Gate: War Of Two Worlds

"GOOD MORNING ALNUS HILL! We are finally on the airwaves. If this took another week I would begin to believe that I worked for the government. I am here today with my assistant, a native Alnus herself." – Free Alnus Radio "WHAT WAS THAT!?" Hamilton asks, startled by the radio that suddenly spoke.

"That is a radio station. It seems like our outpost in Italica got their tower up. We will be able to listen to Alnus." Steele answers Hamilton's question.

"Assuming we stay in range." Alicia points out after a long yawn.

"Aww, all I have to do is talk through this thing and everyone can hear?" – Free Alnus Radio

"Yes, they can. We are in life. In today's news, our Diplomatic Outpost in Italica has finally been open. Word has it that our boys there had warming welcome." – Free Alnus Radio

After a short amount of time listens, both Hamilton and Pina realize what they are listening to is news. How impressive that is. One of the reasons why the Empire has been so successful is its post network. Either horseback or flying a Wyvern, new orders or information can quickly get to a place to place, allowing the Empire to react quickly.

However, though, even that still takes time. These people can magically just talk to someone like they are face to face, even if the other person is far away. That changes the war of war and even managing the Empire dramatically.

"Yes, they did. Today though I am here to talk about the current expansion projects that are needed for the Alnus Community. While trade between Italica and from the Elias region Valtris and Etlia have become productive, turning that into a profit has become an issue for our small city." – Free Alnus Radio

Vanguard-7 finally be on their way to the capital city of Sadera. The rainstorm that hit the other day has passed and the team was able to leave Italica the next day. Leaving was rough as the roads were all muddy, forcing the convoy to move slowly. That only lasted about fifteen miles until they reached the dry road.

As planned, Rory, Lelei, and Selina are staying at the American Diplomatic Outpost in Italica. Because of a lack of interest on their part and other personal reasons some of them have, they wanted to stay behind. This is a diplomatic mission after all and not an armed assault.

Pina sits in the back of Sharpe's vehicle. She won't be alone; her servant Hamilton be with her too. Both her trusted Lieutenants Bozes and Beefeater are in a different vehicle with the ambassador.

Sitting inside this vehicle seems very unnatural. Pina looks over to Hamilton. She sees the same uneasiness expression. How could something move without horses?

Pina looks forward and sees the three Americans upfront. The female soldier name Alicia be sitting behind the driver. All around her are all this strange equipment. She seen her talk through them before, like during the Siege of Italica. She was able to bring down helocopters and wipe out the bandit army.

There is the driver of this horseless machine and their leader Sharpe by him.

Last night dinner was a major learning experience about who her enemy is. Her biggest mistake was assuming they were like her people. They seem so simmer and yet so far apart. While at times the dinner was acquired and tense, to her surprise she actually enjoyed the conversation. Even if she doesn't agree with a lot of what they said, it was fun learning and seeing different points of view. Even making her question some traditions she considers normal.

The idea of liberty seems to dictate most of their decisions and how they see the world. It defies everything she has ever witnessed. It is an idea that sounds too good to be true. She wonders how they will react to the goblin and demon races as they do not care about any form of decency.

No, the Empire must endure this crisis. For centuries it has been the Empire that has maintained the stability of this continent and stopped the endless hordes of the goblins, orcs and the other demon races. And one day we will acquire this technology and reclaim our rightful place of Falmart hegemony.

Hamilton leans forward. "So, please correct me but on your world, there are no monsters?"

"That depends on what you mean by monsters." Alicia will respond. With her hand she points to both Steele and Sharpe, implying that they are both monsters. "We do have little insects. Always creeping around."

"Hey!" Steele warns.

"It's a joke you baby." Alicia chuckles and looks back at Hamilton. "To answer your question is no. There are no monsters."

"Wow," Hamilton says, having a hard time imaging a world without dragons, orcs, trolls and other creatures. "It must be very peaceful."

Pina has a hard time hearing the word peace for some reason. A small frustration emerges, a feeling that she has been suppressing since the Siege of Italica. This was supposed to be a chance for her Rose Order to gain glory. To finally show everyone that she is worthy to fight for the Empire, that they are not a joke.

"How can you achieve glory if there is peace? How can you prove yourself?" Pina asks, a little frustrated. Does she want peace with the Americans and their allies? A world without war, how can you achieve honor and greatness without war?

"Wow, back it up there-," Alicia says before being interrupted by Sharpe.

"There is no glory in war, yet from the blackness of its history, there emerge vivid colors of Human character and courage. Those who risk their lives to help their friends." He says with a tone of experience.

