"Number 6 from the second unit reporting. No major activity detected. They transport some wardroids and personnel through a concealed entrance at the mountain base. Requesting closer recon."
I tapped the transmitter clipped to my collar and peered through the trinocular mode on my glasses at the Ohmese camp, several kilometers below.
My unit was assigned pure surveillance today so there wasn't much to do except waiting, and watching our targets go about their lives.
While my subordinates rummaged around the mountainsides to observe, here I was, hovering over 4000 meters in the air, scanning the area.
"Control unit to Number 6, permission denied. Return to the base immediately." The voice from the transmitter rang out, with joyous news.
"Understood." I muttered and cut off the signal connection, thankfully the day's mission was over. My suspicions were meaningless in front of orders, and I couldn't be happier at that especially now.
"You all, move out. Return to base!" I relayed to the rest of my men as I started my descent from the skies. My face tingled from the harshness of the air resistance while I navigated my way back to the camp.
Slicing through thin air, I descended gently, mindful of shock waves that might alert the enemy. In less than minutes, I landed softly on the ground and headed towards the pick-up point where my subordinates were waiting.
They arranged themselves in the usual rows and columns I was used to seeing and saluted on sight.
"""All Twelve Numbers are present Sir!!""" They all chorused in unison. I was meant to address them on the details of the assignments but… I sifted through their expressions. The fatigue was way too apparent.
"Report concluded. Stand by for orders. Dismissed!" I declared while simultaneously turning to leave, and as if automated, they recited the usual irking phrase.
"""Understood!! Glory to Hertz!!""" They saluted maintaining straightforward gazes, waiting for me to reciprocate.
"Yeah, Glory to Hertz!" I responded with an indifferent hastened salute which as usual invited expressions of confusion from my subordinates.
I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few rumors here and there, but their patriotism was tiresome, Hertz deserved no praise.
I climbed down and turned my attention to my second lieutenant, who was in charge of organizing and arranging the troops in my absence; My trusted second-in-command, Lucas Cind.
"Lieutenant Cind, what's the next task on the list today?"
"Sir! The scheduled meeting with Colonel Julius should be in about ten minutes, I'll haul the seized gear to the control unit so we can arrive with five minutes to spare" He answered so as formally as one would expect when speaking to their superior, not like I was any different with some of my higher-ups though.
My gaze paced around the equipment, and noticed some quite troublesome devices and other heavy ones as well. I looked back at Julius who was already wondering how he was supposed to carry them all in one trip. I gave up on my thoughts and gave a tired sigh.
"Step aside, I'll handle them," I said whilst stretching forward my hands towards the equipment and sending them directly into my pocketspace. Julius with his face covered in astonishment prostrated in gratitude.
"Thank you very much, captain, your pocketspace is as impressive as always," He said as we made our way in the direction of the main camp. Pocketspace is an alternate dimension normally used to store things ranging from food to even whole structures for very prominent users.
Its size of course depends on the energy level of the user, and only people with good knowledge of spatial principles can manifest it; the ultimate mobile warehouse.
This battalion was tasked by the brass to 'maintain the effect of the armistice' and was sent to the border as a base, as implied on paper, but we're really just looking for an excuse to attack them.
The two countries Hertz and Ohm are the only civilizations present on an entire continent. There used to be more, but the two powerhouses had succeeded in subduing and absorbing the smaller countries around their respective areas and with no other prey left, decided to go after each other to bring a unified rule. Exhausted by endless wars, they signed a truce years ago barely more than a ceasefire. Both armies nursed grudges and dwindling supplies. And so to avoid mutual destruction, they reached temporary peace, but we can all see how well that's going.
"Here are the items we discovered and obtained during the mission," I said nonchalantly as I dropped off the items from my pocketspace. "Well then, I'll be heading off to report to the colonel" I declared not even sparing a second glance to look at the suspecting eyes in the room that appeared to be studying my every move. In all honesty, I don't trust them even more than they don't trust me but to make a living, I'm not faced with any other choice.
