Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V3 Vagahm, Chapter 9

"To a shocking surprise but welcomed by the defense industry, Congress recently passed a surge in military defense stimulus, providing funding for critical areas. Majority Leader Senator Harry Knox (TX) stated that an internal review of US military capabilities found significant deficiencies. This had caught many experts off guard, as a recent report released six months earlier stated the opposite. While there was always room for improvement, the Armed Forces were in a healthy place.

The Senator said that Congress sometimes conducted its own, more in-depth reviews upon request and was worried about how ready the Armed Services were for a major war after a multi-decade conflict against the Cartels, the USAM pirate operations in the South Pacific Sea, and the growing influence of the Indian-Russian Alliance. While the Senator was unclear about what he meant, it seems Congress is concerned about a future major war.

Some believe the Senator Majority was providing additional funding to boost some of the defense and aerospace contracts in his home State of Texas, attempting to secure his reelection. Currently, the Texas State Legislature has not attempted to select a replacement, so many were confused as to why the Senator, if so, felt threatened by his position.

The additional funding was Army-focused, which many found surprising. The primary focus was tripling the ammunition stockpiles, ranging from 6.8mm to cruise missiles, with the understanding that the stockpiles should have enough in reserve for a two-year conflict without being depleted.

The other big focus that surprised people was expanding on hardware and equipment, which the Pentagon requested two weeks ago in a leaked private meeting of the Arms Committee. The Army wants enough hardware to create two additional Divisions if needed, without waiting for resupply or replacements, in the event of a major war. All areas of the Army, from infantry to armor to the air fleet, would see rapid expansion in equipment and hardware.

Lastly, IV Corps was formally created and stationed at Fort Carson. A massive surge of funds went into the fort, as well as into Space Base Raymond and Peterson, to expand for large-scale warfare. Leak accounts have stated that the Fort could potentially host and support up to five divisions for combat operations. Why has no information been provided? Some have speculated that with the international community's growing development on Luna and Mars, some believe that Congress and Pentagon fear a large-scale Astro war in the near future." - Indi News

March 19th, 2069 (military calendar)

Hiplose Woods, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

After exiting their vehicles and nearing the forest edge, the Comanche rushed through the forest until they reached the outskirts of the US-occupied town. As they drew closer, they could hear the intensity of the combat in the distance.

Breaking through the foliage, Fraeya Holiadon saw the small town with smoke rising from it. The Unity occupied a nearby hill connected to the town, firing down into the rest of the city. According to reports from DEFNET, troops from the other airship had stormed the town, and the two sides were now fighting for supremacy in the area.

Before now, the Americans had been attempting to push as far east as possible, with some success. However, they had failed to break the Aristocracy formations. Based on the reports and the Unity's entry into the fray, the Vampires were now on the offensive, slowly pushing the Americans back.