15 km from Anzuri City, Kingdom of Azuria.

  May 8th, 1427.

  Ambassador Anderson looked out from the bulletproof glass viewing port of his armored vehicle, admiring the passing idyllic scenery consisting of expansive farmland and the occasional marshes here and there. Even if he had only been here for a day, he could tell how peaceful this part of the kingdom is by the children running around and the people tending to their crops, save for their surprise at the convoy. What’s strange is that some of these people do not look human, some have animal features like cat ears and tail while others have horns protruding from their heads.

  Clack.

  “You know, in my entire life I never thought I would one day witness the existence of half-human half-animal hybrids, much less having our entire country sent off to a different world.” One of the soldiers inside the vehicle remarks as he took a picture with his personal camera through the opened gun port. “Some of the creatures here give me chills, especially the wyverns. You saw the teeths on those things, dude?”

  “At least the bright minds up in the brass actually made a good decision this time.” A Corporal named Lewis remarks as he knocks on the thin aluminum hull of the small Harris APC with his hand. Although poorly armored, the small yet easily transportable armored personnel carrier is still far more protected than the unarmored UMT truck, despite the discomfort of having to sit inside the somewhat cramped armored vehicle meant to only carry four men.

  President Irwin wanted maximum protection for the delegation allowed by the recently discovered Kingdom of Azuria in case of any emergency situation, authorizing Army leadership to make special emergency procurement orders for new vehicles from Atlas Heavy Industry for the small task force that would escort the Ambassador as well as the specialized equipment and experts to where they need to be. They have been traveling for 27 long hours on the muddy dirt road towards the inner plains now.

  “Would’ve been nice if we had taken the choppers instead. I hate the muddy road.” Jonah, the Ambassador’s assistant, complained.

  “You know that’s not possible, Brigadier General Stanford wouldn’t let his new choppers take to the sky without the Navy or Air Force ensuring air superiority, even if it’s against flying lizards. Though he did put them on standby for any emergency.” Ambassador Anderson said, slightly annoyed at but remains understanding of Jonah’s discomfort of being crammed into this moving tin can the Army dare call an APC.

  “Well that’s a let down.” Jonah lets out a sigh. “I must admit, the atmosphere here is nice. I haven’t been out of Arden ever since I moved in near the university for work. Really make you appreciate fresh air when you barely have any of it for a year.”

  “I get what you mean, but security is the top priority right now. You can get some more fresh air and even some breathtaking views, if the Wyvern Captain’s word is true.” Anderson tried to reassure him.

  “Speaking of wyverns…” Corporal Lewis picks up the small radio set inside the vehicle and tunes in the frequency. “Mornin’ Sarge, how’s the lizard boy above us?”

  A voice cracks through the built-in speaker inside the radio. “Well… The Royal Wyvern Corp flyboys are definitely elite, they rotate their shift every four hours in the air and always maintain a circular watch out formation. I wouldn’t want the convoy to be ambushed by these guys. Technically we could survive but our best shot would’ve been to burn the twenty trucks in the convoy to deny capture and make a run back to the boat in the APCs, if we have dedicated anti-air or air support then we can beat them back for sure though.” Sergeant Boris comments through the radio as he looks up to the small formation of wyverns above from his machine gunner seat in one of the 5-ton trucks.

  “The only things that the boys in the 160-man company discussed for the past 24 hours were catgirls, flying lizards, as well as some of the weird fruits, trees, ruins and structures we came across…. At least it’s still better than going through another war in Yunna a few years back.” Boris let out a long sigh at the conversation that was going on in the back as he pointed the radio’s microphone towards the back of the truck.

  Laughter and conversations can be heard clearly through the radio. “I told ya dude! She would totally rip your lil’ shitass out in bed! Listen here, Richie. When we arrive at whatever city we’re going to, I’ll find a nice cat lady for you to fuck. Look, this chap here has the honor of being the first jarhead to be caught by the drill instructor while wankin’ off to cosplay porns in the shitter. I’m so proud of you Richi- hey! HAHAhahAH!” Private Joker laughed uncontrollably as he exposed his squadmate’s embarrassing story to the rest of the men on the truck, struggling around with another individual unmistakable as Richard in the back. “Hey fuck you Joker! You wanna eat some fists for breakfast?!”

  “Didn’t know you are into cosplays, Richie. You don’t look like one of those hairy gooners in the corner of the bookstore.” another man said.

  “Unbelievable...” a feminine voice comments, seemingly out of place from the rest of the truck. “What was I thinking when I volunteered for this?...”

