Chapter 154 - Compromises

At Count Leon's forward camp in Ocra....

"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" Count Leon slammed his armored fist into the war table, causing the pieces to jostle in position and cups to rattle. "I don't care any longer what the casualty rate is. You are my generals, and I order you to launch a full assault on Ocra right now!" He pointed angrily at the generals on the opposite side of the war table.

"Count Leon, with all due respect, it would be a pyrrhic victory at best! With our supply lines being harassed by Versians, the troops' morale are at an all-time low. We could lose more than half of our force here if we try to attack right now. I firmly suggest that we wait-"

"Wait? WAIT?! I've heard that word more than a hundred times over the last few months!" Count Leon bellowed, before his voice toned down to a simmering rage. "There will be no more waiting. There will be no more idling. There will be no more COWARDICE among my generals, and by nightfall tomorrow, I want a breach or an entry point into Ocra. You have my full authorization to use any resources we have in this camp, including the mage and that of Count Kregol's forces. Do I make myself clear?!"

The generals exchanged a reluctant look at each other, knowing full well it might be a suicidal battle. However, Count Leon was still the top commander of the force, and saying no to him would be tantamount to political and literal suicide as well. They were about to say no when the war tent's opening was flung open by a frantic messenger.

Count Leon glared angrily at the messenger. "What is the meaning of this? Who the fuck let him in?"

"Count Leon, Raktor is being attacked!"

"Attacked?!" Count Leon and the generals were taken aback. "That's not possible. We have been holding off the Versians near Tenar and Ocra, how could they have mustered a force to attack Raktor? Count Perlis and Kregol are holding the flanks as well!"

"Not the Versians, sir. The major gangs! They have attacked the Central Sector!"

Count Leon immediately stiffened up upon hearing that. His generals half expected the Count to fly into a rage, but instead, the Count calmed down, a cold simmering fury underneath his contemplating expression. "So this is how Harrison wants to play..."

He looked over the table that held the war map once more, the various pieces indicating the various players at large. "Has Count Perlis made any progress in his front?" Count Leon asked his generals.

"No sir, they have been still fighting non-stop in the Keru Forest. Casualties are high and -"

"Bullshit. Months on end, and casualties are high? He didn't even have that many forces to begin with. He's stalling. He's stalling, so my forces are weakened!" Count Leon grunted. "I want them both on the radio now!"

The radio call was set up with haste, the two Counts accepting the call where Count Leon explained the situation. "If we do not end the war quickly, then Raktor will be taken over by the major gangs."

[ That is indeed a terrible scenario, Count Leon. Unfortunately, it would be impossible for me to push any harder. My men are hardly equipped to face the high technology that the Versians wield. ] Count Perlis replied over the radio.

[ Indeed. Count Leon, you know very well where all my forces are and their numbers. I am ready to support you where necessary, but I cannot guarantee any success. ] Count Kregol chimed in.

The radio call ended without much of a conclusion, Count Leon only fuming even harder. "Those two idiots... they want to see me suffer! Everyone is waiting for my demise!"

"Sir, should we retreat to Raktor? Even if we capture Ocra, losing Ratkor would be-"

"Ridiculous! My garrison and enforcers can handle the major gangs long enough. We will win everything!" Count Leon asserted. "Once our assault on Ocra is successful, we will push on to Tenar regardless, and only then shall we return to Raktor to quell the fools. The major gangs would be less equipped than the Versian army."

"I'm sorry, Count Leon." A general mustered up his courage to speak up. "I cannot carry out your order. With Raktor in chaos, we no longer have a valid supply line to feed our troops. Even if we capture Ocra, we would be starving by the time we reach Tenar."

 "And so are the Versians!!" Count Leon retorted. "I've seen the reports of food shortages in Tenar!"

 "But not the New Versians, the Ghosts." The same general pointed out. "As much as they are opposed to Harrison, they would stop any attempts from us to push further into Versia."

 Count Leon took a deep breath, his eyes closed. "So.... what you're saying is that I have not a single ally in this battlefield."

 The generals didn't reply, though the sad truth was clear for all to see already. Even Count Leon's anger subsided the moment he realized that it would be difficult to push any further. As much as he wanted to capture Versia, the men could easily revolt against him if supplies were to run out. "Can we forage from the surrounding forests?"

 "We have been, but it's not enough to sustain us."

 "Write a letter to Count Perlis and Kregol requesting for more supplies."

 "Sir, they would most certainly ask for exorbitant prices... and supplies alone will not be enough to resolve this scenario."

