians, some staff members, 8 or more pigs, between 3-10 cattle, chickens, donkeys, goats, and three fam hands. She also spotted a main coon cat sitting on a garden chair.

                She could have sworn she spotted two extra houses among the dozen other homes. One of the farmers was giving a pet ram to a daughter. With no time to waste, Olalyn and Brynn raced past a castle being used as a base. One unit of Country-Guards that was all females, saw them rushing up to the base. When Olalyn explained the situation all 88 members mounted up to join them. Increasing their force both Captains led them along the road before it came to a crossroads. This one veered to the left and right. Taking the right path, they found the road followed the river at a parallel path for a mile. Staying on this road they passed two graveyards of nearly 283-300 gravestones.

                Returning to their camps by the bridges, they found more units showed up. One unit of 73 Dragoons led by a woman, and a larger unit of 438 under command of an Elf Colonel. These commanders were Captain Gretta Blackcrown, and Colonel Watheen, who arrived with E-7s, carbines, mortars, grenades, anti-tank rifles, mobile machineguns, and assault rifles. Brynn eyed the E-7s, T.M.13 bolt action rifles, carbines, and repeaters. Lance-spears, sabers, long axes, and pole axes could be spotted as melee weapons of choice for close combat or charging.

                Once every unit was prepared to move, they rode east. In a battalion sized force, Country-Guards, Dragoons, Paratroopers, Reservists, and armored vehicles rode past the Tricorn Hills. They technically went through the area, gaining 10 tanks. Seven miles past the Zaldo River, Rosefire’s unit came across 6 humble huts of the Forest Blight Prowlers, 4 cottages, and a farmstead. Here, three Elf Rangers, a single hired Rogue, and a Male Wizard volunteer with that stupid pointy hat on his head. They appeared to be hired to protect the farmstead, and the landlord boss. Moving past this point her unit ran into a crossroads where a skirmish occurred. Their units were not the only ones fighting this insurgency. Under the command of Mayors, Sheriffs, Knights, and Barons, militias formed. Although they were armed with conventional and melee weapons, 55 human guards, half-Orcs, and Dwarfs fought a group of 38 insurgents. They lost 39 killed, and 6 wounded. They were also pinned down by this group. Several shots went past their location as the two forces exchanged fire.

                Dismounting, Brynn ordered her unit to hunt them down. One bullet went past her ear, hitting an Orc in the shoulder. Every Country Guard crouched down. Hunting down these insurgents slowly, they spread out across the perimeter. As they endured the shooting from the unseen insurgents, they returned fire. Keeping low to the ground the Country Guard themselves caught in an ambush by 57 insurgents. Out of the brush from three flanks, Orcs, Dark Elves, Ghouls, Goblins, and Castarian insurgents sprang their attack. Knowing her own Country Guards, the attackers became trapped in a web of steel blades. None of her own Country-Guards were lost since the ambush was uncoordinated. Despite the failed ambush the insurgents still fired on them. As another bullet flew past her, she saw Dragoons and Country Guards raced through the trees and clearings. Brynn did not remount until they killed the other insurgents who suppressed the militia. One unit of twenty armed Ghouls, Tessari aliens were responsible.

Brynn Rosefire led her company to meet up with the fellow Country-Guards. They wiped out a unit of 61 insurgents, Gnolls, Ghouls, Molorcs (Orc Brutes), and Grevaskii sent over by the enemy. As for the Dragoons, 3 deity avatar imposters to a lion god, 39 Ogre, aliens, 20 Gnolls, 3 Ghouls, 5 small cave trolls, 2 wolf men and 5 Tessari died by their hands. Every horse mounted soldier gathered at a clearing. Leaving the vehicles to follow the road that appeared full of debris. While settling down to make camp they heard some reports about 57 Gnomes getting killed, 9 Frogfolks were found. Just when everyone across the world believed they were extinct, some just appeared somewhere. Somewhere the Dragoons found three female elf Wizards who went turncoat on the insurgents. Some said they took out a band of insurgents. Taking in these rumors Brynn wondered about the 88 female Country Guards who went off to patrol up and down the rivers. At the same time Captain Gretta Blackcrown appeared into her point of view. In her Blue Dragoon uniform, Gretta did not seem happy as she dismounted. She was a developed woman who had to deal with problems. Her breasts bounced a little as she landed causing some pain in her back. Holding her lower back Gretta leaned back then twisted a little before leaving her mount to a younger Dragoon horse handler. With very fine thighs, and legs, this Dragoon walked over to Brynn.

“I thought no one would let a woman become a Dragoon these days.” She said in a sarcastic tone. Brynn could not help, but grin at that. These were more modernizing times and keeping women out of the military was more outdated than the practice of slavery. Any male who heard that tried not to smile while scratching their heads.