"Wait there captain Pyre, I'd like to have a word with you." A familiarly irritating voice called out to me from the chair situated at the furthest edge of the room. My thoughts were already leaking onto my facial expression but I had to maintain my straight face if I wanted to keep my position.
"I'm terribly sorry Major Clad, but I've been requested by the colonel and I wouldn't want to keep him waiting. Can we reschedule to another time?" I spoke with a tone that almost sounded programmed with the best poker face I could muster. It was obvious he was trying to set me up for a trap. He was most likely trying to make me disrespect the colonel by appearing late and on the other hand make it look like I'm disregarding him if I deny his current request.
"So you're saying I'm not qualified enough to be responded to? That's okay to keep me waiting, you maggot!?" He partially screamed while making his way towards me. It was about to happen, again.
"Not at all sir, I mean--" In a single instant, the major's frustration manifested into a punch that sent me a few steps backward, clutching my jaw. The rage in my body rose to insurmountable heights, but my current position didn't allow for any form of retaliation that wouldn't result in severe consequences under the military code. I kept my head hung down while he went on with his madness.
"And you dare talk back!? If it weren't for the colonel's order to see you, I would've had you buried right on this spot!!" He declared with audibility that could be heard from the next tent. As he finished I suddenly felt something cold land on my head followed by the laughter of the rest of the officers seated in the room. I didn't need a third party to tell me he spat on me, the cold sensation persisted surprisingly not being heated by my intense rage. I slightly turn my head to glance at Cind who despite keeping a straight face, had a relentlessly shaking fist. Our states were mutual, even though it felt fundamentally wrong, we couldn't do a thing about it.
"Now get out of my sight!" He spat while turning his back to us and heading back to his seat. We hurriedly left the tent and my steps towards the colonel's tent only increased with Cind in tow.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble Captain." He said sympathetically whilst holding out a tissue for me to wipe my hair with. Poor guy, he must be feeling bad since his responsibility was the only reason I had to even go to the CU tent, but well, this treatment was usual to me at this point. So I felt quite uncomfortable with his sympathy.
"It's not your fault, so don't worry about it" I responded to clear him of his doubts. Within two minutes we arrived at the tent at just the right time, even meeting some other officers as we ventured in. On reaching the table, I took my seat at almost the very edge of the table with Lieutenant Cind standing right behind me.
The average tent is as large as an entire standard bungalow, the structure can be altered depending on the intended use. It uses nanotechnology to compress its entire size to the size of a ball for easy mobilization, causing the development of a constantly mobile army base. The current situation could also be traced back to the advancements in military technology and the country's ruler's obsession with power. After we all gathered, the colonel rose and began his address.
"Men, the brass sent us a love letter yesterday. It read that the combat power that can be mobilized at any time from now is 2000 battalions, consisting of wardroids, soldiers, and even crusaders. This number is enough to cause a major shift in the tides of the control in the war and thus, we are expected to not neglect our preparations." He finished with a look of satisfaction written all over his face. Still maintaining his standing position, he leaned over, took a sip from his steaming hot cup of coffee, and glanced around to observe the reactions of the remaining officials. After his address followed murmurs and side-talks across the entire room, me being no different.
"Captain Pyre, is this going to lead to our side taking the initiative to nullify the armistice order?" Lieutenant Cind who was standing directly behind me took advantage of the confusion to clear his thoughts.
"Not also is that highly unlikely, I'd say it's impossible. Hertz is heavily concerned with its outward appearance to other countries, so, we probably wouldn't instigate an incident. Upfront that is." I responded in a low voice to not draw attention to our conversation. After all, talking about the strategic unit tactic in the open wouldn't make you very popular among your peers in the camp.
"If it's not upfront, then… could it be from the rear or perhaps an assassination?" He asked innocently, presenting one retarded idea after the other.
"Both of those are wrong, it's provocation" I tried my best to simplify the answer as I noticed the noise began to settle down. I hope he got the concept of what I was trying to imply though, even though I doubt he did. After the room turned pin-drop silent again, the colonel continued where he left off.
"Now, Captain Pyre! Please provide us with a summary of the information you have gathered through your unit's weekly surveillance." He now directed his attention and that of the entire room to me. I stood without wasting a single second and saluted.
