Staff Sergeant Parker (Lucas Parker) (Human)
6/9/2031,
(Port Side Boat Deployment)
(USS WASP)
“♫Happy nation, livin' in a happy nation♪”
“♪Where the people understand and dream of the perfect man♪”
“♪Situation leading to sweet salvation♫”
“♫For the peo-♪”
“Alright, that's it, everyone’s on board.” Thomas said as he stashed a cigarette pack in one of his pouches. “Why are we using Boats when we could just fly to the shore?”
“Well probably due to the fact that Command has realized that fuel scarcity is now a thing.” Parker stated as he looked over the 2 RHIBs, Inflatable hull boats used by the USMC and many other militaries for river and other water operations. maybe in another life he would have bought one for fishing.
“We are recon marines, not bodyguards, we shouldn't be doing this.” Thomas stated, resuming the conversation from earlier.
“An order is an order, ain't much we can do.” Parker retorted. “Hey on the bright side, we can go check out those chicks in the village again.
“Ah you're right, most of them are hot. But will I be considered a furry if I were to hook up with one of them?
“Yes” James said, walking up to their conversation.
“Well, I think it's who you hook up with.” Parker said, “Those who just have the ears and tails, I think are not furry, but the ones that have splotches of fur over their bodies…yea furry for sure, especially the few we saw that looked more like a beast than man.”
“Eh maybe, but some sure do like Frankenstein's monster.” James said after a moment of contemplation.
“I think that they were an experiment more than anything.”
“Yeah, an experiment over a hundred generations.”
“Let's talk about this later, Thomas, James, make sure to give a good impression, some people here are quite nervous, and have yet to set foot on land since the blackout. Reassure them by your presence." The two gave a nod before walking off.
The time has come to start diplomatic relations with these animal people, Captain Levinson, some officers, and any important staff within the ship were to ride ashore in hopes of talking to those of power on their side, or at least that is the plan. He's just the protection detail, so he was given the water-down version of what we wish to accomplish. Before he could ponder further his company's 1st Lieutenant came over, an unreadable expression on his face.
“Parker, how's it going over here.”
“Good sir, VIP’s aboard, waiting for the go-ahead for security to embark.”
“Good…but I got some bad news, whiskey 3 has gone missing, Bradford’s Squad…I know you two were close so I thought to inform you myself.” the world seemed to shy away, the only thing he could hear for a moment was the ringing of his ears.
“I'm sorry what did you say sir.” Parker said certain that he heard wrong.
“Whiskey 3 is missing, We lost contact with them yesterday, They were supposed to be done with their reconnaissance after the withdrawal order but no response. We have search parties looking for them now but no luck.” …The world seems to get smaller to Parker, one of his first friends in the core is MIA, no not just a friend, family, that man was there for his wedding and now he has vanished! No, not like this. clutching his chest he begins to hyperventilate. The world seemed to shut itself off, all he could hear was the ringing of his ears.
“Parker, Parker!, I understand how you feel, but now is not the time, Just keep your guard up out there. There is an ocean of unknowns before all of us, and we don't know what we might encounter next.” he said, snapping Parker out of it.
“You're right.”
“I'm sure they will turn up soon.”
“Thank you sir for informing me of this.”
“Be safe out there.” the 1st Lieutenant patted his back before
“Alright rest of you load up.” said someone from behind Parker. Allowing him to occupy his mind with the only thing he could think of, his job.
After everyone was aboard the winch began to slowly lower the 2 boats down onto the waters beside the ship. of the boat roared to life turning in the direction of the cove the settlement was placed in.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reslica (Animalistic Canidae Humanoid)
6/7/2031,
(Eastern Territory, Kingdom of Wintkin)
(Chesk Fishing Village)
“Have you found some proper living arrangements yet? Rithmis asked putting away some materials in his forge, A bulky man with with that sat on his head, his characteristics fit a drake more than ever since her home was burned down, she and her brother have been living from house to house, living off of the generosity of others, the idea of being indebted to others is something she wanted to have nothing to do with, but at this moment it was her only option.
“No.”
“I expected as much. Even if you are our best hunter, no one wants to invite more people into their home. Most homes are already overcrowded, especially with refugees.” Rithmis said matter-of-factly. “Wish I could help but I'm occupied as is. Since those strange people on that huge grey-colored boat out there haven't collected the Dracarnan parts, I have to, or else disease will be rampant in what is left of this town. Plus just imagine all the cool Weapons I can make with those parts.” He said, his eyes practically glowing at that remark. Dracarnan, or Dragon to use the old language. Its parts are known to be some of the densest materials a backwater blacksmith could possibly get his hands on. Not to mention that some parts could be used for Alchemy.
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“I understand.” she said, a solemn look on her face. “Hey, any ideas about what they might ask for in return for helping us?”
“I don't know.” Rithmis said after a moment of contemplating. “Those metal beasts must cost a fortune so money ain't an issue, maybe food, but we don't have much to offer there.”
“Well, maybe a place to stay, but then they do not need to be nice to us if they want that.” she added, ruffling the fur on her little brother's head while she contemplated the situation. The little kid looked unbothered as he played with some of the tools in Rithmis’s workshop.
As if they had summoned him, a Village official came into the Forge. “Hey Rithmis, the weird forest spirits are coming, they might be here for the Dracarnan, so wait off on harvesting till we know what they want.”
“Oh come on, why must you tease me like this.” Rithmis almost yelled as he threw one of his many tools to the ground in frustration.
