[color=ed1c24]Sam Wilson – Free Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Western Border 
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Large plumes of black smoke spread across the sky, as locomotive after locomotive arrived at the station. Men and Women offloaded the locomotives, for the most part concentrated on their task and getting some rest. They shuffled away from the trains, in formation, heading for makeshift tents and other shelters set up to house everyone. A nice respite was needed, after all this might be the last bit of rest many of them would ever have. 

As they approached the camp they came upon tables, and were handed the last uniform many of them would ever wear. It was plain but efficient. It was brown, a grimy looking brown that matched the color of the land. It had been carefully matched to the surrounding environment, to help hide their appearance. If one was asking the men and women to give up their lives, the very least they could do was provide them with a fighting chance. 

As they all streamed into camps, they were met by priest dressed in black, leading men and women n singing psalms and hymns. Their voices carried throughout the camp. There was a solemn feel to the camp, not one of fear. It was as if the men and women congregated in this camp, had come to accept fate. Their fate, to follow the banner to war, and destroy the heathens that had for a long time harassed the western border of their simple and plain nation. 

Governor Sam arrived accompanied by her personal guard composed of Crusaders. These guard units were dressed in armor. It wasn’t powered armor; it was more reminiscent of that used by Crusaders in the age of old. A muted silver, so that it would shine much, but enough that it would stand out and a red cross adorned to the front. These were elite soldiers, willing to give life or limb for their cause, and zealous in their beliefs. However, unlike old crusaders, they were armed with assault weapons, and super powered sledge hammers. Not only do they guard the governor, they lead the common soldier into battle. They are the first to strike and the last to leave. All willing to surrender their lives for the banner of the cross, and do whatever it took.  

Sam looked at the maps laid out before her. It showed the long line of fortification that had been built along the western front, guarding Pennsylvania from the cult. Aside from the occasional missionary that was permitted through, not much trouble occurred. Pennsylvania had been a peaceful commune, one that focused more on defense than offense. However, Sam knew the Cult couldn’t be trusted; they were just waiting for the right moment to strike. 

The old government would’ve never approved a first strike, however, Sam and her Crusaders, made sure they wouldn’t be in the way.  They were delicately removed from positions of power and replaced with their own. Future history books would call it a bloodless coup, bloodless only because no blood was spilled, but lives were taken. Now, they could carry the holy banner of the Cross westward, and retake lands that were rightfully theirs. 

Sam thought back to the conference were war had broken out. It had been a failure, after all long lasting peace was the goal, but war pretty much unraveled after day 1. It hadn’t all been a failure; an alliance had been reached by the Pennsylvania and various other nations along the eastern seaboard. That had been beneficial in getting some needed supplies and materials.

She studied the map carefully; various smaller camps were set up along the long border. To provide additional protection for the border, however another camp of equal size had been set up north. The bulk of the army would launch from these two point and eventually would be joined by a third force striking from the middle, the goal was to push cult units inwards, and slaughter them. The Banner of the Cross had deemed none of the enemy combatants worthy of redemption, and only the release of death would suffice for them.  

The last of the trains had arrived, and soon the strike would begin. The Revered Father had been present, he gave the officers his blessings, and they made their ways to their men. In the morning the Army of the Cross would march, following the lead of the banner. Death would come to those that oppose them.