"Sir! Here are the reports from the Hertzian army's blue battalion's second unit. There have been no outward movements from the Ohmese forces, all movement's remain well inside the expected range. however, they seemed to have organized their camp at the border as well. They perform some operations albeit unclear in their base and strangely enough, created a kind of entrance directly into the bottom of the Yar mountain they are situated at. I requested permission to conduct a closer investigation on numerous occasions but was denied them, but the leading suspicion is that they created some pathway to transport both manpower and supplies that are isolated from our observation range. That concludes my report."
I saluted, making my hand into a gun shape and pressing the middle finger again the side of my head, the Hertzian salute.
"Well done. Now from the reports, it's safe to assume the Ohmese forces are also plotting a preemptive strike on our nation and most probably would have spies of their own lurking around the fatherland as we speak." The colonel spat with his face beaming with utter seriousness.
Again, here we go again.
"In other words, by the actions they have taken, the enemies have forced us into a position where we must take measures to defend ourselves first before they flatten us because we were too scared to take the initiative. Would we allow our fatherland to suffer grave losses due to adhering to some meager international laws up until the last details? God forbid!! We must take the opportunity we have been provided!!!" He slammed his hammer fist into the table as he declared psychotically, earning the cheer of everybody in the room.
The war craze amongst the figures in this room was suffocating, baseless assumptions upon assumptions, all to support their innate desires. Fame, accolades, wealth, each of them casually threw reason out the window just to find someway to cater to this greed.
They had long since forgotten the terrors of the front lines. With their high ranks, their role was to assume command over the force. All they had to do was mobilize and organize those resigned to death into units, rows, and columns before lashing them off to their graves on the war front.
"Sir Colonel, if I may…" My voice albeit at its normal tone invoked an abrupt silence across the room. Several eyes turned and met my seat, in utter disbelief that an officer more than 3 ranks lower, would dare interrupt the colonel's message.
However, I was already past the point of caring. I looked on at the colonel and kept my gaze high with no emotion whatsoever.
The colonel stared at me for a few seconds, he squinted his eyes a little before heaving a light sigh, "Speak on Captain Pyre. You've done a lot of favors for me and even once shared a drink with me, so I'd like to hear your opinion" He said with a little reassuring smile, which although gave me more assurance, made me quite uncomfortable.
Murmurs petered around as a form of a reaction to the colonel's response but a simple raise of his hand was enough to quell the noise.
"Well then, I propose that we continue observing in the meantime and not take decisive action." I declared my premise waiting for a reaction from him.
"Hmm? I may have said all that at first to boost your confidence, but you best have good reason to issue a direct opposition to the Headquarters's decision." I watched his face transition from a healthy smile to a furrowed brow and a strict frown with his reply. Mmm, definitely not the one I was hoping for.
Even still what choice do I have but to continue, I'm already at the point of no return anyways
"Frankly speaking, we do not have the resources to carry out the scale of war the country is envisioning, and judging that we have more than the opposition is clearly a blind assumption. Unlike the fatherland, It's no secret that Ohm has developed various alliances with powerful countries outside of the continent that are willing to support them should we proceed with this war. This alone puts us at a major disadvantage, not to mention if we did initiate the attack, we would be viewed as aggressors to the rest of the world and our choices of alliances would be as good as zero. Let us not forget that the armistice was set because we both reached the point where continuation would lead to mutual annihilation." I summarized and saluted to the colonel before sitting back down.
I already knew that this wouldn't be enough to change their minds. Several murmurs echoed across the room, hopefully some featuring reconsideration.
"I will not deny, there are some truths in your words Captain." The colonel began again, his mere voice demanded utter silence.
"But what would you do when Ohm takes the initiative instead and destroys perhaps a city or a town on the outskirts of the country? When men lose their wives, women lose their children and children lose their fathers, what would be your response? Would you be willing to take responsibility then, Captain?"
The colonel questioned whilst walking around the room with his eyes fixated on me. Colonel Julius, this man in my opinion wasn't necessarily a bad person, but he like the other barbaric leaders in the room, talk about the value of life when it suits them but send soldiers to their deaths without even blinking during war.