 "Then stop countering my orders and give me a proper battle plan!" Count Leon snarled. "All I'm hearing is rejections instead of suggestions!"

 The generals fell silent, none of them knowing how to proceed. Count Leon was about to vent his frustration on them when a sudden commotion erupted in the middle of the camp, shouts heard from beyond the fabric of the war tent. "What's going on out there?!" Count Leon asked.

 A few seconds passed before a guard entered, his eyes full of fear. "Sir... two leaders of New Versia are here to negotiate. We have them surrounded now, but..."

 "But?"

 "One of them is the same armored man who injured our mage."

 "... bring them in. I'll hear what they have to say. Call our mage in."

 The guard nodded, leaving the flap open where Count Leon could see the two walking in. He immediately recognized one of them - Minister Dekar, while the other armored man was still a mystery to him. The soldiers all flinched at every movement the armored man made, each step sending waves of fear through the soldiers.

 As the two leaders of New Versia entered the tent, Count Leon had his generals stand to the side while his mage stood behind him. The armored man stood at the same height as the mage, both of them locking eyes with each other.

 "I see you are as healthy as ever." The armored man taunted the mage. "I was expecting you to be suffering from third-degree burns."

 "Our fight isn't over yet, punk." The mage grunted. "I'll crack your frozen head off in an instant if I could."

 "You can try."

 Count Leon stretched out a hand, preventing the mage from talking any further. "I wish I could have met you again at a better time, Minister Dekar."

 "It's President Dekar now. And I can see you are in a dire situation of your own choosing." Dekar replied while glancing at the war map.

 "Are you implying that we are losing? We have Ocra surrounded and Tenar at bay!" Count Leon scoffed. "In fact, I should have you two captured immediately and strung up for all of Versia to see."

 "We're here to negotiate an alliance," Dekar spoke clearly.

 Count Leon looked at the mage and generals, all of them exchanging incredulous looks. "An alliance? Between enemies."

 "Hardly enemies, Count Leon. I hate Harrison as much as you do. He betrayed me before he betrayed you. Both you and I want the same thing: control of Tenar."

 "And why would that avail me to such an alliance? We are competitors for the same thing." Count Leon cocked an eyebrow.

 "Because as it stands right now, you are surrounded on all sides, cut off from all supply chains with nowhere to run. If things continue the way they are, Harrison's forces will liberate Ocra and chase you all the way back to Raktor, which is already caught in chaos from the major gangs."

 "You know a lot for a recently tortured prisoner."

 "I have my sources. Enough bickering. Here's the deal." Dekar stared right into Count Leon's eyes. "We, New Versia, can help you nullify Ocra and take Tenar together."

 "Together...?" Count Leon scratched his chin, thinking for a moment. "And you become President?"

 "I will give Ocra and its surrounding territories over to you while I retain control of Versia. You get your win, and Harrison will be captured and dead. If we move fast enough, I will also assist in squashing the major gang rebellion. It's a win-win."

Count Leon opened his mouth to retort, but he couldn't help but admit internally that it was a good way out of the current situation. He had his reservations about giving Tenar over to the rebels, but as it stands, he couldn't take it himself. "We will have to sign a truce the moment Tenar is taken over."

"Of course. Harrison will not be easy to eliminate immediately. We will have our own civil war to deal with while you deal with yours." Dekar nodded.

"And you will supply my troops?"

"We will provide four divisions worth of fighting troops to aid in sieging Tenar. We have access to tunnels leading right beneath Tenar that we can use to infiltrate the city and destabilize its defenses. If you agree to the terms now, we can have the capital taken within a week."

"What about giving Ocra? You don't control Ocra now, Harrison does."

Dekar let out a small grin. "Ah, but we always had control of Ocra. The garrison leaders are all our men."

Count Leon gripped his fist tightly out of anger. "So you were the ones feeding the people in Ocra?!"

"The past cannot be changed. What can be changed is the future." Dekar dismissed the accusation and stretched out a hand for a handshake. "Do we have a deal or not?"

Count Leon thought for a few moments before finally shaking Dekar's hand. "We have a deal, though we will need to work out the finer details."

"Indeed. I'll have my men work with you on a battle plan. We'll keep in touch." Dekar motioned to the armored man, who handed over an arctech radio.

Count Leon nodded as the two New Versia leaders left the tent. He followed them outside, finally seeing what the soldiers were all shouting about. In the middle of the camp were three gigantic mineral ants, modified with fuel packs and a single rider on each, frightening the soldiers. The armored man helped Dekar up onto the back of one of the ants before they took off, disappearing into the night sky.

