Writings, I - Moments

Commencement
Goesynchronous Orbit

400 km above Atmosphere

9C/ETL

"Nobody had expected it, but how could you? Ten thousand soldiers air-dropped into our position, our lines were broken before we had a chance to drop our plates and defend ourselves. The initial strike brought an official casualty list of 32,762 dead, 102,545 wounded. Combined High Command issued a state of full alert and subsequently deployed every available ground unit, naval vessel and air asset.

''The opening stages of what has decidedly been dubbed Operation Scorched Earth have largely met with success, regaining critical supply areas and major urban centres. It was easy, but we all know something worse is coming."''

Awaiting the Cavalry
''"Move, move, move!" decreed the captain of the guard, clamouring over the barricades before falling behind an upturned piece of debris, back pressed firmly against the concrete as shells exploded overhead. Quickly cracking the gun and the magazine dropped from the receptacle, replaced almost instantly. The captain was soon followed by a small unit of five Wing Infantry. "Alright, boys. We're going to hold them here until AC has a chance to deploy our airships. We'll receive limited support from..."''

''"But, captain!?" interrupted a young soldier, pale and gaunt in image, fear-stricken and unprepared for the trepidations of the coming conflict. He was quick to receive a strike across the back of the head from the captain who leaned across the table and stared the private into submission. "We'll receive limited support from the AirSea Forces but that's it. And now, you're going to lead the charge." The boy almost pissed himself as the captain walked away in a fit of laughter, hinting at the obviously sarcastic nature in the comment meant only to inspire fear in the soldier.''