"But Sir, what difference would it make if we initiated the attack and they responded in kind with their intended strike and caused the casualties instead?" In response to my inner annoyance, the tone of my voice was becoming more curt with every spoken word.
"But in that case, we would have secured an advantage in the long run by eliminating even a thousand of their soldiers, which is a good step! So now out with it before you kindle our wrath, what are you playing at?"
The colonel sensing the hostility in my words, responded in kind and now locked me in an intense stare. The rest of the officers replicated and soon enough, I had a room full of vicious eyes predating me. The way they conveniently glossed over the key points of my earlier explanation was truly astonishing, this war crave has most likely already rot their brains. Well then, my last resort.
"Sir! During my report earlier, I stated that I noticed a strange activity in a sort of entrance to the base of the Yar Mountain where they seemed to be taking wardroids and humans in and out of, but I couldn't get a visual. Either way, it would be idiotic to not realize it's related to manpower organization purposes. If that place can be thoroughly investigated and we can obtain undeniable evidence that the Ohmese are planning an offensive against us, not only would we intercept their plans, we would have solid grounds to initiate an offensive and still have a just image to the rest of the world since it would be counted as self-defence."
I paused for a bit to let the 'oohs' and 'ahhs' of the realization of what a perfect plan this resonated across the room. Even the colonel paused in his pacing to hear more.
"This led to my proposition on continuing our observations at the start, so we could find the perfect time to carry out the investigation. If this sequence plays out, not only would we have new prospects for alliances. We could gain some Intel that would make our strategy cut out some losses. This concludes my suggestion, Sir!" I declared before finally taking my seat, the murmurs, and the side talks had now transformed into full-on conversations among the members of the room.
Checkmate! Even the colonel would afford to negate a decision that made so much sense to everyone who had ears. I took a celebratory sip out of my water-bottle, whatever that means.
"As expected, you really are wise captain Pyre. There was no way I would have thought that far ahead." Cind who had been standing behind me the entire time complimented me with his trademark innocent smile. The likes of him don't belong on the front lines. I nodded at him and once again locked stares with Colonel Julius. Amid the commotion, we stared at each other for more than 10 seconds, until he let out a devious smile before changing his gaze.
"Silence." He ordered, at last, reclaiming control of the room.
"This truly was a wonderful suggestion captain Pyre. If everything does play out like your predictions claim, then we really would gain a lot of benefits. And for this reason, since the order from HQ has also come at a similar time, there's no time to waste. Captain Pyre, take your unit over to this mountain base and conduct the investigation mission tonight, we expect to get results before dawn," He shamelessly ordered maintaining that devious expression.
Well, this was all well within expectations, not in the good way to say the least. Pushing the entire task in a near-impossible time constraint onto me under the guise of 'suggesting the idea' was bullying I never expected from the likes of Colonel.
Could it be jealousy? That revolutionary idea originated from a mere captain and not from an experienced veteran like him? I could already hear the snuffled giggles and feel the mocking glances.
"If I may Sir, A single night to carry out an operation intended for multiple months of reconnaissance is nothing short of…" Before I could finish my objection, the colonel's hand slammed violently on the table, now observing me with murderous eyes. Had he finally snapped..?
"Captain! I will no longer tolerate your insolence!! When you are given orders, you accept them without thinking! Challenging the decision of your superiors can lead to execution or have you forgotten!?" He shunned very sharply. His demeanor now obviously oozing animosity.
After a short eye-to-eye, he heaved a bit before continuing,
"You are to Infiltrate the Ohmese borderline HQ and recover pieces of evidence that reveal their plots against Hertz. And as punishment for your insubordination, upon failure, the entire unit will be let off from the force without pay, do I make myself clear!?" He ended now less than a meter away from me with his face burnt red from rage. I was angry, furious, vexed. But standing before me was my superior who held my future as a part of the force within the palm of his hands. I felt disgusted, I felt like it would be better off if I buried him right this moment. But, my job is my job and what my job requires me to say at this time is
"Yes Sir!!"