"To General Sherman. I am officially reporting that the 5th Rangers, 4th Ivy Battalion have successfully pulled back from the Hiplose forest. The Rangers and Minutemen under my command at Salva were able to provide cover.

The enemy had successfully reclaimed their old positions, closing in their containment around Salva. While it would have been ideal to maintain those positions, the enemy suddenly was reinforced by a Brigaton (Salva allies inform the Brigaton is called Versum, the name of the commander), overwhelming the 4th Battalion Brigade. This was expected as the offensive was a delayed operation to allow time to fortify our position at Salva.

My recon teams can confirm that the Verliance Aristocracy is preparing for a siege. This was expected. I have attached below the current status of Salva's manpower and defensive strength. Much of the eastern and southern walls were rebuilt. Construction of a northern keep protecting our blind spot is underway but will take additional time to complete.

The bright news is the successful negotiations with the Dwarf borrian, (Vagahm) south of the city. They have agreed to release the prisoners, to which our Salva allies were thrilled. The proper agreement is being worked on and will attach it to you when it is complete, but the treaty has my full endorsement, and I think you should also endorse it to prevent hostilities. This is a significant victory for us as now we are not preparing for a new war within the region and can adequately focus on the matter at hand—the defense of Salva.

I am confident that we will be able to hold the City-State of Salva, but I do request additional damage control units as soon as possible. The Militia are hardened and motivated now that their families have returned and see the level of commitment that we have shown in the defense of their city. My overall point is that we are not rushing blindly into an unknown situation but are now ready to make a proper stand. We are prepared to withhold anything the Verliance Aristocracy or Unity throw at us." – Colonel Hackett

March, 19th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Facing the wooden desk repurposed from Salva Palace, Captain Mathew Ryder watched his superior, Colonel William Hackett, the Minuteman commander, type on his laptop with deliberate focus, as if intentionally ignoring him. Ryder had been summoned, yet for the past five minutes, the Colonel hadn't acknowledged his presence—an unusual tension for their typically direct rapport.

After a few more minutes, Hackett leaned back in his chair, fixing his gaze on Ryder. "Good work," he said bluntly. "You and the girl got the civilians back and prevented a third front from opening. For now."

"You sound almost surprised, sir," Ryder replied, a hint of a challenge in his tone.

"I prefer to keep one Hail Mary in reserve per campaign," Hackett said, his voice dry. "I'm a bit annoyed I had to play it this early on Alagore, but you two pulled it off."

"To be fair, sir, it was her idea," Ryder said. "Staying behind after the botched opening, figuring out what the dwarves really wanted. I just helped her prepare for the meeting."

Hackett clasped his hands, his stare unwavering, which set Ryder on edge. Normally, the Colonel would have signaled for a casual debrief by now, but the formal air lingered. Something was amiss.

"According to the girl—"

"Princess," Ryder corrected.

Hackett's lips twitched into a smirk, followed by a low chuckle. "You're right. She earned the title. Her idea to stay and negotiate a neutrality pact was sharp. Seems she learned a thing or two during her captivity. Natural-born leader."

"Assiaya's tougher than she looks," Ryder said. "My question is, will the U.S. honor the treaty?"

"Of course," Hackett replied. "It'd look bad if we didn't. Besides, we agreed to stay out of their affairs as long as our enemies do the same, with a bribe to sweeten the deal. The Princess did well. She could serve the United States effectively. Having her on the throne might sway other City-States to our side, easing our rejection issues."

"I understand," Ryder said, his tone measured. "With your permission, sir, I'd like an update on the adoption paperwork."

The moment the words left his mouth, Ryder noticed a shift in Hackett's demeanor—from upbeat to guarded. The Captain's gut tightened. With the civilian hostage crisis resolved and Salva's people embracing their new leader, Ryder feared he'd be sidelined from Assiaya's life. He'd promised to adopt her before this upheaval, and now he worried Hackett—or his superiors—had other plans, perhaps grooming her as a puppet Princess. Ryder wouldn't stand for it, even if it meant resigning his command.

"It's in progress," Hackett said cautiously. "But as I've said, these things take time. Present realities take precedence."

Ryder took a steadying breath, summoning the courage to challenge the mentor he deeply respected. He'd made a vow to protect Assiaya in that cave while they were on the run, and he wouldn't break it. "With all due respect, sir, that's not good enough."

"Careful, Captain," Hackett warned, his tone firm.

"I am, sir," Ryder shot back. "I was upfront about my intentions to take her under my wing."

