Sergeant Mathew Ryder ducked behind cover as AK rounds impacted the surrounding area. Turning to his squad, he directed half of them to provide cover fire while the rest blitzed. The American soldiers engaged the Cartels while the others rushed on the hot concrete.

He rushed past a wounded soldier who was caught in the ambush. Two others stopped to assist the wounded while other soldiers took cover with two old pickup trucks. The soldiers opened fire against the Cartels, catching some off guard. However, heavy machine gun fire coming from of the warehouses opened fire against the Americans, tearing apart their cover. A Chinese robotic soldier broke through the thin metal walls and started spraying the American platoon, stopping their assault.

Ryder ducked down. Seeing his radio man, he grabbed the handle from the pack and contacted air support. Quickly enough, MQ-8 Chickasaw II attacked the helicopter hovered overhead, firing its chain gun, which made quick work of the Cartel defenders and their robotic soldier defenders.

Hearing the Platoon lieutenant give the order to assault, Ryder and his squad dismounted from their position and headed toward the warehouse. He left the pickup and rushed toward the large old building, stopping as this strange yellow-green glow passed him, causing him to stop for a moment. That was when he saw a Cartel member emerging from his protection, which he was able to neutralize before being gunned down.

Making his way inside, his team blew through the door and stormed inside. Gunfire could be heard instantly. Ryder followed quickly behind, engaging in the retreating Cartels. Once the door opened, it instantly turned into tight quarters with short firefights. As he marched through the hallway, the forward soldiers fired shots down the hall.

At the end of the hallway, the American squad entered the main warehouse. The room was mostly empty with only four open crates—however, a large square cage holding dozens of people.

A firefight began as the Cartels opened fire. The American squad pushed forward. They went the hostiles back, and Ryder saw children and a few young adults. All dirty, bruised, numbers on their arms or foreheads for some unknown destination.

"To your right!"

Hearing a voice, Ryder turned right and saw a young man emerging from one of the crates and fired his QBZ292. A bullet impacted the side of his battle plating, scraping it. He returned fire, hitting the target.

Sergeant Ryder rushed toward the young man, seeing that the man was dead. The Cartel sympathizer was wearing upper-class clothing, now stained in blood. This was not an unusual sight in the war, seeing many young anti-border idealistic NGOs siding with human traffickers. Not for money but some utopian fantasy.

The warehouse was won, and Ryder walked to the cage. The sight didn't affect him, as this was not the first time witnessing such barbarism. However, he suddenly stopped and stared at one of the children. A girl that looked like Assiaya. As he leaned in to investigate, the girl glowed as a new face emerged, leaning toward him. She had a youthful, feminine face with long, curly hair flowing down her face. Thin but long ears point past the two small rose-like flowers on her hair.

A bright glow suddenly blinded him, and the world crashed.

April 8th, 2068 (military calendar)

Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Ryder rubbed his nose, exhausted after a long, sleepless night. He focused on his Neko Head Maid navigating around the couch while holding a try of American bottled water and small glasses of Roman vinegar and garnet wine. She was efficient and plateful. Easily noticed but then forgetfully approached each guest. No one needed to request to be served, as she had already anticipated everyone's needs. He couldn't tell if the Neko was this naturally skilled as a servant or trying to impress him, knowing how the new city Duke and his people had misgiven the context of her work.

Working alongside Ceka, Ryder's Head Maid was Assiaya. His daughter was in her green and white elvish royal dress with puff shoulders. She followed the neko and talked with everyone, thanking them for coming. Most would have an issue with a young Princess assisting a servant, being unladylike, but it didn't bother him. It would be hard to correct six years of training in a few weeks, and he was in no hurry to fight her servant's heart.

Only a few were invited to this gathering. In addition to his daughter, their head Maid, himself, Natilite, Rommel King, motuia advisor Varitan Yeldan, and their two Horatius guests, Flavius-Elpidius Antius and Alfredus Canina, were present. This being their first interaction with anyone from the Hispana Republic, he didn't want outside distractions in their first contact.

He understood that Hispana sponsored Natilite and Fraeya's mission to open the Bridge, a last-ditch effort to change the course of a losing global war. However, based on the two female members of Comanche, he learned that what they imagined the people of Earth were radically different from reality.

Assiaya approached the two Legionaries and said, "As Princess of Salva, I want to thank you for helping my Father and friends. You are welcome in my city as friends."

