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“The United States has reached an agreement with Thali’ean representative Prince Nelivit of House Bravillia to formalize military cooperation with Thali’ean and the Hispana Republic, marking a major expansion of the growing coalition against the Unity. The agreement still requires approval from Congress, but its passage is widely expected and would formally bring the United States into the coalition.
As part of the expanding US/USAM Grand Strategy, General Kelvin Sherman announced plans to establish Field Force II inside the theater of war, beginning with the Thali’ean capital of Ellaqua. The 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division is expected to conduct a combat parachute operation within two days to secure the area and begin construction of a new airfield. The 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division will follow, with the newly arrived 10th Mountain Division and 7th MDTF deploying once the field is operational. Their mission will be to defend Ellaqua and begin combat operations against Unity forces.
The establishment of Field Force II is also expected to pave the way for Hispana Republic forces to form Field Force III, creating a three-force military structure across the coalition. Sherman described the arrangement as the beginning of a long-term strategy to connect the three nations through a triangular logistical network capable of moving troops, equipment, and supplies efficiently across the theater.
If Congress approves the agreement, as most experts expect, General Sherman is also expected to receive promotion to Six-Star General, a rank that has been awarded only three times in American history. John J. Pershing received the title during World War I, while George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant received it posthumously as honorary appointments.
The White House defended the proposed promotion, stating that the unprecedented scale and importance of the war requires a senior commander capable of unifying military forces from multiple worlds. “This is not simply an American war,” officials said. “It is a conflict that requires our nations and our militaries to operate as one.” - Salva Dioliet
June 12th, 2069 (Military Calendar)
Prime Lord Palace, Affrooliea
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore
*****
Illythia walked through the Palace halls, lifting the hem of her dress to keep it from the blood smeared across the marble floor. The copper scent still lingered in the air despite the open windows, mixing with dust from shattered stone.
Hundreds of slaves worked tirelessly to restore the Palace to its former glory, though it would be a monumental task. Statues lay shattered. Stonework had collapsed. Palace automatons had been reduced to twisted wreckage. The walls were scarred by magic and energy blasts, riddled with bullet holes. Paintings and decorative drapes had been ruined, while entire sections of the structure had been blasted open.
She had always understood that the Altaerrie humans posed a threat.
Illythia simply hadn't expected them to inflict this much damage.
After following a Palace Guard to the throne chamber, she found Verliance Lord Kallem standing beside the Prime Lord's throne. Below him knelt dozens of nobles from across Nevali, each pledging their loyalty and, more importantly, their support for the coming war.
After some time, the nobles were dismissed from the lecture chamber, encouraged by General Ayark to prepare their Houses for the conflict.
Once the room had emptied, the Kiriyak General turned toward the Vampire Lord, unable to hide his irritation.
He openly questioned why Kallem had allowed nobles who challenged Verliance authority during the summit to leave unpunished.
Kallem answered with a lecture of his own.
He criticized Ayark for failing to trap the Salva delegation, allowing them to escape while an old rival seized the opportunity to ignite a rebellion against the throne.
Ayark argued that no one could have predicted a revolt erupting at the exact moment he cornered the delegation in the market. Victory would have been theirs had traitors not intervened.
Even Kallem conceded that point.
Only then did Ayark rise.
“If we had attacked their compound when I first suggested it, they never would have escaped... nor would this rebellion have happened.”
Illythia quietly shook her head.
A capable and brutal general, Ayark was not burdened by many of his people's rigid traditions.
Politics, however, had never been his battlefield.
The Vampire Lord reprimanded him for failing to understand the delicate political position they occupied before dismissing the General and ordering him to restore order throughout the city.
Illythia stepped back into the hallway.
When Ayark emerged, genuine surprise crossed his face.
“Mistress. I was not expecting you.”
“I do not need to announce my presence beforehand,” Illythia replied coolly. “And you should know better than to question Kallem so openly.”
Ayark glanced back toward the throne chamber, annoyance evident in his expression.
“His schemes are why we failed to kill the child and the Altaerrie man. And it will never be easier than today. The Templar wasn't even among them.”
“No,” Illythia answered. “On this, he is correct. An unprovoked attack would have driven many City-States into that child slave hand. His schemes are the reason House Verliance has remained on the throne for generations.”
Her response only deepened the Kiriyak's frustration. Still, he held his tongue out of respect for his Mistress. Still, that didn’t stop him from giving a frustrated growl as he marched away, gathering Palace Guards as he departed to suppress what resistance remained within the city.
