Gate: Thus We Burn Another World

Chapter 1: Assault

-BREAKING NEWS! HUNDREDS OF LIVES LOST DURING THE GINZA FAIR MASSACRE. IS WWIII IMMINENT?-

That was the headline of the day. Hundreds if not thouasands had fallen to death's realm all caused by an attack. A foreign attack is what fits the description perfectly, but not foreign meaning nation of Earth. The attacks were orchestrated by outsiders: medieval men backed by beasts of fairy tales both filled with blood lust. They didn't discriminate with what they did. Men, women and the children to them where nothing more than meat bags to be crushed for their enjoyment. Security in the Ginza Fair was high, numerous policemen guarded the vicinity, but even with a strong defense everything would be useless if the ones they protect are far too many. That was the horrifying fact those men had to endure: they couldn't save everyone. Still, that didn't stop them from trying, as the attacks had started many of them had tried to organize themselves and counter attack the enemy...

Ginza June 14, 2020 14:50hrs

Itami Yoji, age 33, stood there infront of the gate with his fellow men watch the invaders fall back. Japan had repelled the would-be invaders from their country and now it was time for them to lick their wounds. He began his trek to a make-shift camp just a few blocks from the gate. There he found many wounded, mostly civilians, all lined up in rows waiting for any sort of medical assistance from the relief group. 'Poor souls... Who were those invaders anyway?'

Thinking of it now, everything he had just experienced felt like a start of a fantasy novel or something. Medieval men pillaging along with Pig men and dragons wreaking havok? This was definitely just him day dreaming. He was shaken out of his thoughts when he heard an unfamiliar voice enter his hearing.

"You there! Are you in charge here?" A voice had called out in english. There stood a woman, as tall as him, wearing formal wear panting heavily as if she had run a marathon. Though it wouldn't be as far-fetched as he would usually believe considering everyone was basically exhausted.

"Huh? Me?" Itami stuttered, unsure how to reply in english.

"Yes-*pant*- you. Laura Bailey, Intercom News. We're here to do a report on the recent massacre of Ginza and you my friend are here to serve as an eye witness. Mike get the camera ready. What's your name sweetie?" As she said that, another man entered the scene with a news camera on tow. Itami was now looking at the man as he set up the news camera to the reporters height.

"Umm... My name is Itami Yoji... 2nd Lt of the JSDF reserves." He introduced himself but they simply just continued preparing themselves. A series of clanks and squeaks were heard from the man handling the camera until he stopped.

"Ok Ms Bailey, we are live in 5... 4..."

"Umm... shouldn't I get a say in this?" Itami attempted to speak clearly in english and try to grab the news crew's attention but it was all futile as the camera man continued his countdown. His mind was taken to another realm. There he saw two men in different uniforms following behind him. One had a sniper rifle and a castle patch on his arm vest. The other had a machine-gun, and a beanie on. 'Who are these guys? Why am I dreaming again... first some fantasy guys from a video game, now some dudes tailing me?'

"3...2...1!" Itami had returned from his senses as the camera man had shouted.

"Good Afternoon Everyone, I'm Laura Bailey of Intercom News currently at the Ginza Fair..." The News lady had spoke. Itami tried to listen intently on what she was saying but his english speaking skills didn't encompass her accent, it was probably Australian noting that she had a more cheerful tone than an american. "Here I am standing with the man responsible of saving thousands of lives, the Hero of Ginza! 2nd Lt Itami Yoji of the JSDF." The reporter said. "Tell me, who were those invaders? What made them do this? Are we safe from their malicious intents?"

Itami internally groaned. 'Ugggghhh... why couldn't I at least get a chance to check the convention!'. Somehow he felt this was just the start for him to be writing more reports and debriefing. Oh how he hated these practices.

New York June 15,2020 15:00hrs

"So how many dead?" A man spoke grimly in english . There he sat on his leather chair, sipping his cup of coffee, as one man - a Japanese - answered the man's question.

"Two-thousand four-hundred eighty-four dead, three-thousand fifty wounded alongwith an estimate of 50 missing, Mr Dirrel... Most of which where from the visitors of the World Fair." As the translators finished relaying the man's message murmurs had begun around the room, most of which had a negative aura around them.

