Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V1 Alagore, Chapter 7

"Mr. President, I learned from Peterson Base that the Ranger-Minuteman Task Force has gone through the alien portal known as the Bridge. We have been able to establish a connection with our forces on the other side, but the connection is weak. We believe this is because the Bridge energy is providing interference, so progress reports will be slow.

Director Bill Miller of the FBI has reported that Internet Monitor Group (IMG) PLs have successfully tricked the general population about the result of the explosion the other day at the facility. They are monitoring the situation and will create a report if events in Raymon Base become trending again.

As your advisor, I highly recommend we host a meeting regarding the path we will take after the military establishes a beachhead on this alien planet. I understand most of the Cabinet and Joint Chiefs of Staff prefer keeping the Bridge and Alagore a secret from the general public. While I conceded to their point of view until the situation is more favorable and I agree we should go public in a position of strength, I do believe it would be wise to go public as soon as possible." - Counselor to the President Jane Murry

March, 4th, 2048 (Military Calendar)

Temple of Indolass, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie,

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Captain Mathew Ryder felt a crisp feeling throughout his body before fading as he exited the Bridge.

Once through, he saw a glossy chamber that Fraeya described. Unable to spend time analyzing the ancient surroundings, he heard the intense echo of the heavy machine gun fire. His HUD quickly picked up the IRiSS and Bigdog in front of Comanche, to which they had already advanced. There were a few corpses on the floor, victims of their sudden attack.

The other members of Comanche appeared seconds after he did. "Everyone accounted for?"

"All members are accounted for," Barrett replied.

Ryder confirmed all ten members of Comanche made it through, which included Fraeya. Besides the elf girl, everyone was in their forest with green and black battlesuits. They all had their dark gray VISORs down that covered their eyes.

Hearing the sound of battle, Ryder saw that the robotic soldiers had completed their objective, clearing the first enemy defensive line. Now, they were advancing toward the exit, giving the Minutemen breathing room as they organized.

"Fraeya," Ryder said. "You said there might be other paths within this chamber? Where do we begin?"

"That is correct," Fraeya said. "They should be further down the chamber."

"Alright, Comanche, you know what to do."

Comanche advanced as the other Minutemen Combat Fire Teams started to appear. Once those teams regrouped, they quickly caught up and joined the robot squad as their orders were to tackle the enemy while Comanche followed Fraeya to find a flank.

As Comanche drew closer to the robotic force, Ryder saw one IRiSS explode in half from some energy weapon. Another front armor plating was burnt and scarred from an energy bolt. The rest had similar burn damage or projectiles on their armor. While doing their job, they couldn't hold on forever.

Viking and Razorfist Teams reached the robotic squad first and opened fire. The enemy was barricaded near the exit to hold off the American forces. Once the other CFT teams arrived, an intense firefight within this large chamber began as both sides attempted to gain fire superiority.