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[h3][b][u]The Tip of the Spear[/u][/b][/h3][/center]

[b]May 9th, The Illesian Capitol of Regoth, The Presidium, Military High Command[/b]

	Major General Gareth D'Amos stood solemnly as the elevator ascended to the top floor of the Presidium. The 49-year-old officer's hair had entirely grayed by this point in his life, though much of it had been cut a few millimeters from the scalp. Crease lines adorned his somewhat olive-colored face and seemed to concentrate around his ever-squinted brown eyes. D'Amos was universally recognized within the Illesian Army as perhaps the most experienced and capable infantry commander they had, though that wasn't enormous praise considering the general state of the defensive-minded Illesians.

	Nonetheless, D'Amos walked faithfully into the conference room, startled for a moment as he recognized King Avandre VII as well as the entire Marshall and Naval Triumvirates. Stepping into the center of the curved table, all seven of their faces looked at him expectantly, to which D'Amos pounded his chest with his right hand and bowed deeply, nearly causing his military cap to fall off.

	King Avandre declared, "Welcome, Illesian brother and Major General D'Amos. We of High Command have a special military operation for you to carry out, of the utmost national importance."

	D'Amos finally lifted his bow, "I am ready as always to serve Illesia."

	The King motioned towards one of the Marshall Triumvir, Michielle Hontas, who slid a folder towards D'Amos. D'Amos picked it up, leafed through it for a few moments, raising his eyebrows as he remarked, "The King and the Triumvirate is certain they wish to send Illesian forces onto Toubrian soil, in what is one of the first offensive foreign actions we've done in a very long time?"
	
	"The King and the Empress of Toubres are to be married in three months. Their soil may not be de jure Illesia, but it might as well be. The same goes for our soil," responded Triumvir Hontas.

	Deciding to add Hontas' words, Avandre spoke, "This is to be the beginning of a new era for Illesia, Major General, and you are the tip of the spear."

	Appearing to give no emotion, the Major General once more pounded his chest and bowed, "Yes, My Lord. I will exercise your Will as best I can."