"I know, and I've passed that along to my superiors," Hackett said. "But it's not your call."

"Excuse me?"

"Maintain discipline," Hackett said sharply. "Think practically. You're a Special Forces Captain, not an ambassador."

"Is that all, sir? My rank and my service?"

"Both. Look, I get what you're feeling, but this isn't like with your wife. Whatever debt you think you owe the Princess is paid."

"What about after?" Ryder pressed. "Am I supposed to just walk away? Tell her, 'Nice knowing you, good luck'? You think she'll be a compliant puppet for the U.S. government? We'll lose another war to internal politics."

"Careful, Captain."

"I am, sir. What you're asking crosses a line. I told you before—I didn't bring her here to be used by our side. After everything we've been through, she's my daughter."

"Be realistic, Captain. We're not throwing her to the wolves. This world plays House, and we need someone with a legitimate bloodline to connect with other Houses. You know how critical this is for American influence in Nevali."

Ryder's frustration grew as Hackett kept addressing him by rank, not name. The Colonel's calm, casual demeanor clashed with their moral disagreement, feeling almost provocative.

"When Assiaya revealed her identity, I understood the stakes," Ryder said. "I made a promise—not just to her, but to God. I won't abandon her, no matter what the government says. If I have to resign and live in exile, so be it. You taught me to never leave a job half-done. I'm not starting now."

Hackett leaned back, studying Ryder. Sweat beaded on the Captain's neck as he braced for the consequences of challenging his mentor. He respected Hackett immensely, but protecting Assiaya was non-negotiable, even if it cost their relationship.

Hackett remained silent, fingers interlaced, staring intently. Then, he leaned forward, raising a finger to silence Ryder as he pressed a button on his laptop.

"Did you catch all that?" Hackett said, eyes on the screen.

Ryder realized Hackett wasn't addressing him. The Colonel turned the laptop, revealing a four-star African-American general on the screen: General Sherman, the new commander of U.S. operations on Alagore. Ryder's unease spiked.

Sherman spoke without preamble. "Colonel Hackett speaks highly of you, Captain. But are you serious, or just posturing? You're a Captain, punching far above your weight. You'll be under a geopolitical spotlight you're not trained for."

Ryder didn't fully grasp the general's closing metaphor but understood the gravity. Protecting Assiaya meant stepping into a political arena he was unprepared for, armed only with his Army education. He stayed silent, as no question had been asked.

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"All right, Captain," Sherman continued. "Did you mean every word?"

"Yes, sir."

"Speak freely."

"I said yes, sir."

Sherman nodded. "This isn't a pick-the-kid-up-from-school situation. We're fighting a physical and geopolitical war on an alien world we barely understand. This gives us an edge."

"I understand, sir," Ryder said. "But she's my responsibility."

"Agreed," Sherman said, catching Ryder off guard. "Colonel, you've convinced me he's the right man. I approve your proposal. Captain Ryder, here's how this works: I'll authorize your adoption of Assiaya Balan-Ryder. You'll have full authority as her caretaker, recognized by military and political entities. You got what you wanted. But in return, you'll play House. The Balan name carries baggage we won't honor. We'll forge a new path based on our ideals. Your House will be a symbolic figurehead in this world. You'll remain a Minuteman Captain, but also a Duke of your own House and city, hosting Salva's leader. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Colonel, we'll discuss logistics later." The screen went dark, leaving the two officers alone.

Ryder exhaled, relief mixing with confusion. He glanced at Hackett, who had risen and now leaned casually against the desk, his posture relaxed, like they were old friends catching up.

"I told you to trust me, Matt," Hackett said, using Ryder's first name—a signal the formalities were over.

"I see that," Ryder said, sinking into a chair and staring at the ceiling. "This is real?"

"Very real," Hackett replied. "The General wanted to test your resolve. I had to push you to see how far you'd go. You passed. Congratulations—you're a father and a duke now. We'll need a beer and aspirin back on Earth."

"Thank you," Ryder said, realizing Hackett had orchestrated this from the moment he'd stepped into the office. "The dwarf crisis was a test?"

"An opportunity," Hackett corrected. "I wasn't joking about it being my last diplomatic card, but I also wanted to see if you and Assiaya could work together. You succeeded. I had Captain Smith talk to her informally while she served drinks, asking about the borrian incident. She spoke highly of you. Separating you two would've been a mistake. Everyone got what they wanted."

Ryder nodded, processing the revelation. "Thank you. I should've trusted you from the start."

"You had reason to worry," Hackett said. "But your approach needed polish. We're all navigating this without a manual. Let's move forward."

