Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V4 Salva, Chapter 1

"To the American and allied forces fighting around Salva, you have endured the example of the unexpected. This has been a battle you have prepared for and trained for. This is a conflict that your leaders did not plan for. And yet, you have excelled.

There are a few moments in history that will be remembered forever. The actions taken today by the men and women will have lasting effects that will rewrite human history. The 4th Infantry, the 1st Astralis, the 4th MDTF, the 75th Rangers, the Minutemen, and adjacent forces stood their ground against two powerful alien foes. You have all faced the unknown and thrived, proving to future generations that the American warrior spirit is inflamed.

Do not settle, though. Against all odds, you have repelled the Verliance Aristocracy and Unity of Cordinlane, but they are determined. I know you have spoken with many of the natives, stories of the brutality of this zealot's beliefs that all should kneel to utopia or death. We did not seek this conflict, but we are the only ones who have the strength, means, and will to counter these ideals.

This world is under threat of being consumed by darkness, being enslaved by fear and oppression. The erosion of God, family, ideas, free thought. The right to be free. Forcing everyone to be..., perfect or else.

The action today will determine whether this world falls to utopian ideas or enters a new golden age of freedom. Free to choose your own path. The fate of the world is literally in your actions. Stay strong. Stay free. God bless America." – Lieutenant General Kevin Sherman, VII Corps

April 6th, 2069 (military calendar)

Hiplose Woods, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

With the crackle of battle raging all around, Comanche navigated the surrounding foliage until they spotted a large boulder with a small tree growing from its side—ideal cover.

As they approached, Captain Mathew Ryder partially stumbled into the boulder, the muddy ground slick under the intense rainfall. He turned, watching each of his teammates follow in. Everyone took up a defensive position, forming a perimeter.

The Twins covered the rear—Edge Wallace held the M338 medium machine gun with his third robotic arm, while Bruno Barrios manned his M31. Marcos Gonzales covered the right, kneeling against the boulder, and Gregory Barrett held the left beside a fallen log. Benjamin Ford stared over the boulder while Rommel King coordinated the team. Fraeya Holiadon raised her hand to the sky, redirecting the rain so Comanche wouldn't get drenched. Natilite, as a scout, perched on a thick tree branch for a better vantage point, while Kurt Forest prepared his range finder. Charlie Higgins pulled out his notes and scanned DEFNET through his VISOR.

Ryder looked out past their rocky cover toward the ridgeline. Though a light haze obscured the view, he could make out their target.

The enemy had been pressing against the City-State of Salva for about two Zulu weeks, with American forces attempting to push them back. During the last assault, the enemy had crept forward to establish an observation post for artillery coordination. Unity and Aristocracy forces had inched closer, fortifying a blockade around Salva, isolating it from the rest of the region. Hence, Colonel Hackett ordered the Minutemen to dismantle the outpost. Though the Americans were contained, he wanted the enemy to remember they still had teeth.