Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V2 Assiaya, Chapter 15

"Colonel Hackett, our forces were able to punch a hole into the Verliance Aristocracy lines. It required a double push. The 1st Battalion from 1st LBCT launched an offensive against the enemy fortifications on the main highway. The enemy withheld our assault, which was expected as our drones were seeking a weak spot. One was discovered: a slight disconnection within their bunkers and trenches, and my Rangers exploited it.

Charlie Company from Bravo Company from my 5th Rangers explored the discovery, dislodging the enemy fortifications along the highway. I can confirm Ivy 4th Battalion was able to head west unmolested by the enemy, heading to your missing Minutemen team, CFT-4 "Razorfist".

The enemy, though, quickly launched a counterattack, and our forces are holding. However, I do request an additional company from the 2nd Rangers who are protecting Salva, or we risk losing the Highway and cutting off your Minutemen and their QRF. " - Lieutenant Colonel Barker, 5th Rangers

March, 13th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Orlatus, Yuplenia Mountain Range, Verliance Aristocracy

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

The three special forces teams traveled through the countryside unmolested toward the general destination on the cartography map. As planned, Ghost Team went in their own direction to protect their flank. At the same time, the Comanche and Redcoats assaulted the enemy mountain port, assuming they could find it.

According to Assiaya, the mountain Orlatus was directly in front of them. It was clustered between two other mountains, with the east side sliced off and not shaped as a cone compared to the others. Although it was not as tall as the other nearby mountain, it was still towering. While the sights did not live up to the great Rocky Mountains Mathew Ryder saw in Colorado, they were still impressive. They had a blue tint with white snowy peaks.

Hearing the Captain's second in command, Warrant Officer-1 Rommel King, engage Assiaya, Ryder noticed the frustration in his eyes. The girl had hesitated to communicate with anyone except for him because they were strangers. "Assiaya, you can trust them."

Assiaya looked toward him and then everyone. It seemed like she was debating the subject, but she turned back to him. "That is the mountain, but I need a better view to find the door."

Ryder lifted the girl onto the hood and held her side as she stood. Higgins handed her the digital binoculars and showed her how to operate them before the dual-eye girl stared toward Orlatus.

"I think it is over there," Assiaya mumbled.

"I know the rock was there," Assiaya continued. "But those trees were not. I know the passage is different, but that is the face I was hoping to see."

Ryder was about to respond as he thought she was talking to him. However, he noticed her continuing to mumble as if she was having a conversation with herself. He glanced at King and saw the same concerned reaction: maybe entrusting everyone to an eleven or twelve-year-old girl was a bad idea.

"Assiaya?" Ryder asked. "Are you sure you know where you are going?"

Assiaya lowered the binoculars and stared at him with a smile. "Yes." She then pointed to a rock face and continued, "See that, the door is over there."