Chapter 13: The Drums Of The Dead

"I can't help it, Agent Terry, it is one of my best skills, and I depend on talking to get what I want, and to give people what they want." Anderson slowly stood up from his seat, pushing the chair back. Then walked over to the kitchen table, opening the overhead cupboards to get two shot glasses and a bottle of Gin, Terry's favorite. "Enough with the formal, tense talk. Let's be casual, shall we? Oh and my dear friend Liam, you can go back upstairs, your wife is about to arrive in two minutes." Liam raised a brow at Anderson, hesitant to leave the room but shrugged and went out of the metal door.

Terry follows the Irishman's movements and watches as he closes that metal door. Turning back to Anderson, almost ready to stand up. "I swear Anderson if Liam locks that door I'm going to strangle you." Terry threatens with physical violence, while Anderson continues to calmly pour themselves a shot of that Gin Terry likes. "I'm a man of my word, so don't think you can smooth-talk your way out of a neck-lock." Terry continued with his hands clenched.

Anderson turns back around with the shot-glasses filled with gin held in both hands, sitting back down onto his chair he leans forward and sets one of the drinks in front of Terry, and sets the other in front of him. A small sigh and a nod come from Anderson, staring deeply into Terry's eyes. "Very well, I will ensure your… exit, after a deal has been reached. Now please, drink, it's Liam's collection and I had to give… a lot to get it from his hands, just for this one occasion." Reluctantly, Terry picks up the shot-glass of Gin before throwing his head back, gulping it all at once before setting the empty glass onto the table. "So, how does it taste?"

"...It tastes very crisp, refreshing with a hint of a kick in there. I like it," Terry answers the question, a small smirk forming on his face as he was giving away only a little bit of his satisfaction. It was his favorite, he enjoyed it exquisitely and if he could he would ask for more. "Although I'm a bit confused how this is such a prized commodity, that you don't explain how, or what you had to do to acquire it?"

Anderson chuckles and drinks his shot as well, before talking again. "I know you'll like it, and suffice to say Liam likes this particular commodity since it's from his family." Anderson's face turns to one of that concern, his eyebrows furrowed and his hand tightly holding the front-edges of his suit. "A family that he lost, it was a Sunday afternoon, the sun was high, the Eastern Seaboard was just as clear and crisp as ever. He's not an immigrant as you might expect, he comes from a long-running family dating back to the first settlers of the new world, dating back so long ago." Anderson leans forward, placing his hands on the edge of the table and looking straight into Terry's eyes. "They were killed, from his grandparents to his child without mercy, nor remorse. Remembering back to that moment, I saw humans, but I saw no humanity."

Terry remains skeptical, unsure whether this is a made-up story for Terry to be more in the favor of Anderson and Liam, or to give the favor of the deal for the reality bender. "They were after a family heirloom, Agent Terry, a small silver ball that coincidentally, was anomalous in nature." Anderson leans back to his chair again and smirks. "I'm sure you know where this is going now, in the end, they didn't secure the heirloom, and it got to the hands of Marshall Carter And Dark, sold to claimed owners."

"Is this some kind of trick to get me more in favor of you and Liam? To make me sympathetic or empathetic with the incident?"

Anderson chuckled and shook his head, pouring another shot of the gin and raising it. "I'm simply explaining the worth of this bottle of alcoholic beverage. I'm satisfied it happened, however, it means I have more opportunities. Without that event happening, I wouldn't be here with Liam, oh Liam with his cryptocurrency operations." And Anderson drinks the shot without a piece of hesitation, even with a small grin.

Terry looks on in disgust and leans forward. "You are sick, now I know what kind of a thing you are, Anderson." In exchange for Terry's little remarks and comments on Anderson's behavior, Anderson laughs, slowly, deeply, a villainous laugh filled with evil intent. "I can blast your head off right here right now, Anderson, don't you fucking laugh at me." Terry threatens the reality bender, his tone gotten higher as his voice echoes around the room.