He then turns around a little bit, so he is facing the lady's direction. "There is no glory in war, only duty. There has been enough blood stained on Earth for someone's ego." He then looks to Pina. "As long as you chase glory you will never achieve it. If you do your duty you may one day be reward with it."

There will be a short silence in the vehicle, but it is Steele who speaks first.

"Who said that sir?" asked Steele.

"Silvia Cartwright. One of my old teammates shows it to me a few years ago." Sharpe says.

"Who the hell is she?" Steele asks him back.

"Some old New Zealand politicians." Sharpe looks to him and then away. "I like the quote though."

"That is a very interest point of view, but war is a necessary part of life. If you don't fight, then someone will come and take everything you have." Pina says, somewhat countering what Sharpe said.

"That is a whole another conversation. If someone is coming to harm you, you have no choice to fight back. You have to rise above the threat." Sharpe says back to Pina.

Steele interrupts. "Second Amendment baby."

"Hoorah." Alicia expresses. "Anyway, while you two have your philosophy debate, I like to make a correction." She then looks to Hamilton. "We might not have your version of a monster, but Earth history is very bloody. It still took two world wars and a cold war to achieve the stabile peace we have today. We are people too; we just try to live our lives as freely as we can. Sometimes that means fighting the bad guys."

Pina likes what the American female said but something did seem off. It is not what she said but how she said it. The context of what she said is that they don't consider this a major war. World wars? What does that even mean? The continuation of this war could result in the fall of the Empire but to them, is this just some sideshow? Like the war against the Warrior Bunnies, the Norther Campaigns and Edras for us?

Before Pina can ask more questions than she has, a voice would be heard from one of their other talking boxes. Pina hears one of the soldiers saying that they are approaching the city. That couldn't be true unless he means the small trading towns between Sadera and Italica. She highly doubts that these people couldn't tell the difference between a village and a capital.

That's when Pina hears Hamilton confirm they are approaching Sadera. She adjusts herself so she can see through the glass.

"How can we be here already? It is at least a five-day ride at best speed." Hamilton asks, looking out the window.

"Impressive. How fast can these things go?" Pina asks, surprised but not that surprised. Every time she has run into these people it is always something new.

"Well, we have been going about on average forty-five miles an hour." Sharpe leans back to face them. "I might be off but I think that's about fifteen leagues an hour. We would have been here a few hours ago but the mud."

"Impressive. How long have you had all these machines?" Pina asks.

Sharpe buys some thought in his answer. "About a hundred, hundred twenty years ago. That's about when it became more mass-produced."

Pina picks up that term he said at the very end. "Mass-produced? You can make these in large numbers?"

"Yup," Sharpe says as he looks forward again. He and everyone else lower their windows.

As they approach the main wall, Pina notices the Americans looking at the wall and gate, impressed by the wall designs. That seems strange that they would be impressed by a wall.

"Damn, that is a tall wall," Steele says.

"It is like going back in time," Alice says, speaking out loud.

Hearing that made Pina wonder if they have walls around there cities. How could that be though? Wouldn't their cities be contently attacked by outlaws and bandits?

After a little though Pina remembers the helicopters. With their flying machines, they could just bypass any defense line, making a wall pointless. What an amazing sight that might be, cities without defensive walls.

The vehicle stops when they approach the city gate. Sharpe would get out of the vehicle and then lets Pina out so she can allow them through. It took a bit for the guards to open the city gate. Once open, the two will go back to the vehicle and begin driving.

Sharpe reaches for the radio. "Alright, everyone, smile, and wave. No one gets out until of their vehicle until I order it. Randy, let my vehicle take point."

The convoy moves through the city. Sadera is massive, thousands of people walking around in nicer robs then what they saw in the countryside. Buildings going about three stories are made out of this clean white stone. Flowers and market shops are scattered everywhere, bring this living beauty to the city.

The Rangers be looking around, impressed by the city design. Most of the buildings have these detailed designs on them.

Pina leans forward. "Go that way. That road will take us straight to the Imperial Palace. As gives the driver directions she notices that Sharpe is very focused, keeping a mental record over every he sees.

"Don't you like the city?" Pina asks, trying to read him.

Sharpe will think very carefully about how he wants to answer her question. "It is impressive. New respect for architecture. When we have peace, I will be happy to take a look around."

"Well, I will be happy to personal show you around. I can show you the arena, our market has items from all corners of Falmart. And in the end, I can take you to the women's bathhouse. I know a lot of women would be an honor to mate with a great warrior like you." Pina says in a diplomatic cheerful voice, smiling at him afterward.