  Sergeant Boris moved the microphone back with him, pretending as if he had heard none of the typical Marine bullshitery just now. “At least they’re having fun. I do enjoy the scenery though, if not for the flock of lizards above I would have thought that I had gone to heaven with all the beautiful scenery.” he said with an unusually calm demeanor despite the extraordinary circumstances. “Better than spending more time with that jackass of a Captain…”

  “Hey, Sarge.” Lewis’s voice cracked over the radio again. “Everybody dies someday, let’s hope it is not today. I’ll keep my eyes up for anything out of the ordinary.” Lewis said.

  “Copy that, Corporal. Cutting transmission, over.”

  – –

  “Get up, Corporal. Enough shut-eye for today. Come and take a look.” Boris gestured towards the large fortress wall ahead while knocking his hand against Joker's helmet. The vehicles rumbled to a stop and Boris was the first to disembark. The ground was firm underfoot, feeling like asphalt or concrete. Other officers followed, grabbing their weapons and equipment.

  “Aw fuck, not again…” Boris rolled his eyes at the alien yet somehow familiar sight. The more things are different, the more they seemingly stay the same.

  “What’s happening, Sarge?” Joker asked his officer as he let out a loud yawn, barely awake from the short nap in the truck.

  “Paperwork.” Boris answers as he walks to the back of the truck. “The wall guards want to confirm our affiliation and purpose. Making sure we’re not secretly bandits or somethin’.”

  Boris looked over at the small detachment of LT-SV Horus escort vehicles traveling with the convoy, thoughts running throughout his mind as he scanned his surroundings. “I supposed we looked threatening to these fellas, bringing automatic cannons and all.”

  Both the LT-PC Harris APC and LT-SV Horrus Escort Vehicles are part of the LT series of light tracked vehicle family in the United Federation’s arsenal, the former is armed with only a 5.56x45mm R-125HB machine gun while the latter has a dual armament consisting of both the 40mm AGL-40 automatic grenade launcher and 5.56mm RT-125HB tank machine gun inside an armored turret. Born from a requirement for rapid air deployment and fast reconnaissance, the original LT - or Light Tracked - series of armored vehicles was highly compact compared to its larger brethren in the United Federation’s arsenal, capable of being airlifted by many nations’ aircrafts and deploy to conflicts around their old homeworld to provide armored support in combat.

  “I don’t think they know what cannons even are, Sarge. I’m just guessing.” Joker gives out a chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief in what he just said.

  “I’ll get the Ambassador. Sergeant, get back to your vehicle.“ A Major named Eli orders Boris as he walks towards the Ambassador’s Harris APC, his calm yet authoritative voice heard clearly as Sergeant Boris quickly sprints back to the truck’s cabin after giving a sharp salute and a nod of acknowledgement. The man was second in command only after Brigadier General Stanford.

  Arriving up to the armored vehicle, the Major calls out for the Ambassador, giving the rear aluminum doors some good knocks. “Sir, you’re up, they want to confirm your identity with the wall guard and the Royal Wyvern Corp’s Captain will be there with you. I will get the men ready.”

  “It seemed like we’re here." Jonah comments, trying to take a peek of the outside through the infantry periscope built into the roof.

  Anderson stepped out of the APC, taking a deep breath and stretching his arms up in the air. That wasn’t so bad, he thought to himself. The ride wasn’t exactly comfortable, but he had been in worse vehicles during his many diplomatic trips around his old homeworld. The interior definitely wasn’t built for long term comfort, and the heat when the sun came up can definitely be felt at noon, but the climate control function built into the vehicle’s air filtration unit is a nice substitute for air conditioning.

  Flapping sounds above the convoy attracted Sam’s attention, and a wyvern touched down next to the convoy. A figure disembarks from his mount and takes off his helmet. “Good evening, Sir Anderson.”

  Anderson offered a handshake. “Group Captain Marius, isn’t it?”

  The man seemed to be puzzled by the gesture, but eventually figured out and accepted Anderson’s handshake. “Yes, indeed. We met early in the morning the day before. I will escort you to the gate. The guards will let the delegation convoy upon confirmation of your presence and purpose.” Marius answered straightforwardly. “Worry not, the guards and the Duke should already be informed of your arrival by our mana messengers.”

  As the men walked towards the gate, a young man in a relatively basic yet distinct suit of armor called out for them. “Sir Marius! Is that really you?”

  “Indeed, boy! These are the esteemed delegation mentioned in the letter delivered by the messengers. Let us show them our hospitality.”

