Flames of the Rubicon
As the 4th Squad "Charred Dominion" of the 3rd Company "Ashen Legion" forged through the burning streets of Harnaidan, the air grew thick with the stench of charred debris and the cries of the embattled. Kyra "Tyrant" Nex led the advance, her flamethrower spitting death as they moved closer to the financial district, the heart of their mission.
The cityscape around them was a chaotic blur of fire and smoke, the flames reflecting in Kyra's visor as she scanned for targets. Each building seemed to loom ominously, a potential threat or a hiding spot for enemy combatants. The squad's march was relentless, driven by the motto that echoed their resolve: "Dominance in Desolation."
Sgt. Samuel "Saber" Miller kept the squad tight and focused, his voice a steady command amidst the cacophony of war. "Keep formation, Charred Dominion! Push through to the financial district. Show them the might of the Diarchy!"
Kyra felt a surge of adrenaline as they approached a civilian compound that had been converted into a makeshift defensive position. Intelligence had indicated that the enemy was using civilian areas for cover, but the squad's orders were clear: anything that hindered their progress was to be eliminated.
"I need three, on me!" Kyra called out, her voice fierce over the squad channel. Cpl. Rachel "Rampage" Lopez, Cpl. Logan "Legend" White, and Pvt. Gabriel "Ghost" Johnson moved up to flank her, their weapons ready.
Without hesitation, Kyra led the charge, her flamethrower unleashing a torrent of fire into the building. Screams pierced the air as the inferno consumed everything in its path. The heat was intense, even through the protection of her armor, but Kyra pushed forward, her face set in a mask of determination.
Behind her, Pvt. Madison "Mirage" Martinez and Pvt. Jacob "Jolt" Young followed suit, pouring their own streams of flame into the compound, ensuring nothing could survive. LCpl. Emma "Eclipse" Garcia and LCpl. Noah "Nightmare" Smith provided cover, their blasters targeting any who tried to escape the fiery onslaught.
As the squad cleared the compound, Pvt. Mason "Maelstrom" Clark reported, "Area secure, but we've got civilians mixed in with combatants. Orders, Sergeant?"
Sgt. Miller's response was curt, a reflection of the grim necessities of war. "Collateral damage is authorized. We can't differentiate under these conditions. Push forward."
Kyra didn't hesitate, her expression unreadable behind her visor. The next target was a series of barricaded residential blocks that reportedly housed enemy sharpshooters. As they approached, Pvt. Hannah "Havoc" Davis and Pvt. Lily "Lynx" Anderson set up rear guard, watching for any surprise attacks from behind.
"Charred Dominion, torch it all!" Sgt. Miller commanded. Kyra nodded, stepping forward to lead her squad. With a cold detachment, she directed the flames into the residential area, the fire quickly spreading from one building to the next, the high-pitched screams melding with the crackle of burning structures.
The advance was merciless—a necessary cruelty in the eyes of the Diarchy as they sought to break the will of their adversaries. Each member of the squad carried out their orders with chilling efficiency, their actions a testament to their training and their belief in the Diarchy's cause.
Kyra, unlike the rest of her squad, lusted after the cruelty. She took sweet delight in the embers, the screams and the bodies strewn across. As if on cue a small child crawled out of the building, screaming and crying, running frantically like a headless chicken. Kyra stopped herself, allowed the child a small respite, before burning him alive, kicking his corpse before she moved along.
As they left the burning blocks behind, the financial district loomed ahead, its high-rises casting long shadows over the advancing troopers, they were not far from Nathrax's position. Kyra's heart beat with anticipation and a dark satisfaction; ahead lay the culmination of their mission, the opportunity to demonstrate the true power of the Diarchy's resolve. The flames of Harnaidan would be a message to all who dared oppose them: the Charred Dominion was here, and they brought with them the dominion of desolation.