Alicia and Steele laugh at that, which confuses Pina. "What is so funny?".

Sharpe looks behind at Pina. "They're laughing at you trying to hook me up. I will pass, I'm a shower person anyway. But. Looking around would be fine."

Pina sits back down, happy that she got some positive response from him. Thinking back on the glory debate, maybe they are right about finding glory another way. Ending this war and maybe becoming allies. If she could achieve that, she has lasting glory for generations to come.

After going through the streets of Sadera, they finally get to the Imperial throne hall. The Rangers park their JLTV and get out.

There are Imperialist guards all dress fancier then the standard infantry they have been facing. They all be watching the Rangers but stay as they are.

After ordering everyone to dismount, Sharpe walks up to his men. Just like last night, he is in his military dress uniform for this diplomatic event. Sarah and Charles are also in their dress uniforms.

"Ok, Charles stays here and watch everyone. Frost, Moore with me and Sarah. Everyone else stays here." Sharpe orders to them as he puts on his Peaked Cap.

Sarah walks over and adjusts Sharpe's tie. "How do you still not know how to tie?"

Sharpe stands there frustrated a little. "I hate ties."

Once everyone understands what they are doing, Sharpe, Willington, and Pina meet. They all go inside the hall. The door is massive with all these details designs all over it. Probably a record of important events of the Empire.

Everyone who is going inside walks in. As they walk through the halls, there are massive detailed pillars. There are guards, senators, nobles and all these other people all around. There's probably about two hundred people in here for the peace process.

At the end of the hall is a throne. The throne is on top of this step platform, clearly towering everyone in the hall.

Willington moves up so he is in front of the Rangers, taking the lead. Sharpe is fine by that; he is the one in charge of this after all. The situation feels wired but uplifting. Last time he was part of a peace process, it was extremely bloody. Hopefully this time it would be better.

"Why hello Emperor Molt Augustus. Let me properly introduce myself. My name is Harland Willington, the ambassador for our expedition force. It is a p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to meet you." Willington says.

Then everyone all around them would kneel to the Emperor.

The idea of kneeling, especially to a dictator does not sit comfortably to Sharpe. If he is older too, he will but the idea sickens him. Americans never kneel, we stand tall.

Sharpe looks over to the Ambassador and notices him standing there. He isn't going to give the order, gaining some respect in Sharpe's eyes.

"This is Major Sharpe and these are some of his soldiers. They helped your daughter during the Siege of Italica.

A little tension would arise as everyone noticed that they wouldn't kneel in from of their Emperor. Before any major complaints, the Emperor waves them off. Everyone will stand up after seeing that.

"So, you are the people who are occupying my territory? I was expecting you to be taller and bigger." Augustus says.

"In addition to that, did you hear that we also breathe fire and shot lightning out of our eyes?" Willington responds quickly.

There be a short pause after that. The silence ends with the emperor starts laughing. "A power enemy with a sense of humor. I do like that."

"Now you came for peace. I do have a question about that. Why are you interest in that?" Augustus asks the Ambassador.

"My people are pioneers, explorers at heart. We push the boundaries for knowledge and truth. We are interested not in the territory but trade, goods, and understanding." Willington says.

Augustus thinks about that response. "Interesting, and yet for a peaceful people you have a powerful military."

Willington smirks understand where is going on. "We call that diplomacy with a bit sick."

Augustus smirks after hearing that. "You speak of peace but fully understand the means of war."

"You and I know that peace is the gap between wars. While we prefer good relations with nations, preparing for the next fight is always required." Willington says and gets more serious. "You don't become number one sitting on the sidelines."

"Agreed. We are two worlds, but we understand the deep truth of life." Augustus says, gaining respect for the Ambassador.

As the two talks, a loud door opening sound echoes throughout the hall.

"My, my, are these the troublemakers? I do not see what the big deal has been." Zorzal says as he laughs. He walks up to the side of the Rangers.

Sharpe looks over to him. Ever since he has is telling him that something is off with this man, red flags everywhere. He looks over to Pina and sees her embarrassed by his sight.

"This is my son Zorzal Ei Caeser. The next Emperor when my time is done." Augustus says. "Son, say hello to the Americans."

He looks at them and sees Sarah and Alicia. He gives them a s.e.x.u.a.l glance, clearly objectifying them. "O well. I hope we get more of these exotic women in your treaty Pina."

Sharpe walks up to him. "Back away… wait. What do you mean more?"

