“Also, that Vampiric Longsword you have. What the hell is up with it? It pierced my Eldritch Armor like it’s nothing.”
“It's made out of ancient materials that even the oldest of Vampires do not know of. It’s only given to the Royal Families that have shown great combat prowess in their bloodline. A proof of Knightship and mastery of the art of the sword.”
“I want one and I need one. Because my Longsword, as good as it is. Can’t penetrate Eldritch armor without going through half its blade.”
“Well, me and Escobar are gonna go to the main lobby. Gotta notify the others you're all well and alive and acquired a waifu. I guess you can’t complain about being single now with a beautiful tall Vampire right by your side now. AHAHAHAH!” Paul just lifts his middle finger at John as he leaves the room.
“She’s not even that tall! We’re literally have the same height you dipshits!” He then remembers that he was in armor at that time. “What the hell, then she’s about six inches taller than me…? What?”
“Hey man! One hundred eighty two centimeters, That’s supermodel tall for Fashion Standards in women!” John just waves with one hand casually in his pocket. Smiling and as he walks to the hallway left of his room, with Escobar already far ahead.
The Countess goes around and picks up a hospital chair and places it next to his bed. Tired from processing the information, the man simply doses off. While asleep, Eldwood’s healers come in to finish fixing his body and the real Doctor of the team performs an examination to determine if he’s okay for field work once again. It was late at midnight when he awakened from his slumber, Bahamut was gone while Alana was still next to him. Her attention was buried on a piece of paper.
“Ugh, I feel like crap.”
“Oh, you’ve awakened M’Lord. How was your sleep?”
“Yea… good. Best one I've ever had even… so what’s that?”
“A man in uniform left this for you to read. He said you should see it.” She hands over the paper and the envelope that came with it.
“Let’s see, uh… oh. Just some field reports from the various outposts and forward operating bases. Seems that things are improving even further. The output of mines and its processing are getting even more streamlined as the men and skeletons get used to it.”
“For a bunch of funny mortal men, you all seemed to be very capable. Such a system also exists within the Vampire Kingdom. But not to this extent of managerial and bureaucratic level.”
“Heh. If you think this is good, you gotta see the mess the entire system is in. We created it to follow through what we had in our world. But we might have overdone it.”
“Also, your Dragon pet got asked by that man in blue uniform for a favor.”
“Ah, the guy in Blue is John. He’s the head of the Air Force. Might be something important if he needs my Dragon.”
“I’m surprised she agreed.”
“I ordered her to think for herself. No need to impose anything, if she feels like it. I’ll let her be. I don’t know how it is to be a Dragon. So, I don’t really have a reason to put barriers on her freedom of movement. One thing I do know is that she loves to fly.”
“Strange, but you people are different. Then, as a Vampire, am I free to feed on your blood anytime I want?”
“Ha ha, no. Here’s some stuff I want you to remember, first things first. No scary things like violently ripping people apart or creatures. Second, I know you don’t have that much humanity, but try to follow my lead. I’ll try to be an example.”
“Do you want some gravy on the side with that?” She crosses her arms in protest. “Hm, do you know the detriment of me not being able to drink thou’s blood?”
“Ah yes, Vampire humor. Look, just simmer down the “I’m an ancient Evil Vampire” act and try to at least have some humanity. Just follow my lead and I don’t really need you in full power, not yet. Maybe in the future, but don’t worry. I already have something in mind with the blood problem.”
“Haaa… I’ll try my best.”
“Yep, just try to be somewhat human.”
“Just be gentle if you're gonna do anything.”
“Of course. Now, help me up. I want to go for a walk tonight.”
The Countess helps the General up, standing, he takes his uniform to the bathroom. Cleans it a bit and dons it. Still unable to walk properly, the Vampire uses herself as a crutch. They move to the empty hospital hallway.
“What’s the get up anyways? Is that Gown the only thing you wear?”
“I have no idea how this is relevant to the current situation, but since you're my M’Lord now. I will humor it. I have many other outfits, but I like this one the most and the two inch heels that pairs with its is best for Dragovh’s uneven terrain.”
“That’s… actually pretty cute of you not gonna lie.”
“We-well. Thank you.” Flustered a bit, she continues helping him walk around.
“Now, help me up those flights of stairs. My freaking brain is still liquid methane right now.”
