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The Heleionite Empire was vast and difficult to properly govern. While planets like Inque and Amhleshshi had their value, enough of one to be properly governed, no one really cared about Xurk’in, a gas giant trading post on the fringes of the Empire that hardly saw much activity, an oversight during the expansion as to who would be willing to trade with the Empire in that quadrant of space. So when a bunch of smugglers and traders of illicit goods began to use the planet as a base of operations to expand their network across the vast space of the Empire, the Heleionites weren’t really in a position to combat this, nor was their much motivation to.
This also proved beneficial for a group of bird-like creatures, the Tikanids, to move into the system and establish the floating towns as a make-shift home. They also picked up on the general criminal and illicit nature of the planet, and all criminals soon learned that a Tikanid establishment would never snitch on its clients, no matter how wanted they were by authorities.
But to Alagossa Qinzana, it was still a dive; a dive that at least wouldn’t question why a Saudade was buying drinks in an area that technically was in the space of her people’s current enemy. As she sat and drank, she watched a newsreel on the screen. The newsreels as of late had always been about how brave the Imperial Legions were to go out and combat rebel forces at home, and hostile forces on the border. Propaganda for propaganda sake. Alagossa sighed, she’s heard these lines thousands of times by this point; how the xenos of the Empire are ungrateful and should be happy to be part of such a free society.
“If only they really knew…” said a voice from behind. Alagossa turned quickly to see a familiar face, a Saudade man. The man sat down next to Alagossa.
“Colonel Homisis…” said Alagossa.
Alagossa’s boss ordered a drink as he watched the news-reel. Homisis was the head of operations for the efforts to supply rebel elements within the Empire with Saudade gear and weapons. “How are we looking Alagossa?” he said.
Alagossa sighed and took another drink, “Not good Colonel… the Heleionites are catching on that someone is supplying weapons to Inque, and they are clamping down on non-Heleionite traders docking in Inque ports.” She showed her tablet to Homisis, a security feed of a Gotspeiferian crew being detained by Legionnaires. “They went from not caring at all to simply detaining any merchant who doesn’t look like them. We can’t really ship things if the mere fact that the crew is made up of Tikanids or Gotspeiferian automatically gets the ship seized.”
“Have we considered just dropping and running? There are plenty of smugglers who have done such things here on Xurk’in discreetly.” asked Homisis.
“We don’t have an area to really drop. Most resistance activity is in the cities. If we drop it in a city, there is the risk that the Heleionites will pick them up first. Not to mention that air-security is the tightest in those sectors.” Alagossa responded, dragging her finger to a map, pin-pointing areas of anti-ship weapons. “Our only option is to drop them in the rural areas of the planet… but we have no idea if the Empire or a resistance faction controls them, and we have no idea if the rebels in the city can obtain them.”
“They don’t have anyone outside the cities?” asked Homisis.
“Not that I am aware of. The rebellion kicked off in the cities, but it seems they only really stayed there. I wouldn’t be surprised if a village or two also took up arms but we have no way of confirming if that is true.” replied Alagossa.
“It also looks like the rebels are getting surrounded…” said Homisis, using the tablet to highlight positions of the rebels compared to positions of the Legions. “At this rate, they will be squeezed in and destroyed!”
“Do you think the offensive will change anything here?” asked Alagossa.
“If they are defeated before that happens, no. Diverting forces away from Inque after they are no longer needed there doesn’t help our strategic goal. That rebellion needs to stay alive long enough to split the forces of the Empire. If that happens, the Empire will either have less troops in our path, or they have another enemy at their back ready to strike.” replied Homisis.
“Then I suppose we should find some friendly country-folk to help with this…” stated Alagossa.
“Perhaps… but maybe some news from our sources on Bonthorallala might prove to be the ultimate benefit,” said Homisis.
He leaned in close to Alagossa, whispering, “There are angry voices from the Imperial family over the Emperor’s handling of the situation…”
“What does that mean for us?” asked Alagossa.
Homisis chuckled a bit, “That’s right, you are relatively new to dealing with internal Heleionite squabbles,” he took a swig from his drink, “Whenever the Imperial Household is dissatisfied with what the Emperor is doing, the chance of one of them trying their luck at taking power themselves grow. The Empire has suffered many pretender crises over the past few solar cycles. The current Emperor himself had to deal with one no less than 10 solar cycles ago!” said Homisis.
“So you think the Empire is heading to another civil war?” asked Alagossa, curious.
“I have no idea. But if a civil war breaks out, that’s it. They can’t handle a civil war, our offensive, and two major rebellions. They will have to break on something, and if they do, we and our friends will be much happier as a result!” said Homisis. He took another drink before standing up, “For now though, focus on finding a place to do discrete drops! A free Inque benefits us in numerous ways, let's make sure it happens!”
“Yes. Praise the Solar Throne!” said Alagossa.
“Praise it indeed.” said Homisis as he paid and walked away.
-----------------------------------------
The rebels hid behind the barricade as the fire poured in from down the street. The shops and houses around them had holes in them from explosives, bullets, and laser shots. This makeshift barricade of rubble, furniture, and bags wasn’t the best defense, but it had been quick to make and thus was the best the rebels had to do.
For weeks now, these rebels have been fighting across the city as Legionnaires poured in from transports. The riots and attacks on government facilities had turned into a full blown insurrection, and these rebels have been scurrying around Kildary setting up ambushes, rallying the populace, distributing make-shift arms, and setting up road-blocks like the one being defended now. Sometimes there would be no conflict, the enemy wouldn’t know where to look, but today was an exception. When the barricade finished, a column of Legionnaires stumbled upon it, and began an impromptu assault. Now the rebels could only hold out and fight until an opportunity to escape presented itself.
“Observation counts fifty Legionnaires if not more! We are out-numbered!” shouted a rebel.
“Hold the line! If we run now we risk the units stationed on Ingrat Street being flanked! We have to hold them until they fall back!” shouted back another rebel, popping up and unleashing a spurt of a Saudade repeater. The other rebels noded and began firing off the barricade with him.
As the battle reached a pitch, the rebels could see the Heleionites begin to slow their advance. Their casualties were mounting, and the assault had stalled to collect itself before moving forward again. A rebel chucked a grenade, taking out a Legionnaire who was too close to an easily fragmented door-way that splintered when the grenade exploded.
It was then that they stopped firing. An eerie quiet fell over the skirmish as the rebels wondered what was happening. “Boss… Ingrat Street has fallen back, they are no longer in a position to be flanked! Let’s get the fuck out of he-”
It was then that the street began to rumble. As the rebels peered over the barricade, they saw the Legionnaires duck into cover, as an armored tank rolled onto the street.