                Of course, they would!” a male hollered at them stirring up laughter around them. Blackcrown flipped him off inciting a mass wave of impressed jeers.

                “Get back to your posts!” Jakab barked at them. Olalyn ordered for the Country-Guards to do the same thing. He left the captains alone.

                “Captain Brynn Rosefire. What is it like being in a mounted militia that acts as a cavalry police?” Blackcrown asked her, taking a seat.

                “Exciting when you are young, then it becomes a dread chore as time passes.” She answered her. Brynn looked at her, noticing something sticking out of her uniform jacket. She could only guess it was clothing meant to flatten her chest for riding.

                Both women looked at each other and laughed. Brynn invited her to her tent where they found Maplebee the pet owl, asleep. She shared her story then listened to Blackcrown’s story. Gretta used to be a stable hand before becoming a Dragoon. She once lived near a farmhouse that had a second farmhouse. Her own father acted as a native guide to Vestrisian troops. Before departing her home for the Dragoons, he gave her a wooden watch. Gretta showed it to Brynn as she mentioned three brothers, and a sister. One brother died in an accident while toying with a mechanized hot air balloon. Their neighbors were a family of goblins in western Castaria. She shared a story of when four goblin alchemists come under attack by two armed Ghouls.

                “…I cannot remember when, but I was 12 when one of those rascals freed a Zegrav Giraffe at a Zoo. No one, but the children or immature adults found it funny. He, Boagris, also tried riding it…” She sighed before continuing her story.

                “Being raised in Bovengrad wasn’t easy, but not difficult. My parents hired a half-demon geomancer from Zegrav. He taught us mathematics, writing, reading, some biology, and zoology. Both of my parents worked at a mercantile store owned by a bitch faced witch. Not that it really matters about the ownership. She did a fine job of running things. We also received three Dwarf grotesques become a Regiment. All four of them got fired after four to five years of their servitude. One of the six Zunia-Pucks our family hired as maids or nannies were impregnated by one of them. At first mother thought it was one of the sons until the offspring was born.” Gretta told her story to Brynn who feel like she could top hers with the one about the ghosts in the barn. A pair of air fighters flew overhead. The loud noise caught them by surprise. Looking outside the tent, Brynn spotted Dreamfires flying towards the west. The two were being followed by other aircraft. She could not tell if they were Screaming Hawks, Roaring Eagles, or Holy Angels, since she did not know the planes very well.

                “Enough chatter from me. What about you?” Blackcrown handed the floor for Brynn to speak, and tell her own story.

                “I do have children and my husband is a Major in the Airborne. He has been stationed in Vimasdra since 1842. According to his letters he may actually be in Gontrella.” Brynn answered Blackcrown as though she was a lifelong friend.

                “Airborne forces don’t usually reveal that kind of information. He is more likely in Vullan. The Nazdar have sent reinforcements, but we are winning-“ Blackcrown was cut off by the roaring engines of an alien bomber, an Arrowhawk flying over the area. Both aircraft took everyone by surprise as it came in so sudden. Everyone in the camps hit the ground as the bomber dove in dropping a single bomb into the encampment. Several of their own troops got hit by the bomb.

                This lone bomber dropped another bomb onto a tent. Whoever flew that Arrowhawk took their sweet time lining up a shot. She wanted to slap whoever that pilot was. Their hesitation cost the lives of eight country men, twelve wounded, and nine horses. Some of the Dragoons fired on this bomber. It was to believe this pilot was incompetent and this hesitant. Their piloting skills were top notch but the action to pull the trigger went missing. Two of the many shots fired at it hit its underbelly from below. Their absent-minded friend jerked and swerved a few times. Brynn got confused, and worried over angry. What the sverx were they doing? Was this the only person sent to help them? Brynn rolled her eyes and looked away.

                She could not put her gaze back on the Arrowhawk aircraft. A wave of insurgents launched an attack while their eyes were on the skies. Out of the trees, grass, and bushes another group of insurgents charged at them. Instinct took over as a camp of nearly 1600 spread out Country-Guards, and Dragoons wiped them out. Brynn fired two shots before it was even over. Whatever they wanted to accomplish it would only fail to another, forces’ feet. Moving in to count the dead an any wounded they found 210 dead, 269 wounded P.O.W.s, and news of 152 insurgents fleeing. Searching the dead and those who surrendered, the found a total of 1,116 objects. Total number of weapons included 688 maces, batons, knives, axes, machetes, short swords, claws, guns, crossbows, and hammers. Personal items, and valuables made up the rest This included valuables such as rings, watches, brooches, pins, prized daggers, pendants, keys, and various trinkets. Sets of keys, spectacles, ivory pieces, wooden figurines, dice, precious coins, flutes, cloth, and rabbit feet.