  “We’ve been expecting you, Sir Anderson!” The guards bow in respect. “Quickly make way and open the gate!”

  The gate’s mechanism slowly cranks open, revealing a wide road inside with people lining up on the sides to take a look at the peculiar newcomers. Their expressions ranged from curiosity, to surprise, to somewhat terrified of the metallic vehicles that ran without horses. While not the most positive reaction, it’s not the worst that could have been either. As a diplomat, Anderson had seen enough emotions from the many crowds he had passed by during his time on the job, enough to know which group of people his country could make friends with, and make enemies out of. There is hope for a good friendship here, he thought to himself, observing the people in the crowds gathering up in sizes.

  “Welcome to Anzuri, Sir Anderson.” Captain Marius salutes him, getting himself on a horse as he prepares to escort the delegation through the city.

  – –

  Anzuri City, Kingdom of Azuria.

  Boris revved the engine softly, edging the vehicle forward to pick up Joker. Local knights on horses led the convoy, the morning sun painting everything in a warm light as they exited the wall’s shadow. Anderson fixed his gaze outside, taking in every detail of Anzuri’s lively streets. The bustling streets of the capital city were filled with discussions and speculations as the delegation moved through the main street to the Royal Diplomatic Office. The boxy, smooth aluminum hull of the armored vehicles stood out among the medieval looking city, attracting even more attention from a crowd that is growing even larger.

  The ride was smooth, however. Unlike the rugged terrain during the journey here, the roads had a solidness to them. It was made of… compacted gravel? Anderson wondered how the Azurians managed to create something so reminiscent of familiar asphalt back home. Magical lights and signs at junctions provided guidance, giving some semblance of order in the busy city. As they moved, the tantalizing aroma of baked goods, roasted meats, and herbs wafted from open-air eateries. In the distance, the rhythmic sound of a blacksmith’s hammer met Anderson’s ears, interrupted by a chime of a bell from a nearby tower.

  Jonah scribbled down constant notes in between snaps of photos, mouth hanging slightly open as he immersed himself in the fantastical environment. “This place… it’s like stepping back in time, yet everything’s so… alive.”

  “I can feel that too.” Corporal Lewis slowed down as a group of adventurers walked past, themselves ogling at the convoy just as much as he ogled at them. The Ambassador could only guess how excited his driver must’ve been at the sight.

  They approached a wide square with a towering fountain at its center, water spouting from the maws of a hydra carved with intricate detail. The sound of cascading water filled the square, mingling with local conversations. The unfamiliar sounds of rumbling engines attracted the attention of nearby pedestrians, who joined the growing mass to witness the arrival of the delegation.

  The squad along with the rest of the company leaned out of the trucks’ tent covers to get a better view of the surroundings. “Now I’ve truly seen everything… twelve years in the Marines, that ‘Explore the World’ recruitment poster stayed true after all.” Boris remarked.

  “Shit look at the women here...” Private Richard trailed off, eyeing the locals with animal features, particularly ones with cat ears and fur-coated tails. His sentence is inaudible to all but Joker.

  Joker did a double take, finding himself chuckling as he continued to observe their fantastical surroundings. “Here he goes again.”

  Richard cleared his throat, “Yo, Jokie, there’s a nice-lookin’ brothel over there, you wanna hit it after this is done with?”

  Boris peered into the back of the truck. “I know what you’re up to and I’m not here to babysit you jarheads all day.” He said, finding his words having the intended effects on his subordinates as they quickly straighten up, not saying a word.

  The convoy approached the large fortress, passing through the numerous guard towers along the way. Many guards were on duty for the important welcoming ceremony, dorning their flashy golden ceremonial armor filled with intricate details that seemed more fitting in the fantasy book sold in bookstores at home.

  After the trucks were parked in the massive courtyard, Major Eli disembarked and gave out orders for the men to gather up their equipment and to line up with the Azurian Royal Guards. Dozens of men formed up, bayonets fixed to their rifles along with the Elysian national flag. They marched into the main hallway in synchronization, standing as they faced the Azurian Royal Guard with their flags.

  – –

  Duke Kalush walked down the hall, inspecting the foreign men in curiosity. Although their dirty looking uniforms slightly disgusts him as his supremely dressed Royal Guards stood in opposite, he knew that one must not judge prematurely by the look. After all, these newcomers have strange weapons and contraptions that baffle him. They have gigantic metal ships, armor-cladded wagons that move without horses and their soldiers have strange equipment attached to their armor that he could not explain, spare for the knives attached to their weapons they called ‘rifles’ and their helmet.