It rolled forward before stopping in front of the barricade, lowering its turret down. “OFF THE FUCKING ROAD BLOCK!” shouted a rebel, as the tank fired, obliterating a large section of the barricade and sending a handful of rebel soldiers flying back. The Legionnaires, upon their armored escort punching a hole through the road-block, began to press forward again. The rebels who survived the blast picked themselves up, and fell back into the alleyways and narrow streets, blasting away at the Legionnaires, who continued their march towards their objectives.
-----------------------------------------
Liron Hopoi once again had to face the situation he and his fellow resistance fighters were in. The screens showed how bad things were for the rebels in Kildary. The Legions had them almost effectively circled, their backs against the wall. The Saudade, while having initial drops prove successful, were now having difficulties bringing in supplies. The Legions had heavy weapons and were pounding away at defenses. This was not just the case in Kildary, but in other cities too, and had been the case for weeks now at this point. Indeed, the situation was desperate. The Empire was putting the squeeze on all of them.
Liron sighed as he rubbed his eyebrows. The committee was desperate for either a break-through or a way to escape, and neither were coming fast enough. Some have even considered going underground, hiding out until the Heleionites dealt out their cruel brand of justice on the resistance before emerging and trying to survive whatever comes next. Liron though wasn’t about to just run for the hills. As he gazed at the screen, a voice rang out from the back.
“You know staring at maps isn’t going to make the situation any better.” Selvatas said as she strolled into the room.
Liron sighed, “It doesn’t, it just leads me to believe we are royally fucked.”
“We are taking a lot out of the Legions though. If we can just find a way to slow them down long enough we can re-group and think of a plan of attack.” said Selvatas.
“Yea, I don’t think the tanks are slowing down any-time soon…” said Liron as he zoomed the map out over the planet. “Kildary is in a bad shape, Jisata worse so. The Empire is encircling most major positions in the cities around Inque.”
“Sounds like everyone is in the same boat we are…” said Selvatas.
“I would advise maybe finding a way out of the city and running into the countryside to regroup, but I fear the exits are rapidly closing, and we won’t be able to get enough out…” said Liron.
“Reports indicate that the rural areas are being occupied by a secondary Legion, in order to help encircle our positions and to keep our fighters from finding sanctuary in the forests.” said Selvatas as she began pinning reported sightings of Legion activity in the countryside of Inque. “It seems they are planning on making sure we can only run into snow banks to freeze to death…”
Liron looked at the map before gesturing, “Wait wait wait wait… zoom in over there…” he said, pointing to an area between Kildary and another city. Selvatas zoomed into the area. Liron looked at it for a bit. “Okay now zoom in over there and there…” he said gesturing to the map. The map panned over the areas. “Zoom back to the first spot…”
“What am I looking for here?” asked Selvatas.
As the map panned over to the first spot, Liron began to point and speak. “I know this area, there are a sizable number of villages around this part… and there seems to be no Legion activity there…”
“Could they just not get there yet?” asked Selvatas.
“No no no…” said Liron as he zoomed out a little bit. “This cluster of villages is close to a major road network connecting Kildary with a neighboring large city. Now they do control this road network still but why not secure the entire route fully?” Liron zoomed over to other major roads between Kildary and the other cities. “Look here, complete control over the network… same over here… and over here… not a single village in a 100 mile radius is left untouched by the Legion… yet over here… there are villages in less than 25 miles that are not occupied…”
“An oversight perhaps? Maybe they are spread too thin?” asked Selvatas.
“No… no if the Empire wanted to keep us in Kildary they would make absolutely sure that we cannot travel between places at any cost. There is something out there that is preventing them from doing that here!” said Liron, starting to sound a bit excited.
“Or maybe someone!” said Selvatas, excited, understanding what Liron was getting at. Her excitement stalled a bit as she thought, “But it might just be the Empire making a mistake… Betting on some rogue rural resistance cell keeping the Legions back is a huge bet… it’s too risky to bet on…”
Liron turned to Selvatas. “Are the tunnels that lead to the city limits still functional?” he asked.
“Yea… to a degree… I don’t know for how long though-” Selvatas began.
“Take a transmitter, take three fighters, head towards these coordinates, and see what you find. If you find a resistance group, establish communications between us and them. If you don’t find anything, stay out there to avoid what is coming next here…” said Liron.
“You are putting the entire hope of this fight into my hands just because of some theory?” asked Selvatas.
Liron zoomed back in on the map of Kildary, as another block is marked as occupied. “We don’t very many fucking options now do we Selvatas?”
Selvatas nodded. “I got some fighters in mind. Should take roughly a few cycles to get over there. If you don’t hear from us after 10 cycles, assume we got captured or died.” said Selvatas as she turned around, “I hope to the Goddess that you are right Liron…”
She walked out the door, as Liron turned back to the map, rubbing his eyes again. “I sure hope I am too…”
The situation for the rebellion grows dire. The legionnaires have proven they're willing to blow the cities to pieces and ground interstellar trade to a halt.
It seems Kiras and his people's act of defiance will soon make them the new spearhead of the rebellion. Not sure if he'll be happy with that.
Hey apologies for lack of updates, the Holidays were hectic and I am helping run a big event near my home-town this week. Expect the next update to come next week!
General Majan sat watching as the map of the planet spun around on the hologram. On it were the locations of different units, areas of control, and reports of enemy activity in different symbols and colors. As other Legionnaire officers looked on, one of the officers stepped up and began to speak. “I am proud to report that the general strategy to quash this rebellion is succeeding,” the hologram was highlighting different areas where rebel activity was present, and showing the advances made by Legionnaire forces, “The 5th Legion has done well in encasing the rebels in Kildary and other urban areas. Even though the rebels have become better armed than expected, our Legion’s training and overwhelming force has allowed them to make steady gains in their encirclement. The pockets grow smaller every day!” The officer turned to Majan, “By all calculations, we shouldn’t need to bring in the 13th Legion at all to assist!”
“They are still a crucial asset to the success of the operation,” said Majan, “By controlling the countryside and roads, the 13th Legion will be able that the rebels will have to freeze in the forests, or be caught trying to escape to villages that may be sympathetic.”
“Yes… but…” began an officer.
Majan gestured, “You wish to speak, speak!”
“Well… sir… you see…” they started.
“Sir the 13th Legion is under-performing where the 5th Legion is over-performing.” spoke another officer.