                Securing everything, Colonel Watheen, and Major Jakab ordered for the prisoners to bury the dead. For the rest of the day, they allowed the prisoners to bury or cremate their fallen comrades. Brynn did not have to watch over them. She felt relieved as she had a fear of the dead coming back for some reason. However, these insurgent prisoners came under attack. A total of 67 of these insurgent prisoners were added to the graves. Whereas the attackers lost 86 men with 80 dead, and 6 more captured. Angered by this turn of events her superiors forced the 206 remaining prisoners to hunt down the remaining 66 in the woods. One more day passed. They rested and waited for them to return. None of them expected their own commanders to be this cruel. It was not until three hours later when 65 returned having killed 61 of the remaining insurgents.

                Taking time to bury the dead, they ordered for another force to take the prisoners. Leaving the prisoners alone would give them babysitting duty. A duty she would not mind if the prisoners did not try killing them or escaping. After another day passed, they scrambled to meet their goal. In full force they rode further ahead. Even though this was their own country it still appeared unfamiliar. Trees such as cedar, maples, oaks, southern pines, elms, firs, kloves, Sour Bunyas, and fearful bayonets blocked their view. For several more minutes they passed through the region. Among the trees they moved along finding more insurgents, hanging dead on branches. Cutting them down, they discovered a large encampment in the large patch of woods, and portions of a clearing.

                Astounded by the discovery three companies perused through it. Letting the rest go on ahead would cover more ground. In their blind exploration of 2,160 tents and Lean to’s hidden they came under attack again. Brynn felt clumsy because of this distraction. A single force of 117 Goblins, Molorcs, Gnolls, Ghouls, and rebels defended the camps poorly. None of the Country-Guards fell while every attacker lay dead on the ground. Their blood covered leaves, weeds, moss, roots, and mushrooms. Another day of clearing the area of this insurgency. She knew they were fighting a government that took over their lands. Yes, the government of the V.U.V.R. implemented laws that went against their old traditions and practices. That was only to give people equal opportunities and freedom. Freeing them of a system that imposed slavery and allowed raiding on others. Now the focus was keeping everyone united against invasion.

                Maneuvering past this massive encampment brough them 7 miles away from the rivers. With more than a thousand mounted militia as cavalry, their force could overrun enemy positions. If they had well positioned machine-guns charging was useless. A dismounted approaching where the troops scattered and flanked the machineguns proved effective. Fortunately for them, this was not the case. Out in the open, they found a force of 1064 Troglodytes, a lone Kuruk leading 16 Goblins, 103 cat humanoids, an Ogre 9 Ghouls, five archers, 3 beast men, a goat hybrid and a dark elf spawn at a settlement of some sorts. This force was outside a connected settlement of 71 structures they could see. Coming closer as they cut down more insurgents more foes an, structures entered their viewpoint.

                Among these insurgents they found something interesting. After the battle that took the lives of 1,072 insurgents, 78 Dragoons, Country Guards they took prisoners. For prisoners just 141 were wounded up. Within the ranks of these insurgents was a traitor sheriff, dark elf spawn, a clueless Zedirian Puck, some war maiden, female pirate, a knight, alchemist, a female snake hybrid dead in a house, and an idiot actor. While securing the prisoners they entered this settlement. At the entrance stood two statues carved into faces, a pair of shut down automatons, and a fresh market. At the entrance stood a service for shops, tree stumps, a diner, post office, 3 modern homes, and complex structures with apartments. Behind these structures stood a Post office, General store, a Gas station, a safe house for spies, and 3 bases for homes. Just four construction vehicles sat near a factory warehouse.

                Pushing farther in and patrolling around, they found a theatre, coffee shop, fresh food market, volunteer fire station, Brewery and distillery, an old jail, and a water tower. Through the windows they spotted 202 or more sets of eyes watching a group approaching their location. One female priestess of Three Gods, Orthodox man, one retired Castarian who got dragged into this exited a damaged church to the creed of Crethos. His beard gave away his former rank as General. Coming from the Maat County this one decided to help. Three Uxane volunteered to help secure the flanks where the grain silo, water tower, four farmhouses, and wingless drake statues stood.

                Looking at the rest she spotted the gallows in the center, a skull statue held by a hand next to it. One mercantile building, five fruit stands, two coffee store houses, and a small pirate pub hide out added more to the scenery. There Brynn found 11 pirates, 50 Uxanes, and some heavy dump truck. As for the rest of the group they found happy clansmen, a scholar pondering life, and a soldier from Maat County. Each volunteer and several caches of 780 rifles, revolvers, pistols, and repeaters given to locals for defense. Letting these volunteers help, Brynn was sent to search the outer area. Outside the perimeter she found 7 potter studios, a paper mill, cotton mill, two textiles, 4 sulfur farms, and a lay out station. All along the back this settlement had a railway station, a signal tower railway tower, tavern-pub, two spice plantations on the opposite side of the track, and a single brick work with 17 pallets of bricks waiting for use. Circling around in a wider pattern they spotted an unlicensed airship with a crew of 8 leaving the area. A small fleet of 6 airships from other countries lands. Each one offers to take the prisoners away.