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  “My dear, I cannot detect any mana signature coming off from any of the soldiers or their armored wagons.” First Lady Nadine ad Kalush whispered to her husband, whose expression is clearly worried from the information yet his unwavering attitude stood fast in face of the unknown.

  A man in a sharp outfit ascended from the main stairway, accompanied by two others. As they walked, their soldiers each gave out a salute when the trio walked past them, demonstrating their professionalism. The three men walked forward and gave a bow of respect to the Duke, showing no signs of hostility nor condescending reaction.

  “I am Ambassador Anderson from the United Federation of Elysia.” The man introduces himself, waving his right hand to the man on his left. “This is Major Eli Harrison, who is in charge of my protection and these,” he waved his hand at the Marines. “-are the men under his command.”

  As Major Eli gave the Duke a military salute, he waved his hand to the man on his right. ”This is my assistant Sir Jonah Norbert, he is my assistant.” Anderson introduces.

  Satisfied with the introduction by the delegation, Kalush gives the men a nod of approval. “Welcome to my realm, esteemed delegation. I have heard far and few rumors about your people who hailed beyond the Great Sea, where no man has ever returned from a voyage, so let it be known that the Kingdom of Azuria treats its guests with utmost hospitality and respect, no matter who they are!” As the Duke finished his sentence, the two hundred strong Royal Guards standing guard slammed their spears into the floor and gave out a thunderous chant. “Glory to Anzuria! Glory to Azuria! Glory to Azuria!”

  Stunned by the coordination and the elaboration of it all, Ambassador Anderson gave the guards an approving smile as he observed their chanting. The chanting stops, prompting Anderson to return his attention to Duke Kalush. “We come in peace, and our leaders wish to establish diplomatic relations with your nation. We also brought gifts - products from our homeland - to offer to you personally.”

  “Very well. Follow me, esteemed delegation, for we have much to discuss.” The Duke smiles, accepted Anderson’s offering.

  – –

  Royal Diplomatic Office.

  The room was plain, yet elegant. Paintings and gifts from various visits by other dukes and leaders from other lands are displayed in dedicated glass boxes or hung on the wall, giving the room a rich history unknown to Anderson. The maids finished up with helping the Ambassador and his assistance, welcoming them to sit down at the long table.

  “Thank you,” Anderson said as he accepted a seat offered by one of the maids. He sat down, pulling out several documents from his briefcase while Jonah put down an audio recorder, inserting a battery into it to the confusion of the Azurians already present in the room before turning it on.

  “Now,” a butler named Farcel said, clasping his hands together. “We shall commence the first diplomatic discussion between the Kingdom of Azuria and the United Federation of Elysia!”

  “This is our diplomatic team,” the young butler introduced the Azurian counterpart. “Foreign Minister Ruprecht.”

  Anderson stood up. “On behalf of the United Federation of Elysia, I thank you for receiving us so kindly and at such fast speeds.”

  The finely dressed man nodded. “My, how polite! No need for such formality, sir Anderson, we are only but a humble country in the far east of Sorval.”

  “Sorval?” Anderson asked Ruprecht in a surprised tone. “Is this the name of this world?”

  “Yes, that’s correct, Sir Anderson. The name has been around for a long, long time, there are but few who do not know of it. Are those rumors of your people coming from another world true? I have a feeling that they truly are.”

  “They are true, Mister Ruprecht.” Anderson gave him a nod, confirming the validity of the rumors.

  Jonah gathered the documents from Anderson’s briefcase and distributed them. “On these documents, you will find basic information about our country and a summary of our circumstances here in this New World.”

  Foreign Minister Ruprecht and Duke Kalush accepted the documents, reading the map and the data inside with some confusion and doubts. The maps depicted Elysia’s position on Sorval in detail, recently taken by military reconnaissance satellites.

  “Such a large landmass… so close and yet, how did the ancestral explorers miss this?” Kalush thought to himself, wondering if all of this was a sham as he averted his gaze away from the document to the men across the table. “Their land is only a week by the way of the sea if the wind is in our favor!”

  “I understand your concerns, my Lord. I, too, have my doubts.” Ruprecht raised his finger. “However, our esteemed guests claimed that they are not of this world. The detail of this map proved that, as its quality far surpasses any work previously done by the ancestors and explorers. Not even the maps imported from the Holy Celestial Empire could match this.”

  “It must be true then...” Kalush said, putting down the documents, barely hiding his shock. “How did this happen, Sir Anderson? How did your country arrive in this world?”