Majan looked at the second officer confused, “Underperforming? How so, they are just holding villages in the back-woods! You can’t underperform there!”
“Sir the inexperience and rowdiness of the men in the 13th Legion has led them to be… careless in their activities. We have received reports that the men are engaging in various un-authorized activities. These include but are not limited to looting, theft, drunken marauding, assaults, and even murder in some cases,” continued the officer, “It’s left them disorganized, un-disciplined, and slow in their advances. They care more about enjoying the spoils of their conquests than fulfilling objectives.”
“We should have known that a bunch of green recruits would indulge in vice when it came to a task so menial! They should have been sent to fight the Solar Empire! That would have made them battle-hardened!” said a third officer.
“As long as the job gets done I don’t care what happens to a bunch of fur-ball villages in the middle of no-where. A burnt village is one less place for the rebels to hide after we crush them.” said General Majan.
“But sir…” spoke the first officer, “It is already causing issues…” the officer zoomed into an area of the planet where there were no reports of 13th Legion occupations or activity. A blank void in the middle of the operation.
General Majan stood up and walked towards it. “Why is that area blank?” he said, looking around the room. “Are you telling me that an area that is close to a major road-way is still unsecured?” asked Majan to the room. “Order the units in the area to speed up their advances then!”
“Sir it's not that the 13th Legion is slow in its advances, though I would imagine that is playing a part…” said the first officer.
“It’s that the units we sent into that area have not responded at all, and we lose contact with any reinforcements we send in,” said the third officer.
“What, they freeze to death out there?” asked Majan.
“No sir… I believe what we are dealing with is a rural insurrection.” said the first officer.
“A rural insurrection you say? You are telling me that a Legion of this Empire is getting beaten by a bunch of farmers with hunting rifles?!?!” yelled Majan. The frustration at the situation was growing the more he learned about it.
“It seems to be the case…” said the first officer.
Majan sat back down and rubbed his temples. “How big of a problem do you think this is?”
“As mentioned before, the undisciplined nature of the 13th Legion could have very easily prompted this rural insurrection, and their continuation will only lead to more insurrections of this nature. The 13th Legion is fueling its own enemy.” said the first officer.
Majan sighed, “Do we know if these rural folk have made contact with any of the rebels in Kildary or a neighboring city?”
“No sir, but it would be unwise to assume they haven’t at this point,” said the second officer.
Majan stewed for a bit as he thought. “What are your orders sir?” asked the third officer.
“Gather our forces in the area, and move them in to eliminate these rural people. If the 13th Legion wants to be wild and unorganized let them here. I will not let these farmers put the operation in jeopardy.” said Majan as he turned to face the rest of the officer-staff. “They clamor for battle, I say it’s time to give it to them!”
The officers stood and saluted, “Yes sir!”
“Dismissed! Let’s finish off these rebels once and for all!”
-------------------------------------------
“You know my mother once told me that the forests are where the Sylvar’s helpers reside,” said the first rebel soldier. “Said that if a righteous soul gets lost in the woods, her helpers lead them to where they need to go, and that the wicked who get lost are struck down by them, left as frozen warnings to those who do evil.”
“Bunch of fantasy nonsense!” said the second rebel soldier as he tossed the log onto the fire. It crackled and hissed as its bright orange light illuminated the woods around them. Three rebel soldiers sat around it on rocks and pads. “Don’t tell me you actually believe those stories!”
“I once heard that Sylvar herself stalks these woods, and that blizzards are a way to conceal her movements from prying eyes,” said the third rebel soldier.
“Seriously? If Sylvar herself was walking on the planet, she would have frozen half the Heleionites forces by now!” said the first soldier.
“If Sylvar could kick the Heleionites off this planet, she’s sure taking her sweet time.” said a fourth voice, standing over the fire.
The other three soldiers nodded, “Captain Selvatas, you believe these stories?”
Selvatas sat down on a log. “The forests of Inque have always been a mysterious place. I am not surprised people make things up about them. Most city dwellers don’t spend much time in the woods. I imagine that’s true of you three?”
“My father grew up in a village outside of Yuveras, said that the stars were a lot brighter out there. That was before he moved to Kildary.” said the first soldier.
“Cousin took his wife and kids out of Jisata, said the area was beautiful, and that the morning dawn turned everything into fields of gold.” said the third soldier.
Selvatas chuckled a bit, “Never really got a chance to experience the countryside myself… Guess there is a first for everything I suppose.”
“You really believe that there is a village resistance coalition out here?” asked the second soldier, “Rather not freeze to death trying to chase ghosts, Captain.”
“Relax, I am sure you are righteous enough that Sylvar’s helpers will guide you home if we find nothing!” said Selvatas, smirking.
“Do we even know where to start looking?” asked the first soldier, “I know you have a general map but if we know these guys are out here, the Empire has to as well. Getting spotted by Legionnaire patrols is something we are not equipped to deal with.”
“If these rebels are real, then we are bound to run into them. I’d even wager they will find us before we find them.” said Selvatas.
“Well let’s hope that-” just then, the sounds of gunfire interrupted the conversation. All four rebels grabbed guns and ducked behind rocks and fallen branches. Oddly enough, the gunfire continued, as muffled shouts could be heard in the distance. Eventually, it all grew quiet again.
“The fuck was that?!” whispered one of the soldiers.
“What we’ve been looking for.” said Selvatas as she stood, “Get moving, we can catch them before they leave!”
“With all due respect Captain, we shouldn’t be running towards gunfire!” said a soldier. Selvatas paid them no mind. The soldier sighed, and began running with the rest of the squad towards the gun-shots.
-------------------------------------------
Six bodies laid in the snow. Their transport laid humming; a dead driver in the front with a hole in the window to explain the cause of death. Selvatas ruled over one of the bodies, the entry-wound on his chest painting the snow with blood. Selvatas looked around the bodies. “Crazy fire-fight. Can’t believe we missed it!” said one of the soldiers.
“These Legionnaires… they aren’t the ones we were fighting in Kildary…” said the second soldier.
“What makes you say that, they all look the same!” said the third.
“Look,” the second soldier said, pointing to the symbols on their uniforms. “Different symbols to the ones in Kildary.”
“We do know that two Legions are present on Inque,” said Selvatas, “It seems one is on country-side duty…”
“Where are all their guns?” asked the first soldier.
“What do you mean?” asked Selvatas.
“Their rifles, side-arms, grenades, all that stuff! There’s no ammo, no nothing!” the first soldier continued.
“I imagine the rural guys stole it. Must be supplying their own arsenals this way.” said the third soldier.
