Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V3 Vagahm, Chapter 11

"To General Sherman. I am officially reporting that the 5th Rangers, 4th Ivy Battalion have successfully pulled back from the Hiplose forest. The Rangers and Minutemen under my command at Salva were able to provide cover.

The enemy had successfully reclaimed their old positions, closing in their containment around Salva. While it would have been ideal to maintain those positions, the enemy suddenly was reinforced by a Brigaton (Salva allies inform the Brigaton is called Versum, the name of the commander), overwhelming the 4th Battalion Brigade. This was expected as the offensive was a delayed operation to allow time to fortify our position at Salva.

My recon teams can confirm that the Verliance Aristocracy is preparing for a siege. This was expected. I have attached below the current status of Salva's manpower and defensive strength. Much of the eastern and southern walls were rebuilt. Construction of a northern keep protecting our blind spot is underway but will take additional time to complete.

The bright news is the successful negotiations with the Dwarf borrian (Vagahm), south of the city. They have agreed to release the prisoners, to which our Salva allies were thrilled. The proper agreement is being worked on and will attach it to you when it is complete, but the treaty has my full endorsement, and I think you should also endorse it to prevent hostilities. This is a significant victory for us as now we are not preparing for a new war within the region and can adequately focus on the matter at hand—the defense of Salva.

I am confident that we will be able to hold the City-State of Salva, but I do request additional damage control units as soon as possible. The Militia are hardened and motivated now that their families have returned and see the level of commitment that we have shown in the defense of their city. My overall point is that we are not rushing blindly into an unknown situation but are now ready to make a proper stand. We are prepared to withhold anything the Verliance Aristocracy or Unity throw at us." – Colonel Hackett

March, 19th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Facing the wooden desk reappropriated from Salva palace, Mathew Ryder saw his superior, the Minuteman command, Colonel William Hackett, typing on his laptop, almost as if he were intentionally ignoring him. It had been this way since the Comanche Captain entered the room about five minutes ago, which he found odd as he was summoned.

After an additional few minutes of work, the Colonel finally leaned back into his chair, staring at the Captain.

"Good job," Hackett bluntly said. "You and the kid got the civilians back and prevented a third front from opening. For now, at least."

"You almost sound shocked, sir," Ryder commented.

"I do prefer to keep one Hail Mary pre-campaign. I am a little upset that I had to use it this early in our operation on Alagore; however, you two did a good job."

"To be fair. The solution was her idea. Staying there after the botch openings and figuring out what the dwarves truly wanted. All I did was help her rehearse before the meeting."