“Where are we heading, exactly?”
“The roof, I’d like to watch the city at night.”
The two slowly walk their way to the roof, the Vampire gently helps him in every step. On the roof, Alana lets Paul sit on a chair on top. He looks up, just admiring the clear sky. Devoid of light pollution, he could clearly see the stars and the openness of space and the blueish Moon with its little friend orbiting around it.
“Ah, the things we’ve built. This is your first time in our little city, am I correct?”
“Mhm, it’s strange yet amazing, these rectangular structures you’ve built.”
“We welcome you. I guess since you’re part of the Knights of Eldwood, I might as well properly introduce myself. As you know, I’m Paul. Paul Jackson, I’m one of the original twelve Knights of Eldwood. I now serve to lead or somewhat keep the ground forces on a level of competency. Pleased to meet you Miss Alana.”
As a welcome gesture, he puts his hand out and opens his palm, waiting for a handshake. The Countess smiles and shakes the man's hand with great gentleness.
“Countess Alana le Minuit of Manor Chaîne de Montagnes, One of the high ranking members of the Council of Blood, Governor of multiple Regions of the Vampire Kingdom, the crimson beauty of the Masquerade and the current owner of the Domaine de la Minuit-Conti.”
“Well, that’s a mouthful. Nonetheless, I hope you’ll have a fun and engaging time with us. Think of it as a therapy session. If you're fucked, we’ll unfuck it. That’s one of the specialties of the Knights of Eldwood. Before we went out of ourway to militarize ourselves with all these modern arms, we used to take bounties and help out clans and groups that were having trouble as a vigilante Death Knight Order.”
“Interesting, I actually thought you were part of the Demon Lord’s Special Knights, you and your friends had a rather strange aura, lot’s of power and I’m guessing so are the spells and weapons.”
“Yea, I guess so. But we really don’t know up to how far we can take the spell casting, so we keep it to a minimum. Without a Mana bar, we really don’t know how much we can cast. I know I can cast Five Ancient Spells before getting my health bar out but I’m not willing to see if that’s the same here.”
“Understandable. But you should’ve at least used one in fighting me.”
“Heh, We all know Vampires are like the Werewolves or the Saints. Don't be joking around, if you're gonna fight one, prepare and bring out all you got. But again, I don't know how I can pull it off and the health problems it could bring.”
“Oh my, there seems to be some light behind you, on some of the buildings.”
“Ah those, we’ve been sheltering people from our world. Giving them a chance to live peacefully here. They’re used to this city too, so they should be right at home.”
“Interesting, your architecture has a bland yet efficient feeling to them, as if you stacked floors in an orderly way to create a very defined society.”
“It is, gotta be efficient with all the stuff happening, gotta always be on the move, and gotta always have the exit on sight. That’s just how it is. It's also very ergonomic and economical. Cheap and easy to build.”
“It's quite interesting, I’ll give it that.”
Enjoying the atmosphere of the Night, he looks down to the skyline of the city. As the little scattered lights of the buildings show their settlement, slowly coming back to life. He could only smile at the little paradise they’ve created long ago.
“I’ve never thought I’d be able to have the company of a Vampire, a Purebred nonetheless.”
“You have my company because you fought rightly so and deserved it.”
“I know, but not in a million years did I imagine this. And damn, you're a looker too. For all I know, I might be dead or legally insane and I’m just dreaming right now. But the Gods played me well, very well.”
“Whichever it is, you're here now. See through it till the end and I shall be with you alongside all of the problems you may encounter.”
“I guess, well. In the next few weeks. We’ll be finalizing our logistics. I should be able to have freedom to do what I want for a bit. Till another problem pops up, but if we play our cards right. Our skeleton soldiers should be able to perform the tasks at hand without much hassle to us.”
“Very intriguing how you’ve used skeletons to not only perform grunt work, but also provide them tasks only very complex and trained individuals could do. If only I could master that type of necromancy, but at the same time. Having employees that live for eternity, I might not have much use for such thralls.”
“Alana, believe me. Testing them was both the funniest and frustrating part of my life. But we managed to do it and now here we are. I’m tired and I want a vacation.”
“Then, if we ever have the time. I should invite you to one of the High Society’s Bal Masqué. I’m sure a character like you would turn heads.”
“What’s that? Some sort of a party?”