"Count Leon, making a deal with them is dangerous. The moment they control Tenar, they will backstab us and refuse to give up Ocra." A general raised his concern.

Count Leon had a knowing grin on his face. "Oh, I know. And they know that, too. We're just using each other to take a common enemy. And as soon as that enemy falls, we'll be ready."

***

Back at Desham...

"They are going to attack us the very moment Tenar falls," Dekar explained as the leaders reconvened in the governor's office. "We have to be prepared for any backstabs going into this battle."

"We'll be ready. Even if they send their mage in, I can take care of him." Kyle nodded. "Let's work on the battle plan now that we have Count Leon's temporary help."

They spent the next few hours drawing up a draft plan to take down Tenar. Kyle had already issued commands to the Ghost squads still embedded in Ocra to allow Count Leon's troops to pass through fully to Tenar. This way, Count Leon could muster all of his attention and resources towards pushing Tenar.

At the same time, Aurtla supply planes began to ferry food and war material to Count Leon troops, serving as their logistical chain and bolstering their supplies. The four divisions of Ghost soldiers began intensive training, preparing for the imminent start of a campaign against Tenar.

"They won't even know what'll hit them." Diya grinned as she marked out the entry points into Tenar. "Once our men have secured the catacombs, we can send an elite strike force all the way through right to the very doorstep of the parliment before they can even blink."

"Not if they are prepared for it," Dekar warned. "Harrison and Mornero know about the catacombs, and they have already shifted most of their troops from Creuliz to Tenar. Originally, they were meant to suppress the unrest you all have raised, but now they are bolstering the garrison to nearly double its strength. It won't be an easy fight, and it might take more than a week."

"We don't have time for that," Kyle interjected. "Raktor is under fire, and we have to crush or dismantle the Versian army before they can launch a pincer attack against Count Leon." With the major gangs revolting in Raktor now, Kyle no longer had the chance to prolong the war. Count Leon would have been collapsed upon, and if Kyle wanted to return back to defeat the Ardent Cretins, he needed to end the war as swiftly as possible.

"The walls of Tenars is our first priority. If we can create multiple breaches, it would be easy for Count Leon's troops to start pushing the city." Diya marked the key breach points with bright red chess pieces. "This would pull the enemy away from the center, allowing our strike force to have less opposition. But the watchtowers currently set every kilometer apart around its circumference would allow the defenders a clear vantage point onto the breach, rendering it a kill zone."

"So, take out the watchtowers flanking the breach points, then take down the walls," Feldon concluded. "That's easy enough. We can have the mineral ants burrow in to destabilize the foundation of the walls."

"For some areas, yes. For other areas, the catacomb tunnels that we are currently using run right under the walls. Collapsing the walls would be collapsing our entry and exit points too." Dekar countered. "It would be better if we can take it out from above."

"The walls are layered with point-defense engravings. There's no way we'll be able to bomb it quickly. It'll take maybe two to three days before their supplies even dwindle." Hayden pointed out.

"That's why we have our Ghost squads within. We have to foster riots and dissent, have them attack the military storage facilities and destroy their storage of arcia fuel." Kyle explained. "Then the battle plan is set. We'll assist Count Leon in the frontal battle with three divisions, while the last division and the mineral ant squadron will prepare to infiltrate Tenar. Send orders to the Ghosts to start raising hell through any means necessary. Cut off the water utilities and blow up the arcia fuel storage. We move out in three days, understood?"

"Yes, sir!" The leaders nodded, splitting up again while Kyle pulled Hayden to one side.

"I need to upgrade the Aurtla. Currently they aren't a factor in the war."

"You mean logistically? We're at the weight limit for the structure if that's what you're asking about, we can't carry anymore supplies nor personnel."

"No, I need a variation of the Aurtla to drop explosives over a wide area," Kyle explained his idea to Hayden.

"You want it to act as an artillery?"

"If that helps you to visualize it, then yes. The Aurtla will need to fly over its target and drop bombs by the dozens. We already have the bombs, now we just need to make a delivery system."

While the city of Desham geared up for war, Kyle and Hayden worked on a simple belt system, creating a conveyor movement within the cabin of the Aurtla to deliver explosive bombs by the crate. The factories worked overtime, workers rotating shifts round the clock as they churned out ammunition, explosives, weapons and armor to feed the hungry warmachine. Propaganda radio ran non-stop throughout the day, building the morale of the people up.