"Prime Minister Motoi, what of the foreign threat in your lands? Have they fully been taken care of?" Another man had spoke in english; cold and robotic is what you could sense from him but, the Prime Minister - now looking at the old caucasian- saw fire burning from his eyes. "The Russian Federation does not take too kindly to people who slaughter our kin like animals."

"You have my utmost condolences Mr. Suvorov, but rest assured the foreign threat has been expelled from the lands." Motoi reassured the Slavic president. Before he could continue on, another individual interjected.

"And what of the 'Gate' Prime Minister? Has that too been expelled from the land?" The Chinese Premier queried his Japanese counterpart.

"Yes Prime Minister, what of the 'Gate'? Do you plan on sending an army to the other side? " Dirrel asked, causing again another uproar of murmurs and opinions and causing the Japanese to freeze at the statement.

"O-of course we will." He had stuttered. "Attacking Ginza is a blatant attack on our sovereignty, and as such my people-"

"I don't recall only your countrymen being attacked. Majority of the deaths in the massacre are from foreign countries which occurred on an international event. As far as my colleagues are concerned, this isn't an attack on Japan but a declaration of war against all of us." The Chinese Premier had argued.

"Yes, he is right." Dirrel asserted. "And as sovereign countries of the free world, what are we to do knowing that this threat has declared war on us? Simply just allow our people's deaths to be handled by another? No offence to you Mr. Motoi, but we aren't simply just going to let Japan be the hero in all this."

"We clip their wings: to protect ourselves and ensure stability remains in both worlds." The Russian president finished.

This is what Shinzo Motoi had feared. The loss of american, Russian and Chinese lives during the massacre which made up sixty-percent of the total casualties now gave the powers a reason to join the JSDF in their escapade to the 'Special Region'. He had hoped the three of them would bicker against each other instead of banding together but looking at it now it was certainly better for their world that the powers have finally come into an agreement.

"Henceforth, the coalition is formed. Prime Minister Motoi shall prepare a 'beachhead' for the US Army and Russian Armed forces. Of course the JSDF will be supervising their own but will also get support from the US Army, special operations included." Dirrel stated.

"The Russian Federation will gladly send in support. 1st Guard Tanks Army shall be mobilized for deployment along with an air corp."

"The People's Republic shall support this endeavor through monetary means due to our countries' lingering tensions, we however would like to send our diplomats and scientists to the 'Gate' for research purposes of course."

Knowing that the three wouldn't take no for an answer any more Shinzo Motoi spoke one more. "Very well, my people will prepare for your soldiers' arrival." He then stood up and did a small bow to show respect to them. "May we all get along."

"Good. Now, I need to prepare a conference, the people have to know of this and the 'vultures' need to be fed something." Dirrel ended the conversation with a laugh, leaving the other leaders to simply just sigh in irritation.

"Prime Minister Shinzo Motoi has announced that the first JSDF expedition has been successful and more will come accompanied by the newly formed Coalation. Public opinion regarding is mixed concerning foreign soldiers once again entering the country. Protests and-"

*BZZZTT*

"US troops have just arrived in Okinawa and are now set for the trip to the other side, what do you guys think about all this Gate mumbo jumbo? Is this just another way for our god-bless country to spread the ole freedom wings again? I mean Lt. General Sawyer is leading the charge for Uncle Sam."

"Well Jim, it isn't just us you know? The Russians are comin too. Honestly this has been the closest we've been cooperating with them since the Soyuz-Apollo mission in the 20th Century."

"Didn't the Spring Wars count? I mean we were basically pals there eh?"

"If you mean watching them bomb the hell out of those terrorists with us shouting at them on how they suck at killing the 'bad guys' and vice versa, then yes we could include that to our friendship timeline. Add other talks about China and Japan formally working together and you've got into a world of dreams... weird dreams."

