Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V4 Salva, Chapter 16

"With the recent census from the Salva Council Administrative Guild, the new government has released the recent population data of the City-State. Before joining the Hispana rebellion to activate of the Bridge to Altaerrie, there were nearly sixty thousand children of Tekali, with about ten thousand travelers monthly. Since the war began (Six AST months or four Earth Zulu months) and excluding the Altaerrie presence, the remaining occupation of Salva is about fifty-seven thousand, with five hundred travelers. With coordination with Colonel Hackett, there is an approximation of eleven thousand USAM personnel, mostly coming from the American 1st Brigade, 4th ID, and the two Ranger Battalions, but all this includes support warriors.

Before the war, the city only needed a hundred Militia to maintain stability. Excluding the emergency drafting of all body males during the First Siege of Salva, there were not three thousand Militia serving under the Minutemen's command.

The City-State of Salve, a once major trading and religious city before the days of the Daru'uie Confederacy that once housed over a hundred thousand souls, is now a shadow of its former self. Over the centuries, the city slowly degraded against the dominant competition and the rise of the Toriffa-Affrooliea alliance. Unable to forge a counterbalance, their influence faded throughout time. A once-thriving people resorted to a backwater, aging like the abandoned Indolass Temple.

However, a sense of brightness fills Salva's air. Despite constant bombardment from their former masters—the Verliance Aristocracy—the Altaerrie are there. New blood, technology, and courage bring new life to the city. Buildings that have not been occupied in generations have found new purpose. While times are dark, food is scarce, and at any moment, the enemy of Tekali could storm the city, most are hopeful that a new golden age has arrived." - Oracle

April 17th, 2069 (Military Calendar)
Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Walking along the street, the Princess of Salva observed hundreds of commoners conducting their daily business. They navigated peacefully to their destinations, conversing with fellow citizens or Altaerrie defenders. The city bore scars from relentless attacks, with damage control and security teams active after the recent bombardment, yet a positive mood hung in the air.

With a lull in the assaults, Colonel Hackett deemed it vital for American and Salva leadership to appear publicly, showcasing solidarity and bolstering morale. The Princess welcomed this; she had no fondness for being confined indoors. Six years spent within Kallem's palaces and fortresses, glimpsing the world only through paintings, had left her craving open skies.

"It is nice to see people happy again," the voice said.

"I'm surprised they're not panicking," Assiaya thought. "The war rages just beyond the walls, yet they act as if nothing is wrong."

"People cannot stay scared forever."

"True...," Assiaya thought. "But I'm still scared."

She gazed at the partly cloudy sky. It was midday, with Tekali looming high above. But a new sight marred her view of the blue and purple gas giant: giant missiles launched from American artillery streaked toward the enemy's rear, targeting outposts and supply lines.

"What's wrong, kid?"

The Princess turned to see Colonel William Hackett, accompanied by his staff, Captain Loria Smith, and Captain James Howard, whom she recognized from the Palace Headquarters. They had joined her daily walk but spent most of their time discussing the war. Their collective stare made her nervous.