"Capitaneus Antius, commander of the Horatius Palatini. Official representative of the Imperium and Hispana Republic, I accept your gratitude and was honored to assist the Altaerrie."

"Now the formalities are finished," Assiaya said. "What was your travels like? Was your adventure here as bad as Father and mine?"

"I was wondering the same thing," Natilite said. "I was not expecting to make contact with Hispana or the Thali'ean for another three or four months."

"It was not easy getting here," Antius said before turning to the dual-eyed Princess. "I do not know your adventure, but my friend could explain better."

"There is not much to jest," Canina said. "Most of the Aristocracy has been focused on you, allowing us to slip through."

"What about passing through the Orc territories?" Natilite asked.

"That was complicated," Canina replied. He took a bottle of wine that Ceka was serving. "An orc pack ambushed us but easily crushed them."

"Luckily," Antius said. "We were better organized and equipped. After killing their leader, the rest routed like the barbaric cowards they were."

"Those yellow, rotten tusks were no match for the Legionaries," Canina stated. "If you Altaerrie are going to stand your guard, you might want to use your technology and purge them from these lands."

What the Hispana commander said didn't feel right with the Comanche Captain. He noticed his daughter turn to him with the same reaction, waiting for his response.

"I understand we are new to this world, but let's not insult the Orcs," Ryder said.

"An orc sympathizer, I see," Canina commented.

"That is not what he meant," Natilite said. "Remember, they are not from this world."

"Then let me gracefully lecture some history," Canina said. "Before the birth of the Republic, we have been in a forever war against the orcs clans. They attack, they raid, and they destroy everything we build. And we respond in kind."

"They blame us for why they are stuck in the lesser races," Antius said. "Quartering alongside the J'avais for generations, they have never been able to carve out an Empire for themselves. Every attempt to civilize the blue beasts has brought nothing but betrayal."

Natilite took a deep breath and crossed her arms. "I hate to say it, Matt, but they are right. The Lat-Orc legend states that the tusk race brought the Lats to this world, which robbed them of their birthright to civilization. There has never been peace since."

"And with our arrival," Ryder said. "It proved all of that true. At least to some context."

"The Senate will not like this," Antius said. "It will only bolden the Orcs to align with the Unity."

Ryder placed his hands on his hips in frustration. It is not from the blanket racism that the two Lats were stating. He would not quickly judge the racial relations in a world he had only been in for two months. These people had thousands of years of history and weight behind their decisions. Besides, they were not the only ones, as he noticed similar hatred among the vampires and j'avais, fellow humans. However, there was one detail that he refused to overlook.

"Look," Ryder said. "I am not judging the racial geopolitics of this world. After my experience with the vampires and j'avais, I understand how easy it is to hate those pricks, but I am not going to say all orcs are evil. Worthy to be purged. I get the history, but that is a red line."

The response surprised Antius, now staring directly at the Comanche Captain. "You are defending those who recently attacked your city and killed your comrades?"

Assiaya came to the Captain's side, allowing him to place his hand on her shoulder. He recalled the horrific and desperate state he was in and that the only reason they were alive was because of strange alien kindness. "When we were escaping through the wilderness, if it were not for that Orc farm family, we would be dead. They nursed my wounds after getting mauled by two laryenas. Then fed us, gave me a hunting circiletum, and guided us through the forest. I won't disrespect their kindness with blanket hatred," he said.

Antius took a deep breath and crossed his arms. "Fair enough."

"Speaking of fair," Assiaya said. "Can I get refills?"

A few placed orders for refills, and Assiaya walked away into the backroom. Ryder realized what his daughter was doing, defusing the tension. He wondered if it was a trick she had witnessed during her time with Kallem.

The Princess came, followed by the Head Maid, and handed out drinks.

"I will admit," Antius said. "Besides, Alfredus, I have never been a guest to royalty. This is not what I imagined it to be."

"That was only once," Canina said.

"You are guests at my Father's House," Assiaya said. "And this is the first time I have ever seen anyone from Hispana, so it is a great honor."

"And let's not forget saving our assets," King said.

When Ryder grabbed a small wine glass, he held it in the air, "As Captain of the Minutemen."

"And Duke of Salva," Natilite added.

The Captain felt slightly annoyed by the additional comment but refused to respond as he knew she was right. This was the point of this American royalty stunt the Army was engaging. He has not enjoyed publicly calling himself by such a title for fear of what others would think.

Ryder continued, "Thank you for your assistance in the forest and for saving my team."

Antius raised his drink. "Those who fight must draw swords together or find themselves alone on the battlefield."