The Kiriyak was a blunt weapon, she thought. Useful in battle. Dangerous in politics. But valuable to have, in case anyone crossed her path.
Once the hallway fell silent again, Illythia entered the throne chamber.
There she found her Lord seated upon the Prime Lord's throne, quietly reflecting on the recent battle. It was a rare glimpse of vulnerability and one she quietly savored.
“My Lord,” she said. “If anyone has earned rest, it is you after today's victory.”
“Do not lecture me, Illythia,” Kallem replied.
He straightened his posture before rising from the throne. His armor still bore the marks of battle. Bullet impacts scarred the breastplate, the sides were scorched black by spells, and enemy blood stained the polished metal.
“Why are you not assisting my daughter?”
“Your daughter is doing an exceptional job governing your realm in your absence,” Illythia replied. “Naturally, I have offered guidance with the daily affairs where appropriate.”
This caused her to smile faintly. “I will even offer you a compliment. You raised your daughter well. Mine could never bear the strain of governing a city—let alone an empire—alone.”
“She takes after her mother,” Kallem answered. “Very few could withstand such responsibility. After our children's marriage, your daughter will learn the art of governing an empire.”
Part of Illythia almost laughed but was forced to restrain herself. To her frustration, her Lord noticed that slight emotional hiccup and would have noted that minor detail for later.
The idea of Viessa ruling independently was amusing. Still, she had to admit Kallem's daughter, Ornnallia, had managed the responsibilities left behind by her late mother with remarkable competence.
Though she disagreed with one point. Ornnallia resembled her father far more than her mother. Her confidence. Her discipline. Even the way she carried herself.
“I must disagree,” Illythia said. “She takes after you.”
“Perhaps now,” Kallem replied. “In my youth, I was more like Ere-hian. My discipline was never taught. It was forged through decades of disappointing my father. Grandfather, and brothers.”
“Now... why are you here?”
“Our Houses may soon become one,” Illythia answered, “but I am still under no obligation to explain my travels.”
She folded her hands behind her back as she slowly wandered around the chamber.
“I wished to see how the war front progressed. I had grown weary of remaining inside your castle.”
“You could have gone anywhere,” Kallem replied. “Coming this close to the front was unnecessary... and dangerous.”
Illythiav couldn’t help but have a playful smile spread across her face. She continued circling the chamber with graceful confidence, deliberately testing the boundaries she had spent years slowly moving.
“You do care about my well-being.”
Kallem merely exhaled, as though accepting that she had no intention of leaving.
“If you must know,” he said, “I have secured House Verliance's position within Nevali.”
He looked toward one of the shattered windows overlooking the city.
“From here... we will drive the invaders from my lands.”
Before Illythia could respond, she watched the Vampire Lord turn and leave the throne chamber.
She quietly sighed. His habit of ending conversations on his own terms remained as irritating as ever. At every opportunity, he reminded those around him that he occupied the highest seat in Aldrida. It was a tactic she herself often employed.
The Mistress simply disliked having it used against her.
Quickening her pace, she caught up and fell into step beside him. “There is something I have wished to ask.”
Kallem continued walking without acknowledging her.
“I understand why we seek to defeat the Altaerrie and secure the Orilla device,” she continued. “But your interest in these lands existed long before its discovery. Why do you care about these backwater people? They are beneath our race.”
“They are beneath us,” Kallem answered. “Yet there is power hidden within these lands. Not in technology... but in something far more dangerous.”
“Forgettable hill folk? That is why you care about them?”
“Yes.”
His answer came without hesitation.
“The terrain discourages central authority, but not permanently. If you recall, the former Elf-Vampire alliance of Uristans was birthed here. Under the right ruler, these lands become a powerful foundation for expanding an empire. Hispana understood that when it elevated the current family to govern this region.”
He continued through the corridor, passing servants and guards alike. “Nevali provides resources, manpower, and a naturally defensible frontier capable of sustaining any prolonged war.”
“That is a logical assessment,” Illythia admitted, “but history does not support it. Even the Balan puppet rulers struggled to maintain order.”
“As I said... under one who is worthy.”
“And you believe you are that ruler?”
The words escaped before she fully understood what they implied. Then realization struck.
Her crimson eyes narrowed. “That is why you are wary of that slave girl... and the Altaerrie human.”
Kallem offered no reply, which, in that silence alone, confirmed her suspicion.