"Hahaha! hah... life was so MUCH easier back then when we could all just hate each other Mac. Moving on to San Diego: Is Ron Burgundy-"

*BZZZT*

"Russian Armed Forces have begun mobilizing their military, the 1st batch of the 1st Guards Tank Army has already arrived at Tokyo Harbor alongwith the 5th Airborne Corp and 15th Aerodefense Corp. More is to come as the Russian juggernaut begins another military campaign just after 2 years of the bloody Spring War. Military hero, Illya Katukov, leads the Russian expedition to the unknown 'Gate'. A breath of relief pervades around West Asia as the 'Butcher of-"

*BZZZT*

"The EU has expressed concerns on the lack of diplomatic talks with Russia over the past months. Rumors about the Russians raising gas prices for their war effort has put many right wing europeans on edge. As the Russian sphere of influence stretch more to Asia, investment as well and the Americans' focus on the continent as well, it appears the European Union will have to-"

*BZZT*

"Today marks a turning point in our history as sovereign nations. The People's Republic of China and the State of Japan enter an agreement that will forever change how we see each other. The bitterness between us may linger in some of our hearts, but for the interest for both our countries' future: a single step is what is needed to reach a better relationship. We look forward to connect our benevolent countries together and make amends for all the past conflicts we both took part in and hope peace can be for both of us."

*Bzzzt*

Alnus Hill, Special Region June 20, 2020 18:42hrs

"All positions have been dug in and no sight of the enemy yet Lt General Hazama." Yanagida informed the Japanese General.

"Splendid, I must congratulate the men for finishing ahead of schedule. Now that a beachhead has been made, our allies can send in their respective forces." As Hazama said those last words, he saw the eyes of his adjuntant house the feelings of disapproval. "Is something the matter Lt Yanagida?"

"Nothing of the sort Lt General, sir. I am simply just exhausted with all the paperwork" Yanagida lied in order to appease his superior's queries.

"Oh, is that so? No negative opinion on letting a foreign force get some of the action here? It's ok to have opinions Lt Yanagida. So long as it doesn't hinder the chain of command in the region" The Lt General spoke with no hint of sarcasm or deceit.

Seeing as the General wanted him to hear his opinion concernitng the foreign powers' intervention, he spoke. "This was our chance. And HE just let them barge in the subject."

The statement was vague for a passer-by but the General knew what was on the mind of the lieutenant, granted it had been found in most of the men he was working with now. 'This was a chance for Japan to do something on our own terms and rebuild our lost empire but now it was all futile as not only America had joined us, but the Russians and Chinese as well.'

"The man(Prime Minister) couldn't simply just say no to guests(China, Russia, USA) Lt." Hazama told Yanagida with an analogy. "You and I both know he(we) got lucky they'll only be staying with him and as an honorable man, he should provide a roof for his guests(or suffer the consequences)."

Hazama, like Yanagida, is a patriot. If Japan had the chance to do it alone, he would've 100% supported that notion. It was his dream to have his country be great again with no equal. But fate is unbiased: Japan isn't or was never an invincible power and the Americans, Russians and Chinese weren't as well. To him, the best choice was to cooperate and hope all get satisfied.

Before Yanagida could reply, a knock on the door was heard.

*knock*
*knock*
*knock*

"You may enter." Hazama said.

The door opened revealing an officer in battle uniform. He had an aura of seriousness and honor around him. "Sir, the 'Empire' have been sighted; our scouts detected them a few kilometers east." The man informed the general. "They will be here by nightfall"Hazama turned to face the man properly and spoke.

"Have the men on stand-by, we'll let them get close." Hazama turned to Yanagida this time. "Let's give them a proper welcome."

Yanagida smiled at the last statement. At least, not everything was boring today.

Ula Bianca (Imperial Castle): A few days after the First Legion attempted to liberate Alnus Hill

The Senate was buzzing more than usual. People from all corners of the empire had met here to discuss politics. This included taxing the villages, transferring slaves and taking over more land from the weak. In this place, much like the wild lands, it was eat or be eaten but rather than the literal sense it leaned more to the minds of each person. One mistake in your dialogue and you may very well have buried your own grave.

Regardless of many unpleasantness, this was still a go-to place by many aspiring men. If you were in the clique, you were basically above everyone with the exception of the Emperor of course. You could have women dance for you, enjoy the finest meals made by the greatest chefs, connect with other lords that open up your horizons. You'd be powerful to say the least. You could own many riches just by mingling with others so long as you did as well. This was the perfect scenario and a simple one to stay on top.

But someone had to take the fall, a group of people with no power, who follow you with fear or loyalty. The Masses were those people. Frail and weak individually but very efficient when made to work with a little incentive. Those who rebelled were put down by the Imperial Army, the same army that had swallowed up hundreds of acres of land, the same one the senators are in control of, and the same one that had been greatly wounded in battle. This was an understatement: greatly wounded. The lesser nobles where told of a great defeat but the High Nobles knew it wasn't just a great defeat; it was a slaughter.