"I can drink to that," Ryder said.

Everyone in the room stood and raised their glasses before drinking their wine, except for Assiaya, who drank juice.

Once finished, Ceka started collecting the empty bottles and glasses. Asssiya noticed and quickly helped collect the drink before following their Head Maid into the back room.

"I do have to admit," Antus said. "I am confused by this arrangement you and the Princess have."

"It comes from her being Kallem's slave," Natilite said.

"My daughter enjoys being a servant," Ryder said. "It doesn't hurt, so I allow it."

"It is surprising," Antius said. "All this time, we believed that the daughter was murdered during the fall."

Natilite quickly took the center of the room, stopping before the Capitaneus. "It was a tragedy for what happened to the Balan family. When the girl was freed, she did not have to reclaim her birthright and could have lived a simple life. But Assiaya chose to retake the throne. It was her idea to become our political leader against Unity, and from Mathew's love, she decided to bear the responsibility of royal life to protect her."

Flavius-Elpidius Antius stared at the Valkyrie with confusion but then crossed his arms, turning toward the Captain. "Is that how you gained your title?" he asked.

Ryder nodded. "Overall, yes. I was not going to let politicians from any world manipulate my daughter, so this became the agreement. My daughter takes the throne, and I have parental rights. In return, I must play House politics for the war effort."

"Interesting," Canina said.

"It seems that we all are playing a role for someone," Antius said. "What bothers me is why you did not disclose your title when we first met."

Rommel King walked over, placing his arm around the Comanche Captain, and proudly said, "He is a bit shy on the subject. Give him time."

"That explains why they label you as the false duke," Canina said.

"What do you mean?" Ryder asked.

"Nothing to alarm yourself," Antius said. "Many villages and traders we passed labeled you and Assiaya as a false House—especially you, Mathew Ryder. Do not worry, as it might fade over time. This is typical to those who freshly became a noble."

"I hope not," Ryder replied, shrugging his friend off. "I am a Captain first. I am just doing this for my daughter."

"You do not have to declare that at every opportunity," Natilite said. "Embrace what you are. Hackett and Sherman have."

Feeling frustrated about the subject, Ryder was about to counter; however, he saw his two Hispana guests chuckling among themselves. "I take it you think we were a joke?"

"Yes," Canina stated.

"But in a good manner," Antius said. "The thing was, we arrived through the city gates and saw how different you humans were. At first, we assumed these differences would be too great; however, tonight has shed some light on our concerns. Let us say tonight has been assurance."

"Well," Ryder said. "I am glad my insecurities have been humbled."

That was when Ryder saw his political advisor walk over and whisper.

"You must be more diplomatic, My Lord," Yeldan said. "What you say here will have lasting effects on your character. Let alone reinforce the enemy propaganda that you are a false noble."

The Captain groaned, knowing Yeldan was correct. He then nodded, lightly waving off his advisor. "I apologize for my mannerisms."

"Understood," Assiaya said. "We are all friends here."

Assiaya walked into the room holding a tray of drinks and walked toward everyone, offering beverages and snacks.

"Thank you," Antius said. "As I said before, seeing someone of royal blood acting as a servant is unusual."

"It is the only thing I learned under Kallem rule," Assiaya said. "Besides. I do enjoy helping."

"I do like to know," Canina said. "How did you two escape?"

Assiaya's eyes widened with excitement, and she began explaining their story: how she asked for Tekali's aid and how her new Father offended her formal master enough to have a Knighthood capture him. Then, the two had a duel for two days. While Kallem was stronger, Ryder refused to surrender. Then, their great escape with poison and a final fight before being chased like animals through the wild by adventurers, an Akuma orilla construct, and a j'avais pack until Natilite saved them.

"I guess we weren't there," King said, nudging the Captain. The Princess then began apologizing, leaving out the rest of Comanche.

Ryder recalled every moment of that adventure—something he never wanted to repeat. However, the Captain didn't remember his team fighting at the fork as he was already passed out. He smirked and said, "I do not know. A J'avais tazed me with a reversed staff by then."

"I will remember that the next time you are captured," King said before the two chuckled.

Once Assiaya explained how she took the throne, the Altaerrie struggled to recruit allies because they were alien foreigners. They wanted to show the people of Alagore that they were not Unity and wanted cooperation, not conquest.

Folen Elstina Antius put his hand on his chin and listened carefully. "What a tale. I see why you value that orc family."