                Rallying back to the commanders, they reported some finds they made. A fake king who was ousted by Castarian insurgents was discovered. He was beaten to the ground by the locals over conning them. One snapping turtle is found near the track, and a cat walking on hind legs like a humanoid. Some religious symbols made from metals, 27 Republic Eagles, a purple letter found on a female admiral who got dragged into this. She was clearly at an age who had children growing into their teens. There was also a turquoise skull meant for a student, an hourglass filled with oil, and two lizards that scurried away. Most of the insurgents wielded homemade maces, war hammers, axes, caltrops, flails, spears, daggers, pitchforks, old sabers, and metal bars. Allowing the airships to take away prisoners, they settled down until dawn arrived.

                That next day, colleagues in arms brought camp over past the tracks. A little beyond a farmhouse they spotted two other settlements held by insurgents. An insurgent flag flew over both settlements. Close by they spotted a small team of 3 mortar men setting up. They were the ones who began besieging one rebel settlement. She could tell these soldiers were hiding somewhere, otherwise their corpses would be outside. As the day dragged on, they also began to besiege the town, learning about more details. Originally the town was under the supervision of 378 soldiers. Around the time of a riot, the insurgents rose taking towns and regions. Those two towns in Castaria were taken by 528 rebels, and one by 740 insurgents. In taking the large town and average one they killed 65 and took 30 wounded prisoners who are dead now. According to this mortar team these men crawled out in a force of 283 when the cavalry arrived. Showing confidence this force charged the closest and largest town. Despite their bravery they were beaten back by the insurgents who used VUVR weapons.

                While the confident troops charged against an armed force, Brynn overheard these towns had a population of 6858-8000 combined. About 5425 managed to flee the insurgent takeover. What seemed peculiar is how 1,431 of these townsfolk joined the insurgency and took over. After a fourteen-minute battle the attacking soldiers returned with 193 left. At least 37 insurgents died in the assault. In the battle they lost a stolen armored car, a troop transport, and a tank to the mortar team. Some buildings were also hit during the bombardment. Several minutes later the insurgents launched a counterattack. One used the jeep to lead 117 hybrid spawns, Gnolls, Ghouls, Goblins, Molorcs, and humans to their deaths.

                Glancing at the soldiers formerly stationed here, some started to question their backgrounds. It was not a bad thing, just the revelation showed diversity among populations. However, that diverse group just had to be involved in open rebellion. Especially against a society that does not discriminate. An invasion of their home world should have ensured that change. One of them muttered something about slavery. Apparently, the rights or privilege to own other beings as slaves getting abolished ruined their daily livelihood. Brynn sat on a stump wondering how long this battle would last. Another day passed as more forces arrived from the south, and the north. Colonel Watheen had broken off to send a force of insurgents packing with another force of 10,000 Orc troops capturing 461 traitors to the VUVR. Yet the Orcs split up into brigades and battalions that occupied seven settlements. From the south their tanks fought a force of 631 insurgents from Kaniima-Badraan regions. More tanks got involved, killing a total of 398 insurgents, taking 177 prisoners. In the battle they lost just 94 crewmates. Only 56 insurgents fled south with a Kaniima of 4 leading them. Two knights, two dog Gnolls were apprehended. One volunteer airship sped them away to the prisons.

                On the next day she found herself ready to attack these insurgents holding the two settlements. Looking over the area she could make out another post office, a two-story house, tobacco store, 8 modern homes, one mercantile building, a converted farmhouse, fuel station, a diner, volunteer fire house, and a two-story train way house. Each structure sat in between brick homes. Some were painted white, yellow, blue, green, gray, light blue, gold, red and magenta. In total she could make out 406 houses that can be seen among the landscape. Feeling like they failed in holding onto these towns the rest of the soldiers attacked as one unit. Their assault did happen right away. Mortar team one, went after the two tanks the rebels tried maneuvering. Whoever was operating those tanks did not know how to drive a tank properly. Brynn watched it hit a house then explode as it tried backing up. A single mortar wound was shot at it nailing the tank with more luck than precision.

                How well can the duel go? It was the first question she thought when she saw the insurgents attempt putting out a fire. Using this as a distraction, 193 troops and the 461 traitors charged the insurgent positions. Brynn gripped her rifle while watching this one combined wave drive the insurgents further into the town. Suffering a loss of 237 the 417 forced themselves to stop. If they moved any further, they would wind up in an ambush. A small portion of their losses were wounded, whom had to be carried away.  Under sniper fire they had to carry wounded slowly while colleagues suppressed the insurgents. Looking over to the north, Brynn spotted the northern force to set up a siege. They called for any civilians to be allowed to go freely.