Each Ghost was outfitted with a full Aspis MK1 Knight armor along with an Aspis MK2 repeater, equipped with poor arcia crystals that served as their fuel packs again. Recruits were cycled to the mining expedition in the mineral ants' nest, where they continued to harvest gold as well as arcia crystals from roving packs of rock spiders deeper into the hollow root network. Every squad received a railgun carrier, enough to punch a hole through a warmachine if necessary.

The Ghost sections were also provided with freshly made wagons, serving as armored personnel carriers manufactured by the new machinery provided by Raktor. Not every section had a wagon, but each wagon came equipped with a deployable mortar tube as well as a fully functional radio system. Crates upon crates of food, water packs and other basic potions were stocked up onto wagon convoys, division commanders organizing their men into various platoons.

Scouts were deployed to the forest and beyond, skirmishes already breaking out between the Versian army and the Ghosts as they fought for information dominance. Reports streamed in, giving the updated positions of the various Versian divisions and their estimated strength.

As soon as Kyle was done with the modification of the Aurtla to become a crude bomber, he had Sasha and Jaden round up a few competent Ghosts to serve as bomber crews. "The Versian army will send out their own airborne fighters. Your job as the mineral ant squadron is to make sure our bombers do not get taken out. Understood?"

Jaden nodded, taking his squadron to practice airborne combat. The riders were now veterans at the high intensity flips and turns, and with the added versatility thanks to the acceleration engraving, Kyle was confident that nothing Harrison sent could match his air superiority. The only problem that remained to be seen, was whether Harrison had ground-based anti-air defences. A single laser array would take out my entire squadron.

Unfortunately, the infiltrating Ghost squads couldn't dig up any information, nor could they find Harrison anywhere in the city. "He's hiding really well, that's for sure," Feldon remarked upon reading the reports. "Even some of the Nest guards we have captured from the facility haven't seen him in weeks."

"Understood. We'll play it safe then. Let's get started on the riots then. Distribute the flyers to the citizens of Tenar, and let them know of the imminent attack and the conditions for surrender. Get the Aurtla planes to fly overhead as well."

Kyle's plan was to frighten the citizens into submission or division. Either way would destabilize the current unity of Tenar, allowing his men and forces to attack Tenar better. With the Aurtla planes flying overhead without any opposition, it would create an oppressive atmosphere that will break the will of most residents.

While Kyle awaited for the results, the Ghosts from Ocra had made it to Desham thanks to the agreement with Count Leon. Culo, Lisa, Masir and Wez were ferried into the barracks, their faces jubilant at having survived. Kyle smiled at them, giving each of the returning Ghosts a handshake to congratulate them on their successful mission. "Well done, you are all exemplary Ghosts. Though I don't remember you two having a kid. It seems Ocra has been more stressful than I thought." Kyle squinted his eyes at the young girl hiding behind Lisa.

"W-w-what? Zoey isn't our kid." Culo fumbled his words, while Lisa quickly distanced herself away from Culo, motioning for the girl to step forward. "She's an orphan we picked up at Ocra. Smart head on her shoulders."

"We don't have time to take care of children. The final battle is almost here. While I understand that you have just got out of Ocra, taking Tenar is the critical juncture of whether the Ghosts will live to see another day. I expect all of you veteran Ghosts to see it through. Each of you has a wealth of experience being under siege. As such, you are all promoted to your next commanding rank. Culo, Lisa, you two will be leading a division each respectfully. We'll begin briefing on the battle plan immediately."

The returning Ghosts nodded, saluting in unison. They joined the rank of Ghost sergeants and officers, who were drilled on the battle plan, familiarizing themselves with the landscape thanks to the help of Aurtla observation flights over the battlefield of Tenar. Battle lines were drawn, fallback spots were marked, and Kyle reiterated and drilled multiple backup plans into the heads of the commanders over and over again. "This entire operation hinges on control of the parliament and the successful capture of President Mornero. Everything else is a distraction."

The training and briefing carried on just one day before the battle, Kyle dismissing the Ghosts and allowing them some free time. Many of the Ghosts couldn't relax even if it was an order, knowing that they could be dead the very next day. Some tried to loosen their nerves by drinking or playing games with others, while Culo simply laid down on the bed in his own officer's room, relishing in the first bout of safety that he had experienced in a long while. He didn't need any more training nor did he feel unprepared - none of the returning Ghosts did. To him, the upcoming battle for Tenar felt a lot simpler than what he had endured.