  “We don’t know, Lord.” Anderson said respectfully. “We are still currently investigating the cause.”

  “I shall arrange a diplomatic envoy to the United Federation for Foreign Minister Ruprecht and his individuals of choice to examine your claim. Unfortunately, my duty of looking over the realm bounds me here, so I would not be able to lay my eyes upon your land beyond the sea for myself for now.” Duke Kalush gestured at Foreign Minister Ruprecht. “However, have faith in your ability to uphold your duties, Minister.”

  Ruprecht stood up and straightened his pose, eyes filled with determination. “I will not fail you, my Lord!”

  “That solves the problem.” Kalush nods in approval, turning his face towards the delegation. “Now, Mister Ambassador, I hope you will find the banquet tonight delightful.”

  Anderson bows to the Duke. “That would be lovely, Duke Kalush. However, there is one more thing I would like to discuss.”

  Kalush raised his eyebrow as the peculiar request piqued his interest. “Yes, what would you want to discuss?”

  “There has been an incident on your territory by one of our aircraft, do you know anything about that?”

  – –

  Banquet Hall, Royal Citadel.

  As the sun settled down, and night fell on the fantastical and medieval-esque city, sounds of distancing murmurs and conversations can be heard as many Azurian aristocrats discussed with the guarding Elysian Marines about their origins.

  An out-of-place figure in a G-suit dug into the strange meal on his plate, chewing and crying tears of joy at the alien meat. “Oh thank you God for this!”

  “You should be thanking me instead.” A gruffled voice behind him said, clearly angry.

  Vargson turned around, his eyes widening as he swallowed the meat. “Good even sir Ambassador! Thank you so much, I have been eating nothing but oatmeal in that cell for the past week!”

  “Getting you out of that cell was a worse experience than trying to get the Yunnish to lay down their arms a few years back, the gifts I offered to the Duke were barely enough to release you out of that cell.” Anderson explained, clearly not happy about what he had to go through in order to get the pair of pilots released.

  Hartmann stepped in, not happy about Vargson’s lack of manners during a high-profile banquet. “You’re lucky that they’ve taken an interest in us and the aircraft, otherwise you would’ve been hanged. If the Ambassador didn't arrive earlier, you would’ve bee-”

  Vargson cuts him off. “Hey! I was confused and scared alright? If you’re attacked by colorful men on flying lizards you would be panicking too. At least I dragged you to safety!”

  Shaking his head in disappointment, Anderson exhales. “They’re called wyverns, by the way. Anyhow, this is all behind us now. You both can start going home tomorrow.”

  He had to compromise with the Duke for the release of both Hartmann and Vargson respectively, promising peace and wealth in exchange for getting both of them repatriated. What questions the Azurian might have for these two men they will get eventually.

  Having the most powerful man in the entire Kingdom taking a personal interest in you does have some perks, it seems.

  “That Duke was really scary, you know?! He-” Just as Vargson was about to say something, he immediately turned away. “Um, forget it!”

  Duke Kalush walked up to Ambassador Anderson, besides him was First Lady Nadine and Foreign Minister Ruprecht. “We thought that we had encountered a potent mage that has created a new magic when I heard the news, until our mages confirmed he was indeed no magic user.” Lady Nadine spoke, her eyes staring at Vargson, not being comfortable with the fact that a former prisoner is enjoying luxurious food.

  “What happens in the past is in the past, Miss Nadine. I’m sure Mister Ruprecht here would find the upcoming trip enlightening.”

  Seeing a smile forming on Ruprecht’s face, Anderson continued. “Our land is the most developed in our world, with many wonders that I’m sure you would find most fascinating.”

  “I’m looking forward to the visit, Sir Anderson.”

  – –

  Citadel’s barracks

  “Holy shit… look at them beastmen. Must be around two meters tall…” Private Lewis gawks as he sees a beastmen regiment walking back from their shift on the citadel’s walls.

  The banquet has been going on for three hours yet the atmosphere is still lively, with music played by local bards and cultural exchange activities filled in for the otherwise quiet night. Major Eli is in a makeshift radio station inside a military tent, making sure the regiment’s communication is still secured with the Seventh Fleet anchoring near Sunsettia.

  “So what do you think of this place, sir?” The radio operator asked, his fingers still fiddling with the equipment.

  Eli shrugged. “Thus far? This could be a great vacation place. I definitely won’t miss deployment in Yunna, spending time in that place made me immune to raid sirens just by how many nights they rang while we were asleep. Damn Socialists won’t let us get a good night's rest.”