Willington caught that too. He realizes that the situation has just gotten worse and only deteriorating. "What is the meaning of this?" He says looking to the Emperor.

Right then they all hear this weak feminine voice coming from one of Zorzal personal guards.

"Merican... I an American! HELP ME! PLEASE…" This n.a.k.e.d woman is yelling with all her might. She is kneeling on the floor by one of the guards with a chain around her neck. The guard with a chain in his hand kicks her to make her shut up.

Zorzal looks behind at her. "I told you to keep your mouth shut you-."

Before he would finish, Zorzal gets punch hard in the head by Sharpe. He would fall to the ground. Once on the ground, he looks back at the Americans envoy, holding in the face in shock.

"You… you hit me!? YOU ARE GOING TO PAY!" Zorzal says in pure shock, having a hard time believing that someone hit the Prince of the Empire. "I WANT HIS HEAD! ALL OF THEM!"

Pina walks down a few steps panicking. "WAIT! STOP! Calm down, everyone!"

"Princess, that is enough!" Willington says right at her in a demanding tone.

All the guards in the hall would raise their weapons and begin moving towards the Rangers.

Alicia and Harvey raise their M4s while both Sharpe and Sarah raise their pistols. All aiming at the Imperialist soldiers.

As everyone begins charging them, Sharpe aims at them. "Fire!" He orders.

All the Rangers inside the hall open fires at everyone that is charging at them. Imperialist Guards would fall in groups, barely getting close. Many would try using their shields as protection. The idea is to slowly change their position while in cover. However, their shields prove to be worthless as their bullets tear right through it, killing them all.

In less than a minute, nearly fifty guards would be on the ground dead or bleeding out. Everyone else is hiding behind pillars or crowing against the walls.

"HOLD FIRE!" Sharpe orders.

The Rangers stand there but keep their weapons aimed.

"Hey, come on lady. It is safe now." Sarah says, walking out of the line, trying to help the girl get to them.

Seeing that she is free from the guard, she gets up and pushes her exhausted body towards them.

As she runs, Zorzal would be halfway up. He grabs the chain, preventing her from getting any closer. "NO, this whore belongs to me."

"Let go of her you bastard!" Sarah says.

"Alicia. Go get him." Sharpe says, staring at Zorzal.

Alicia looks at Sharpe and smirks evilly. "Roger that."

The next thing Zorzal notices is this woman half his size gets him back on his back. When he falls again on the floor, he looks up and sees this fist slams into his face again. Fist after fist would ram into his head, over and over. His nose breaks instantly break. Some teeth pop out of his mouth and his face turns black, red and blue, all bruised. Blood pours out from his nose, mouth, and cuts from her cheeks.

Everyone watches as Alicia beats the crap out of the Crown Prince. He would end up letting go of the girl. She runs right to Sarah, grabbing her as tightly as she can.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH! I kicked guys asses like you back in high school!" Alicia says, getting really into the moment, letting everything she has into his face.

When the girl runs into Sarah's arms, she holds her closely, providing some motherly warmth and protection. "You are safe now. Were U.S. Rangers. It is over now." She then feels a tap on her shoulder.

Sarah looks over and sees Willington handing her his jacket. She nods and takes it, wrapping the jacket around the girl.

A few guards would try to run to Zorzal aid, but one of them gets shot dead. "NO ONE MOVES!" Hervey says out loud.

Pina falls on her rear as she watches the events unfold. There is so much blood in the room, so much death. How could this happen? They were so close to achieving peace and in a matter of seconds, the peace treaty is gone. She can only help but watch as her older brother gets beaten.

Sarah walks over to Sharpe as he watches Alicia continue her brutal beating. "Sir, isn't that enough?"

After asking the question she notices he completely ignored her. He is just watching, letting Alicia beat the prince to death. "Major." After getting ignored again, she looks to Alicia. "Alicia St-."

"Sergeant, Stand down!" Sharpe orders. "Rangers, guarantee the girl safety, all means necessary."

Alicia stops punching Zorzal. Noticing blood on her fists, she uses his cloths to wipe them off and then stands up afterward. "You are lucky he made me stop." She begins walking away but then stops and looks back at him. "I don't think you need these anymore." And then she kicks him in the balls and the walks back to her people.

Zorzal has an all bruised and bloody face. After getting kicked in the balls, he folds into the fetal position in massive pain.

Pina's whole body is shaking, not understanding what just happen. This Great Hall has never been this disgraced before but now, she doesn't know what to think.