                Since there were civilians being freed, they had to accept the loss of time and gained ground. Brynn’s own wave of attackers did not get to launch until the next day. Getting civilians out took a good portion of their time. Forced to wait on them, they watched the settlements in shifts. While watching they heard rumors that involved 56 insurgents joining this group of rebels, and more civilians held hostage. By the time the morning rolled into 10:13 A.M. Brynn’s force began their assault on another flank of the rebel held town. With a force of 576 Dragoons and Country-Guards, Brynn rushed over to the settlement’s flank. Crossing over the tracks, their combined battalion moved around the town’s left flank. No one fired a shot yet. It was still morning, and most people did not get much sleep either. As whole unit Dragoons, and Country-Guards passed a drug store to flank the dug in rebels. When the rebels woke up, they wouldn’t be able to resist for long.

                Being this close to the enemy at this hour was lucky to Kryscine. He fired a single shot into the air. It was his way of signaling it was time to attack. Any units near them launched their attack on a single settlement. Pouring into the streets, they caught the rebel's completely off guard. For a whole hour they fought and killed 425 rebels holding the settlement. The rest of these rebels surrendered with not much fight left in them. Having suffered few losses, they had the rebel prisoners form lines then march to their encampment with their arms raised up. Through some questioning and searching the Vestrisians found 72 townsfolk held captive, and 58 others were found as prisoners to the rebels. The rebel leader was a Castarian hedge knight named Captain Ghwalimir. Four a whole hour she and other women had to calm anyone who collaborated with these rebels. Orders were to suppress this rebellion not to punish citizens who got involved. Those orders came directly from Premviste Oldenstern, and Maxim-Senator Greymir. The Furd, the main commander in chief, was preoccupied with the main war going on in the west. Brynn glanced over at the northern force wondering how livid the Furd, Mysdran, Premviste, Maxim-Senator, and Cenators would be over them using prisoners as cannon fodder. Yes, the recent elections saw Greymir in office for a second term, and a new Premviste in Officer, Dawnmore. Dawnmore was a half-elf shipwright, and Loanshark from Geverine. Greymir was more of the former Royal Advisor, politician, Explorer, and Police Officer in his youth.

                Stopping in her tracks, she caught a glimpse of someone she recognized among the Dragoons who passed by. Brynn could not help but watch him. Was this a person she once knew from somewhere? His name escaped her for a few moments. Wyllum nudged her automatically jogging her memory. The name of this person was Dennis Backshi, a rascal, a varmint, and miscreant. He was told to leave town, however he went into hiding. Not taking her eyes off him she ignored Wyllum for a few seconds longer. The moment he disappeared behind other Dragoons she turned to Wyllum.

                “Captain, Major Olalyn wants to see you.” Wyllum said into her ear, informing her.

                Patting him on the shoulder, Brynn could tell he was going to be capable at other professions. Going for the Major’s tent she passed hundreds of Dragoons and Country-Guards. It was already afternoon, and they were preparing to move out again. Walking up to the tent she came upon an argument going on. Newly promoted Major Olalyn argued with a younger human Captain of the Airborne unit whom, arrived with the Orcs. She barely heard the words before it ended. Whatever it was over she did not appreciate the way that young Captain spoke to Olalyn. The young Captain stormed out of the tent, brushing past her without a word. She thought that was childish, and rude. Somewhere in her mind she believed his home area should be notified and kept from gaining employment as punishment. Brynn stood at the entrance to the tent. Olalyn did not look pleased over the argument.

                “What do you want? I mean enter Captain Rosefire. We may have to move south without military personnel.” He did not even look at her when he acknowledged her presence. There was a sincere tone to his voice that sounded betrayed by decision making.

                “What? Why?” she blurted out in disbelief. Was the military leaving the militia to fight this insurgency alone alongside the Dragoons?

                “A group of 34 insurgents were spotted close to the area, and 14 were arrested. They claim the insurgents are also in Zegrav. So, it will be just us and the Dragoons.” He replied to her turning his head to face her.

                “They should be glad we have over a thousand people in a combined force.” She persisted.

                “More will come our way from the east, north, and northwest. Aside from Zegrav, there are rumors of an incursion up north, and a civil war brewing in Ottante. Two more settlements to the south are under Castarian rebel control. We should receive a total of 6,450 Dragoons, and 5850 Country Guards. However, we may need to rendezvous with them twenty miles from here. Towards the southwest and move forwards slowly.” Olalyn briefed her, while advising her at the same time.