“Search for tracks!” ordered Selvatas, “They couldn’t have gotten far, we can still catch them if they are moving by foot!”
One of the soldiers flashed a light on the snow, looking around for movement. It was then that he saw a pair of boot marks, heading off into the woods. “Captain! I think I found-” as he looked up towards the woods, a bright red dot emerged on his chest. He stood still as he looked around.
“What! What did you find?” asked Selvatas, who soon saw the soldier standing still. She looked around and saw other red marks emerge on the rest of the soldiers. She turned towards the woods, and that was when she saw three figures approaching them, guns drawn. She looked around, and other figures began emerging from the trees, armed. Some had rifles, some had simple side-arms. One was carrying a large stick. Some of the rifles looked advanced, some looked rudimentary.
“What’s the plan Captain?” asked the second soldier, nervously.
Selvatas raised her hands, and beckoned her squad to do the same, “Take it easy…” she spoke to the figures approaching her, “We are Crimlarians… friends…”
The figures continued to point their guns at the squad. As they approached, Selvatas looked at her hip. Her side-arm was in grabbing range. She could easily grab it and shoot at least one of these guys. Surely a group of rural folk isn’t the best at aiming, right?
As she thought of what to do, a voice spoke up, one that Selvatas recognized, “Well I’ll be damned!” One of the figures lowered their guns and walked forward to Selvatas. “Don’t worry fellas, these people are friendly!” he said, beckoning his compatriots to lower their guns. Selvatas got a closer look at the figure, who wore a scarf over his mouth, and had a hood over his head. He took the scarf off, and Selvatas realized why the voice was so familiar. “Selvatas Androsa… as I live and breathe. What in Sylvar’s name are you doing out here for?”
“Mirak Iosp… must be a small world.” Selvatas replied.
“A bit too small I would say…” said Mirak, as the rest of the figures lowered their guns. The soldiers in Selvatas’s squad breathed a sigh of relief. “You still didn’t answer my question. What is Liron Hoppoi’s right hand woman doing all the way out in the fucking woods? I don’t recall him ever having a desire to send you outside of Kildary.”
“Trying to find you!” said Selvatas. “I can’t believe that your snarky ass is leading a resistance band!”
Mirak chuckled, “Now now, there are two things wrong with that statement. First, I am not snarky, I am an outstanding word-smith!”
“I recall the last time you flirted with me, I wasn’t impressed, oh great word-smith.” said Selvatas, annoyed.
“Second, this is not my band of rebels!” said Mirak.
“Damn, and here I was thinking you could have become more than Liron’s favorite merchant.” replied Selvatas.
“Hurtful!” said Mirak.
The soldiers in Selvatas’s squad exchanged looks with the soldiers in Mirak’s squad. Everyone was confused and trying to figure out what was happening.
“Well then Mirak, if you aren’t in charge of the people who did a number on this patrol I will say, who is?” asked Selvatas.
“Well-” Before Mirak could begin, shouts could be heard in the distance, another band of Legionnaires, “How about I explain somewhere else? The reinforcements are always bigger than the initial patrol.”
“Fine, but I need to talk to the man or group in charge. I came here to deliver a message and I will.” said Selvatas.
Mirak beckoned to Selvatas and her squad to follow, “Dutifully noted. Now come on, I promise we won't bite!”
-------------------------------------------
“I can’t believe someone convinced you to pick up a weapon…” said Selvatas as the rebels marched through the woods.
Mirak chuckled, “Yea I was the last person I expected to take up arms against a Legion. But we live in strange times I suppose. I assume the situation in Kildary is bad if Liron is sending you out to find friends?”
Selvatas sighed, “Legion has our forces surrounded and is putting a squeeze on us. We are fighting tooth and nail but it seems we are running out of time. We were lucky to get out this far.”
“I would say we are having better luck but…” started Mirak.
“Your men are salvaging guns and ammo from dead Legionnaires Mirak.” said Selvatas.
“Yea… we can’t fight an insurrection with just hunting rifles and weapons used to combat pests. Shit, some of us don’t even have ranged weapons to begin with!” said Mirak.
“Amazed you made it this far if that’s the case, hunting rifles and pest-control weapons seemed to have kept you all alive!” remarked Selvatas.
“Well it also helps that the Legionnaires we have been fighting are shit-eatingly incompetent and are more interested in looting our homes for goods than watching their backs.” said Mirak, “You’d be surprised how many ambushes of drunk Legionnaires we have pulled off! When we get the drop on them too, half of them collectively piss themselves and the other half just shoots blindly into the trees. After taking down a few of them, most try to run for the hills!”
“You are telling me that your rag-tag group of farmers is better trained than a Legion?” asked Selvatas.
“Yep! We got the Captain to thank for that!” said Mirak, “Trained a group of Crimlarians how to shoot and fight, they trained groups themselves, and so on and so on. He knows their strategies and tactics too! We might not be a crack military but we can get our rifles to shoot where we aim them!”
“The Captain?” asked Selvatas.
“Yep! I told you once about that friend I had in the Auxiliary Corp right?” asked Mirak, turning and walking backwards to talk to Selvatas.
“You mentioned him in passing. Liron said you thought he was dead until one day he just showed up.” said Selvatas.
“That’s the Captain. He’s the guy in charge of our group. He and the rest of my home-village managed to scrounge together a large group of neighboring villages, get them to arm themselves, and before we knew it we were fending off Heleionite patrols together!” said Mirak.
“But I assume his name is not the Captain?” joked Selvatas.
“No it isn’t, I just figured I would let him properly introduce himself.” smirked Mirak before he turned to face forward. “We might not be in a city but we want these green-skinned bastards gone just as much as you guys…” he remarked.
“That’s what I love to hear…” murmured Selvatas as they continued their march through the woods.
The recklessness of the 13th Legion is harming the empire's cause...
It's interesting to see a bit about Crimlarian religion. How religious are they anymore anyway? Is it just a bit of superstition? Are there multiple religions?
Super apologies for the delay! I have been planning a major international trip in July/August so that's taken up my time! Look forward to a new chapter at some-point in the near future!
The encampment was a sight to behold, even if it was filled with rural folk. Tents, dining areas, latrines, armories, the works, all organized in an efficient manner. Men, women, and even a kid here and there, did their duties. They cooked food, repaired weapons and vehicles, attended to the sick and wounded; all while keeping watch for Heleionite scouts and spotter craft. The camp looked like it could be packed in short notice in case of a need to move. Selvatas was impressed as she sat and watched this rag-tag rebel group go about its daily rituals.