"Ah ah ah" Anderson moves his index finger left and right at Terry, leaning forward again to pour Terry another shot of that sweet Gin. "But you see, cooperation at the current moment is more beneficial to you, Agent Terry." Anderson's tone was not that of mocking, while his initial cooing may sound like mocking, his tone and his demeanor exudes that of a businessman. "I heard from the Serpent's Hand that "The Gate"… is quite the hot topic currently, hmmm? The one in the Rockies"

Terry's heart skipped a beat when Anderson mentioned it, the gate. Terry knows it has one massive importance after talking to 343, but he never expected it to be this important. First The Chaos Insurgency, now the Serpent's Hand? Who's next? UNGOC? The Wanderer's Library? "Alright… I'm listening." Terry replied, loosening his shoulders and leaning back into his chair to convey his will to cooperate, and not move for a hit. "But I can't promise anything, my superiors make the decisions, I only carry them out" Terry warns Anderson that Terry can't promise whatever Anderson is going to present him with, an offer Terry can't refuse he assumes. And the Rocky Mountains, near Site-19, where 4902 is housed, the Chaos Insurgency bit into the false information stating the gate is in Alaska, and the Foundation intends to keep it that way.

"Oh I fully understand from the beginning Agent Terry, don't worry, you're doing a magnificent and excellent job carrying out orders." Anderson then stood, pushing the chair back with his legs as he did so. He walks around the corner, into the dark side of the room and Terry could hear the man shifting and shuffling through files. However it's less of a frantic search, more of a coordinated, elegant, methodical shuffling like he knows where it is yet still want everything organized. The man returns to the table carrying a folder filled to the brim with documents from the looks of it. Sitting back down, Anderson sets the folder down as well.

"I expect my 'reward' for my cooperation to be fulfilled when we agree to this agreement, Agent Terry. But don't be mistaken, I am not afraid of failure, because I've already won." Cheeky future-knowing reality bender. Anderson unbinds the little rope that closes the folder's top opening and opens it up. He pulls every piece of document from within and sets them down on the table. The man then exquisitely moves the documents, organizing them into sections based on what they are. What has images, what has only text, what's from what date, and of course laying them out so Terry can look as well?

"I have extensive records on recent Serpent's Hand activities and operations, this is but a small portion of it, just to show you that it is real. The first part of the bargain is `I will give you this critical information to help your struggle against one of your largest enemies." Terry leans forwards to take a look at the documents, and he's not one to be lying, but he swears they are all Serpent Hands authentic documents or at least a direct copy of them.

Terry leans back into his chair, eyeing Anderson from the corner of his eyes as he keeps most of his attention on the documents. "In exchange for what, Anderson?"

"In exchange for me to enter the Gate, Agent Terry."

[-]

"Cut off engines" Richard ordered, and Roomy turned the key to the Humvee, turning off the engines. Richard had also said it into the radio, the rest of the column the following suit and turning off their engines. Richard's unsure how to proceed, squinting his eyes and leaning forward out the windshield towards the tall walls of the city, the locals 'Italica'. From Lelei's explanation, it is the hub of trade in the region, run by a noble family close to the royal family of the Empire.

The radio crackles to life, as Staff Sergeant Gideon, squad leader of the Bradley, protests the First Lieutenant's decision. "Lieutenant, I must disagree with your orders. Turning off the engines of the Bradley will only leave us vulnerable until it starts up again, the turret's on the powered traverse, I am sure you are aware."

"Thank you for your insight Gideon, but I'll have to ask you to turn off that engine. There's no need for that autocannon against these guys. Besides, I intend to keep us looking as friendly as possible, understood?"

A low murmur comes through the radio. "Understood."

Richard nods, satisfied that the Staff Sergeant followed his orders. He reverts his attention to the towering walls of the city of Italica, and upon the battlements, he can see soldiers. It's strange however, they seem to be tense, waiting for something to happen. Richard can see one's hands trembling heavily even from down here, and taking a longer look at the man he's wearing only chainmail, with tattered clothing beneath.

They're not here welcoming the team, but they're here to defend their town. Lelei suddenly props up from in between the front seats, positioning herself beside Richard as she curiously looks up at the walls as well. The young mage, as Lelei wants to be called, looks on with her cold, expressionless face but she radiates an aura of interest and caution. "As we expected, the smoke is rising from Italica," Lelei remarked, calling back to the moment a few minutes ago when the column spotted smoke in the distance.

It shouldn't be a surprise to Richard, but what confused him is who, or what would dare attack such an important trade hub. "Why would they attack Italica? I thought it's an important city, with tight ties with the Royal Family?" Richard asks Lelei who's, so far, keeping still.