                Moving slowly, they spent nine days zigzagging from town to town ensuring the insurgency had no presence there. They crossed paths with a force of 185 Green troops straight out of boot camp, who followed a pair of tanks. Among them were others, such as a motorbike scout, anti-infantry armored car, mobile artillery on tracks, and a heavy prototype tank with two barrels. Trailing behind was a new armored car with a mounted turret, lone radioman and 20 Orcs. On the fifth day they ran down a force of 537 insurgents attempting to stall them. The ninth day saw their entire force came upon some ruins with staircases exposed, wall ruins, and a circlet of volcanic wall overgrown. Most ruins were covered in moss, piled up dirt that became overgrown with grass growing. Among the ruins they discovered four rocky hill bunkers, four ancient portals that were broken and shattered. Near one of these ruins they also found four female pirates. All four were hiding from someone.

                While setting up camp they learned about a crew of 60 pirates working with some aliens. According to the story about the quartet, four pirates were beheaded, six slashed down, 10 were shot and 23 pirates were now prisoners to fellow mercenaries, and Spec Ops. The last 13 other pirates took off with a freighter leaving two behind in the ruins. One of the female pirates informed they could be found near a field of boulders, where a red ruck could be found along with 23 aircraft.

                More details of their mission came out of a dark-haired luscious pirate with blue skin. A ten-man team of winged Syrianos agents were sent to retrieve something for a fat boss. One Crusader signed along with the others. By the time they landed, all the mercenaries, and elites they hired turned against them. Only two of the Syrianos agents made it back to the freighters leaving the rest of them to die. Wondering if these pirates were in full collaboration with rebels, they had all four apprehended. Ensuring these four pirates would not escape, or get in the way, Jakab had them imprisoned inside a shed. The Colonel ordered Brynn to take out these other aliens, and bring any survivors over to him. Saluting the Colonel, Brynn left the Colonel’s tent for her steed. Remounting with her unit she rode out to find these other aliens. Going through the field of boulders they searched behind the largest ones. She it did not feel good the hoofs of their mounts, but she pressed them onward with promises of carrots. During the first hour of the hunt, they found the crusader tied to a bold with his throat slit open. Writing him down as dead, she ordered for the crusader to be buried by 10 Country-Guards. While cutting his binds they discover an alien key shaped like a split spearhead. Pushing further they found the two freighters in the ruins.

                Both freighters held the shapes of a lighter and a belt buckle with a few portions missing. Wherever these freighters were in the boulder field they found the 23 pirate prisoners, and their captors. One hairy goblinoid, 2 Cyborgs, a broken-down steam golem she heard existed, 4 mutant brutes, a steer mantis humanoid, a pair of warlock blades, 2 jetpack troopers in green-grey armor, a scout, and a Guardian fought them. She lost 16 Country-Guards since they swarmed in the open. Rather than circle around, they rode right into the set-up base. On horseback they kept at it, killing all the alien pilots who were resting or just sleeping.

                A total 35 grounded aircraft were found by a red truck within several clearings. Taking the pirates prisoner, Brynn had the dead buried or burned. When they were done, she had her Country-Guards mark the star ships, and freighters with blue and gold piece of cloth. While waiting for them to return to her she spotted a squadron of eight aircraft fly this way. One quartet of Dreamfire4s, 3 Dreamfire 5s, and a bomber flying towards the south. She watched the squadron fly overhead letting her gaze follow them. In the skies to the south a fleet of twenty-four freighters shaped like elongated beetles could be seen. Although the shapes of these vessels resembled a beetle, they also held the shapes of train cars. Both squadrons of aircraft in the skies split up at the same time. Nine of the freighters broke off leaving 15 to land close to their positions. Vestrisian aircraft launched their attack to harass the incoming freighters. Making passes they tried bringing down a few of these beetle shaped freighters. One went down as it prepared to land, but its landing was turned into a fiery crash into the earth. The rest of the freighters fought off the Dreamfires with their mounted turrets. Being the only bomber in the squadron, the Classic Boy II went straight for a motte and bailey wooden castle. Breaking off this lone bomber turned left then slowly returned to its target. Watching their own aircraft struggle to bring down another freighter brought a sense of defeat. Brynn sent a scout to report back to Colonel Watheen. Not ever bothering to watch these aircraft crash or land she forced herself to accept fourteen alien ships invade them. She bit her lip while forced to see 8 others escape the Dreamfires. Looking back at the bomber she saw it was damaged as a bit of smoke emerged from its wing.

