Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V4 Salva, Chapter 9

"Congress today passed what is considered an Emergency Defense Industry Fund Bill, with the President expecting to sign it first thing in the morning. The core elements of the new law provide additional funding to accelerate acquisition, mainly focusing on the Army - to the surprise of many. The Air Force was given extra funding, mainly for logistical aircraft and escort drones. The strangest element of the Bill was the little attention the Navy received, going against last year's White Paper regarding the United States investing in a stronger Navy.

These new appropriations primarily focus on long-range missiles, infantry-related systems, and drones. Armor did receive an infusion; however, not as much as people expected. A major surprise is the expansion of the Anti-Air munitions, with the justification that the Army cannot expect the Air Force to maintain air dominance in a contested battlespace - when pressed, the public official said it was regarding mindset over reality on Earth. The other surprising investment was expanding Fort Carson and Space Base Raymond to allow additional military personnel for large-scale operations.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Knox stated that after an Internal Review of the US Armed Forces ' structure, there were critical weaknesses within the US Army that needed addressing, mainly with rapidly replacing lost equipment. A peculiar detail hidden on page 66 was the construction of modular factories that could be deployed for off-world operations. When pressed, the Senator responded that if a war ever happens on Luna or Mars, US forces could be cut off, and resupply would need to be local.

This realignment has sent mixed messages to the Defense industry, as it seems the military is again radically reorganizing itself for a major land war." - The Hudson Show

April 9th, 2069 (Military Calendar)

Palace, Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Staring through the lonely small window, Assiaya could only see the night sky. Bright stars filled the darkness, with cosmic clouds flowing vertically at an angle. However, Tekali and her children were not in view because the makeshift closet bedroom was so small.

Usually, this would upset her, but this time, it didn't. For once, she was enjoying the view for what it was. That was until her head pulled back from her Head Maid comb, feeling a strong tug on her light brown shoulder-length hair.

"That hurt," Assiaya said.

"I am sorry," Ceka said. "You gained a few knots from your journey to the fishing village."

"I was not there for a day," Assiaya said. "Girl hair can be annoying."

"That is the curse of being female," Ceka replied. "The art of beauty. At least we were able to remove the fish smell."

Feeling the comb moving through her hair again, Assiaya recalled the intense fish smell. Being a slave in a vampire-led nation, she rarely saw fish food or any food that lacked the necessary blood to consume.

"I see why boys are always smelly," Assiaya said.

"That is correct," Ceka said.

Taking another breath, the dual-eyed girl stared at the night sky again, attempting to resist the comb cleaning her hair.