"It's because of you"

"What?" Richard snapped his head to look at Lelei, Roomy the following suit after hearing what Lelei had just said.

"It's because of you. The annihilation of the Empire's armies, alongside the Allied Kingdoms', left the area vulnerable to banditry." Shit, Lelei's making a great point even with that cold tone of hers. That battle up in Alnus Hill, as the General had also kindly briefed us, fucked this world's formal military. "There's also no doubt, surviving soldiers would've turned into banditry as well, bolstering the numbers of the bandits."

Even from here, the black smog continues to be visibly rising from within the walls of Italica. A bandit attack had just occurred, and while they still don't know the situation fully, suffice to say Lambda needs to support the city in its defense. Richard clicks his tongue in annoyance, what's supposed to be a simple trip to get the falmartians to sell their scales while also reckoning the area might-, no, will have them defend the city.

Turning around to the back of the Humvee, Rory, Lelei, and Tuka alongside Cassie with Larry up in the .50. The Humvee's a little bit crowded but can't have everyone walking now, can't he? "Cass, Larry, on me." Cassie nods while Larry looks down the hole, with a similar nod of understanding. "We're going to go up to the gate, and simply knock, alright? Maintain a strict rule of engagement, we're here for the Falmartians to sell their scales while we're on recon." Richard turns back around to face the front, priming his Ruger before opening the door. "Alright, let's move"

Before Richard could take another step, with Cassie having her foot hovering above the ground, and Larry in the middle of pulling himself out of the .50 cal position, the ground in front of Richard is struck by an arrow. Quickly, everyone froze in place, and Richard looked up to see a man, holding a shot crossbow, must be him.

The man that had shot the arrow looks different from the other guards, however. His blonde, near-golden hair is groomed, slicked back showing his forehead. A stern look of skepticism, yet determination plastered on his handsome, chiseled face. His armor is different as well, rather than the minimum chainmail, this man appears to be wearing full-plate armor, laced with golden lacing, practically a beacon saying he's someone important.

'No doubt in me that he's going to die in the next battle.' Richard thought coldly, the man appears important, but it also makes him stand out during a battle. If this man is a commander in the front lines or in this case on the battlements, enemy soldiers can pick him out of the crowd and target him. "State your allegiance! Who are you!?" Shouted the princely man, demanding for the group to identify themselves.

The sound of a .50 caliber round being chamber is all too familiar, and all too loud. Richard turned his head to see Larry, returned to the .50 Cal, and chambered a round. Larry gazes towards the Lieutenant with furrowed eyebrows, it's clear that Larry doesn't want to take any chances. Larry's face practically shouts to Richard: 'That bastard shot at us, only natural for us to shoot back.'

Richard gives Larry a disapproving head shake while raising his hand, moving it up and down in the air, gesturing Larry to stand the fuck down. The tension in the air is palpable, the sun had risen above their heads as their shadows disappeared. This is a stand-off, a three-way standoff? Richard understands that Larry is looking out for his safety, but Richard doesn't care; he wants this interaction with Italica to be a peaceful one.

After what feels like an hour-like staring contest between the Sergeant and Lieutenant, Richard averts his gaze and backs up to the man at the battlements. Wanting to be closer, Richard takes another step forward while having his hands raised. However, that seems to tip the man off as he begins to load another bolt into his crossbow. "Take another step and perish! I ask you once again, State your allegiance! Who are you!?"

Richard was about to talk when he hears the doors open, turning back around he sees the roster of Falmartians coming out in droves from the Humvee. Tuka, Lelei, and lastly Rory Mercury. Rory is an oddity, a massive one at that. Tested back at base her Hume levels are off the charts, leaving their major baffled and unsure how to proceed, so he passed her on to Richard, practically making her his responsibility now.

Rory Mercury, the acclaimed 'Grim Reaper' to Emroy, God of War, stretches her arms up with that massive halberd in hand, a hearty, satisfied moan coming from the divine being. Tuka walked over to Richard, taking place behind him. "Lelei will take over" Tuka softly said, with Richard spotting Lelei on the other side of the Humvee with Cassie, he sighs and nods.

