No Gods, Nor Masters

Wild Weasels

After a day to get re-acclimatized with their old workplace, HITMAN-3 had started their new days on the job a little more refreshed. Lelei and Tuka both watched as the Marines all finally got back into their gear, with Richard and Lieutenant Torres boarding Itami's vehicle as per usual. Itami himself was a bit busy, what with miss Mercury being a bit miffed she didn't get to kill anything for the past few days.

It was moments later that FOB Alnus was behind them, the crew first rolling toward Italica in order to receive their resupply from their comrades in arms there. A tune played over the stereo that the soldiers had brought aboard, with Shino tapping her feet and tilting her head jovially as she listened to it. Tyuule herself sat, wearing a smile and cradling her MA40.

"Did you guys hear they already swept all the way North with the pushes?" Kurata inquired, shifting his Howa rifle onto his shoulder while he looked back at the others. He continued, "UN and UNSC are about done encircling the capital, but word is they got a few problems along the way with the Innies, so we're kinda just... There as support."

"Better to just be support," Richard nodded, "Beats being the Front-line and getting shot at all the time, honestly."

"Do you not like the thrill of battle anymore, Lieutenant?" Rory teased, smirking. He shot a glance back, to which she said, "I jest. I understand humanity's proclivities for peace. I was one of you myself nine hundred years ago, after all. Alas, let's not get complacent. The enemy may seem like they are on the brink of defeat, but..."

"The warnings the Princess gave us before she departed for the Capital ain't exactly the most pleasant," Torres replied as he looked out of the window. Rotor-blades chopped-chopped-chopped, three Apache gunships flying above the convoy, strapped with Hellfire missiles and loaded for bear. Seemed like the situation was still plenty hot at the front, though.

A new enemy general, combined with what the Ukrainians, Ivanov and the others had mentioned about two new Apostles arriving to challenge both sides meant things were moving fast now. It also meant that the UNSc and UN now had to work even more closely together, which would probably be a little tough, seeing as a few of Pomorenka's subordinates and the Chinese had basically put a hit on the gang.

As they rolled into Italica, they were rather surprised to see just how much the local area had developed into a supply hub for the UNSC and the UN. Both sides had arranged their specific areas to house their specific troops, including shielded fuel tanks, SHORAD, MRAD and LRAD systems. It was less a display of force and more a properly arrayed defense with no chinks.

Sure, they weren't facing any massive enemy force, just hostile rebels and a medieval army, but the display of might and cooperation between the two sides was something awesome to behold. They felt as much when they rolled past a Tunguska whose crew waved at them, then snorted as they saw the American gunships overhead swing in for landing.

As the vehicles entered Italica's now more open streets, they caught sight of a market where the troops stationed in the area were buying produce. Dismounting from their trucks, the Lieutenants turned to face everyone, with Richard starting, "We're gonna go get our exact mission from General Mattis, folks. Y'all gather supplies."

"Sirs!" The group chorused, smiling.

The three men departed, disappearing amidst the crowds of NATO, UN and UNSC troops, with Tyuule tapping a finger against the hilt of her own blade and smiling. She yelped as she felt a pair of hands wrap around her neck, then looked back as she heard, "What's up, Your Highness!" with a mirthful laugh echoing.

"Delilah," Snorted Tyuule. She breathed a sigh of relief, then said, "We just arrived."

"Perfect timing, then," The woman replied. She snapped a salute to everyone and asked, "Permission to tag back in?" while looking at the others. Lelei, Tuka and Rory gave their approval with nods of their heads, while Shino, Kurata, the rest of the SDF crew and the Marines and UNSC gave thumbs up almost in unison.