Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V4 Salva, Chapter 3

"Counselor Robert Murry, I must express my concern with the Pentagon's solution to the diplomatic situation on Alagore and how we have been sidelined in decision-making. Installing a child as our chief diplomat is highly irregular and unprofessional, and I request the President reverse his support for this House of Ryder nonsense.

The idea of having a child representing us on the world's stage, including elevating a mere Captain (which is no insult to the Officer for his service) into a similar role without any formal education or standing, is unacceptable. On top of that, allowing the Officer to adopt the Princess and imposing legal protections to limit our influence over this girl are also intolerable.

This is the United States. We abolished nobility three hundred years ago, and the Military invented one out of thin air. This is highly unAmerican. When this situation in Alagore becomes known to the world, the public will not tolerate such an insult.

Multiple candidates are experts in medieval history but, more importantly, would work with our agenda. If not an expert in the field, I assume the CIA would have a qualified candidate that could conduct a similar role?" – Secretary of State Frank Atkinson

April 6th, 2069 (military calendar)

Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

As the group fired, Ryder carefully studied the recruits. Most were Wood Elves, the majority of the city's fifteen thousand population, excluding the American presence. To his surprise, many other species were within the ranks: six nagals, two lats, two luperca, and a kiriyaks.

Hearing the firing cease, Ryder watched his senior NCO, Sergeant First Class Gregory Barrett, walk along the line behind the Militiamen, lecturing them about their progress. The idea was to train the best candidates for more senior roles, as the initial step in building the city defenders into a professional force.

"Not good enough," Barrett said. "You are not some ragtag, peace-loving hippies anymore. You have fought well over the past few months; however, that is no longer enough."

The Sergeant First Class then stopped at one of the Wood Elves, staring directly into the elf's eyes. "A standard circiletum holds nine flechettes. You missed eight of them."

"Elen síne," the wood elf said, apologizing for the unsatisfactory results.

"Never apologize," Barrett said. "The only response is, yes, Sergeant. Now give me twenty."

Another Minutemen Sergeant from Viking approached the Wood Elf and began counting the push-ups, allowing Barrett to continue walking the line.

"Let me make this clear," Barrett said. "The days of the Militia are over. You are now Citizen Soldiers. Answering the call of duty. As you already experienced, Salva is not a forgotten post at the far end of this moon anymore, but the center of the universe. Not just to survive but to expand the ideas of liberty. You will be trained in the arts of professional warfare. Now..., again!"

The recruits were given new flechette clips and began firing at their targets.

Watching from a distance, Ryder focused on the elf his NCO yelled at, seeing him struggle. "Are you sure these are the best?"