Now there stood Senators bickering and arguing on what to do. They had lost more men than they could replace for years but more bad news where to enter these halls.

"Your majesty, Emperor Molt, the first legion' armies have been slaughtered! 60,000 men have had perished trying to reclaim the Holy Grounds. Whatever demons that have entered our land, they seem to have superioir men to us or they mastered the dark arts!" Domestic Minister Earl Marcus reported.

"Hmph, the loss of our 'legion' are of little concern. We had tried a quick counterattack and seems our enemies were prepared for such an attack; The loss of blood is threatening only in greater portions... Those men in Alnus Hill however have remained in place I presume?" The Emperor pondered.

"Yes milord. The demons have made no attempt whatsoever to claim more land. It may be because they have been wounded by the first legion that had crossed the gate and possibly sought the need to fortify the land should we try again." the Minister theorized unsure to what he was saying.

"Then we shall prepare a new army to fight them on our terms." The Emperor ordered. "Should these invaders begin their campaign, you are to order the farms to be burned, mills to be pillaged and whatever we cannot salvage are to be destroyed. We will let them have a long march. We will only strike when they tire and only during night. Also have the men construct fortresses along the Empire. Blocking of trade routes and roads will give us a tactical advantage and would allow our forces to fight longer." It wasn't advanced or finesse to say the least. In fact what the Emperor had ordered was popular among Strategists. Scorch tactics are a double bladed sword though; on one case the enemy is denied precious food, water and other necessities on the other hand you'll be experienceing the same thing when retaking those lands. But if doing all these tactics will make the invaders lose interest to his Empire, then he will do what is necessary. Initially many had negative views about these circumstances but sooner or later they knew it had to be done.

"Tax revenue will be lacking for this season" Earl Marcus muttered.

"It matters not, we will just have to close a few garden parties and possibly postpone imperial villa construction." Public opinion and safety were of little importance now. Right now they need to keep order and stability in the land.

"The other nobles, milord, will not be too keen on this."

"Then they will be marked traitors and immediately be put down as such." Molt replied with no hint of emotion. Marcus was astonished at what he said but nevertheless he simply bowed to his ruler indicating his leave but a dignified voice entering the halls had stopped him from doing so.

"Your Eminence!" A young woman, red haired with porcelain skin wrapped in white garments like silk, showed courtesy by kneeling to her leader. She was a princess of the Empire ergo the daughter of the Emperor. Pina Colada, the third daughter who had a form so beautiful just simply smiling would rate her a piece of art. Unfortunately her words weren't as pleasing to hear when she despises you at least that is what the boys courting her told the world.

"What is it, daughter?"

"Although our country is in such a critical state of affairs, what is your Majesty doing? Have you gone senile" Her elegant face certainly did not match what she had just said. The emperor still smiled at the question.

"I heard that Alnus Hill was still in the enemy's control. I cannot help but think from looking at your Majesty's calm appearance that you have not heard what happened to the Allied Federation of Armed Forces. Minister, weren't you tasked to report the truth to his Majesty?" Pina asked the Emperor.

"Your Highness, I certainly did give the report. The First Legion of the Empire did suffer heavy losses, but they splendidly defended against the enemy's invasion of the Falmat continent. Thanks to the brave Legion Forces who heroically sacrificed themselves, the enemy who received both mental and psychological damage are shivering in fear and maintaining their firm strategic position, hibernating like bears. Enemies like that are no threat to us at all... for the moment. That gives us a season to prepare and retake the lands from the invaders." This caused Pina to make a sound of doubt.

"Fuhn?"

"What I say is true, Princess."

"Hah? So sacrificing the true events for the sake of a good story is true? We must take initiative in stopping the invaders Father. Do you honestly think they will just stay there for good? For the good of the Empire, we must be ready to defend our lands... or we will no less be different from them." Pina said, eyes filled with passion. The Emperor knew those eyes well. 'Fiery than most men, but still clinging on to the gentle beauty of a lady'. Molt knew that talking down on her would simply lead to more bickering so he thought of an idea that can satisfy her 'noble pleasures' and allow his empire to heal.

"Pina. If you say that, then even I must impart my thoughts to you."

"Thank you, your Majesty the Emperor."