The Lord of House Verliance—the man who had ruled the Aristocracy for decades—considered those two a genuine threat. Maybe not militarily, but politically.
“So that was the purpose of this elaborate scheme?” she asked. “Everything... simply to confront your newest enemies?”
“Mistress Illythia.” His voice remained calm. “I expected better from you.”
He continued walking, hands folded behind his back. “You, of all people, should understand the value of a powerful story. These are not ordinary humans, left unchecked; everything I have built here will eventually crumble.”
“Then the Aristocracy will find itself surrounded on every side.”
“Surrounded?” Illythia asked. “Last I checked, the Unity remains our ally.”
Again... No answer. The two continued through the Palace halls.
Whenever servants or guards noticed Kallem's presence, they immediately halted what they were doing and knelt.
His silence left Illythia alone with her thoughts. There was no denying that Kallem had identified the Altaerrie as a threat, just as he had recognized the danger posed by the Unity decades earlier. Yet something had never made sense. Yet, he had surrendered to the Crusaders to spare his people from invasion. That decision had always troubled her.
A ruler of Kallem's stature should never have yielded so quickly after sacrificing so much blood and treasure resisting the Unity's onslaught. The only explanation she had ever accepted was the assassination of his wife by Hispana during a failed attempt on his life.
Even after her death..., he never sought vengeance.
Instead, he withdrew the Aristocracy from broader affairs and devoted himself almost entirely to Nevali and domestic stability.
Officially, the Aristocracy and the Unity remained allies. Unofficially....
“Kallem,” she said, breaking the silence once more. “If you truly consider these humans—and these Ryders—such a threat, why invite them to dine with you before attempting to capture them?”
She tilted her head slightly. “I understand the importance of appearances, but arresting them immediately would have solved many of the concerns you now speak of.”
“I fear nothing,” Kallem replied evenly. “And it would not have been appropriate to seize them at that stage. As Heads of our respective Houses, I believed it appropriate that we first share a meal before my plans unfolded.”
“So... you manipulated them into attacking the Palace.”
As they approached a pair of towering double doors, Illythia slowed.
If the stories surrounding Ryder's attachment to the Orcs were true—and after Kallem had displayed them before the summit—the Altaerrie Captain would have assaulted the Palace regardless.
The dinner had served another purpose. This caused her smile to widen. “You wished to see your former slave again... didn't you?”
Kallem reached for the doors. For the first time, his mannerisms hesitated. But only for a heartbeat.
Yet that single pause was worth more than any confession. It confirmed everything. He had wanted to see the slave girl again. Just as importantly, it revealed something else.
Kallem respected the Altaerrie Captain who had become her father.
There remained one detail she still couldn't reconcile. When Ryder and Assiaya escaped the first time at Forlace, Kallem's response had seemed almost restrained.
Initially, she assumed they had simply slipped through his grasp after taking the unexpected western route instead of fleeing north. Now, knowing how much the Vampire Lord cared about the girl.
“Interesting,” she murmured.
The pair stepped onto a broad stone balcony overlooking the city, and this was where Kallem had finally stopped, with his crimson eyes looking west.
Far beyond the city walls, faint flashes illuminated the horizon as artillery continued exchanging fire. The distant echoes rolled across the countryside like approaching thunder.
“You asked why I seek to clash with this Altaerrie man,” Kallem finally said. “Since the beginning of his war—when we first crossed paths upon his world—our destinies have been intertwined.”
He rested both hands upon the stone railing. “When fighting the Unity, there were no honorable battles. No worthy opponents. Only necessity for our survival. And in the end... I was forced to concede.”
His eyes remained fixed on the distant horizon. “But here... there will be no compromise. There will be a proper contest. One of us will prevail. The other will fall.”
“You have always been a strange man, my Lord,” Illythia said softly. Finding the statement humorous.
She understood his meaning. Seeking an honorable war, yet that doesn’t mean she agreed with this notion of armor. Only victory.
“You speak as though you seek redemption.”
“Redemption?” Kallem gave the faintest shake of his head. “No. I am preparing for the future.”
The Lord of the Verliance Houlse stared out, watching the glow of battle unfolding.
“If we lose here, the Aristocracy itself will become vulnerable.”
“Our allies in the Unity will sense weakness and begin entertaining dangerous ambitions.”
“Our enemies will see only a corpse waiting to be picked apart.”
He finally turned toward her.