Lelei raises her hand while the other holds her wand. "I am with the Men-In-Black, esteemed warriors that killed the infamous Flame Dragon. Please report back to your commanding officer regarding our arrival-"

Lelei's speech is cut off near the end when the giant wooden gates suddenly open. It swung open so quickly, it's almost unnatural. And what's more unnatural is the figure on the other side who, supposedly, opened the gates in the first place. A redhead 'knight' with her braided hair slung over her right shoulder, her arms wide open as if waiting for a hug.

But then she spoke. "Welcome to the City Of Italica, friends!"

"What?"

[-]

A cloud of confusion and surprise befell everyone in the unit, even the falmartians, except Rory, are bewildered by the display. As the redhead, wearing similar armor as the man on the battlements, stood confidently in her place with her arms out, two other people came forth beside the redhead. One of them is a petite, shorter girl with auburn hair and a blue headband. The other is a tall bulky man, whose build is similar to the blond, but boasts short-cut gray hair.

The gray-haired gentleman kept one hand on the hilt of his sword, while the auburn-haired girl was in a heated discussion with the redhead. Too fast for Richard, or anyone else to understand, but the Falmartians certainly understood as Rory raised her hand to her lips, watching the two squabble. If Richard had to guess, it's because the Redhead decides to open the gates to some black-clad people with cars and guns.

Wasting no more time, Richard looks towards Cassie and gives her an affirmed nod. Then moves his gaze to the Falmartians that notice him, giving a similar nod as well. They stride forward towards the open gate, wishing they would not get immediately attacked by their sudden move. Thankfully no one has an itchy trigger finger upon the battlements, even the princely blond-knight holds his fire. It doesn't take long before the group arrives at the gates, facing the three knights.

Richard can't help but smirk to see the two women stopping their squabble once they're in their face, then looking at the gray-haired man. He's old, probably around the same age as Sergeant Larry, but it stands out to Richard that the man has seen extensive combat, and is experienced in fighting. A very interesting roster indeed, Richard couldn't wait to hear more about them, but for now, it's to find out what's happening with Italica.

Richard cleared his throat and gave them all a light bow, just to show some respect and maintain a cohesive image of him and his unit as at least a cultured group and not mere tribals. Richard doesn't like it either, but he's heard from both reports and some light novels that this noble-kind of people are so up in their ass that they need to be on the brink of death to have their shining ego broken.

So Richard's hands are tied, just has to look good and sound good for the three. Why has Richard concluded that they are nobles? Because they are much more well-equipped than the other city defenders, as said in his thoughts, they stand out like a sore thumb. Richard clears his throat after the bow, keeping his arms to his sides. "Greetings, I am Centurio Richard Vulcan. I am in command of the detachment that has arrived at the gates of Italica, we are here for the business of escorting these people." Richard then gestured to the three falmartians, each giving the three knights different waves and greetings.

Moving his attention back to the three knights, Richard notices the change of emotion on the faces of the two women. While they still try to keep up a stern look, Richard sees past it and notices their nervousness. Specifically nervousness towards Rory. It doesn't surprise Richard in the slightest, Rory is a demigoddess working for Emroy, he supposed it only proves Rory's claims further. "And sell scales within the city. I was told Italica is a hub for trade, and as I've explained, tasked to escort them three."

The gray-haired knight stepped forward and pressed the palm of his hand to his chest plate, giving a slight bow as well. Good to see Richard's precautions working, and hopefully there won't be any complications. "It is good to meet you, Centurio Richard. My name is Grey Co Aldo, Member of the Rose-Knight Order under the command of Princess Pina Co Lada" Grey then gestured towards the redhead in a respectful, elegant manner.

Both Richard and Cassie raised an eyebrow, interested in how there's an Imperial Princess. Cassie crosses her arms as she studies the Princess, and after doing so, she notices that her garments are different from the other two. Richard comes to the same conclusion, nodding to Knight Grey. "And to the Princess's right is Knight Hamilton Uno Ror." As Hamilton is introduced, the auburn-haired girl takes the liberty to straighten up her posture and keep her chin up.

Hamilton stepped forward with an assertive step, placing the Princess behind her and her stoic demeanor continued. "It is disrespectful to speak without the orders of the Princess." Hamilton then does, what Richard thinks, is a stupid move. She unsheathes her sword and points it at Richard. "Kneel and show some respect." In a blink of an eye, Cassie had unholstered her sidearm and firmly held it up, pointing it at the Auburn knight.