Getting vibes that they ran out of time; Brynn rallied all her Country Guards nearby. She meant to mount a charge on the landing freighters. Racing through the rest of the ruins and boulders they found the fourteen freighters landing on the ground. From the underbellies and the sides of these metal beetles troops poured out. A force of 2016 armored troops were preparing camp like nothing happened. As crazy and suicidal as it looked, she led her Country-Guards towards the oblivious invaders. Her eyes still focused on the turrets that forced their Dreamfires away. Expecting the turrets to fire she signaled for her riders to get in loose formation. Firing from horseback they caught the invading forces off guard. Her own Country-Guard circle this landing zone with the next settlement their viewpoint. Cutting down these new invaders paralyzed their pilots from getting to their ships in time. She could tell these aliens were too scared to even move because of the shock of their assault. Taking out the rest of these invaders in the landing zone her Country-Guards left the freighters alone. It was none of their business what was inside. She had a strict rule over these Country-Guards. Anyone loots without permission they get beaten in a gauntlet. Brynn’s unit was alone for a short time until the rest of the Country-Guards and Dragoons came in from the flanks. They made quick work of the invaders clearing a path to attack the wooden castle. Checking on the carnage they took the surviving pilots prisoner. Getting information out of them wasn’t easy. It had more to do with language barriers, and some soiled themselves. Whatever species of humanoid some of these were, they gave off a horrid stench when they soiled themselves.

After a full day of interrogations back at camp, they discovered a force of 790 rebels controlled that motte and bailey. It was on that day, the rest of their forces arrived in the area. One of the pilots also revealed four more settlements remained in rebel hands, and a force of 1053 were on their way here. This force was tasked with bolstering defenses at the motte and bailey castle. Before the Colonels ordered the prisoners away, they revealed something else. One group of four alien ships called Raider Corvettes prowled their skies for a month. Their planets clouds made for good cover.

Operations to reclaim the motte n bailey did not start until the next day. Riding back out in force a was a combined brigade that found three other forces at this motte. One force was made up of a mixed unit of 1053 or so. Close to 234 Gnolls marched in the second force that came in from the southwest. As for the third force, just 708 Orcs who began their charge upon seeing them. Full of the battle rage these Orcs did not care about the odds against them. The Gnolls followed the Orcs’ example barely reaching the Vestrisians before getting mowed down. Several hundred Country-Guards and Dragoons fell in the engagement. Most were wounded while over 50 of them died. The 1053 dug in while pushing them back to the ruins. One old tank that was left at the castle formed a defensive barrier with five stolen tanks. Situated behind the 1053 insurgents the tanks acted as an extra outer defense. Although they were pushed back, they still had had close to 10,000 Country-Guards and Dragoons.

Thanks to the ruins they had cover from the tank turrets that started blasting away like artillery. Over the course of seven days they took their time to wind down the insurgency here. On the seventh day the Motte and Bailey fell into Vestrisian hands. In her diary she mentioned a Dragoon getting gunned down and surviving. She also mentioned how they retook the Motte and Bailey Castle. At this day in age on Calorn, it was now a museum. Brynn wrote down what happened in detail with Mapplebee nibbling at her ear. This museum had all its artifacts removed securely before it was used as a base for insurgents. While reclaiming the motte-bailey castle, they discovered a leader behind this insurgency. Other than a local leader these insurgents fought under the command of aliens from other worlds. A trio of humanoid aliens took over some areas and lured masses into their command. One was an eight-foot-tall hairy humanoid. The other two were something called Ilithids. One was some black skinned female Ilithid, and another was a purple gray skinned one. Both the tall one and black Ilithid were elsewhere.

As for the other Ilithid, he shot himself, leaving a male Orc archer with no love for the V.U.V.R. in command. Two elf male rogues hired as guards were forced to submit. A pair of female human Druids were found and brought in. One wise turtle humanoid the Druids called Ugwayde was found shot up and dumped in a dug-up pit. After sending them off with the wounded the cavalry went on the move. Just thirty-two miles away from the castle museum, they ran into a horde of 426 undead, 250 Ghouls, and 4 Gnolls. Simply riding them down wasn’t enough. They had to decapitate each corpse, pile them up and burned them. Sizing weapons that were found they rode towards the south. Nearly a day and a half later, they found three elves tied to a windmill. Once they freed these three each one tried giving their own version of what happened.

Their story took multiple turns. First story said they were chased off a hill by 8 Troglodytes protecting a cracked egg. Right after losing the Troglodytes, the trio ran into some bushes that grew a certain type of fruit. This type of small fruit with a teardrop shape and blue shape controlled the periods of women. It was grown all over Vestrisia, and could erase anxiety once eaten in men and women. To their misfortune they brushed against the leaves, which caused hallucinations. A plant known as Fallune had such leaves, and fruits growing on it. Each one described their hallucinations, and how it forced them to stay put. Some belly dancer named Namesra picked them up in some Evusian armored car with no weapons installed. She put them to sleep and left them in this predicament. Trying not to laugh, they took each one along hoping they had information on these insurgents. The three Elves mentioned some unrest began along the borders over Troglodyte demands for raiding rights. Rights to raid seemed like a preposterous idea for an outdating system. Who gave out raiding rights? She had to ask Olalyn who muttered it was the Castarians before they were toppled.