“It is, one where we dance at night, under the blue moon, wearing the most luxurious gowns and suits. Drinking and socializing while keeping the anonymity of one another through wonderful ornate masks.”
“Sounds scary and expensive not gonna lie, a bunch of tall European looking people dancing around in a palace or manor while having an elaborate party. Not my kind of tea sadly.”
“I’m sure you’d be up for it. You have the stature of someone who could present himself.”
“Let’s just say, my job entails it. But I’ve never really been to such parties. Many economic forums and business balls. But never to that degree, and on those occasions, I’m usually quiet. I’d actually be seen in two places. The food aisle and my table.”
The Vampire Giggles cutely, for a moment, she didn’t even seem to be a dangerous bloodsucking creature but just a beautiful young woman. “I do imagine you being like that.”
“Ugh, that hurt my pride. The fact that you’ve only known me for a few hours and are already talking smack. Uhhh… I hate socializing, not gonna lie.”
“Then being a Vampire like me would be challenging, if you’ve seen my life back at the Demon Continent, in the Kingdom of Rose Cramoisie. The endless Balls and drinking. The air of royalty and exquisiteness… and the endless paperwork and micromanagement. It’s more than enough to put an immortal creature like me to sleep.”
“Well, I’m gonna teach you a thing or two about being humble. Since if we’re gonna be traveling it's going to be either the forest or some old brothel where we’ll be sleeping and eating.”
“I do look forward to it. Ever since I was born, I’ve been taught and trained to act like this. To almost all Vampires, humans like you are just well bred cows for eating.”
“I thought you just drank blood? Wait, do Vampires eat humans? That’s a thing?!”
“Depends, we can be satisfied by blood. But what’s stopping us from eating you? It’s even more nutritious doing so. But the act is not really seen as proper.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Now, I don’t know if I should be more scared of the fact that someone like you is this near to me or the fact that Caine and Isabella’s relationship actually became a thing, though short lived.”
“Being with a human now, I do understand a bit of Lord Caine’s words. About love and relationships. The only humans I’ve met closely with were the slaves we have. Never a free one, to my surprise. Free humans seem to be more fun to be with rather than a lot of my kin.”
“I guess you’ve been in a proper and pampered place for so long, the chaos of us normal humans has brought some much needed color to your life.”
“That could be it. Your laid back attitude has also caught me by the heart. It usually takes weeks for a Son of a Duke to be able to make me reply, but you're very open. I could feel like I could go on about my life, and you’d listen.”
“Ha, you’ve only been with us humans for a day and here you are already having a deep understanding of us. You’re a smart and capable woman on top of those looks, no wonder you’re where you are. One thing I gotta tell you about us humans is that we might be bitter and sometimes more Evil than the Devil himself. But at the end of the day, we’re only doing what we think is right. We all have our own stories, that’s why. And to listen is one of the biggest virtues of being a human. Maybe it’s been lost in the modern world, but listening has brought forth unprecedented advancements in all of our fields. From Religion to Science. So, if you have a problem, any human out there will be sure to listen.”
“It amazes me to this day how short a human’s lifespan is. But their actions and words are carried throughout the centuries, even today, the Kingdom of James sings their first Kings words in tales and music. Even to you Paul. You have a very laid back attitude, but when we battled. I saw a man willing to go as far as he can to fulfill his mission, even if it means hastening one's short life. Incredible what the human spirit is capable of. That might be why your kind is mortal.”
“Not gonna lie, Vampires and Werewolves outrank us in the food chain. But our prowess for technology levels that out. As much as mortal life sucks, I think it’s for the better. Everything needs an end. No matter what it is. Maybe for a God, it’s different. But if you walk this physical plane. You must have an end, going further might drive you mad and twisted. Human souls aren’t exactly built to last forever.”
“I’ve seen that happen before, to the humans that became Vampires. Even though being gifted with great regeneration, immense strength, great beauty, and an infinite lifespan. Some became more sadistic than I could ever be. I might be cruel to a degree to humans. But that’s only due to how we see things differently. But to others, they truly play with their food, some savor it before eating.”
“We are food for you. It’s understandable. Though my Mom always told me to respect my food. I guess that also translated to when I’m fighting, I never truly fight enemies on a lower level with all my brute force. I handicap myself so that they could learn from the fight and grow.”