Richard's on-hand radio crackled to life and the voice from across demanded; "Lieutenant what's the situation, has the talks gone bad!?" And it appears this stupid move is seen by the unit as well. Richard didn't answer and slowly held up his arms. Thankfully, Grey steps in and places one of his palms on Hamilton's blade, looking at her straight in the eye that yells 'Don't be stupid.'. Richard begins to like Grey, and with Hamilton lowering her blade, Richard lowers his arms.

After an ignorant huff from Hamilton, sheathing her sword, Princess Pina Co Lada stepped forth and moved her hand to her chest. "I, Princess Pina Co Lada, hereby allow Centurio Richard Vulcan to step foot into Italica. However, your detachment may not." The Princess hesitated then after speaking, looking at Grey for confirmation whether she's doing the right thing or not. After a stern nod, she continues. "We should meet in a private room, and discuss this situation. It'll be best to know each other more before coming to conclusions."

Richard nods, however, he notices one discrepancy in that statement, only he is allowed in. Of course, Richard turned towards Cassie and the Falmartians under his wing, before looking back towards the Princess. "I don't mean to be rude, but how about them?" Richard nonchalantly asks, pointing his thumb back to the group.

"They may stay with your detachment, we're in a bad state and we do not want to take any chances."

Richard sighs and looks at Cassie, nodding at her before waving her away. Cassie however takes offense to that and stands her ground. "With all due respect, Lieutenant, I'm not leaving you alone in there," Cassie says with quite a snark, but her intentions are good and Richard sees where she's coming from. "They might be luring you into a trap."

Richard smiles solemnly, shaking his head while rubbing his nape with his hand. "I understand Cass, but I have to. Besides I'm not a toddler, I went through training, as we all did." Richard lets his arm fall to his side before squinting, changing his relaxed gaze to one of a sharp eagle. "Trust me," Richard says with firm conviction in his face. Cassie stares for a moment, then closes her eyes and gives him a nod of defeat, and approval.

Turning back to the three Knights, Richard nods. "Very well, let's be on our way."

Traversing the streets of Italica is like going through the streets of Venice. The architecture of medieval-style homes and buildings gives that sincere and genuine look of old, reminiscent of Roman or just Italian architecture in general. Looking down at his feet, the roads here are wide to make room for foot and carriage traffic, with a smooth surface made through bricks.

A distinct flavor, or perhaps atmosphere that reminds Richard of that medieval fare that he went to when he was a teenager. It is of great shame, however, having that atmosphere being tainted by the heavy air of fresh battle. The streets earlier were filled with fortifications and barriers, men, most likely the people of Italica, wearing simple tunics and trousers bearing arms.

Their faces however show a lack of confidence, fear, and despair. It is clear to Richard that the city's morale is at an all-time low, maybe from bad leadership, or perhaps heavy casualties. Whatever the reasons are, the previous battle had left the City Of Italica, and its people, battered, wounded, and desperate. Richard feels a little strange though, walking through the streets, being able to look at civilians and conscripts at eye-level, and being there is a new feeling.

His career in the Foundation has never gotten him through an urban landscape filled to the brim with people, those that watch your every move. He had always been in the shadow, as per Foundation policy. He struggles to interpret this as a good thing or a bad thing however, is this relaxing to him to have a change of pace? Or is it uncanny that he just wants to get out quickly? His mind and heart are conflicted, his heart says it's a nice thing, his logical mind says it's bad and goes against his training.

"-turio Richard."

The voice of Princess Pina got him out of the trance, as he looked up and witnessed the modest mansion that stands in front of him. Its marble white pillars and walls are unaffected by the fighting, and its garden still immaculate and untouched. "We are here." The Princess continued after Richard pulled himself back into reality. The guards open the gates in front of them and they enter the lawn of the Noble House, which he assumes rules Italica.

Walking up the set of stairs, maids open the grand doors for them four. Within the main hall, it's the crossroads of the mansion, connecting to every single part of the house. Two grand archways give a clear view to hallways that stretch on, with rooms on one side. A set of great stairs lead upstairs, while a golden chandelier gives a yellow hue to the room, lighting it up nicely.

Richard is a little taken away by the sight. A noble's house is this grand? He can't wait to see what the Imperial capital looks like, but he's getting a little bit ahead of himself. Taking a deep breath, he focuses his attention on the matter at hand. Following the two women up the great stairs with Knight Grey behind him, Richard is led into a room with double doors.