Pushing further south they caught up with a band of 75 Nazdar Collaborators smuggled in. All of them died in a two hour shoot out and by suicide. After the shoot out a whole day passed by of no movement in the area. The bodies were buried, and the three elves were sent to a local settlement. Nearly two more days passed before finding the insurgents. On the same day they found a force of 941 insurgents and a castle flying an old Castarian flag. Not even hesitating they went for both at the same time. These encamped ones did not put up much of a fight. Country-Guards and Dragoons came in too fast for the insurgents to react. Aside from getting caught off guard plenty of them were intoxicated. Losing just a score of riders they took out 229 insurgents, and took 678 of them prisoner. Only 31 managed to escape them. Riding their own steeds, they fled towards the west. Pursuing them on horseback would only exhaust their own horses. Going for the castle they spend a week wearing down he defenders. Half of the Prisoners of War managed to take their own lives while one hundred forced the Vestrisians to kill them. Left with 239 prisoners, they managed to summon a militia to take the prisoners away. Taking the castle wasn’t the hard part. Realizing these insurgents were their own fellow Vestrisians hit them hard.

Approximately 286 insurgents died in the fighting, and 86 of them became prisoners. Discovering another settlement lay in rebel hands infuriated them. Were these rebels trying to help the invaders win? Moving southwest they left some forces to watch over the prisoners. Not long afterwards they saw a buildup of forces. No more than 12,860 Country-Guards and Dragoons raced to retake another settlement from the rebels. Only 241 rebels held the town while its inhabitants evacuated. Setting up camps they wasted no time killing 238 of the rebels, taking a pair of prisoners, and finding the leader escaped into the wilderness.

One local sheriff, former police officer arrived on the scene. They became an inventor and chose to come by in a wagon cart holding all his gear. He made some advanced set of armor that protected him. Attached to the arms were small crossbows, and wrist turrets as well as rocket launchers. He arrived at their camp with a team of twelve helpers. Two of them were pathfinding explorers named the Sabar Girl, and Panett. While piecing the armor suit together they mentioned a large force of 13, 068 Troglodytes heading this way. Allowing this former inventor to begin his work the Dragoons and Country-Guard rested. All day this lone inventor removed some gang from the settlement that hid in the outskirts.

Within three days this horde of Troglodytes arrived in the area. Numbers were not a big deal to the Vestrisians. Estimating the size of this force they concluded this force at 16,944 or more. Taking positions on some hills they prepared to dismount and harass these insurgents. To their surprise it was larger than they first believed it to be. She could not tell the true size of this force. Appearing larger than the first guess this force looked to be 59,000 strong. Sending a few volleys into their ranks they hoped to scare them off. Their own expectations were wrong about scaring them off. None of these even turned tail. These insurgents revealed they also revealed rifles. Something they should have seen beforehand. Engaging this force resulted in a draining three-day battle. Most of the guns jammed or malfunctioned. Insurgents charged them quickly forcing them off their horses or into melee combat. All over this field Country-Guards, and Dragoons fought these mixed insurgents all the way down to nearly 50 still standing. Brynn took down as many insurgents in this three-day battle. On this last day she got surrounded by these rebels and was sliced in the arm. She was also stabbed in the thigh, and speared through the leg. As she fell, she watched 55 Dragoons and Country-Guards cut down her attackers.

As she lay on the bloodied ground, she watched 55 Vestrisians get surrounded by at least 3241 insurgents. In her mind she knew they lost this battle over the “Field of Donna” in the southern Castaria. However, this insurgency was close to being suppressed. Even if they all die here this insurgent force would still have more Vestrisians to combat. Lying on the ground she tried faking her death. It did not work as a Troglodyte grabbed her up then slammed her down. The humanoid raised a mace to bash her head in. She closed her eyes, waiting for the blow to fall. All she got was its blood splattering her face. Over a thousand, shots pierced the air as volleys of bullets poured in. From the west a force of some 1,100 Vestrisian Airborne, infantry and Rangers arrived. A few hundred insurgents exchanged fire killing or taking out more Vestrisians. A good chunk of these insurgents fell as the Vestrisians advanced on them. Moving in the relief force came to the rescue of 1,805 Dragoons, and Country-Guards. As for the insurgents just 1,344 of the 59009 became wounded prisoners of war.

One full week went by after the bloody battle with these insurgents. Brynn Rosefire lay in her bed at a hospital in the city of Greystone. Next to her lay Kryscine, Jakab and a few others. Most of the men and women they fought alongside were dead. Some news did come to her about a Zegrav insurgency. That did not catch her interest. She waved the Lieutenant of News away. Brynn grew excited when her children came to visit her. Blackcrown was the least wounded among them. She came bearing news about the fighting in Zegrav, Ottante, up north, and how 1038 angry women fought off 3000 Ghouls near Kaniima. Holding her children’s hands, Brynn prayed there would not be another insurgency. Her whole unit was shattered, many of them were lost in the fighting along with Wyllum.