  The radio operator chuckled. “It’s all behind us now, sir. We’re in a new world afterall." After finishing the radio setup, he picked up the microphone. “Contact FES Emery, this is Camp Citadel, how do you copy? Over.”

  A clear voice answered on the radio. “We heard you loud and clear, Camp Citadel. Over.”

  He handed the headset to the Major, who accepted it. “Major Eli reporting, the talk is going well, no hostility. Over.”

  “The situation is pretty calm over here, too. Only mild wyvern patrols according to the radars. Over.”

  “Copy that, Emery. We’ll maintain radio contact until otherwise ordered. Over.”

  Major Eli Harrison gave the radioman a pat on the shoulder and walked outside the tent. Sergeant Boris is preparing dinner in the truck-mounted field kitchen along with five others while Joker is having an arm-wrestling contest with a half-man half-wolf, his insignia indicates that he belongs to one of the wall guards.

  “Joker! Come on! Beat the bastard! Go!” The men in the regiment cheered as Joker’s face turned red, his veins visible as he struggled with the beastman who barely seemed fazed by the contest. Azurian guardsmen joined in, bringing their drinks and foodstuffs for the night’s activities.

  A voice from behind attracted Major Eli’s attention. “Glorious effort, I admit, but lacking in efficacy and wisdom. Few humans can match the beastmen when it comes to raw strength.” The man in a shiny golden suit of armor removes his helmet and bows in respect, finishing his sentence. His appearance certainly stood out even among the Royal Guards.

  The man introduces himself with precise mannerism. “I am General Kalasta. I am in charge of the defense of Anzuri as well as keeping civil order during.”

  Major Eli gave the man a salute, which seems to have had the intended effect.

  “It appears that soldiers everywhere are the same, bored men will always find ways to entertain themselves. Especially when they have few things to worry about.” Kalasta comments as he eyed the familiar yet alien sight before him, his men in golden armor cheering as the beastman easily won the arm wrestling competition, causing the men in strange camouflage uniforms to boo in disappointment.

  “You’re probably right, General.”

  “I’m surprised you have women serving in the ranks. Soldiery as a profession is ill-suited for a woman.” Kalasta looks at one of the few women in their regiment sitting alone in the corner reading a small handbook, impressed by her ability to read. “Is she a noble?” He asked, curiosity running through his mind.

  “No, she’s not. We don’t have nobles in Elysia.” Eli answers honestly. Even with early observation, it is clear to him that not everybody can go to school.

  The Major’s answer only filled Kalasta with more questions. Higher education can only be afforded by the wealthy and the elites. Male children of wealthy families received a far more extensive education than females, who are expected only to do housework and raise children. Few get to decide how their lives will be played out. Putting the thought aside, as he was about to ask more questions, he was cut short.

  “If you excuse me, General. I have to speak to my subordinate.” Major Eli bids farewell as he walks towards Private Rita, grabbing a tray of hot beef stew from Boris’s truck.

  “...That is… fine.” General Kalasta stopped as he bid farewell. “Perhaps we can converse again in the near future.”

  Seeing the Captain walking up to her, Rita stood up and gave him a salute, putting away the handbook. “Good evening, Major Eli.”

  “At ease, Private.” Eli nods in approval, handing Rita the metallic food tray. “Chow?”

  Rita accepted the Major’s offer. “Thank you, sir.”

  “You haven’t been talking much ever since we got off the boat. Anything bothering you?” Major Eli asked her with a straight voice, not wanting to burden his subordinate with worries.

  Private Rita frowns, her expression visible to the Major. “It’s… It’s just I can’t seem to fit in with the rest of them.”

  Rita has always been the awkward one out of the bunch, not being taken seriously as the Elysian Marine Corps have always been dominated by male. This culture of masculinity has dissuaded many women from joining the Marine Corps, believing that the Army is a more suitable place for service since women can more easily enter the branch.

  The fact that the Marine Corps has much higher physical standards, along with being the only volunteer-based military organization in the United Federation practically ruled out any female service volunteers, solidifying the Marine Corps’ reputation of being a male-dominant or even a male-only force despite nothing stopping women from enlisting legally.

  “It’s ok, Lieutenant. You will have your moment, everybody starts somewhere.” Eli tries to comfort her, not wanting her morale to sink during an important mission.

  “Wow, sir. Those were the most lame and generic words you could’ve said.” Rita chuckles in amusement. “Regardless, I’ll try my best. Thank you, sir.”