“Maybe a relationship between Vampires and Humans could prove fruitful. You’ve said many things I could learn many lessons from, but I’m sure the ones back at home would say otherwise.”
“Maybe, not to insult you or anything, but to me, the very idea of a Vampire is the amalgamation of what is not human, to me, you're as inhuman as it gets. Forever beautiful, forever strong and eternally living. All of those traits are temporary for us, we get old and ugly, weak and brittle and eventually die. But I hope your time with me will be a good experience.”
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
“Hehe, I’ll have to behave myself then.”
“Also, if you feel the need to feed. Tell me, I don’t want my blood sucked. Believe me, it’s not tasty at all.”
“Funnily enough M’Lord, I only drink the blood of certain types of people. Young ones taste sweet, but the older ones taste bitter. I’d like a mixture of both and pour in a bit of the family wine and a wonderful explosive taste of sweetness and bitterness mixed in with the taste of grape. I wonder… what yours will taste.”
“Ah yes, the fine art of drinking human blood. I hope mine tastes like chicken.”
“AHAHAHAHA!” Alana’s high pitched laugh is heard through the roof, it was an Evil chuckle worthy of her status. Paul though couldn’t care less. Bigger things are on his mind, as Eldwood must move forward to finding a way home.
“Are you done laughing? I don't want the hospital staff to think an Evil scheme has just concluded on their roof.”
“Of course M’Lord. Hm, I feel like I can get used to this.” She smiles gently while looking at Paul.
“Heh, this is just the start of a very long and convoluted story. Ahhh…” He rests his back on the chair and continues to admire the sight as Alana kneels on one leg, holding the Generals hand. Her soft palm clashes with his hard hand, wrinkled from wielding swords and guns.
“Thy's immense courage to face thou with your courage has laid bare to its fruit. I, Countess Alana le Minuit of Manor Chaîne de Montagnes of House Minuit, First Purebred Daughter of the Minuits, the Countess of Wine and Blood, has wedded thy soul, thy body, thy title and thy honor to you. For pain, for sorrows, for anger and hate. In weakness and in greatness, Till, thou's last and final breath, I shall be with thee. I pledge to you my undying faithfulness and eternal love."
She then lightly kisses his hand, and wraps her fingers around his as the General stared at her with the reddest face imaginable and his body overflowing with lust as she spoke with great elegance and care as she made her vows to him.
"Thou beseech thee to honor the Vampires most greatest virtue, to give one's service to a combatant whose bested them. I pledge thyself to you. This is my solemn vow and may the witnesses in this city take this promise to heart. As this contract shalt not be broketh even upon the worst curses and perils."
Alana then stands up and elegantly bows. “At your service, M’Lord.”
After this, Bahamut returned to the city the day after. It was in the next few days when the work was nonstop. The Countess’ centuries worth of experience in managing and leadership proved to be an extremely vital cord in tightening Eldwood’s grip on its supply lines and in its protection. She showed not only good tactics and advice, but also much needed inputs, she and Paul were everywhere within the following days. Micromanaging everything under the sun and assuring it all falls into place while the other Generals went on and did their own duties.
Like a new cog in a well oiled machine, she fit right in and her looks was an immense morale booster to the players of Eldwood doing their duties as foot soldiers and Knights. The days went on and on in seemingly endless hordes of problems and requests and the woman was able to properly inject herself in the world full of humans and even started learning more of the language as she slowly masters the language of American English.
What became a few days turned to a week, and soon cascaded into one thing after the other. It was after the third week that they finally managed to finalize everything to an acceptable level of production and replacement with what they got in hand. The city was also more populated, as former players of Dark World VR hear that another modern city has opened up and started congregating in the once derelict city. Giving it its lost life and vigor as a modern metropolis in a foreign world.
Dennis on the other hand with the R&D Department has managed to secure a deal with the Architecture Guild to use their diesel electric locomotives, but in exchange. The guild will have Eldwood’s protection and air power in their disposal and big good news as the League of Modern Guilds was still active but was still in process of revamping its entire system and leadership. When everything was done, the Generals of Eldwood once again held a meeting, this time at the City’s Police Station, in the main lobby. The twelve members once again meet for an important discussion about their plans for the future.