Once Willington believes the fighting is over, he looks to the Emperor. "What is the meaning of this? You have our people as a prisoner, and this is the situation you have them in! This is completely unacceptable! When were you planning on telling us?!"

"There… there not prisoners. They are slaves." Pina says, trying to justify everything. "Our previous treaty stated…"

"Don't bull with me, Princess. You know exactly what we mean." Willington says back to her in a clam but an authoritarian voice. "Speaking of our previous agreement, a set of standards was agreed to with prisoners of war."

Pina sits there knowing this is only getting worse. Her heart feels like it has just disappeared. Desperate to justify any of this and keep the peace process going she tries to speak. "That did not include your people-."

"You dare say that!" Sharpe yells. "I believe you and I had an understanding. You knew your people had ours and didn't say anything. You saw that we treated our prisoners with dignity and respect but you!" He says only getting angrier. "You and I shook hands."

"I am holding you personally responsible for all this. There will be no peace as long as you have a single one of our people, regardless of nationality." Willington continues, wanting to take control of the situation and prevent another firefight.

Pina can see in his eyes that all trust and bonding they had means nothing. That they are more enemies now than before they meant. All the conversations they had since Italica, the dinner, on the ride here, all meaningless now. She is speechless on what to say. How could these people give us everything for a common slave?

"Major, I think we are done here. Take your people outside." Willington says.

"Rangers…" Sharpe is interrupted by the Emperor himself.

Molt Augustus stands up from his throne, unfazed by what he has seen. "I see your true weakness. Your willingness to throw everything aside for a single slave. This will be the downfall of your people. Remember that."

Sharpe has the urge to speak but holds his tong. He is forcing himself not to engage anymore, knowing every muscle in his body wants to kill all of them.

"You are completely wrong Emperor. It is the sworn duty of the state to protect its people. It is a core value of ours. We in the West do not accept this kind of treatment of anyone. On Earth or here." Willington says.

Willington can see Augustus about to speak but this time he stops him. The time for diplomatic manners is over. "We have faced and crushed far greater Empires than yours. I have seen your world and some of the evils we defeat to not even compare. Our people are not a trophy for your amus.e.m.e.nt."

"Now remember this," Willington states, making sure everyone catches what he is going to say. "Think very wisely on your next move. If anything happens to our people, we know where you live."

Then he turns around and begins walking out of the hall.

The Rangers would follow him, making sure no one tries to stop them or take the girl back.

Sharpe follows behind, making sure no one is left behind. He has always followed the officer philosophy of the officer is the first in and last out. As everyone walks out, he stops and turns around, taking one last glance at Pina. He is extremely pissed, all that talk about mutual respect and all just to be used as a tool.

Then he looks to Zorzal.

Zorzal is laying there as two guards help him up. He sees Sharpe looking at him and feels this deep chill going down his spine. Without needed to say a word, he faces says that he is watching the Prince.

Sarah walks back in the hall after noticing that Sharpe wasn't with them. "Major, we need to…" As she looks at him, she sees this cold blood killer look in his eyes. A look she has never seen from him before, or anyone else before. "Sir?"

Sharpe looks at her and then nods. "Roger."

Both of them walk out of the hall.

As the Rangers walk outside, they see dead bodies all around. The two Rose Order ladies, Bozes and Beefeater be over in the corner in pure shock of what just happen. Probably their first time seeing the American weapons in acting.

The outside team looks like they had to fight off the guards who were trying to get inside. Two of his men are on the .50 calibers and everyone else armed to the teeth.

Charles walks up to them when they arrive at the vehicles. "Sir, we heard gunfire and then everything went to hell out here." He then sees the girl. "Who is she?"

"A liberated prisoner," Sarah says.

"Jerry, get over here! Your riding with me." Sharpe says and then looks to Sarah. "Can you take her to me…"

"I got it, sir," Sarah says, already taking care of the situation.

"Wait, you can just leave after this!" Pina says as she runs out of the hall. "Wait, we can still work this out!"

Sharpe sees Pina and then looks to Willington and Charles. "Ambassador, in the vehicle. This is a military matter now. Charles, load everyone out. I want air support just in case." He then looks to Alicia. "Alicia, update Command."

"I will help her," Willington says, knowing that his mission is over.

After giving his orders, Sharpe walks back up to where Pina at.

"You… you request my presence because you said we had a mutual understanding. Do you still believe that now?" Sharpe holds out his pistol, making sure she understands the gravity of the situation. "If any of you follow us or stop us. I will be burning the city down." He says right at her and the heads to his vehicle.

He gets in and then the Vanguard convoy drives off.