"Will I still command Comanche?" Ryder asked.

"Of course," Hackett said. "But you'll have additional duties here when not in the field—public appearances, entertaining ambassadors, helping Assiaya with the populace. We'll sort out the details later."

"Hope I'm getting hazard pay for civilian work," Ryder quipped. "Anything else I need to know?"

"One last thing," Hackett said. "It's time to make your daughter's position official. Let's go."

*****

Standing outside the Minuteman-occupied Salva Palace, Natilite gazed at the towering structure. Most City-States boasted such grand edifices, their elegance reflecting cultural pride and civic order. Governance and royal residences thrived within their walls.

Some believed a palace's condition mirrored its city's health—crumbling facades signaling decay, pristine halls suggesting a golden age. Yet, appearances could deceive; opulent palaces sometimes masked greed and oppression, a truth the Templar had witnessed too often.

When Natilite first arrived in Salva, the Palace straddled a line between pride and neglect. Its caretakers maintained a defiant dignity—the only people to rebel against Kallem and his Unity masters—yet the city had faded into a backwater trading post. Now, despite scars from two recent sieges, the Palace showed signs of renewal. Rebuilt walls, reinforced defenses, and Minuteman symbols—flags, military signs, and ubiquitous guards—marked their occupation.

The Palace wasn't breathtaking, but Natilite saw its rugged vitality as a fitting symbol of Salva: worn but resilient.

Turning to the swelling crowd before the Palace, Natilite sensed a shift in the city's spirit. The pall of depression and uncertainty had lifted. For the first time in months, militiamen reunited with their families, and the streets buzzed with music, dance, and games.

Yet, not all rejoiced. Many had lost loved ones in the prolonged conflict, their grief a quiet undercurrent amid the celebration.

Despite these losses, Natilite was heartened by the city's high spirits. The shared struggle and liberation had built trust between Salva's people and the Altaerrie. Unity would be key to surviving the looming siege and proving that Americans could bridge cultural divides.

Glancing at Captain Ryder beside her, Natilite noted his odd mix of joy and unease. "You seem happy," she said.

Ryder turned, nodding. "Shouldn't I be? Things are finally going our way."

"Our way?" Natilite teased. "You were captured for a week, nearly died multiple times, and your eye still shows a bruise from Kallem's beating."

Ryder shrugged, a faint smile breaking through. "Worth it in the end."

Natilite understood his meaning and felt a warmth at his devotion to Assiaya. Their bond, forged in hardship, was unshakable, even if its suddenness surprised some.

Before she could respond, she caught Ryder eyeing her armor. "Enjoying the view?"

"Yeah," he said. "Your armor's shinier than before. Fresh polish?"

Natilite shot him an exasperated look. "We've been standing here for forty-five minutes, and you're just noticing now?"

Ryder shifted uncomfortably, hands on hips. "Well… at least it didn't take two weeks. Learned from that mistake."

"Progress, then," Natilite said, her tone playful. His eye-roll and chuckle revealed a genuine warmth radiating from him. "You're in a good mood."

"Shouldn't I be?" Ryder said. "The adoption's official, with real weight behind it. Assiaya's taking a brave step."

"And you're okay with that?" Natilite asked. "With her taking this role?"

Ryder's gaze drifted to the celebrating crowd. "It's not what I wanted. I never imagined becoming a dad this way, and I'm terrified. I didn't expect Great House politics when I brought her here, or that she'd become the Princess of the Rebellion. She's just a kid—grew up a slave, now thrown into geopolitics. It's not fair. But I'm proud of her courage."

"She's not alone," Natilite said. "You're a Duke now. You have power."

"Power I don't want," Ryder replied quickly. "I only accepted it to protect her."

His resistance surprised Natilite. Most would seize such authority, for good or ill, yet Ryder seemed reluctant. Was it nerves or a lack of ambition? Either way, she admired his commitment to staying the course.

She touched his shoulder. "You mean your daughter's courage. She's only doing this because she knows you'll protect her."

"I'll do my best," Ryder said.

"Don't be so humble," Natilite said. "Assiaya couldn't stop talking about those moments on the railing, staring down at the dwarf market. You'll be a fine Noble."

"Thanks," Ryder said. "But I'm a Captain and a father, nothing more. I'm no King."

"Because that's my name," a new voice cut in.

Natilite turned to see Rommel King and Fraeya approaching. She'd heard Comanche had returned from the front but hadn't realized they'd finished debriefing.