“My son—or I—will not be the last of House Verliance.”
“It will outlive the Altaerrie.”
“It will outlive the Unity.”
Illythia rested one hand upon the stone railing beside him.
Not touching him. Not yet. But closer than most would ever dare stand. Years ago, he had rejected her marriage proposal, as she had anticipated.
Little by little, she had pushed against the boundaries he established, slowly becoming one of the few people permitted this close to him. Standing beside the Lord of House Verliance, one thought lingered in her mind.
It wasn't the way he spoke about Ryder that interested her. She had rarely heard Kallem speak of an enemy in such a manner.
It was respect.
That was what unsettled her most. Kallem respected almost no one—not rivals, not allies, and certainly not his enemies.
Yet whenever the Vampire Lord spoke of Mathew Ryder, there was neither contempt nor arrogance.
Only the quiet acknowledgment that somewhere beyond the western horizon walked a man capable of unraveling everything House Verliance had spent generations building.
For Illythia, that realization was far more fascinating than the battle itself.
June 13th, 2069 (Military Calendar)
Salva, Velunara Protectorate
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore
*****
Ryder grabbed the local polë whiskeui, or wheat whiskey, and poured it into the small glass. He then lifted the glass, staring at it.
Next to him was a Dioliet, broadcasting updates on the war.
The campaign against Silvium was on the verge of concluding, thanks to Natilite and the Minutemen's actions. After destroying the Unity and Teviel base, the supply lines were now secured in the north, allowing the United States to bear its full weight against the city. The Brass believes the City-State will fall at any time, opening a safe passage for aircraft in the north.
The other subject was the Public Relations Officer addressing the question regarding the Bridge deactivation. The Officer rejected any claim that the portal had ever malfunctioned, stating that it was only down for maintenance while applying American nuclear power to increase efficiency. Any opposing view was considered grunt gossip, a fear that he acknowledged everyone had.
Ryder knew the truth after listening to a long story from Fraeya about her venture to Mars. It was a crazy tale, with new enemies and mysteries to unravel. A positive note he noticed was her loyalty. Rejecting a senior lead position at Ashurbanipal to stay with Comanche. It was home.
That led to the final part of the daily update. Uprising across Nevali, going from small towns to villages rebelling against their local lords and the Katra, causing chaos for the enemy logistics. Weapons and troops are already slipping through to assist in the new guerrilla campaign.
However, that didn’t translate into the population centers converting to Salva’s side. Kallem’s power became absolute, and most of the neutral City-States now joined the war on the Aristocracy's behalf. Harff mobilized a hundred thousand militia, creating a massive new front that the Coalition didn’t have to defend before. Brutal suppression of the countryside, with anyone caught in rebellion, would be sold to the Unity for judgment.
Most importantly, the rebellion at Affrooliea failed as expected. Anyone who survived the execution was publicly tortured to death. Because so many slaves became sympathetic to the Ryder House, most were instantly killed, even if they remained loyal, while others were given to their Toriffa allies to succumb to their desires.
“I see you have already started without me.”
Ryder turned to see his mentor, Colonel Hackett, turning off the magitech alien radio before taking a seat. “You know, it still surprises me that people used to get their daily news from… that.”
“There was a point where that was the main source. The Internet of its day. If I recall, it lasted about a hundred years before television replaced it. But that is the nature of things.”
The Colonel ordered himself a drink and settled in. “So, what brings you here?”
“Just clearing my head.”
“I can understand.” The Colonel then took a drink. “I saw that Orc family. They were the ones that saved you and Assiaya?”
“Yup.” Ryder leaned into his chair, staring at the Dioliet radio box. “I do wonder if they regret doing that.”
“Don’t ponder on what ifs, Matt. What happened to them was not your fault.”
“I know. They could have turned us on and been shot if they had known Asisaya's identity. It just sucks. I guess the saying is true: no good deed goes unpunished.”
“What happened to them?”
“I had Ceka make arrangements for a home. I think for now, they need time.”
“I know what you are thinking; you did well, Matt. You did well. You all did. The Brass is very pleased.”
“I know, I was there. I am glad to see that Natilite isn’t above her Templar label and trusted us. Otherwise, those Teivel would’ve won. I am concerned about them, though. I can only hope that they will follow her example.”
“She vouched for them, but there is some uneasiness after their deception. Expect the CIA representative for obvious reasons. Even if it was for the greater good, their actions would ruffle some feathers. Still, we will have to learn to work with these Templars. Otherwise, these Teviel will tear us apart.”