His mind traced back to the various fights in Ocra, a part of him wondering how the hell he had even survived such harrowing battles. Just a year ago, he was but a village boy in the literal meaning of the term, having seen nothing past the usual trees that bounded the world he knew. Now, he was the leader of the division, thousands of soldiers at his beck and call, where a single word from him could mean life or death for anyone. Culo felt a little tinge of pain in his heart as he looked back on the journey he had taken to come here. I went to Raktor to work in a factory, but now I return as a rebellion commander. What a funny world this is...

A knock on his officer's room door interrupted his train of thought, the door opening to reveal Lisa and an excited Zoey jumping into the room and onto the officer's table. "Hey, watch the furniture!" Culo barked, sitting up to grab Zoey off before her muddy shoes could tarnish the wooden tables.

"Let's go see the city!" Zoey exclaimed.

"I'm busy! I'm going to fight tomorrow, you know?" Culo berated Zoey, trying to hold her down.

"But you're not doing anything, you're just lying down!"

Lisa laughed at the sight of Culo trying to hold Zoey down. "She really wants to go see Desham. We haven't really taken a proper look since coming here yesterday."

"Fine, fine. Let's go." Culo begrudgingly got up, leaving the barracks with Lisa and Zoey. The streets of Desham were very different from the wartorn Ocra, the buildings refurbished along with a slew of construction projects that never seemed to end. People walked with purpose and vigor, their eyes filled with hope as factory chimneys billowed out smoke non-stop.

The three of them took some time to marvel at the state that Desham was in now. "Last time I heard about Desham, it was just supposed to be a small town farming random crops. Now it looks like a fully-fledged industrial city." Culo murmured in amazement.

"Just who is this Kyle? How is he able to do all of this?" Lisa questioned. "Where does he even come from?"

"I don't know, but if this is what Versia could be in the future, then that's something worth fighting for."

They walked about Desham, noticing that everyone had a part to play. Not a single homeless refugee nor beggar could be seen, Zoey amazed by the fact. In truth, Culo and Lisa both knew that such people had been forcibly taken off the street and thrown into manual labor. The Ghosts would never allow a slacker to live under their roof if they could help it.

"I hope Jakub is doing fine in Tenar... if he got the flyer he should have escaped by now. When all of this is over, we need to find him." Lisa mentioned.

"I'll find him. We'll gather all the villagers back and rebuild our home just the way it was." Culo nodded in agreement, only to earn a playful punch from Lisa.

"Don't say it like that. You sound like you're going to die in the battle." Lisa teased.

"Like hell I am. I don't even think I'm going to show my face in the frontline. I have enough close calls to last me a lifetime." Culo scowled. "A division commander should lead from the rear. Let the others do the heavy lifting."

"Sure, sure. That's what you always say, but I see you jumping out to the front back in Ocra, despite being the commander."

"That was different - I had to raise the morale by any means. Now that Kyle is here, I'm not needed as much. Just him alone could probably take over Tenar himself."

"He almost did before the war started." Lisa pointed out.

"Yeah, he did..." Culo's voice trailed off. "Lisa, remember that time in Ocra? When I asked you if -"

Culo's words were interrupted by a citywide radio announcement. [ All Ghosts, report to the barracks immediately. This is not a drill. ]

"What's going on?" Zoey clutched Lisa's pants, Lisa bending down to pick her up.

"Culo, we'll talk later. Go to the barracks while I'll drop Zoey off at the shelter."

Culo nodded, immediately heading straight back to the barracks where the men were already assembling in their full gear, armed to the teeth and ready for war. It's one day too early, is it not?

However, the reason was immediately made clear by Kyle as the Ghost commanders gathered again once more for an emergency briefing. "The Versian army has pushed out from Tenar. They are currently fighting Count Leon's forces with their full strength."

"Wasn't Count Leon was supposed to attack only a day later?" Culo asked.

"Seems that Harrison has caught on to our plans, and is trying to take us by surprise. If Count Leon's front collapses, we are all doomed. Harrison will turn his full attention into crushing us, and as well equipped as we are, they outnumber us five to one." Kyle explained.

"But as with every obstacle comes opportunity. What Harrsion doesn't know is just how fast we can move. With Harrison's forces now drawn out of the city, we have an easier time to rush the city through the catacombs and from above. All Ghosts are to assemble, ready for depature in one hour. We must reach Tenar within six hours if we want to capitalize on the current movements. Culo, your division will bring up the front and establish the battle lines. Jaden, protect the bombers while they siege the walls and supply depots in the city. Feldon, get every embedded Ghosts to let all hell loose. Sasha, you're with me. We'll be heading through the catacombs. If everything goes to plan, Harrison and Mornero will fall within a day. Move out!"