"Within is the Countess of Italica, and current Head of the Formal House," Pina explains the importance of this room, and from what he's hearing it's gotta be a throne room or some sort. Richard nods in acknowledgment, and Hamilton pushes the doors open and they all stride into the room.

As if Richard hasn't been shocked enough in the past hour or so, his jaw slightly open upon laying eyes on the Countess. She's but a kid! Barely 13 years old from the looks of it. Richard had expected a 20-year-old adult to be in charge of Italica, especially at times of war. His reaction must've been seen by the Princess, and she clears her throat to get Richard's attention. "This is Countess Myui, Head of The Formal House as I've briefly explained. After some quarrel within the line of succession, she ascended into the position of Countess."

Hamilton then gestures towards the couches in the middle of the room, a wooden, polished brown coffee table separating the couches. Taking a seat just like everyone else, Richard nods to the Princess to further explain, as he was sure she was not finished. "Of course, she is too young to lead the defense of Italica, so I've been given authority over it.'

The next two hours pass by like a breeze in the wind. They first discuss further the origins of the Men-In-Black, Richard's origins in particular. He had also come into the realization about the rumors about the Men-In-Black, the killing of the Fire Dragon, painting him and his squad to be some enigmatic, noble warriors. Such massive exaggeration, however thinking more into it, Richard permits it as remembering the dire situation of the Empire, the people would want a sliver of good news to come through.

Richard kept most of the information a secret, as the knights have not realized that Richard and his platoon are from Earth, through the Gate. If he is to reveal that he is affiliated with the army that had obliterated the fighting prowess of the continent, he's sure he would be summarily executed on the spot. He can't reveal it now, maybe after they had helped defend Italica.

The next line of the conversation is about the previous battle, and the upcoming one. While Italica had successfully defended the city, it was not without costs. The bandit army still has the numbers, and therefore the capability to attack Italica again. Pina and the Knights' concern is that Italica's forces are spread too thin so a full-brunt assault on one of the 4 gates of the city will certainly result in defeat before the gate can be reinforced.

The west gate was the gate that the Bandits previously tried breaking through, so it's in a weakened state both in structural integrity and manpower. Pina asks Richard for his detachment to be stationed on the West Gate, which his 19-man platoon would be able to defend. Richard objected, and argued that based on the map presented on the table, to the North are the Romaria Mountains. He explained that it would be far more probable for the bandit army to come from there, it's simply the best place to set up camp as the mountains act as a natural barrier, and they'll be able to form quickly.

So Richard suggests that his platoon be split between the North, East, and West gate. The South is not necessary as there is no way the bandit army would risk going around Italica to be in that position. Richard watched as both the Princess and the auburn-haired knight slapped on a face of skepticism, even Grey sat in thought for a moment. He further argued that his men had much more firepower, and strength to maintain these requisites, which promptly granted him approval from Grey.

Pina asked Grey whether he is sure, and with his booming, deep, yet relaxed tone he confirms. And so the Princess and her subordinate, Hamilton, agree to Richard's plan. "I am glad that we've come into an agreement. I would like to ask you to allow my vehicles to traverse the streets of Italica to move into position." The knights perked their heads right up when he requested such a thing. That's when he remembers that he's in a fantasy-medieval anime.

"By vehicles, I mean our metal carriages that move on their own." He recited the words that Lelei said when she described a Humvee, such a mouthful thing to say.

"Very well, Centurio Richard." Pina then looked towards the maid, who in two hours, came by to serve drinks and snacks. The maid is much older than those that he's seen, leaving him to ponder why she hasn't retired yet. Pina nods to the maid and the maid nods back in respect, leaving the room to carry out the order. Richard won't question it, as long as his Humvees and Bradley get into position, he's content with what methods Pina uses.

Richard moves his hand up to his radio on his shoulder, pressing on the transmit button. "Fireteam One and Two, do you copy?" Richard began, waiting for confirmation to go through. Richard glances at the Knights, who watch him with eager intent after talking into the black box.

"Fireteam Leader One, reading you loud and clear Lieutenant." Richard notices the Princess and Hamilton flinching from hearing the voice coming from seemingly nowhere, while Grey watches quietly with a raised eyebrow.

"Fireteam Leader Two, copy."