"However, there is much we do not know regarding the enemies gathered at Alnus Hill. On that note, would you consider going there and taking a look?"

"Personally?"

"Indeed. The Empire is now in the process of rebuilding, and currently lacks reconnaissance soldiers. There is no way we can pull out the soldiers who have been distributed to various positions within the country. Even if we recruit new ones, as Earl Marcus said, it would take time to be able to make use of them. Now that I think about it, right now, those in your order of knights are the only ones with an above-average degree of training who are not occupied with something. That is... assuming that what you do isn't just playing soldiers."

The Emperor met her gaze as though to provoke her, and Pina bit her lips shut.

The journey to Alnus Hill would be a ten-day trip on horseback, one way.

That place was the dangerous front lines, the ground on which more than 10,000 troops had been destroyed. He was saying that she should go there with just herself and and her order of knights.

Furthermore, it wasn't for a magnificent battle, it was for a straightforward scouting trip.

Although she could only think of it as an honor for her order of knights that was normally ridiculed as playing soldiers to be given a duty, she was dissatisfied with its subject.

And beyond that, her order of knights had zero actual combat experience. Could she and her subordinates really complete a dangerous mission?

The Emperor's glance conveyed, "If you dislike it, do not meddle... Well, then. Do you accept my decree?"

Pina clenched her teeth, but lifted her head as though resolved. And then...

"I have certainly received it."

...she declared, after which she courteously thanked the Emperor.

"Huh, I see... I look forward to your accomplishments."

"Well then, Father. I shall be on my way."

Alnus Hill, Special Region June 23 0700hrs

All JSDF soldiers and officers were organized in formations. All sat casually ready for their visitors. Itami Yoji, beside his team, couldn't care less about the formalities everyone prepared about. Sure it was cool and all that China and Japan have begun talking more, or that America had allowed them to this or the fact that they'll be working with the Russians and Americans together... He didn't want to be part of it. at. all. He didn't even get rest from all the cleaning he had to do from the past few days after the Empire had tried to retake the hill. A hundred and twenty thousand was the enemy's casualty and that wasn't a tragedy anymore. It was basically just a statisitic now. Not wanting to think of it and seeing as many began to devolve back into friendly chats he checked his phone.

"Still no Wifi huh?" Kurata mumbled out. "Man, when do you think can we get Wifi? I wanna play..."

"Dunno, I'm bored to..." Itami panned out. "This is taking too looooooong..."

"You know sir, you should probably feel honored about this. This is the first time the Russians and Americans are going to work with us." Kuwahara, the oldest of his team, advised his CO.

"Eh, big deal. Not that it really matters to us anyway." Itami replied. "All I care about is when I can buy some more doujins."

"Would you idiots be quiet?! Baka." The fiery redhead Shino Kuribiyashi had shouted out. " We're going to be working with the army that destroyed the Radicals and wiped out any trace of them in less than a year and all you can think about are some nasty books!"

"Technically it took them a year and a half, but it is still respectable to defeat an idea and an army all at the same time. It would be an Honor as soldiers to meet fellow soldiers." Tomita Akira, the gentle giant, told the group in a zen-like manner. Then the engines of tanks were heard coming from the gate. Along with the sounds of men speaking with another language.

"Well looks like they're here." Kurokawa, the medic of the group, told as the first russian vehicles enter the Special region.

The first thing that exits were a row of 8 tanks: T-90B3s to be exact. This tank was an upgraded form of the T-72B3 as the Russians had a number of them. It had saved them money by simply retrofitting outdated parts with newer ones from the T-90MS than simply making more T-90MS. This allowed the tank to be cost-efficient and deadly by today's standards as well. More hardware came after ranging from BTR-82s, BMP-3Ms, Typhoon Utility transports, S-300 System and URAL Supply Trucks.

"Huh, guess we're not the only ones who didn't bring our new toys." Itami said. It was widely known that America and Russia had modernized their fleets. The Russians just made it in larger leaps and in lesser time. He had recalled that around 7000 Armata Platforms had been made for different tasks while many older models like the T-72B3 had undergone modernization into the T-90B3 and put on reserve just in case another war had arose.

Then came the next batch from them this time it was... different. Trucks. Big Trucks towed Heavy gunships from their tow-carriage. Cold War gunships and attack aircraft were being brought to the Special Region. Itami wondered what would happen next with all this firepower in their hands.

