Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V4 Salva, Chapter 15

"Lieutenant General Sherman, the Vagahm Engineers have successfully completed an undetected tunnel beneath the enemy blockade. One tunnel is operational, with two additional tunnels projected to be completed within the next few weeks. This will enable my Minutemen to conduct multi-vector assaults on enemy positions.

Progress has been deliberate but steady. The Minutemen have executed three significant strikes on rear depots, supplemented by minor skirmishes with hostile patrols. To safeguard the tunnels' secrecy, I have ordered units to operate farther from the blockade. However, navigating unfamiliar terrain has posed challenges. Local militia scouts have improved our operational success, though our reach remains constrained.

Notably, Ar'lya, a Farian female scout and trader identified during last month's rescue operation led by Captain/Duke Ryder, has proposed a promising strategy. Leveraging her connections with local villages, she suggests establishing a friendly outpost deeper within Aristocracy territory. Major Comanche is evaluating this proposal. If viable, this outpost will extend our ability to disrupt enemy logistics, demonstrating our capacity to strike no matter where they conceal their supply lines.

I have coordinated with Major General Webster, 4th Infantry Division, who has committed two Field Artillery Brigades, alongside Lieutenant Colonel Patterson's 4th MDTF (3-16 LRFB), Odysseus, and AMRSS batteries. We concur that disrupting the enemy's logistical lines besieging Salva is the primary objective. Severing these lines could compel the Aristocracy's northern Brigthon forces to withdraw.

Request your guidance on prioritizing resources for the outpost initiative and any additional support to accelerate tunnel completion." – Colonel William Hackett, Minutemen HQ "Palace"

April 15th, 2069 (Military Calendar)

Kreito Village, Yuplenia Mountain Range, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

As Fraeya Holiadon approached Kreito Village, sweat trickled down her neck, her limbs trembling with fear. Her heart thudded like a war drum, each beat echoing the crunch of leaves underfoot. The acrid scent of cooking fires mingled with the damp earth of the surrounding forest, sharp in her nostrils. Her Farian guide, Ar'lya, strode confidently ahead, twirling a thin branch between her fingers.

"I can't believe I agreed to this," Fraeya muttered, tugging at her torn garment, which clung uncomfortably to her skin.

"Stop whining," Ar'lya teased, her voice light but firm. "Or I'll swat you with this stick. Besides, you look... enticing."

Fear ebbed from Fraeya, replaced by a strange surge of empowerment. She glanced at her ruined green cover, now revealing more of her form than she'd like. Part of her recoiled at the role she played, but another recognized its tactical necessity. "You think so?"

Ar'lya's amber eyes glinted with mischief. "Oh, absolutely. I'd wager those Comanche and Horatius boys—Ford and Forest—were sneaking peeks while you changed. Especially, you know who."

Fraeya's eyes widened, and she glanced back, knowing Ford and Forest trailed nearby in their Itlian-Ghost suits, cloaked by active camouflage. Ar'lya hadn't shared the full plan with Captain Ryder—posing Fraeya as a sex slave to slip through the village gate—but there was no way her friends had seen her dressing. Still, she couldn't resist checking, only stopping when Ar'lya's sharp tone cut through.