“Alright, we’ve done all that is needed. Now, comes the next phase of this grand adventure we’ve been having. Finding a way back home, I’ve talked to many other player Kingdoms, including Breznick who still harbors some anger at us and it seems that we’ve been scattered throughout this world. Players are present in the other continents. We must be wary of them and not create any unneeded fights as our next job is to go out in the world and look for the way back. As suggested by Paul who's been very eager to leave and explore.”
“I see, well. I’m sure this means that we’ll be transforming back to our Eldritch Death Knight forms? Since I highly doubt we have the capacity to bring an entire BCT or Regiment to some unknown land.”
“Yep, no way will I fly my planes to some barren land.”
“Yes, we’ll be going back to solo adventuring, and I know we have a habit to touch and see things we shouldn’t so this is for the best. Some of us have also gotten some companions and friends over the past few weeks so I’m sure this should be a good experience for us all. Paul himself has said that it would be great for us to know the lay of the land before doing anymore wars… though I think he said that with a bit more sarcasm.”
“Hey dunce, I’m just over here.”
“Ehehehe, time to hit some Elven Brothels.”
“Dude, don’t even. What if you get a child or AIDS? No more going back home for you.”
“I'm sure magic has a way. We have healing so I’m sure those diseases are nearly nonexistent here unless you're that poor.”
“Whatever, just be responsible. We have a mission, so keep track of it as much as you can. Also, the Fleet has been going gung ho over the oceans. It’s like everyday we intercept some smuggler boat or a Galleon from the Demon Continent which is illegal since they need to get permission before crossing waters but that’s not my problem. Meilurious is really doing a bad job patrolling their seas or it's their corruption that’s doing this..”
“Hence why I recommend staying with my men. I lead Special Operations, remember? I want to continue my current objectives. There’s a lot going on and I’m sure eleven high level players should be more than enough in this expedition to find a way out. I have a lot of possible dirt on the Kingdoms which we can use as leverage or to exploit in the future.”
“It’s your choice. Just remember to look for a way out. But other than that, you're free to do as you wish.”
“Nice, alrighty. Good luck to you guys I guess.”
“Not gonna lie, Elmer, I think the Demon King has secret contacts within the continents or something.”
“I think so too. The fact that he could send units deep within the territory or use the Labyrinths, Dungeons also doesn't help since those are literally birthing monsters. I think they’re using teleporters on those or some stuff. Old ancient magic tech we don’t know anything about yet.”
“I second that thought. The way they’ve been doing two things, sneaking around and also brute forcing their way into the continent shows how much they have a grip behind the scenes. They are simply not tightening it for some strange reason or that they just want to see what the human and elven majority is doing.”
“Hence why we must find a way home and get out before we dig deeper into this land’s politics and problems. We have no quarrels with them, and we should just forgive and leave.”
“Alrighty, I’ll see you guys out there. Behave, alright? I don’t want to receive a transmission or chat saying that one of you committed a war crime of sorts.”
“Don’t worry. We won’t, the fact that we can do and commit such acts scares me a bit. But we’re here now.”
“I’m gonna prioritize looking into the industry if I can, to see how people here make money. I’ll see you all.”
“Alright, I’ll go and end this discussion of ours. If any of you ever meet me, feel free to stop by. Are you sure you don’t want to join us Trevor in our solo adventure?”
“Naw, I already have been around myself due to the nature of my job. Also, be careful alright guys? We can respawn but waking up from a Church in some strange land is not very ideal.”
“Hell yea it’s not. Okay, I’ll get going then. I’ll see you guys on the flip side.”
“Alright, Meeting adjourned. Behave and be careful everyone. If things are too hard, any of us can always go back here.”
The generals immediately disperse, heading their own ways. Though still a bit empty, cars could be seen going about the streets as the players that had taken refuge in the city started getting cozy, roaming freely and checking out the landmarks in it. Paul boards one of the Humvees waiting outside the Police Station and is transported to the airport.
On the entrance of the busy and lively terminal, the Humvee drops him off. The Countess was seemingly having a conversation with Bahamut, hovering in front of her. As he gets close, the two notice him and the Vampire immediately waves her hand. Greeting him.
“So what’re you two up to?”
“Nothing. She’s just having a fit about not having to drink your sweet blood.”
“I absolutely did not!”
