Chapter 168: The Amir Campaign (Part Two)
Amir City lay at the border between New Mexico and Colorado. Colorado stretched to the north, New Mexico to the west, while three New America state governments bordered it to the east and south.
If the city had been founded before the split of New America, its economic prospects would likely have been excellent. Unfortunately, it hadn’t been built in that era.
That same unique location, however, had turned it into a breeding ground for gray-market activity. All kinds of forces had left their mark here. The city was a chaotic mix of interests, though in name, it still belonged to Colorado.
Now…
The entire region had entered a state of combat readiness. Across the plains outside the city, layers of militarized defensive installations had already been erected. Soldiers in subdermal armor leapt back and forth, hauling supplies with mechanical efficiency.
Beyond those positions lay vast minefields and EMP traps, all waiting for the arrival of New America’s forces.
The moment enemy troops entered the general perimeter, long-range strikes would be launched immediately, minimizing the chance that the minefields could be detected or mapped.
An aerial response unit was also on standby to deal with enemy mine-clearing teams. It was composed mainly of drones, armed AVs, and a small number of individual flight units.
Further out, hidden among nearby hills, Colorado’s government forces had deployed ambush and interception units.
These were elite troops, highly capable in individual combat. If necessary, they could enter the battlefield directly to harass the enemy.
Soon, a heavily armored transport descended over the Colorado encampment. The Arasaka emblem on its hull was impossible to miss.
Olsen narrowed his eyes and stepped forward. As the overall commander of this operation, he had overseen many conflicts with New America and was considered a steady, experienced veteran.
“Arasaka’s support should be in position,” Olsen said. “You and Sadro go receive them, then bring their commander to me.”
“Understood.”
Olsen’s aide nodded and headed off.
The Sadro they mentioned was the direct commander of the ground forces, responsible for on-site battlefield operations.
As the Arasaka heavy transport slowly settled onto the open ground, Sadro and Olsen’s aide approached the hatch.
A unit of Arasaka security personnel emerged in orderly formation, each clad in standard-issue armor reminiscent of samurai gear. The security specialist leading them wore a more refined version, with a visible interface port embedded in his hand.
Behind them came Arasaka snipers, netrunners, operatives, and a small ninja unit.
After that were Arasaka mechs, numerous drone platforms, and… Arasaka Birds.
Arasaka Birds were not a machine model, but a designation for a specific combat unit. Heavily modified with cyberware and equipped with formidable firepower, they were frontline powerhouses, typically armed with heavy or light machine guns.
The remainder consisted of Arasaka security robots, some of which even showed traces of PROJECT technology.
“I am Kuro Moribashi, leader of this operation. I look forward to working with you.”
Kuro Moribashi extended his hand toward Sadro and Olsen’s aide.
“When in Rome,” he added calmly, “I’ll skip the bows.”
“As you wish,” Sadro replied, giving a slight nod as he shook Kuro Moribashi’s hand.
“How are your defensive works coming along?”
Kuro Moribashi moved straight to the point after releasing the handshake.
“Our commander, Olsen, will discuss that with you in detail,” Olsen’s aide replied.
“I understand. Then please take me to see your commander.”
Kuro Moribashi nodded expressionlessly and inclined his head slightly toward Sadro.
Sadro watched him leave with Olsen’s aide, then turned to look at the Arasaka troops unloading supplies behind him.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that these Arasaka forces weren’t here solely to help them fight. There had to be another purpose.
...
“Commander Olsen.”
“Kuro Moribashi, is it? I’ve reviewed your file,” Olsen said calmly. “An impeccable record, wouldn’t you say?”
“You flatter me,” Kuro Moribashi replied evenly. “I hope this campaign will become another fine entry in that record.”
“Hm. Then tell me—what are your superiors planning? To hold Amir City at all costs?”
“With all due respect, Commander Olsen, that isn’t realistic.”
Kuro Moribashi’s expression didn’t change as he met Olsen’s gaze.
“Our orders are to inflict maximum casualties on the enemy while delaying them as much as possible to preserve Amir City. If necessary, we are authorized to abandon it.”
“You’re quite direct,” Olsen remarked, his tone unreadable.
“A clear understanding of each other’s objectives will only help our cooperation,” Kuro Moribashi said. “So, what instructions did your superiors give you?”
“Not much different from yours,” Olsen replied. “Delay the enemy for as long as possible. If we must give up the city, then we give it up—priority goes to preserving our remaining forces.”
“Then it seems we’re in agreement. During this time, we’ll do everything we can to support your operations. In addition, I’ll need a copy of your deployment map.”
Olsen paused for a moment, then nodded.
“No problem. Do your security specialists have any recommendations regarding our fortifications?”
“That can be handled by my security team leader,” Kuro Moribashi said. “His name is Takekawa Shuuji.”
A faint orange glow flashed through his eyes as he transmitted an image.
“I’ll have him come speak with you shortly. I’ll take my leave now—excuse me.”
Kuro Moribashi dipped his head slightly and departed.
Olsen felt nothing in particular about the man’s behavior. Having already reviewed his background, he knew exactly what kind of person Kuro Moribashi was, so he let it be.
...
Roland narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at Lissandra standing before him.
“You said you intercepted Militech’s intelligence?”
“Yes,” Lissandra replied, nodding. “Information on their first target city, along with part of their deployment.”
“How much of it do you think is real?” Roland asked, tapping the table.
“About half,” Lissandra said after a moment. “The rest is most likely bait.”
“Hm… Militech probably leaked this on purpose for us to see. Ignore it—no, don’t. Archive it, then let Arasaka’s spy ‘steal’ it.”
“I understand.”
Author's Note
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