Sergeant Parker (Lucas Parker) (Human)
6/8/2031,
(Control Tower)
(USS WASP)
1 day later
The Captain sat down, glaring coldly at Parker with irritation, and… what might be gratitude. He shivered to think of what that meant.
“So…you mind telling me why you didn't bother calling in this whole situation until it was out of your control?” Levinson said, his eyes not leaving parkers, beads of sweat began to form on parkers head as he had this one-sided staredown with the one in charge of all operations involving this vessel.
“Your radio operator reports that you did not even make an attempt to report your encounter to TOC. You, however, did not report this in your accounts of the situation.” Oscar bowed his head, He would most likely be demoted, or worse, article 15. It had been two days since the fire in the village. USS WASP sat loitering a reasonable distance away from their port. All forces had been pulled out hours after the last fire was extinguished, just to keep tensions low. Sure just by gestures and the tail wagging most of them showed, that they were grateful for the help, but we don't want to be seen as conquers by occupying their home. Though we did set up FOB (Forward Operating Base) near the beachhead we made, that was the only holding they had at this time.
“You were afraid we would have you just abandoned those people…am I right.” Parker looked back into the eyes of Captain Levinson. He was reading him like a book, yet he remained silent.
“I don't blame you. I would probably do the same, let's be honest, you will probably have been told to watch and observe.” Levinson stated, showing understanding of the predicament that Parker found himself in.
“Still because of your actions you jeopardized the safety of your team. And possibly the safety of every man onboarding this ship. that, I can not ignore, you have possibly started a war with that other nation. however.” The Captain got up from his seat dusting off his uniform as he did so.
“Thanks to you, we have possibly made an ally in this new world. And better yet a possible bright future. Saving another can work wonders on negotiating. Congratulations Staff Sergeant.” Parker sat up as well when he heard that, his mind was rolling as he listened to the change in rank. “Let me get this straight I'm not the one promoting you, I don't have that power nor do I think you should be promoted for this. Colonel Morgan Ranleen on the other hand believes your initiative and your independent actions are both commendable and a needed trait for our current situation.” grabbing his paper cup of water, Levinson looked out the small window in the room. “I disagree with him in that case.” Levinson finally said, taking a sip of water. “If it wasn't for Morgan being busy with the construction of FOB Royalty I wouldn't have to have this conversation.”
“Sir, Wait!. I don't understand, am I not getting punished?”
“Oh you will be Staff Sergeant, since you brought us into this, it's only fitting you and your squad will be our point of contact with them outside meetings with leadership. Don't get me wrong if you step out of line one more time, it's your ass Staff Sergeant. Congratulations, you will be playing politics as a marine.”
“You are kidding me right?”
“I am afraid not. you will be my escort in the village. We step off at 0700 tomorrow morning. We are going to see if we can meet with their leadership after everything cools down. With that final statement, Levinson left the room, leaving Parker to wallow in his befuddlement. Just wonder what the future will hold for him. And…how mad will his squad be at him?
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Melka Luns (Princess of the Kingdom of Wintkin) (Animalistic Humanoid)
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
6/8/2031,
(Royal Palace)
(Capital of Wintkin)
Melka opened the door to the throne room, it was empty say for the Queen and her advisors who were discussing something. another border incursion by the Selvis? Or maybe one of the named Dracarnan appeared.
“Mother, I have returned.” Melka said, giving a courtly bow once she approached the throne. She had finally returned from the Outerlands in the north, that bare wilderness might be the key to a safe future for her people. So a lot of interest has been put into the mapping of that territory, and finally, she is back home. She was expecting to have a grand welcome but no, the place lay cold and boring just like the city that surrounds the palace. So just what has got them so distracted?
“Ah, Melka, your home!” Queen Velmes Luns got up from her throne and approached Melka, before suddenly giving her a strong bear hug. Even though she was in armor she still felt like she could not breathe. Which really went to show how much her mother loved her. If anybody else were to say her name in such an informal way, they would be punished severely.
“What's got you all on edge?” she said, pulling away from the embrace.
“The slavers have taken the fortress city Zenman.” one of the advisors said coldly. Silence took over the room for a bit before the conversation started back up.
“nearly 70% of our territory is now lost.” The queen said, a terrible tone in her voice As the heir of the kingdom, she had to read up and study all events past and present, all to be the future Heir to the kingdom. At this rate, there will be no kingdom left to rule by the time she takes the throne.
“Any ideas.” Melka said already knowing the answer to that question.
“We have tried everything we can possibly do.” another advisor said.
“Something will come up, have faith in the forge father.” The queen said once more, taking a seat on the throne.
Before the discussion was brought back up, an assistant came in. Upon his shoulder was a messenger bird. The bird's chest bore the insignia of the Eastern Borderlands. Quickly walking forward, the assistant bent down and offered up the message to the Queen.
“A Message from the Qella village.” Queen Velmes said, opening up the scroll. A fishing village contacting the royal palace is somewhat hard to believe. What would make them do something so…bold? “An army?” she said, just loud enough for everyone in the room to hear it.
“Mom please elaborate, are the slaver's forces in the region larger than we thought? ...what's going on?!”
“A large Naval force has made landfall in one of the fishing towns on the east coast.” everyone stiffened upon hearing those words, I could mean death for the kingdom for all they know. “According to witnesses, they wear garments fitting a forest spirit.” The queen stated, Forest spirits huh, maybe they revere such beings to the point they dress as them, though tales beyond the sea often show how our understanding of the world can be turned upside down.
“They have not shown hostility yet, but that may be because they are trying to gauge us first before striking.” the queen added, Her tail nervously swished ever so slightly.
“We must send our force down there now. We can not afford to open up another front.” one of the advisors spoke loudly, hatred evident in his tone.
“Agreed” another advisor added.
“Mother allowed me to take the 8th Royal Guard to push the invaders out,” Melka stated, silencing all others in the room.
“You want to take the only elite force protecting the capital and march east with it? That's outrageous.” Someone in the crowd said. Chaos erupts all across the room, sowing discontent amongst the crowd.
“Silence!” The Queen bellowed, In an instant, the crowd fell to silence. “Melka, my lovely daughter, you have just come home. I don’t want to see you leave so soon.”
“Mother please, as the princess of this kingdom it's my duty to defend our lands, from armies to famines.” the queen sat silently pondering her words.
“Please give me this chance. We have always been on the back foot of this war, at least let me get a chance to fight in it before it's too late." The room sat in silence after her words, nobody refuting her request, it was obvious that she was determined to make the enemy bleed.
“Alright if it's what you wish. I will allow it.” the queen said after some deliberation. “Take a sky hunter squadron as well.”
“Thank you, mother.” Melka said, giving a bow.
“Just stay safe alright.” Queen Velmes said concern evident in her tone.
“I will mother…I will.”