“Ugh, I knew this was going to be a problem. The up keep of blood, aw man. Look, what level are you Countess?:
“We Vampires and people of the Continent of Schön do not use or need the Magic Guild’s System. It only limits one's potential, it’s used to control and gives the Kingdoms a track record of their citizens' daily progress and levels in those big archives the Holy See keeps in the Theocracy of Anthony. As if I’d ever give out such important information to these zealots.”
“So, for all I know you might be level four hundred or something?”
“Yes, M’Lord.”
“But let me get this straight, I have a level too you know? I’m at two hundred. Which if the state of my previous world is correct, should be the max. So, you’re telling me… Alright, that someone out there could absolutely destroy me like you did to me?!”
“Hm, it seems so. I believe that the floating box you use Master is useless, as it is now unable to depict thou’s level accurately.”
“I guess so, this changes everything actually and explains a lot. Okay. Wait, I’ll report this to the others, this is pretty big damn news that only now we knew. Thank you, this is gonna save us a lot of painful deaths while traveling.”
He immediately goes to the Terminal, through the busy lobby, on one of the Ticketing Counters on the left, a player is using a Long Range Radio. Reporting and talking to other units. He immediately approaches the man.
“Soldier, tell the others that Levels do not depict things accurately anymore, the Vampire told me that they do not use any leveling system of any sort. Alert high command and tell them that there might be enemies or people out there way beyond our capabilities.”
The Lieutenant on the counter next to him faces his way. As replies of acknowledgement returns from the people on the other side.
“Then our player tabs no longer have as much purpose as they did before…?”
“Yep, this changes everything. But they should be just treated as a global smartphone that doesn’t run out of batteries.”
“We should’ve known this though, if we knew this. You wouldn’t get defeated. Right General?”
“What do you expect? We aren’t an actual military. We’re just a bunch of nerds and geeks playing a game. Fuck, this messes everything up now but you know, it’s not my problem and I really wanna get out of here.”
“But this means there’s enemies out there that could easily crush us like that lady did to you sir.”
“Lieutenant, do not be afraid. Problems always roll in, we just gotta roll with it till the end.”
“I just hope we’ll make it all out till that end sir.”
“We’re still your leaders. Each and every one of you, loyal members of our little guild are precious. If anyone’s gonna sacrifice themselves. It’s going to us. Your leaders.”
Paul salutes the Lieutenant and goes outside the terminal to meet up with his companions. Countess Alana notices the more pale look on his face, as if he just met his doom a few moments ago.
“What seems to be bothering you Master?”
“Man and Machine, together in one. But how long and how far will it take us?”
“Hm?”
“I just had a conversation with the Lieutenant there on the counter. It’s true what he said, we won’t make it out of this without someone dying or going missing. Maybe now, since we know we can be respawned we’re all dilly and dally… but I wonder if we stay here longer. Would our immortality disappear?”
“It can be possible, Master. As a Dragon God, it might be inconsequential for me as I do not truly live in the mortal planes, but your fragile mortal souls might indeed get used to this foreign world, thus giving futility to any attempt to return to our world. Like… a wall closing in on you the longer you stay here.”
“Exactly. A wall that’s slowly closing in on us as we make more noise. Noise that we can’t return, maybe not now. But I fear that in the future, a power beyond anyone here will strike us down. The Twelve Gods huh… I wonder how true their existence is.”
“Hmph, if what Bahamut said is true. You and your friends would find a way out. Her respect for you is remarkable, I’d even say it’s making me jealous if someone would think highly of a mere mortal. But I trust that you, do not fear. The Countess is here.”
“AHAHAHAH! Good one! Alright! I’m pumped up. To the security wing! Let’s prepare for the journey to find our way home.”
As Paul goes into the Terminal with Alana and Bahamut, Trevor is inside a cargo plane just taking off from the airport. His destination is the Airbase on the far Northwest. After a few hours, the aircraft started rattling as it passed through a winter storm. Approaching the derelict military airport far away. The snow was so thick and each particle was heavy that when it hit the fuselage of the C-5M Super Galaxy, it could be heard hitting the structure.
The equipment and vehicles tied down inside could be seen bouncing as the aircraft plows through the dark winter clouds. The aircraft’s lights could barely show twenty feet in front of it as it soars. Trevor was patiently waiting for its landing, last he heard was that the cargo plane was descending to the runway. In a minute or so, the landing gears hit the runway. The struts bounced a bit from the hard touchdown. Rocking the passengers and crew inside it.
