Trouble in the Nahr

Alghana Al’ard, Alssahra
15th of Octide

            Large scale invasion throughout northern Alssahra. Locals seem to have lost complete control of the river north of the Capital city of Alghana Al’ard. Intelligence suggests that a group of allied ships has arrived as well and is beginning preparations for some offensive action. It is the recommendation of the Military High Command that the Novean Forces continue with their intended plan of secure and defense of liberated areas to ensure a steady supply line along with humanitarian aid distribution.

The dossier was a bore really and Legate Bast couldn’t do anything about it. He like the rest of the people in the military didn’t enjoy the reading of these things but they did generally get it right and the suggestions from the High Command were hardly ever just that and instead were orders. Ollivier Bast was a mid-level Legate who had shown promise throughout his time at the Academy and quickly promoted through the ranks before leveling out at Legate. He was to lead the Vanguard of two thousand soldiers that were going to be flown into Alghana Al’ard the moment a greenlight was received from the Alssahran military. Their initial role would be to bolster the defenses of the city though in time they would be ahead of the main force of thirty-thousand to ensure that the bulk of the army didn’t fall into any Sach’aqa traps left for the liberators. Not very glamorous but better than his last assignment, guarding the border with Belka along the Aston – Chalidor zone. Not too glamorous since the war ended nearly a decade prior.

Legate Bast wore the white military dress uniform customary of the Army. Silver trim and buttons denoted his rank as a Legate as black trim and buttons would be used for lower ranks. Gold was reserved for the officers of the Imperial Rank. Bast’s bright red hair and blue eyes made him stand out to most Noveans who were traditionally blonde or light brunette. Black was only common in the north east and south east of the nation while red was actually somewhat common in the north central region. Accompanying the Legate was the Minister of Defense, Olivia Tranto who in her white business suit poured over her own dossier though this was detailing the Imperistarium’s budget approval for the Alssahran Campaign. She was hardly surprised they had capped the budget rather than leaving it operationally open but if need be they could get more from other areas. The third and final member on the flight that was to attend the joint military conference in Alghana Al’ard was Prince Edward. One of the Empress’ own children and while he was ceremonially of the rank of Legatus he continued using his service rank of Commander. He was assigned oversight of the Vanguard with Legate Bast but was going to prefer to actually serve with his men inside the unit.

The plane was a standard Embracer L-10 used for long range VIP transport. Four escort jets were also with the Embracer for security detail considering the VIPs on bard, one of whom was in line to the throne of Auvatoria. The four EF-Galants would return to Noveaux when the Embracer departed returning the Minister of Defense but Prince Edward and Legate Bast would remain in Alghana Al’ard until the arrival of the Vanguard forces.

“They’re meeting us at the airport right?” Asked Minister Tranto. It was an open question to those present but truly no one was one hundred percent certain about who was meeting them at the Airport. Well they did know that Ambassador Dera was going to be there, she was the Ambassador form Noveaux to Alssahra and had the monumental task of ensuring the safe evacuation of all Noveans currently on holiday or business in Alssahra.

“I’d imagine so,” Prince Edward said looking up from his crash course in Alssahran geography packet that had been given to him by the High Command as they departed. It was indeed helpful to memorize local plants and geography before inserting one’s self into the place. The soldiers of the main force would receive the packet but also instructive classes on the ride over on the transport ships. They really weren’t due to arrive in Alghana Al’ard for a couple weeks thanks to the logistical nightmare of partial transportation. Noveaux didn’t have the amount of ships to do it all in one go unfortunately.

The plane landed at the International Airport and the three departed with a bodyguard each. The smiling Ambassador Dera approached and greeted the small group before introducing them. “This is Foreign Councillor of Alssahra, Yasin Khouri.” She said motioning to the representative of their host country. “Councillor this is Foreign Minister Olivia Tranto, His Imperial Highness Prince Edward Remanti, and Legate Ollivier Bast.” She said going down the line as each shook hands with the Foreign Councillor. After a short exchange of pleasantries the group followed Councillor Khouri.