"All Fireteams move into the city of Italica. We are to assist in its defense. Fireteam Two, move your Bradley to the North gate, one humvee will go to the West and East Gates. Form a third channel, designation East Gate, West Gate, and North Gate reorganize your teams into those callsigns based on assigned vehicle location, over."

"Roger that, we're moving over."

"Orders confirmed, roger that, over."

"Good, check-in within an hour, over and out." Richard ends his orders to his Platoon, all the while looking out the windows that overlook the city of Italica. From up here, the city is more like a sea of roof tiles, red and brown, with many withered colors while some are brand new. Over in the distance, he can see the wall encompassing the city, and while he realizes that his vehicles will not be of good help within the walls, in the event of a breach, they'll be able to assist.

Richard moves his attention towards the Knights, who sit in awe with their jaws slightly gaping, and their arms stiff. Richard humored to himself, seeing their expressions, wondering if they're even breathing properly. With a small groan, Richard stands up and fiddles with the end of his gloves, pushing it up to his hand and making it tighter. "It has been a pleasure, I will be seeing you on the battlefield."

Richard receives respectful nods after he goes and turns to look at every person in the room, even the Countess gives him a nod of respect. He walks to the doors of the room, wrapping his hand around one of the doorknobs before turning around. He has a piercing gaze at the Princess. "You are going into battle, right, Princess?" Hamilton, who sees it as a threat, unsheathes the sword once more while the Princess appears to be physically struck by his words. Without saying another word, he leaves the room.

Walking down the hall he laughs to himself for that little stunt at the end. Just reacting in the face of a sometimes ignorant, arrogant, and egoistic noble being given a reality check amuses him greatly. This is something you'll see in a Netflix show or even an anime, maybe he is in one. Regardless, he got a good laugh out of it.

[-]

Italica, North Gate.

02:40 AM, Local Time.

The night is silent, with the crackles of torches that line the battlements to light up the night so they're able to see. The North Gate is standing, as well as every other Gates of Italica. Being among civilians turn fighters give the North Gate team some compelling thoughts, and some things to wonder about, but that's mostly it. Their NVGs lowered onto their eyes, giving them a better view over the landscape they overlooked from the battlements of the North Gate.

Specialist Thomas, Corporal Jackson, and Staff Sergeant Gideon stood tall over the battlements while the rest of their team were down on the ground near the Humvee. They've set up their SAW on the parapets, with Corporal Jackson ready to mow down any coming bandits that dare go attacking the North Gate. But for now, his finger hovers beside the trigger, maintaining proper firearm safety rules and practices.

Specialist Thomas had been the one ordered by Lieutenant Richard to radio back to Fort Alnus using the Bradley's long-range radio, requesting reinforcements to arrive in at least 3 hours. Specialist Thomas only does what's ordered, telling them that Italica is allied, and if the Foundation helps in its defense, its strategic location can be used as a better frontline base. After that, he sat back against one of the parapets tending to his weapon.

Staff Sergeant Gideon has one arm wrapped around his chest, the cold of the night and the speed of the wind piercing past his layers of clothing and straight into his body. His other hand holds a binocular to his eyes, watching silently for any kind of movement. Gideon sighs and moves the binoculars away, slinging them back to his vest then turning to Specialist Thomas. "Hey, Thomas." He calls, Thomas perking his head up towards the Staff Sergeant a moment later. "I'm bored, do you have any stories you can tell?"

The nonchalant revelation by the Staff Sergeant sends the Specialist laughing, shaking his head before calming down. "Well, I'd love to tell one but, I'm drained, Staff Sergeant. I haven't slept, and I spent all day with that mage girl. She's a curious one, isn't she? She's looking over all of my equipment like she's shopping. Wanted to test the radio, she asked. I said no, of course, but surprisingly, she just agreed." The Specialist shrugged at the end, well, that's a story to Gideon's ears so good enough.

Gideon chuckles to give Thomas a reaction, looking back over the battlements and at the landscape. He squints his eyes… wait a minute. He grabs his binoculars again and looks through them to get a closer look. His jaw slowly drops, as a look of horror washed over his face. Through the binoculars, he sees a sea of flesh. Rotting, blistering flesh. The sea lights up several torches, and it's being unveiled clearly to Gideon. "...Thomas, call everyone."

"049 is here with an army."