“Pretty neat place isn’t it?” said Mirak as he walked towards Selvatas and her soldiers.
Selvatas chuckled, “For a bunch of forest dwellers with guns, you sure were able to make an organized base camp.”
“Well we have the captain to thank for that as well, lots of experience with how to organize a camp.” replied Mirak, “Speaking of which…”
“Did you talk with the captain about us?” asked Selvatas as she stood up, intrigued.
Mirak scratched his head, “Well, yes, but he wants to have the meeting in a specific place and only with you…”
“Odd request.” said Selvatas, “Me and my friends came here together. Why just me?”
“He didn’t really say, just that he wanted to talk to you specifically,” said Mirak.
“Did he say when?” asked Selvatas.
“All he said was to head down that way until you reach the meeting area.” said Mirak, pointing towards a clearing in the trees.
“He didn’t say where this meeting area was?” asked Selvatas.
“All he told me was that you would know when you got there? I don’t know, the Captain is being an odd-ball about this.” responded Mirak.
Selvatas stewed for a second. This Captain sure was an odd-ball indeed. Why was he dragging her all the way out into the woods by herself? Did he not trust her?
“Fine… I will go meet with him I guess.” said Selvatas, standing up, adjusting her boots and gloves, and began to march off into the woods towards the supposed meeting area. Goddess hope she wasn’t making a mistake…
It felt like she had been walking forever. All Selvatas could do was walk in the direction Mirak pointed. She was out here, alone, in the snow, with light gleaming off it like a mirror. It was cold, she was starting to get hungry, and her legs were getting tired. Whoever this stupid Captain was, he sure didn’t know how to treat a lady properly. Weren’t they all Crimlarians? Why make such a big trust mission just for her of all people?
As she pondered this, the forest oddly enough began to lighten up, and Selvatas emerged into a clearing. It was a cliffside that looked down over more forest. She could see faints of smoke out in the distance. Villages? Battles? It didn’t really matter to her. What intrigued her the most was the two stone markers facing her on the cliff. The slabs were paired next to each other. Selvatas walked closer to both, and noticed there was writing on both.
The first slab had a name, “Katori Sanmas”, alongside two dates. The second slab, which looked less eroded and newer than the first, also had a name and date, “Jarlas Sheothri”. They were graves.
“He always talked about this place-” a voice spoke out from behind Selvatas. She quick drew her pistol and pointed it at the voice. It was a Crimlarian man, sitting on a stump, arms crossed, looking directly at Selvatas. “I didn’t know why until he died…”
Selvatas kept the gun pointed at the man. “Friend of yours?” she asked.
“My adoptive father.” said the man as he stood up and walked over to Selvatas. “At least the man was. I never met the woman.”
“I am sorry for your loss.” said Selvatas, as she lowered the gun slightly. “You must be the infamous Captain everyone seems to be talking about.”
The man chuckled. “I haven’t been called one for a long time…” he said. “But yes, I am the person you are looking for.” He extended his hand to Selvatas, “Kiras Sheothri, at your service Ms. Androsa.”
“You know who I am?” asked Selvatas.
“Of course I do! I am sure you met Mirak and he tends to never shut up about his contacts in the city.” said Kiras.
“Well he never really talked much about you, just his long lost friend who came home.” she said, putting her gun away and reaching out with her hand to grasp Kiras’s.
“Is that so?” chuckled Kiras. “Thank you again for accepting my weird request.”
“You made me walk for at least an hour just to show me two graves?” asked Selvatas.
“I made you walk for at least an hour to show you that the Crimlarians out here have been suffering as badly as you city folk.” said Kiras.
“You want to rank suffering levels?” asked Selvatas, with a somewhat annoyed tone.
“I want to show that we have the same goals and enemy. Mirak told me that the situation in Kildary was bad the last time he went, and from you being out here, I understand its probably way worse now.” said Kiras.
“You have no idea. For all I know my boss could be dead by now and the entire city occupied!” said Selvatas, “But I guess there is only one way to find out…” Selvatas pulled a disk from her pocket and set it on the ground in front of them. She fiddled with a dial before pushing a button. “Come on… come on… don’t be dead don’t be dead don’t be dead…” she whispered to herself.
The disk soon hummed to life as Selvatas jumped back in excitement. Soon, a hologram of another Crimlarian man appeared before the two of them. “Selvatas!” it shouted, “I was afraid that something befell you out in the woods!”
“I found the rural rebels you spoke of, and I managed to meet their leader!” responded Selvatas.
“You have?” the man said, as he turned to face Kiras. “I suppose that is you?”
“I suppose so. Who are you?” asked Kiras.
“Liron Hopoi, member of the Liberation Committee in Kildary, pleasure to finally meet you…” Liron tailed off, expecting a response.
“Kiras Sheothri” said Kiras.
“Mr. Sheothri! I am glad that we finally made contact with your band!” said Liron.
“I am amazed that Kildary has any resistance left. I figured the Empire would be clamping down hard on the city.” said Kiras.
“Oh they are indeed… It is the Empire’s assaults that drove me to reach out to you. As we struggle in Kildary against our common foe, I noticed that your band has been able to keep the Empire at bay. I must ask how you did it?” asked Liron.
“Plethora of reasons. First, the Legions patrolling the countryside are inexperienced. They are green, discipline is foreign to them, and if you surprise them they are more likely to fire blindly into a tree than at you. It also helps to know their basic strategies.” said Kiras.
“You know their strategies? How?” asked Liron. Kiras pulled out a small badge and showed it to Liron. Liron gasped, “You were an auxiliary soldier!”
“Captain… trust me when I say I have plenty of experience knowing how the Heleionites fight.” said Kiras.
“There are plenty of auxiliary soldiers and former officers fighting for our cause in Kildary and elsewhere on the planet. Yet, you are the one that has had the most success.” said Liron.
“Perhaps I can share some knowledge with you.” said Kiras.
“You can give me a distraction…” responded Liron. “I will get to the point, Kildary is in a bad position. We have assault units closing in on our main position every day. We can hold out for a solar week or two at most at this point. We need your help to get pressure off our forces.”
“And my men need ample supplies, weapons, ammunition, and gear. We are picking them off the bodies of Imperials we kill, we need better gear if we are to keep up this fight. Mirak told me that the Liberation Committees have access to smuggling rings, and foreign gun-runners, supplying great weapons from across the galaxy. We need those guns and supplies if we are to keep up.” said Kiras.
