The April nights in the city of Port-O-Bea were something to truly experience. Spring was in full swing at this point, as the colder ocean breeze was mixed in with the much warmer temperatures keeping the air breathable. Cole, a commander for the Coastal Defense Corps, was ecstatic about the weather now compared to the last few months. It only temporarily brightened his mood against the tragedies of earlier, but it was needed.
While cooped up at the makeshift outposts along the beach, he was with about ten other men, staring into the sea with him. While moods were initially high, the return of the warships from the prior night did not give much hope for ensuing peace. The forcefield that Alice had set up weeks ago was long gone by now, and it was really only a matter of time until fighting rammed back up again.
"How many ships can you count?" Cole asked the scout next to him, who was holding a pair of binoculars.
"Dang, it appears to be a lot more than last time. Maybe twenty-five?"
"Shit!" the commander expressed his concern, "That's more than what we say in the daytime alone. I believe another attack is commencing soon, so we need to notify the others to prepare for possible activity."
"Already on it, sir." someone working with the radio was already reporting, "I'm getting some news that they've noticed the increase as well. Emergency services are also now on standby."
"Everyone else, stay alert. We must be ready." Cole finally stated as others began returning to their stationed positions.
.....
Several more hours passed by, as more of their troops were preparing their defenses and reinforcing weaker areas. With the success of the breakthrough with Jamal and their forces, it inspired more civilians to give some of their time to join the Defense Corps, boosting their numbers from five hundred to a little over two thousand. Much-needed gaps were now able to be filled, although the quality of newer troops definitely showed through training. It would take more time before everyone would be at the same level, but for now, it would do.
Cole himself was setting up several machine-taboons from within their established fortification, that could rapidly fire tens of bullets in seconds, when shouting erupted in the distance. Those close to him rose their heads in surprise, to see what the commotion was about.
"They're coming! They're coming!" someone roared far from them, just as a loud explosion blurred their vision.
Steadying themselves up and looking toward the water, the group could see the warships begin their bombardment from afar, with even the largest battleship in the world assisting as well. But even closer to the shore, could the men see dozens of metal boats speeding straight toward them.
"What the world! Are they about to attempt a landing?" another soldier forced out, before pulling his rifle up. "We got to stop them!"
"Everyone stay focused!" Cole stayed composed, despite the shelling around them, "Hold your sectors down, and do not let them reach the beach!"
Giving quick nods or acknowledge, both sides were already firing bullets or powers on the other. If a beachhead managed to even get established, would that apply more pressure for the main coastal forces to either speed up the process to reclaim Saputa, or reroute much-needed divisions from the front to return back home. A disaster was waiting for them to come, and the newly formed group would have to give it their all in order to prevent that from happening.
"Sir! I'm getting reports of Ariocasters three miles away and rapidly approaching the city!" the radioman broke down the news, "And we're getting more estimates of their landing force. About three thousand marines, from the looks of things."
"Stay focused and keep us updated!" Cole shouted through the chaos, as he laid waste to the first landing craft that managed to make it to shore.
But even with their work, was all in true vain. The shore bombardment, while initially focused more on the center of the city where possible reinforcements could make their way to the sea, switched focus to the main defenses now. The explosions were now more directed at the fortifications, as small ammo depots nearby on the shore blew up in smoke. Those in the crossfire attempting to dodge the shells were essentially downed by the landing forces which were now given the advantage from their superiority.
"We're pulling back to Sectors A, B, and C. Y'all remember where that is at?" Cole looked back at his remaining men, to which a few of the lightly defended group were already missing, likely dead. "By the older buildings, the former projects. Hold down the entire area at all costs. Go!"
Hurrying out, they could see hundreds of their fellow comrades dashing towards their designated sectors as well, with a few brave souls willing to hold down the oncoming onslaught to their dying breath. What did not help the situation was the droning sound over the city, the aircraft now overhead and this time without that Alice woman and her forcefield. This conflict was not about to end, but just ramp up from here.
.....
Even as her children were sound asleep, Ula could not help but keep an eye out for the danger ahead. Luckily, the city was warned well ahead of a possible attack, as she stared through the window of the complex's balcony, fires illuminating the background. Laken and Jackie were well safe, locked in a windowless room with a small light kept on, and to hear as little of the noise as possible. She herself doubted that, but it was the hope that kept her awake for her kids.
"I only hope for this to all end," the woman took a deep sigh just as the bombs finally crashed into the ground, and rumbled the earth once detonated. "I only ask for as many people to come back safely. Jamal, please don't die. I love you."
Attempting to hold herself together, Ula continued to watch the destruction of the city, wiping her eyes from the terrible thoughts. No one was here to protect them except for the Defense Corps and everything was going to be on them. As long as Jamal and the others did their part, could they take out Youden and bring light to his atrocities.