"That and why I value my team," Ryder said. "I owe my life to Natilite and Rommel."

Ryder saw Alfredus Canina raise his bottle into the air when he finished his sentence. Then, Flavius-Elpidius Antius followed suit.

"We might be from different worlds," Antius said. "But I will drink with a commander that values those under his command. Whatever differences we have, hopefully, the warrior spirit will be enough to unite us against a common enemy."

"I can drink to that," Ryder said.

Almost on the dot, Ceka walked around the room with additional drinks for everyone. Once the group had their drinks, they cheered.

April 8th, 2068 (military calendar)

Raven Turtle Tavern, Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Hearing another busy night at the local tavern, Benjamin Ford leaned back in the wood bench as he finally mentally checked out from his daily duties. As every night, other Special Force teams were throughout the room—some from the Minutemen. The British and Japanese teams were in their section among some civilians and the Militia.

The atmosphere was cheerful as always, but he could sense something was off in the air—not that it was negative, but something was off.

Ford assumed it had to relate to their new allies; Palatini of Horatius was sitting along Comanche. No one was disrespectful, but he could tell the townsfolk maintained their distance. Hearing local rumbles over the past few weeks, the Sergeant understood that there was resentment that the Coalition against the Unity pulled out of the region after Kallem's annexation. He had never thought much about it before, but it seemed there was still distrust of being abandoned after six years.

"Is this a normal custom for your people?" Kirath asked.

Barrett turned to the Neko and said, "It is a Comanche tradition. You saved one of our men, so free round of drinks."

"I wouldn't say they saved me," Gonzales said.

During the last engagement, the Comanche medic walked on a rune, equivalent to an anti-personal landmine. While still struggling to walk with his leg, the combination of the burning gel, luxmancy magic, and Horatius healer Rosa has made his recovery speedier than expected—at least enough not to be stuck in an aid station bunk.

"I do not like this custom," Rosa said.

The responses baffled Ford. "Really?"

The giant dark gray with black and brown striped Luperca laughed loudly. "The only reason she says that is because we always have to rescue her."

Rosa's ears dropped before she poked her fingers. "Not always."

The Horatius Neko, Kirath Trimptus, began telling a previous story about a Kitsune team member who was captured during a recon mission. She failed to seduce a guard and was taken inside a compound, forcing the Palatini to enter the Unity facility.

There were some chuckles from the Horatius soldiers. At the same time, the healer was embarrassed, trying to justify why her moves didn't work. In the meantime, Ford saw Staff Sergeant Kurt Forest and Sergeant Bruno Barrios set two trays of liquor on the table, mainly mulsum or Roman honey wine, mystic blue miruvor or blue wine, and polë whiskeui, meaning wheat whiskey.

"Sorry for the wait," Forest said. "Big order."

"Are you sure?" Vestalis asked. "This is a lot to drink."

The Luperca called Derion reached over, grabbed a bottle of wheat whiskey, and popped the cap. "Only for you small stomachs."

Barrios leaned back, whistling as he watched Derion chug the elfish whiskey. "Damn. He got me beat."

Ford watched as the Sergeant First Class, the most senior member of the Comanche present, grabbed a pint and started pouring the alcoholic beverage into it. They then prepared pints for both teams.

Barrett set a small bucket on the table and said, "Fraeya, can you use your water magic to make ice cubs?"

Ford watched as the elf girl wore magical gloves, which surprised him. He had seen her use them in combat; however, they were at a tavern. He was surprised that a simple spell would require magical tools to cast. "Do you need gloves for a simple spell?"

"Normally, no," Fraeya said. "It all depends on the type of spell. Frozen magic could be engulfed in ice if I cast a spell wrong. I do not believe I need to explain the consequences."

Ford didn't need a lecture on what happens to body parts that were consumed in ice. He had seen plenty of soldiers in this war tapped behind an ice dome from an Aristocracy and Unity artillery shell. Once trapped, there was no hope; with the Comanche elf girl, she could lose an arm. It did not occur to him how dangerous magic could be for the user.

As Fraeya placed ice cubes into each glass from her palm, Barrett passed the drinks to the two teams. To Ford's surprise, there was no confusion. While not a history expert, he understood that chilled drinks were a luxury until refrigeration became common.

He inquired about the subject, to which Fraeya quickly reminded him that refrigeration hadn't been a problem for centuries thanks to hydromancy magic, which bypassed Earth's struggles. However, they were still limited to having a mage with the proper skills or, more recently, an enchanted device, which could be limiting for the underclasses.