As the palace doors opened, two Minutemen stepped out, taking positions as High Priestess Brevia, Salva's spiritual leader, emerged, followed by Assiaya. The girl wore an elfish dress—green and brown skirt, white top with feather-like shoulder padding, and white leggings with green accents. Though the attire suited her, Natilite saw fear in the soon-to-be Princess's eyes, barely masked by her effort to appear composed. Ryder, walking beside her, was her only visible source of comfort.

Behind them was Colonel Hackett, not Salva's official leader but its accepted military commander. His focus on preparing the city for the enemy, coupled with fulfilling his promise to reunite families, had earned the crowd's respect—a remarkable feat for a foreign officer.

As the group ascended the platform, Ryder approached Natilite after a prolonged conversation with Hackett.

"The Colonel wants you to translate," Ryder said.

"Me?" Natilite replied, uncertain. "Is that wise?"

"He approved it," Ryder said. "As a Templar, you'll symbolize unity during this power transfer."

"I'd rather avoid the spotlight," Natilite admitted.

"Mutual feeling," Ryder said, patting her arm gently. "You've got this."

Natilite took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Very well. Tekali has guided me this far. I'll do what's needed."

They joined the platform. Hackett thanked Natilite before addressing the crowd, summarizing recent events since the Bridge opened—the sacrifices of Salva's militia and American soldiers, their shared battles, and the reunification of families.

"When the dwarf crisis emerged, it posed a challenge," Hackett said. "But our faith in our principles provided a solution. I present Princess Assiaya of the House of Ryder, daughter of the former House of Balan, who stepped forward in our hour of need."

Hackett stepped back, yielding to High Priestess Finnea.

"To the people of Salva," Finnea began, "our Temptress stood with our brave militia in our darkest hour, taken by the Unity, who wage war against our Mother. I cannot replace her, but I will serve as steward of the Temple of Brevia until a new Temptress is appointed. It is my honor to guide Salva and the Altaerrie spiritually. Now, let the crown be presented."

A priestess approached, carrying a red pillow with a gold rim, bearing a small silver crown adorned with tiny jewels. Finnea gestured for Assiaya to step forward. The dual-eyed girl glanced at Ryder, who nodded reassuringly.

Assiaya took a deep breath and approached. Finnea asked, "Do you wish to speak before your coronation?"

Assiaya faced the crowd, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry for the loss of those who led your city against Kallem. This was their home, and I won't dishonor their legacy. They took the first stand, not me. The Vampire Lord killed my family and enslaved me until my new father saved me and brought me here."

Her fear palpable, Ryder knelt beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Natilite joined them, standing at Assiaya's other side to show solidarity.

Bolstered, Assiaya continued, "All I wanted was a family. When I arrived, I saw yours torn apart. I swear that won't happen again. I don't know if I'll be a great leader, but I'll try. Our Mother united us, and we'll be one family. Kallem and the Unity won't take that from us."

"Well said," Hackett interjected. "Together, under God, with Mother's blessing, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Natilite glanced at the Colonel, impressed. She'd underestimated his knack for public relations and politics. He knew when to shine, when to recede, and what to say. He'd clearly planned this since the elf workshop owner revealed Assiaya's identity, forging a unified Altaerrie-Alagore culture.

She whispered to Ryder, "He's good at this."

Finnea lifted the crown from the pillow and placed it gently on Assiaya's head before turning to the crowd. "All hail Princess Assiaya Balan of the House of Ryder!"

The people of Salva knelt, and Assiaya flushed with embarrassment. She beckoned Ryder, who joined her, taking her hand.

After minutes of celebration, Hackett returned to the stage for a closing speech:

"This is a glorious day not just for Salva but for the future of this continent. Let this be the beginning, not the end. I cannot promise you that the road ahead will be easy, but this is proof that if we work together, we will not just survive but we will win.

I am here to inform you that I have a message from the President of the United States. We will stand with you. The City-State of Salva has become my country's number one priority. Your fate is our fate.

I will not lie to you. The enemy has beaten back our counteroffensive and is surrounding the city like before. The barbarians are at the Gate, but this time, we are ready. The Salva Milita is not fighting a rebellion but fighting as soldiers, supported by fifteen thousand American soldiers, aided by our USAM allies.

Together, we will hold this city. The enemy will push against rock under the belief that it can overpower us. Not this time. We will hold the line. Then we will beat them back. And one day, we will free Nevali from the Verliance Aristocracy. We will show The Unity that this world is only big enough for one superpower. I do not know when, but when it comes, we all will remember it started today."

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