“They are not like her. I would like you to talk to them, as Duke of this city. They might respect that more.”
Ryder signed, acknowledging the order.
Wishing to change the subject, he continued, “I do want to say, Fraeya is a lot stronger than she gives herself credit for.”
The Captain was shocked to hear what she had been through. Raiding these ruins was dangerous enough, and yet going through an unknown portal to an unknown destination, which only ended up on Mars. Discovering that each world's Akumas hate each other, and new types of these demons, only made everything more complicated. And yet, she survived. “That’s the second suicidal mission she's been through, and here she is.”
“She is definitely our little elf. Because of her actions, we can bridge to our most critical research facility on Mars, and the White House has given us the lead position on Akkad research.”
“I am proud of her. I really am. I told her father would be proud.”
“And how did she take that?”
Ryder explained that the Elf Girl nearly strangled him to death from her overly expressive and emotional hugs. This made them chuckle before they took a drink.
“I do want to ask, what about that Akkad site Basilisks discovered?”
“We sent a Nightbird to bomb the facility with two Massive Penetrators. We just didn’t have the manpower to secure it form here yet, and we didn’t want this Dwarf-Goblin Order to maintain control of it.”
He didn’t blame the Colonel. Whatever this new faction was up to, it was vital to prevent them from having such a valuable resource. Better to keep those secrets from no one than to let the enemy use them to counter USAM interests.
Sadly, it came at the cost of half of Basilisks. That Minutemen team suffered so many casualties protecting Fraeya that they are no longer combat-effective and have been moved to reserve status. He personally thanked them all for defending his teammate.
When Hackett set his glass down before grabbing the native whiskey bottle, refilling their glasses. “I wanted to tell you, thank you for not lying about Assiaya's astral projection abilities and the fairy possessing her.”
“Last time I tried hiding something from you about her, you basically bitched slapped me. Then promoted me.”
Hackett simply chuckled, finding the memory humorous. “I am glad you have learned from that. It has been a major subject of discussion at VI Corps on what to do with that information.”
“They're not taking her,” Ryder boldly stated.
“No need to get defensive,” Hackett calmly responded. “No one is planning on taking her. More than that, she opens another question this world has. No one knows about this ability, or about these fairies-.”
“Kallem knew.” Ryder then took a long drink.
Hackett nodded his head, coming to the same conclusion. “I agree. We also concluded that is why he told everyone the Princess was dead, and kept her as his personal slave. To hide that truth.”
Ryder picked up his refilled glass, staring at it.
This revelation struck deeper for him. The relationship between the Vampire Lord and his daughter was deeper than he expected. What bothered him was that Kallem had feelings for her. Not romantic in nature, but there was some level of care. Enough to influence his foreign policy, such as that conspiracy with those City-States to humiliate and capture his House.
“Look at the bright side,” Hackett said. “At least we know he wasn’t the one who tried assassinating you, or sent that fake duchess woman.”
Ryder already knew the answer to that. With their short dinner conversation, he came to the same conclusion. “One date doesn’t mean we are not enemies. I still don’t understand why, though.”
“It is simple, Matt. With the modern world, with drones, instant communication, and all of our gadgets we rely on. We have gotten dirty. It has never been easier to see your enemy as pure evil, nothing redeemable. However, just like the old days, you might be enemies, but you can still have respect for your enemies.”
“It still doesn’t make any sense.”
“What is on your mind?”
“Kalkem respects me? I made a fool of myself in Affrooliea. So many died because of my actions. I fell right into his trap with that Orc family. I compromised everything. I almost got one of my teammates killed over a race everyone hates.”
Hackett took a drink before gently setting his glass down. “Do you regret what you did?”
Ryder held his glass, without hesitation, responded with "no", and took a drink. And that is what concerned him.
“Good. I am not going to say you did everything perfectly; there is no perfection in war or politics. Remember what Holloway said.”
The Alagore Czar was nearly glowing during the debrief about the details. Apparently, he never believed this diplomatic mission would have succeeded. When the Colonel said they wanted to make a statement, they wanted to show everyone that the Americans wouldn’t take any humiliation lying down.
In short, they sent their flagship team into the heart of the beast, knowing they would cause trouble. If this was a trap, which it was, the opportunities for chaos would emerge, and the Captain and Ambassador would exploit it. Which they did explosively.