“Than it seems a great deal has formed before us, Mr. Sheothri. Provide Kildary with the distraction to draw away the Legions or at least make them think twice before assaulting if they know they can be flanked, and I can reach out to my foreign contacts to get you all the supplies and guns you need.” said Liron.
Kiras stewed for a second, “I will agree to this… under one condition.” he said. Liron looked puzzled. “My men follow my orders, not yours. If I am to help you, I will help you my way. Taking orders from a committee at this point will bog down communication and lead to inaction. We cannot allow that.”
Liron chuckled, “We in Kildary are in no position to give you such orders anyway! I agree to your terms, as long as your forces provide aid to Kildary and other rebel cells when asked.”
An alliance between the different factions of rebels will increase the chance of getting the Heleionites off the planet. Of course, their government will need to be created later...
Colonel Rhapsil tapped his foot nervously as he waited outside in the hallway. He sat nervously awaiting his summons and dressing down by his superior. The last few solar cycles have been a total disaster for him, and now he is being called upon to explain all of it. He should consider himself lucky though to make it all the way out here in the first place given what happened.
Just than, the doors to the room Rhapsil was waiting outside of opened, and a soldier marched out and saluted the Colonel. Rhapsil returned the salute, and the soldier began to speak. “General Majan requests you,” he said.
Rhapsil sighed, “Let’s get this over with…” he said before marching into the room.
As Rhapsil walked into the room, he saw the General standing over his desk, looking over some notes. Two officers with the flashings of Gektando agents, the dreaded secret police of the Empire, stood by. It was very clear by their presence how this conversation was going to end, and Rhapsil figured that accepting his fate was the best way to soothe himself in the face of the inevitable. He stood and saluted the General as he mulled over the reports.
“An entire brigade, Colonel…” said Majan as he continued looking over the reports, “10,000 of the Empire’s finest killed, captured, or sent into the woods to freeze to death…” Rhapsil continued to stand with his salute. “Not only did an entire brigade get wiped out, but a brigade manning an important perimeter around Kildary, a perimeter that now has one massive hole in it begging for an assault or a rapid evacuation. The amount of troops that I had to move around, the plans that were ruined by this attack, by your INCOMPETENCE” Majan screamed as he slammed his fist into the table, before turning around and marching over to Rhapsil.
“Sir, the men fought bravely and did what they cou-” began Rhapsil.
“Clearly not enough!” shouted Majan back, interrupting the Colonel. “Now, I have read the reports of what happened, but I want to hear it from the commanding officer of the Meksil base as to how such a crucial location was overrun by woodland rebels armed with pitchforks and simple guns!”
“With all due respect sir, they had more than just pitchforks and pistols,” said Rhapsil.
“Really now?” asked Majan, snarkily. “Then please, regale me how a Legion brigade was so easily overrun by rebels!”
The wind felt bitter on Colonel Rhapsil’s face as he continued his walk through the camp. Something about the snowy nights on this world enchanted him, when the light of Inque’s moon shone over snow-capped trees along with stars. As he walked along, the sounds of revelry were reaching a pitch in one of the neighboring halls. Most of the soldiers of his brigade had either retired to drinking in the mess hall or were asleep. There haven’t been reports of rebel activity in the area for multiple solar cycles, and reports from the cities made it clear they would all be going home soon anyway.
As such, high-command of the 13th Legion had allowed more degrees of freedom and recreation for their forces out in the field. Though there was expectations of being on alert, the probability of an attack was limited. Even rumors of a rural resistance force didn’t stir much in terms of caution or defenses. After all, a bunch of rural Crimlarians would have no means to take on a fortified position!
The Colonel continued his walk, until he stumbled upon a rowdy gang of rather intoxicated soldiers on their way back to their quarters. They all saw him walking and sloppily saluted. “Colonel SIR” one of them slurred.
“At ease lads. Please tell me none of you are on guard duty.” responded Rhapsil.
“No SIR! We had a bit of fun, and now we are going to bed!” said another soldier, waving his arm towards the barracks. “Jakons group is managing the towers and trust me sir, they are not happy!”
“Hardly blame them, after all it seems the rest of their comrades get to enjoy some drinks and lively entertainment,” said Rhapsil.
“I am sure they will be able to enjoy themselves tomorrow!” slurred a soldier. They saluted again before stumbling back.
Rhapsil sighed before smirking and continuing his walk. He soon made his way back to the central command tower of the base, looking over the entirety of it. Here, roughly 10,000 of the Empire’s finest of the 13th Legion were based here. It was an important junction, for in many ways the base was an important defense to the Kildary flank. Their presence made sure the city could be held.
“Evening sir!” said a familiar voice. Rhapsil turned around and saw Lieutenant Hulst standing with a cup of something in it.
“Out late again Hulst? You know that’s my thing.” replied Rhapsil.
“Comm chatter has died down a lot, so took this opportunity to get something to drink.” replied the Lieutenant.
Rhapsil nodded and leaned over the railing. “Any news regarding Kildary?”
“Just the usual sir. Rebels are hunkering down more and more. Surprised it's taking the 5th this long to clear them out. You’d think they’d finish it by now!” said the Lieutenant.
“Those rebels must be crazy to last this long. Or maybe they are just waiting for an opportunity?” asked the Colonel.
“At this point, I’d be amazed if anyone joined the fight at this point,” said Hulst.
“It would be od-” Rhapsil began before a soft whistling sound appeared. “You hear that?” he asked.
The whistling sound grew louder. “Yea… yea I think I do. Might just be the wind.” said Hulst
It kept growing louder and louder. “I don’t think wind is suppos-”
Just then an object slammed into the ceiling window of a nearby mess hall, before a bright light radiated out from the hall, shattering windows. Sounds of entertainment soon quickly turned into shouts of pain and terror and discombobulated soldiers stumbled out of the mess hall, smoke and flame licking at their feet.
“Sir…” said Hulst, as the two stood dazed over what they just saw.
Just then, the whistling sound returned, but this time it seemed to have greatly multiplied…
“You let your unit’s discipline waver! You should have anticipated such an attack at all times Colonel! Drunk soldiers stumbling around, lack of guards reporting in! What kind of base were you running Colonel?!?” shouted Majan at the Colonel.
