Well, the PLOT isn't the problem I'm having, obviously. All these battles,
  though, aren't really my forte.

one of two things you can do here that would keep ME interested...

1.  skirt over the battles.  use a distanced explanation of the tactics
and outcome.  (ever played wing commander?)  for instance,

        "The contingent went up to take the hill as the commander
         requested.  They were beset upon from all sides and torn
         to shreds.  The commander's remaining troops tried to re-
         take the hill, but were promptly beat back from the fort-
         ified position."

this rather than detailed battle happenings.

2.  tell it from a soldier's point of view...someone we can be enamored
with.  (like powell and donovan from I, Robot.)  Bring him back several
times.  You may wish to make this soldier one of the Ranma 1/2 supporting
cast.  another good example of this is the Ranma Goes To War fanfiction.

        "What was your wife's name again?" Jennings yelled over the
        noise of the battle.

        "Florence!  I can't wait to go back to her!"

        "I can't say the same about my wife, but my hometown sure seems nice
        right now!"

        "This is not looking good, man."

        "I know!  Shut up and shoot!"  He pulled back on his trigger
        again.

        "They're coming from all sides!  Get out the radio now!"

        They pulled out the radio and started yelling, "Situation Red!
        We need backup now!"  Jennings turned again.  "This one's for
        my son!" he yelled, tossing a flash grenade.  He fell before
        a hail of bullets, leaving Rendallson by himself.  A mean looking
        soldier accompanied by four others came over the small wall and
        he dropped his gun.  They captured him and held him there until
        the battle had boiled over.

        They made him watch his friends get cut down trying to take the
        hill back.  He looked at the officer in front of him and spat.

        "I'll be back, I swear I'll be back to take you out."

        "I don't think so.  The Brotherhood of Nab keeps very tight prisons,"
        the commander chuckled.  Rendallson just glared at him.

signed, PhoneyNT
(yes, I know it's supposed to be Nod ^_^)

--

-----------------------------------------------
 OH I | I LIVE IN DESPAIRABLE TIMES | YES I DO
-----------------------------------------------