Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V1 Alagore, Chapter 2

"The Pentagon has reported that they launched fifteen Macahuitl subsonic cruise missiles struck nine critical Iranian facilities and proxies within central Iraq. The rockets were fired from both sea and land bases. Colonel Baxter stated that the Republican Guard was gathering strength for a large-scale offensive against Turkish forces.

For the better part of a decade, the two great regional powers have had an on-and-off conflict for influence and control of what remains of Iraq, Syria, the Turkish states within Central Asia, and the Caucasus. The Republic of Türkiye and the Islamic Republic of Iran have been competing for control as they strengthen.

While relations between the West and Türkiye remain strained, the United States and the Commonwealth Union stated they would continue their support to prevent the Eurasian Union from a monopoly on energy supplies, the Union being military backed by a Russian-Iranian Alliance sometimes called an Alliance. The Western European League has been hesitant to support Türkiye for fear that the nation could become a rival in European politics. However, the Republic of India has remained strong, and outside influence should be limited to allow a peaceful outcome to accrue.

While the Pentagon stated that the missile volley was in response to a rising threat in the region, others believe that the strike was in retaliation for a series of pirate attacks within the Apollo Asteroid Group. The military has denied this claim." - New Age Digital News

March, 1st, 2048 (Military Calendar)

"The Bunker" Bar

Fort Carson, Colorado, United States

*****

Grabbing the twelve beer bottles from the counter, Sergeant Benjamin Ford returned to the rest of the team. As he handed out the beers, he saw the bulk of Comanche. The only exceptions were their CO, Captain Ryder, and XO, Warrant Officer 1 Rommel King.

"About time," Wallace said as he grabbed two beers.

"I do believe everyone only gets one," Ford said.

"House rules," Wallace said. "New guy pays for the night."

"Yeah, but only for the unit. Not for the entire bar or your friend here."

Eger Wallace chuckled as he wrapped his arm around a woman wearing blue cat earphones who sat beside him. The Sergeant kissed her on the forehead after handing her a beer, making her blush.

Bruno Barrios grabbed two beers for himself and his date before leaning into the new guy. "And besides, it wouldn't be a party without these mami chulas."

Watching the two men cheer their beers before taking a drink, Benjamin Ford fully realized why the rest of the team called them the Twins—watching the two bounce off each other and having similar tastes. They, indeed, were inseparable.

Two other teammates played pool while the Twins were chatting with their dates. The Air Force Combat Control Team attachment, Sergeant Charlie Higgins, who deals with all the team communication, and the team medic, Sergeant Marcos Gonzales, were playing together. The other was the team Staff Sergeant, Kurt Forest, sitting with his wife, Josephine.

Ford walked over to the Staff Sergeant. "Here are your drinks."

"Thank you," Forest said. He then reached out and grabbed two bottles with his robotic arm. Thanks to his mechanical hand, He opened the two bottles without needing a bottle opener.