„Report 2Lt. Gottfried." Said Karl to his sister in his office on her missions debriefing.

"Yes sir! At 1315 hours we began the mission. At 1415 we made first contact with inhabitants of this world. For some unknown reason they all talked English. This village is called Southstall. We found out they were attacked by bandits and decided to help to gain their trust and some information on this land. We are in empire called The Empire with capital city named Capital. It is led by very young emperor. Their technology level seems very interesting, they know guns but use medieval weapons. Also it is filled with corruption and some revolutionary movements are present. Namely the assassin squad called Night Raid and their bosses, the Revolutionary Army. We also established open trade right with them and were invited to this land's duke. That is all." Replied Kate.

"Thank you, dismissed."

Kate turned around and walked out of her brother's office. She immediately went to canteen to have something to eat and drink. Thankfully canteen was right next to the GDI's commanding officer's office. As she grabbed herself a sandwich and some tea, she went on roof of the canteen. She was looking over the base, which thanks to the premade building was built in hours, as it full of life. It was defended by two layers of defence made from Watch Towers, Guardian Cannons and at entrances were Sonic Emitters. On the north side were barracks, garages and War Factories, at west were Armouries, Tech Labs, Command Posts and Construction Yards. At south were Power Plants and few Silos. And on the east side were Airfield, one Space Command Uplink, one Ion Cannon Control and a small Space Center.

"So, what do you think of our new home for a while?" asked Karl as he sat beside Kate with his own sandwich.

"I like the view here, also the air is clean. We also have internet here, so I give it 9/10. I only miss alcohol-free beer." replied Kate with a chuckle.

"Don't worry, I have a few friends on some places in military, so I could get us some. Also this base is called Fort Jack Granger."

"Well, at least you have something for my birthday."

"If you think so." said Karl as a smirk crept on his face. "Also you and your squad can take a few days off, I will have another mission for you and a few people from your team and a different mission for the rest. You chose who goes where."

"Sounds interesting. I also know you stopped smoking, what happened?"

"Well, nothing, I just hadn't time to smoke. And I don't plan to continue as I still don't much free time." as he was talking, he stood up and started walking away leaving his sister alone on the roof.

Five days later:

"Listen up." started Karl as he was briefing Kate and 1Lt. Archer. "You are to give a visit to this duke and find more information on this land. Some military information might come in handy. I chose 2Lt. Gottfried as a mediator because she made first contact. She will wear something formal and it's your job 1Lt. Archer top keep her save, she will be a VIP. In the state of emergency we will send Zone Troopers and Commandos for help. Also you will be accompanied by few of 2Lt's soldiers. Have you decided who will it be or will you tell me later?"

"I decided here, I will take Pfc. Falk Mattias and Pvt. Thomas Klemens."

"Okay, noted. Anyone have any questions?"

"What are we supposed to do if somebody shows hostile actions?" asked Archer.

"Try to eliminate them quietly. If you can't, then eliminate them normally. Something else you want to know?"

"What are we supposed to achieve on this meeting?" asked Kate.

"Try to make good first impression, find information and try to make friends. Your first goal will be localizing the Capital. Any other questions?"

After few seconds of silence Karl said: "I wish you good luck and you are dismissed."

Kate started to leave but suddenly stopped, turned around and said to Karl: "Brother, I don't have any dresses here. I thought it was one of your jokes."

"What do you mean you don't have any dress here? I told you to bring at least one because I thought something just like this might happen. So that means I will have to ask for someone's favour to burrow you a dress."

"I highly doubt anyone has a dress here."

"Well, not here, but on Earth's side of The Bridge they have at least one. I saw somebody wearing it on that press meeting. It will be here in the evening. Oh, please send me here rest of your squad. See you later my dear sister."

"Yeah, thanks. See ya!"

After this Kate left the office and walked off to tell her squad the missions they have.

25 minutes later, barracks:

"Wait a second commander, if Pfc. Mattias goes with you, who will lead us?" asked Tobias Klemens.

"I don't know private, you will have to ask the commander. Also he wanted to brief you for your next mission. ASAP." replied Kate.

"Yes ma'am." said whole squad except Mattias and Thomas.

"Ma'am, I hope someone will accompany us on this mission, we won't be able to defend you in just two man squad, even more if one of us have rocket launcher." said Mattias.

"Oh, don't worry. 1Lt. Archer will accompany us and he will act as my bodyguard. You will stay in the APC and wait until we will need your help. Before you come to our help, ask HQ to send us the reinforcements they have for us."

"What will these reinforcements consist of?"

"Mainly from Zone Troopers and one squad of Commandos."

"Well, your brother really is worried about you. But who won't. You are the only one they trust from our chain of command. I hope we won't have to call them to help us."

"Don't worry, I hope too. Also please address me normally on this mission, not by rank."

"Yes ma'a…, sorry, Yes Kate, with pleasure."

"Wow, you are sooo funny. Let's just hope this will go smoothly. Right Thomas?"

"Yes Kate, I hope so."

"Well, you are dismissed. We will move out in 1830 hours. See you then." finished Kate. When she got out of barracks she spotted an armoured convoy made from APCs. They stopped and Zone Troopers started coming out. Kate put on a smile and started to walk to her room.

18:04, Karl's office:

Few minutes ago arrived Kate's borrowed dress. It fit perfectly and Karl thought she looked nice and attractive. The dress was ankles-long and was dark blue. She also wore a small necklace with small fake diamond in the middle, her only childhood memento of her parents. They died in car accident when she was two. Karl's family adopted her when she reached her tenth birthday.

"So, how do I look?" asked Kate as she spun around.

"Well, you look nice. Your pendant shines like a little moon in sea of dark. I will take a photo for you, ok? Stand still!"

She stopped spinning and her brother put up his camera. After few seconds, a click could be heard and both siblings looked at the photo. Kate then started walking to the APC as her brother wished her good luck.

When she entered her APC her bodyguards were already there. They all immediately took a look at her and stared in astonishment. She looked more like a noble that soldier, but they knew looks can deceive.

"Well, you look glorious." said Falk.

"So, is everyone ready?" asked Kate as she went to seat.

"Yep, driver, get us to the party. And don't drink anything alcoholic, this applies for everyone except Kate." replied Archer as he put on his commando helmet and loaded his gun.

The APC started to come to life and moved away from the base in the direction of the village they helped a week ago.

2 and half hours later:

The APC arrived to duke's little fort and before they went out, Archer said with a smile: "Let's get this party started!"