The aircraft taxi down to the cargo apron and without a second of thought, he gets out and takes a humvee to the command headquarters. On the first floor, turning right. He opens a door with the label “Briefing Room #1” and four players were sitting down. All wearing Black Ops uniforms and equipment. They stood up and saluted the General as he walked to the middle, the whiteboard behind him already had the main information of their mission scribbled on it with Blue and Red markers.
“At ease.”
The players immediately sit down, with pens on their hands and a notebook open.
“I’ve called you four today as we’ll be having a sensitive mission which I’ll personally lead. As you have known. Hassan or Hashashin has let us off to do what we want and explore the world in hopes of finding a way out, though I don’t really believe it. Paul just wants to get out of this place without offending us but it's still a good idea nonetheless.”
Trevor then stares a bit at the high level players, all with murder and duty in their eyes.
“Now, as much as I want to hit up some brothels and get me some high elven waifu, I have my own matters to do. First things first, we’ll be following standard RoE. Do shoot unless fired upon. Second, do not hesitate to call out anything strange or weird. Third, do not get left behind.”
He picks up a red whiteboard marker and starts drawing on a map of the Continent of Schön.
“As you know, our Navy has been destroying and stopping their forces from entering the territorial waters of Meilurious. Over here, and here. Drones from our carrier spotted massive encampments on the shoreline. So we’ll be taking a long flank and landing behind their lines. Our transport will be four MH-Sixty Blackhawks, One armed with two Hydra rocket pods and eight AGM one one four kilo Hellfires while another one will only be carrying eight of said Hellfires.”
The men in the briefing room write down the information given to them, attentively listening and looking.
“On this entire operation, we’ll be restricted to skeleton form. No excuses, so no need to bring rations and food. Next up is air support, since we’ll be far away from Dragovh, we’ll only be having B-two stealth bombers. The only two we made, and one of the six AC-one-thirty spooky two gunships. They’ll be flying on an interval of eight hours each before they’ll need to fly back to the ocean and perform midair refueling. Rearming could take up to twelve hours to a day.”
One of the players raises his hand.
“Yes, soldier.”
“Yea, uhm. In terms of the range of the CAS. Will they follow us deep into the continent or just around the shores?”
“They’ll be flying with us as far as they can reach without jeopardizing their fuel. If we manage to secure far into the land, the KC one-three-five stratotanker that’ll be refueling them would be able to get close. Basically keeping the interval we’ve been given for as long as they can.”
“Thank you sir.”
The player gets back to writing as Trevor moves the red marker to the right of the whiteboard.
“Now, our main objective is to scout out and check to see how bad it is on the so-called Demon continent. Why? Because we suspect that the current powers in Dragovh or other Continents will drag us into their war against the Demons. Which will force our hand in pulling out every single bit of hardware we have. Right now, we might be able to continue small operations here and there, but a large- scale war will cripple us within weeks. Hence, Hassan has sent us to go and check out the place we would potentially invade. So far, the land the Drones have seen have been pretty normal, full of beautiful forestry and landscape actually.”
One of the soldiers on the left raises his hand.
“Yes, what’s your question?”
“What if we get captured or rattle the beehive?”
“If we get compromised of any sort, we’ll quickly exfil it out of there or burn our equipment and guns and kill ourselves and hope to God we respawn on this continent.”
“And if we don’t?”
“We’ll be on our own till a Strike Package is sent to retrieve us, remember. I’m with you guys, no way would our friends and comrades forget a literal General.”
“Thank you sir.”
Nearing the finale of the briefing, he puts his red marker down and points his fingers to the right, below where the aircraft flying them in was listed.
“This is our exfil. Two MH Forty-Seven Chinooks. If we get compromised or we’ve gathered all the intel we can, we’ll exfil through these chinooks. They’ll be picking us up on any landing zone we request, as long as we can keep it clear. Also, their flight to us will be a day and a half, I suspect it will be longer the deeper we are in the continent. So we’ll have to time it correctly. As I said, follow the RoE, do not shoot unless shot upon. I know our skeleton soldiers aren’t all perfect but make do. That is all.”
The General salutes and exits the briefing room with the four squad leaders on his back. They quickly boarded a Humvee which took them to the corner of the airbase.