"Can I ask a question?" Rosa asked. When she gained approval, she continued, "From what I understand, you do not use mages to make cheap ice?"

"Cheap is an understatement," Higgins said.

"The only time we think about water costs is at the store for parties," Forest said. "In our country, at least, every home has an automatic ice maker."

"That is impressive," Rosa said.

"At least you people have the concept of iced drinks," Barrios said.

"It took us a hundred years to educate our English allies that warm drinks are heresy," Wallace stated.

"I still do not get it," Rosa repeated.

"Oh!" Fraeya said, almost jumping from her chair. "You will say that a lot."

"Are you sure they are Lats?" Kirath asked. "I have been around humans all my life, and you people are strange."

"Do not worry, furry ears," Wallace said. "We have been saying the same thing about you people. Welcome to the club."

Gregory Barret held his pint in the air. "Then let's declare it. Cheers for finding each other, baffling annoying."

The thirteen people at the large, rounded table took a drink from the cheer. Some let out the excitement from the celebration, like Darius Rutilus and the Twins, while others were more reserved, like Ælia Valhana and Kurt Forest, still learning to trust their new allies.

As everyone cheered, the Horatius Noble Elf, Ælia, held her pint, staring at it. "This is an Altaerrie drink, correct? Is it spicy?"

"Not at all," Ford said. "If you want spicy, I can get you Eagle Helens. That will leave a punch."

She then took a sip from her pint, her eyes temporarily closed and her lips folded. With a quick breath, the noble elf gently placed her pint on the table and said, "Not spicy, but strong."

"Not a drinker, I see," Ford said.

Fraeya leaned in and said, "I am surprised. I thought you would enjoy hot sustenance. Being a pyromancy mage."

Ælia Valhana glanced toward the Comanche Wood Elf and composed herself. "Being a pyromancy mage does not mean I enjoy hot or spicy ingredients."

The Luperca slammed the empty whiskey bottle on the table, letting out a long burp as he rudely interrupted everyone's conversation. "So, you are the Altaerrie. I hope you're fighting as good as your brew."

"That is a tall order," Wallace said.

"But," Barrios added. "I believe a carpet run will prove we are."

"Carpet?" Derion asked. "That fur wealthy plebeians place on the floor?"

"Exactly that," Barrios quickly responded.

"I once had a girlfriend that had this pink carpet with giant white dots everywhere," Wallace said, holding his hands wide. "Now, that thing that will intimidate the enemy."

"Ignore them," Barrett said.

"I do that with all humans," Ælia commented before taking another sip from her beer.

"Ignore, Ælia," Rosa said. "You know how dragon elves can be. But she becomes loveable after some time. Still, unlike my friend, I want to see more of your people. Your weapons are so different than ours."

"We have no idea what dragon elves are," Forest said. "I know nobles have a paler tone and wood brown. I would assume a dragon elf would be red, but Ælia isn't."

"I see your confusion," Fraeya said. "Dragon elves are a group of Clans who master dragons. They are less a type of elf and more of a faction of elf, if that makes sense. Because of their relations with dragons, they live outside the Realm of Thali'ean."

"What Fraeya means is that," Ælia said. "Dragons are destructive. Engaging with such beasts does not fit in Thali'ean high society. They disapprove of our way of life, so we do not engage with theirs. That is all I will say about my people."

"Fair enough," Forest said. "What about you, fur ball?"

The Luperca let out a confident chuckle. "I am Derion-Luciferus, from clan Warclaw. We have been loyal to the Republic since it was founded all those ages ago. We have a place in the Senate and have contributed a third of our males to the Imperium, fighting in every war. We are a proud people," he said.

Ovidius Vestalis took a drink before responding, "What Derion means is that, during the foundation of Hispana, our people struck a deal with multiple luperca clans. Concede your lands and in return for having seats in the Senate."

"You forced your country on them?" Higgins said. "That's typical human."

"Charlie," Fraeya said. "You must remember. There are other types of humans. Not just sapiens types."

"Hold on," Vestalis asked. "Sapiens? I thought you called yourselves Altaerrie?"

"That is your people's term for us," Ford said. "We have our own names in our world."

"I would like to see that research," Vestalis said.

"Let's not spoil our party with academic talk," Wallace said. "We can explain the details about human evolution later."

"I have another question," Rosa said, nearly jumping from her seat. She leaned against the table and continued, "I want to know more about your Altaerrie. What is your home like?"