Sounds of the ground being stomped were head, looking at the 'Gate' Itami saw men in green similar to his uniform only more bulkier and alot taller than him. Soldiers all in line marching in sync continued forward without any difficulty. In there arms were assault rifles, AK-74Ms he noted, that felt out of place in their outfit. Ranging from head to toe looked like equipment ranging from the '10s and it came to Itami's mind that while they looked polished and clean, there were hints of the equipment to have been used before but what shocked him was what where on their arm vests. 'Huh a castle?'

'Uhh hey, Shino?" Itami let out, as he saw Shino looking at the marching men with hunger in her eyes. 'Uhmm. please tell me she just wants to spar with them...' The petite imp answered her CO.

"What is it?! Can't you see I'm studying them."

"Uh yeah right about them... Where-um, who are they again?" Shino looked at the man with a glare before she began to speak.

"THOSE GUYS, are the Rooks: The elite of the Russians." Her tone of disrespect was put on hold as she talked with respect about the Russians.

"What, you mean SpecOps or something?" Kurata had butt into the conversation having interest in knowing the group.

"No you idiot! Those guys are army alright? But what made them special is their unique training like specops."

"You mean they train more than regulars?"

"Ooh, maybe they run 10km, did a 100 push up and sit ups, then go to sleep without any fan everyday?" Kurata had joked.

"Don't we do that as well? I mean this job doesn't include a spa day or anything at all." Itami countered,
fanning the flames of the joke.

"AHEM!" Shino blurted out. "As I was saying: the Rooks are special. Only the best of the army get moved there:
Top of your class? Yes. Best sniper in the region? You're in. the list goes on. But that wasn't just it. Once there the excercises would never stop, most of the time they did it on Live Fire. Most of all, I heard their loyalties never break. at. all. Even when it came to sacrificing oneself."

"Eh really?" Itami queried

"I heard it from a friend of mine awhile back. He worked as a journalist during the Spring War and got a lucky scoop to see how the Russians were handling things. Long story -short: He got assigned to them for a week; in those week he had enough to write an entire book in just one of their operations. They were so precise whenever they attacked but at the same time were so brutal to the enemy that you would wonder 'how could they keep doing this?'" Everyone was silent after she had finished her talk. Shino broke the silence again though.

"Plus I heard they got some of the best men in CQC! And I wanna see how they do against these Japanese Fists! And I'm gonna make one of them my b*tch in bed!" Everyone laughed at the remark, brought back to reality by Shino's antics. Some had even joked about her not even getting close to the men she wanted if she kept acting like an animal others joked she probably made that all up. Soon the Gate was empty again as the last of the soldiers exited it. In sync, as if fate had manipulated all of them, all their stomachs let out a growl.

"Fufu... I haven't eaten breakfast yet!"

"Are you Lt General Hazama, the man in charge of the JSDF here?" A man in elite military fatigues had asked, with two heavily armored men flanking his side. The greyish-brown haired man's face had steel cold eyes, straight nose and nicely trimmed beard.

"Why yes sir. That is the Lt General." Yanagida pointed out, bowing to the man with his right hand on his chest and left on his back. "Truly, it is an honor to meet you, General Illya Katukov."

"It is an honor to meet you, General Katukov." Hazama said as he reached his arm out to the man.

"It is an honor as well, Comrade Kt General Hazama." Katukov shook the hand of the man. The General signaled his men to leave and Hazama did as well with Yanagida. Both sat at the board room alone and silent; that is until the General had begun to talk.

"So... it has begun. The bridge between another world has connected our nations together."

"It would seem that way General-"

"Please, just call me Katukov."

"Of course Katukov... To think a few years ago, everyone was on edge and everyone thought peace would be un-achievable."

"Yes it is still hard for me to believe as well but I believe we have more important things to talk about and as such we should prepare."

"Shouldn't we wait for the arrival of General Sawyer about this preparations, Katukov?" Hazama asked the veteran officer.

"I have had talks with him already before we arrived. I simply want to convey it to you individually as I had done with him." The General said in an enthusiastic tone.

"And what do you have in mind?" Hazama asked with a certain degree of curiosity. The Russian kept a straight face before he changed it to a smiling one

"Team-Building comrade Hazama. Team-Building."