“We had no reports of any attacks. All reports on those rural rebels made them out to be a non-existent threat, one that could be ignored if you were safe in a base. Most of the Legion command believed that no farmers with sticks could even take a base!” replied Rhapsil, “Not to mention that the 5th was cleaning house, meaning we were just stuck doing nothing. With all due respect sir, idleness is the enemy of discipline-”
“NO EXCUSES COLONEL!” screamed Majan. “The enemy was able to sneak up on you and launch a preemptive strike! Though I do admit, expecting indirect mortar fire was something I doubt any officer could expect from those farmers. How did those fur-balls get mortars in the first place?!?” asked Majan, pacing furiously. “Unless they were getting air-drops by smugglers, I see no way how this was possible!”
“Regardless of the situation before the attack, the shelling brought everyone to attention, and the base went out to meet the enemy!” said Rhapsil
“WE NEED AIR-SUPPORT NOW!” screamed the communications man into his headset as the sounds of laser shots, bullets, and explosions ricoheted all around the position. Colonel Rhapsil and about ten other Heleionite soldiers were taking cover behind a wall of a barracks that had been blown apart by explosive indirect fire. Rhapsil looked around and saw other squads of soldiers in similar positions. Those stuck out in the open were gunned down quickly, with bodies strewn across the base.
Looking over at another defensive position, a repeater-gun position, Rhapsil saw a soldier crouched behind the wall in a fetal position. He was a young soldier, probably fresh out of camp. One of the nearby soldiers crouched over, slapped the young soldier, before shouting something and shoving a rifle in the young soldier’s hands. The soldier took the gun, wiped his eyes, stood up to fire upon the enemy, and immediately was struck in the head by a laser, falling over dead.
The enemy were pushing them hard. Various holes in the base’s walls had been cracked open by mortars and rocket-fire, as Crimlarian rebels swarmed through their gaps. These weren’t the rural farmers and hunters that command had warned the base about. These were well-armed, and seemingly well-trained rebel soldiers. They had high-grade military equipment, firepower, and armor. It was not uniform though, but it didn’t matter, it was doing the job and doing the job very well.
Rhapsil looked around and saw another defensive position of soldiers, many of whom were still intoxicated from the festivities, firing blindly into the Crimlarian swarm. One of the soldiers shouted “IS THAT THE BEST YOU FUR-BALLS GOT?!?!” This was followed by a mortar landing directly on-top of their position, vaporizing almost all of them in an instant. Rhapsil knew that the situation was becoming unwinnable, and without any armor or air-support, the base was going to be quickly overrun.
“Where the FUCK is our air-support!?!” shouted Rhapsil over to the comms handler.
“Close air-support from the fleet is about 20 clicks out, transport evacuation is on stand-by!” shouted the comms handler back.
“There is no one going to be left alive to evacuate at this rate!” shouted Rhapsil
Just then, the low hum of bomber support roared into the night. Rhapsil looked off into the distance and saw three close-support bomber craft swooping in from the atmosphere, cruising directly towards their position. “Bought fucking time they showed up!” shouted Rhapsil pointing to the bombers.
“GIVE EM WHAT FOR BOYS!” screamed a soldier.
As the bombers continued to grow louder, the Crimlarians took a step back and began ducking into cover or falling back into the woods. It didn’t matter though. The bombs on the bombers were enough to light the entire tree-line on fire, easily decimating their artillery. The Heleionites knew that if the bombers could just drop their payload, the fight would turn in their favor.
However, as the bombers grew closer, flashes of light began to emerge from the tree-lines on the bombers’ path. They were laser shots, large ones too. The laser shots came quick, as they ripped into the bombers. One bomber exploded instantly, another broke off before getting nicked in its fuel tank and lighting on fire.
The third one got pelted with lasers, and began smoking as it pitched downwards. Rhapsil watched in horror as the bomber’s trajectory changed to aim… right at the base…
“EVERYONE DOWN!!!” screamed Rhapsil as the bomber slammed into the base, metal scrapping and explosions ripping through the night as it plowed into multiple barracks, and flattening anyone in its path. Rhapsil jumped off the barracks and into the snow, covering his head, as the bomber smashed into his position, killing anyone unlucky enough to still be there.
“They had anti-air weapons?!?!” shouted Majin as Rhapsil told him what happened. “How in the Gods names did those fur-balls get AA guns out there in the middle of fucking NOWHERE?!?!”
Rhapsil began, his voice shaking, “They could have been supplied by the city rebels or some foreign smugglers. Fleet reports indicate that smugglers can easily turn their tracers off, drop their cargo, and fly off before any ship realizes they are there. It could be how the rebels also got su-”
“I! DON’T! CARE!” screamed Majin. “They had the firepower to overwhelm a Legion outpost and deal with bomber support! How the FUCK did we let them accumulate that level of firepower!!”
“Sir, our information network was unaware of them getting this many weapons in the first place!” said Rhapsil.
Majin walked over to his table, rubbing his eyes. “Whoever was leading that attack is also bold, I will give them that much.”
“KEEP MOVING!” shouted Rhapsil as the vehicles pressed on through the woods. The base had been overwhelmed, and a general retreat had been ordered. Now the surviving troops were driving their way through the forests as the sounds of rebel snow-bikes and rebel yells echoed behind them. Laser shots and explosions rocked the vehicles, as they trudged through the snow and trees.
Rhapsil turned to his left and saw one of the other vehicles get hit by a rocket before spinning out and slamming into a tree. Just then, two Crimlarian snow-bikes emerged and began pelting his vehicle with shots. The Heleionite Legionnaires, at least the ones that were able to shoot, returned fire, and chased off the snow-bikes.
“WE AREN’T GONNA MAKE IT!” shouted the driver back to the Colonel.
“Keep moving or we all die!” shouted back Rhapsil.
More explosions rocked the vehicle as the yips from Crimlarian rebels grew louder and louder.
“Oh Gods we are dead, we are so DEAD!” cried an injured Legionnaire in the back of the vehicle.
“Stay focused kid!” shouted another soldier as he took shots into the trees.
Soon the vehicle emerged into a clearing. “The Base of the 58th Brigade is only a few clicks from here, keep moving!” shouted Rhapsil as the vehicles raced through the clearing. Looking behind him, Rhapsil watched as twelve snow-bikes with armed rebels emerged from the woods, firing off grenades and lasers. One hit another vehicle, causing it to lurch and slip in the snow.
One of the soldiers in the back cried out as a laser pierced his side, making him lose balance and tumble out into the snow behind the transport. Rhapsil looked and saw a snow-bike gaining speed, one armed with a grenade launcher primed and ready. “Fuck…” though Rhapsil, bracing himself for an explosion, closing his eyes.
The explosion came, but when Rhapsil opened them to see a large plume of snow in front of the snow-bikes, launched them off into the air. Rhapsil turned towards the front to see the smoking barrel of a Legionnaire tank emerging from the tree-line. The 58th Brigade had sent an armored unit!