"That is a loaded question," Forest said. "Where do I even begin?"

"I will take a shot," Ford said. "We are also a Republic, like you. We have what, four hundred million souls?"

"About right," Gonzales said.

Benjamin Ford then continued to explain his people country, the United States of America, to their new allies—a continental federation of fifty-four semi-independent nations, the most powerful nation among other Great Powers. While a Republic, they are an Astralis-Superpower with a strong executive branch and court system, all backed by a nearly three-hundred-year-old Constitution.

"A continent-size Empire?" Ælia commented. "You sound like the Unity."

"Do not be pessimistic," Vestalis said.

"I find that fascinating!" Rosa stated.

Charlie Higgins leaned forward, holding his index finger up to gain attention. "I guess my issue with all this racial hierarchy is that you fight for a country that many of you are subjected to and have no say. Does Rosa people have a seat in the Senate? The social injustice is insane, but you're cool with it."

Rosa's ears perked, and she held her hands up. "I do not want to get involved."

Higgins then turned toward Forest, noticing the Staff Sergeant leaning in his chair, frustrated. "And I know what you are going to say. I don't mean that Marxist BS. I mean the MLK kind," he clarified.

"Not the place," Forest said.

"You have one species on Altaerrie," Rutilus stated. "How are you more complicated?"

"It is because they lack perspective," Ælia said. "Self-absorb."

"When the lady is right, she is right," Barrett said. "We have struggled to adapt to all these different species' traditions."

"If it was not for the war being a unifying motivation," Forest said. "Relations with the Salva people would be..., strained."

"Is that why your leader is pretending to be a false noble?" Vestalis asked.

There was a short silence as many members of Comanche glanced at each other, but most didn't know how to respond.

"His majesty is fake, all right," Higgins said before taking a drink.

"Did he say something offensive?" Rosa asked.

"How did you know the Boss was a fake?" Ford asked.

"It was obvious," Vestalis replied.

"Ovidius comes from a noble family," Kirath answered. "He knows the type, and your leader is not one. I mean no dishonor, only pointing fact."

"I believe the Boss would agree with that point," Wallace said.

"You see," Fraeya said. "The United States does not have nobles, so they invent one. He volunteered because he adopted Princess Assiaya."

"A country that does not have nobles?" Vestalis said. "That is hard to imagine."

"Do not take it personally," Higgins said. "We might not have nobles, but plenty of rich people who pay off politicians."

"Different world," Vestalis said. "And yet, politics is the same."

"Ovidius Vestalis, correct?" Ford said. "I mean no disrespect to your honor, but if you are a noble, what are you doing in the infantry?"

"I was wondering the same thing," Higgins asked.

Vestalis looked toward his comrades with confusion. "That is why I am here. As a noble of Hispana, it is my duty to serve the Republic when a Punic War has been declared."

"Punic War?" Gonzales asked. "What does the Punic War have to do with this?"

"I do not understand the question," Vestalis said. "It means the Republic is in a state of total war."

"It is simple," Ælia said, setting her pint on the table. "It is why my people align with the Lats over elves. A full dedication to a cause. Either the Republic Unconditionally defeats its enemy or is erased."

"Nothing in between?" Gonzales asked. "Damn."

"Victory or death," Barrett said. "I see why you label it a Punic War."

"The Senate has only declared a handful of these wars," Rutilus explained. "The last one was during the Kiriyaks' Expansion."

"And that is why I am here," Vestalis said. "That is why everyone is here. We are honor-bound, conscripted, homes destroyed. Everything has been transformed to survive the Unity Crusade."

"To the death," Ælia said.

Ford saw how dedicated these people were to their cause as he listened to their Horatius allies. He had heard terms like this before: fighting to the last man, never surrendering. These phrases are thrown around during essential moments; however, there is a deeper meaning in these people's tone.

Hispana dedicated everything to defeating Unity, and their language showed this. Americans, being an island nation, could never relate to this. The last time the country was threatened by invasion was the War of 1812. While no one wanted to lose a war, it was a faraway adventure, not a fight for the nation's survival.

Gregory Barrett grabbed his pint, holding it high. "To the Punic War. To new allies."

"To those who have sacrificed and those who are coming," Kirath said.

Derion raised his whisky bottle. "To our Republics. Let them withstand the corrupt souls."

Ford held his drink high. "Victory as one, not as people from other worlds but as brothers-in-arms."

The group took a collective drink, celebrating their bond and new comrades.