Holloway didn’t care about the liberation of the Orc slaves in detail, as his interest was in winning the war, not making an anti-slavery point. However, the man enjoyed the fact that it rubbed into the faces of all the nobility in the region. One of his greatest fears was that Ryder’s House would blend into the environment too much, where many would only see the same. No, he wanted to shake this up, and freeing the Orcs sent a message that they were here to play a new game.
And that brought up the most important point for the Czar, escorting a Slave Trader to Salva, under the agreement of protection and exclusivity for his practice. Out of everything that had happened, Ryder believed this point was what would have nailed him in the eyes of the Brass. Freeing slaves is good PR for the American people, but working with one?
However, it was exactly what the CIA wanted. Through the Orugia business network, the United States intelligence agencies can expand their influence in a world they have never been to before. To listen and install agents when needed in places they currently cannot reach. More importantly, with this arrangement, this Slave Trader can find and smuggle people of interest to Salva to be freed. Warriors, leaders, religious folk, potential allies, anyone of value to building the Velunara Protectorate or the war effort, with a superpower funding it.
The icing on the cake was securing new allies. They were not the ones the White House would have preferred. While it wasn’t expected to secure entire City-States at this summit, that would have been ideal. Yet, many Nobles and Guild Masters willingly volunteering to fight alongside the Assiaya throne, and opening the countryside with thousands of new allies and troops, is a game-changer for this current slugfest.
“That this was a successful mission. The Czar was nearly levitating with us shooting up a palace, on top of starting a civil war there. That Kallem's stranglehold in this region was secured, but cracks are forming.”
“That is correct,” Hackett said. “Remember right before all this started? When you asked me to assign Fraeya to your team?”
“Yeah?”
“I hated the idea. She was an unknown, let alone an alien, and the Minutemen are a Tier-1 SF unit. Giving that kind of expectation wasn’t inside any doctrine that would be acceptable on Earth. And then Natilite came, and you allowed her on without asking.”
“Well… you tell a genetically augmented super soldier that she couldn’t,” Ryder replied.
“That did cross my mind, yet I think she would have honored my decision if I said no, which I considered. However, by that point, I was starting to see the benefits.”
“Thank you, sir, but why are you saying this?”
Fraeya learned that she can be essential under pressure, that she isn’t a fifth wheel. Natilite, even as an augmented super-soldier, achieved victory only through cooperation and trust in us lessers. When your back is against the wall, you can respond. You were right to trust your gut with Fraeya. Then again, with Natilite, and at Affrooliea.”
“My gut? Yeah… I am not fully certain about that.”
“What do you mean?”
“That Slaver Trader.” Ryder quickly finished his glass before continuing. “The bastard said he allied with me because I wasn’t moral. That I am pragmatic.”
“I can see how that can get under your skin,” Hackett said.
“It isn’t under my skin. The bastard was right. I used to enjoy killing his kind in Northern Mexico and Iraq. Now I am dealing with them.”
The Colonel then took a drink from his whiskey, debating the subject. When he set his glass down, he said, “The Slave Trader is correct. Morality is for fairytales, barbeques, and those who shout from the safety of their classroom, while people who understand the world build civilizations. I know that is hard for men of faith to say, but morality is overrated.”
Ryder slowly set his beer on the table, giving his full attention to the Colonel with wide eyes. “I am surprised to hear that coming from you.”
“Do not get me wrong, Matt. We should all try to live moral lives; however, we both know that isn’t always in the cards. There was nothing moral about nuking Japan twice; but it was pragmatic to save millions. We had to do what we had to do because that was war, and those who scream the moral sins of that choice, almost two centuries later, well, they never had to make the choice or face the reality of not doing it. It is always easier to take the high ground when you don’t have to make the decision. Or the other extreme, the level of deaths and oppression of communist equity or fundamentalism. Are they moral societies? Yes. Is there also a trail of body bags enforcing that morality? Also, yes.”
Ryder saw the point his mentor was making and agreed. “It was easier when shooting people like Orugia in North Mexico. I just never thought I would have been making those decisions.”
“And that is why I proposed my plan to make Assiaya the Princess, and you the Duke, to the General. Because I know you can make the tough decisions. You can adapt, grow, and make not the moral or pragmatic choice, but the right ones when it matters. You are real, Matt.”
“I know.” Ryder took a deep breath. “It was a successful mission.”
“Good,” Hackett said. “In the end, all you can do is trust your gut. That is all a man can do.”