As the vehicles raced by the tanks, Rhapsil watched as the tanks began firing at the snow bikes, causing them to turn around and race back to their position. Rhapsil breathed a sigh of relief as he slumped down into his seat, thankful that he at least made it out of that nightmare.
“Hundreds of lives were saved by the retreat sir!” said Rhapsil to the General, “The base couldn’t be held under those conditions, so I decided that saving as many soldiers as possible was a higher priority!”
“Your priority was to keep the flanks surrounding Kildary secure!” shouted Majan. “Let me tell you, Colonel, about what your defeat and noble retreat has caused.” he continued, walking towards the window. “That base was a crucial part of the defensive rim around Kildary. Its destruction has made a massive hole in the flank, one that would take days, if not weeks to re-secure and plug! As such, I have had to order the advance on the rebel positions in Kildary stopped to prevent flanking attacks!”
“Sir, I don’t understand-” began Rhapsil.
“Your defeat has given the rebels in Kildary breathing room! The pressure the 5th Legion was putting on them has been let off due to the threat these rural rebels possess to the operations in the city!” shouted Majan. Rhapsil stared silently at Majan as he sighed and continued, “Not to mention we have to put up with this nonsense now too!”
Majan snapped his fingers and one of the Gektando agents placed a pamphlet in the hands of the Colonel. It was a picture of Crimlarian rebels standing in the command tower overlooking the base waving a white flag with what appeared to be a teal-ish snowflake looking symbol in the center of it. Below the image read a line in both Crimlarian and Heleionite, “We will not be broken”, a message of hope to the Crimlarians, and a message of resistance to the Empire.
“Pamphlets like this have spread all across Inque. That pamphlet in particular was found in a city on the other side of the planet!” said Majan, “Not only has your pathetic defense given the rebels a strategic victory, but a massive morale one as well. What do you think will happen when those fur-balls see that an entire Brigade could be defeated as such?”
“Sir…” Rhapsil began, “...please let me go out there and make this right! I will lead the charge against those forest dwellers, please-”
“You have done plenty Colonel!” Majan said, snapping his fingers, as the two Gektando agents moved forward and grappled the Colonel, pinning his arms behind his back.
“General sir, what’s going on!” shouted Rhapsil in confusion.
“As a result of your massive failure, you have been court-martialed for dereliction of duty and gross incompetence to the point of potential treason. You are to be escorted back to Bonthorallala to await trial. May the Gods have mercy on you,” said Majan, “Get him out of my sight!”
The Gektando agents dragged Rhapsil, who was screaming, begging for Majan to consider. As the doors closed behind him, the room soon grew quiet. Majan looked out the window, pondering what his next move was to be.
“Alright lads a little bit more to the left… aaannndddd… perfect!” shouted the camera man as he waved his arms to the soldiers on the command tower. The soldiers were waving a flag, a white flag with a teal-ish snowflake in the center. All around the camera man, songs of victory and jubilation were being sung. Crimlarian rebels were looting the barracks and armories of the base. This was a well fought victory, and the first major blow the rebels had achieved in their fight against the Empire.
Kiras watched, sitting next to what was left of the chassis of a Heleionite bomber craft, which was still burning after being shot-down. Those new Saudade guns sure earned their keep in their force. He sat and watched as the camera man continued to wave his arms to the soldiers in the tower.
“Captain sir!” said a Crimlarian soldier, walking over and saluting Kiras, “The snow-bike unit has returned, they were able to pick off a few dozen more soldiers in their retreat before armor forced them back!”
“Armor you say?” asked Kiras. “Any sign of those tanks advancing?”
“No sir, the armored units turned around after chasing them away from the retreating Legionnaires. It does not look like a counter-attack is coming.” said the soldier
“Good, make sure we have defenses set up just in case though. We will keep scavenging what we can find before leaving. The longer we stay the more at risk we are to a mass counter attack.” said Kiras. The soldier saluted before scurrying off.
“Look at you, giving orders like a leader or something!” said Mirak, who had come and sat down next to Kiras with a half-empty bottle of liquor.
“Please don’t tell me you guys are drinking on the job,” said Kiras.
“You want some boss?” asked Mirak, offering the bottle to Kiras. After a blank response, Mirak shrugged and took a swig. “Most of the liquor was gone or scattered to the pavement anyway. Doubt there is enough to even get a hundred men tipsy.”
“Doesn’t matter, we need to keep our senses intact for the fight ahead.” said Kiras.
“Lighten up a little bit Kiras! You just led us to an incredible victory! I dare say until proven otherwise you have done more damage to the Empire on this planet than any other rebel group on Inque!” said Mirak.
“I wouldn’t say that, and it isn’t a contest.” replied Kiras, standing up to stretch, “We also have a long way to go. The Empire loves to establish fortified perimeters around their positions before making advances. Boxes in the enemy and strangles their supplies before they have a chance to fight back. You’d be surprised how often I spent my time just sitting in some base doing drills while on operation.”
“So by hitting the bases, you force them to either attack or fall back… I see I see.” said Mirak.
“Throw enough bricks at a window, the Empire will send their might to find the thrower,” said Kiras. “That is when we truly strike. But it won’t be easy. I imagine that the Empire will direct thousands of troops to deal with us. But it also means we will be their primary focus as the biggest threat to their total victory.”
“-giving the Kildary boys some breathing room!” said Mirak, in a bit of a drunken haze, “But how do you intend on keeping this up? Surely the bases will get reinforced to stop us, and the Saudade air-drops won’t be enough to stop tank battalions.”
Kiras looked over at Mirak with a smirk, “We mimic this revolt in other areas of Inque Mirak! Enough forest fighters and the Empire will see the trees as the biggest threat to their operations, not the cities!”
“Hopefully your man does his job.” said Mirak.
“HER job, you mean.” said Kiras, looking back at the tower as the camera man’s camera flashed.
The Heleionites are too proud to fight a true war as things stand. I think that blaming Rhapsil was partially just to find a scapegoat, but I doubt that the Heleionites have knowledge of the true extent of the rebellion's reach. Will this scapegoat return later?
Hey guys! It's been a year since I started this AAR!
Apologies for having such long gaps between chapters, been busy with stuff and have a pretty hectic summer ahead of me. I still plan to keep writing this AAR, and a new chapter is in the works!
Congrats on making it a whole year! And no worries about long gaps. You've created a story with some staying power, and we'll be here when you're ready to continue.