“Hey, I'm just the messenger.” The official stated before heading off.
“where are you going?” Reslica said, watching as Rithmis began leaving as well.
“These people use otherworldly tools, and I want to see more of it.” he said before disappearing through the doorway of the workshops.
She would be lying to herself if she didn't want to see those marvelous tools they have. Reslica walked out of the forge carrying her brother as she did so. Content that maybe the future will not be so bleak for them. And hopefully her aunt will be back home soon.
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The harbor was crowded with most of the village's population, 8 of the village elders approached, as 2 small black boats came up to the docks somehow they moved with great speed, without a paddle in sight. the men in the black masks disembarked after securing their boats. Instead of the blocky green and brown, some wore black or white uniforms, they were laced with gold on the edges, with a golden emblem of a bird that sat atop their hats. Where they were some sort of nobles, their leaders for sure. Either way, they all had those unsettling black masks, just why do they wear them, a religious symbol, if so why did he show me his face when we first meant it?
The first people to get out of the black boats were the men from before, they moved about as though they were surveying the area of threats, definitely guards for these nobles. Wait, its him, the one that saved her from slaver’s, the one that saved her in the streets, and the one that saved her brother from the house fire. His blocky patterned uniform still bore the burn marks from the ash that fell on his frame during the fires. such luck that their paths intersect 3 times. He seemed to have recognized her as well, as he looked at her, giving her a little wave as he did so. She couldn't help but blush, her 4 predatory ears flattening on her head, the moment was a fleeting thought as time quickly moved along. She watched amongst the crowd as both sides of leadership tried to interact with each other.
“PleAsure to mEet you.” One of the Nobles spoke, approaching the elders. “Great life to meet you” one head elder said as they greeted each other, or at least tried to. but after some gesturing the elders conveyed for them to follow. And so they did, it was only a moment but it felt as though it lasted an eternity. As the possible ambassadors left, with their guards in tow, the crowd slowly dispersed, some staying to see the sail-less boats, and if they could chat up those who were left to guard the boats. but the current language barrier will make that difficult. She started to leave as well, as her brother needed to rest. to when another official came jogging over to her.
“High huntress Reslica, it is to our understanding that you were one of the first to encounter these strangers.”
“Yes?” she said, still confused as to what they are getting at.
“The elders would like you to attend this diplomatic meeting.” Being dragged into politics is never a good thing. but saying no would make her look bad, so after a bit of deliberating she decided to accept the offer.
“Alright I will do it.”
“Good, come with me.”
“What about my brother, I cant bring him with me.”
“Don't worry about him.” Rithmis said, causing Reslica to jump at his sudden appearance. “By the Highlords! How are you so silent?”
“My apologies, I just overheard your conversation as I was examining those fast boats of theirs. I don't mind taking care of the kid for the day.” he stated like a grandfather getting to spend time with his grandkids.
“Well Lamqi, do you want to spend the day with Rithmis.” she asked, gesturing towards the weaponsmith.
“Yeah!” he said enthusiastically, after a long 10 seconds of deliberation. She set him down, finally allowing her arms to rest after carrying him since her arrival at the harbor.
“Well then thank you for your help Rithmis.” she said, giving an appreciative bow.
“Don't worry about it.” he said ruffling the kid's head.
“Do you want to see how I make my swords little one?” he asked the kid, but she could not hear his answer as she was guided away by the official.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Hour Later
She uncomfortably moved in her seat, she made sure to sit far away from the strange militaristic people. There was an uncomfortable silence as they took their seats. It as a shame that our baron was off to war right now, because no nobility was available, it just meant village officials had to take the role as representative.
A couple of Scholars came into the village hall after everyone had taken their seats, in their hands was a mana-engraved wax, as well as parchments of paper, the words glowed with a dark blue, which seemed to silence there guests, as they beheld the scripture, once the scholars had finished setting it up, they approached the leader only to hesitate, there eyes on his pristine white and black uniform. It would be seen as an insult to sully such wears with a seal, so they guested that they needed to place it on someone, after a bit, the leader of the group brought one of the guards forward,
Probably being ordered to, he stepped forward. Even with the mask she could see that he did not want to be a sacrificial lamb for us. Which did make her smile a little at their great suspicion, it was just a translation seal, but to them, it could be some sort of blood ritual. They chattered amongst each other. About what? She did not know.
Lining up the seal, on his odd chest plate, they finally pressed on wax and stamped it, sealing the paper on his chest. For a brief second A soft glow began to emanate from his body., causing his compatriots to jump back in alarm, with some surprise, but stood their ground.
“What is this a purity seal from 40k”
“Greetings, it's a pleasure to finally be able to speak to you.” one of the elders said, causing the man to jump back in surprise, nearly bringing up the strange loud weapon they use.
“How-how can I understand you now!”
“Yes you can thanks to that Translation seal.”
“Excuse my rudeness, I am Lucas Parker, Staff sergeant within the United States Marine Corp. An expeditionary force of the United States of America. I am speaking on behalf of Captain Richard Levinson, Commander of the amphibious assault ship USS WASP.” he stated, keeping his hands behind his back.
“Then let's start with the first question: why are you here?” Parker listened and then said the question back to his commander. In which he gave a reply for him to say.
“To be honest, we are lost, we have suddenly been transported into these waters about a week ago.”
“Are you saying that you are from beyond the sea?”
“Yes.” he responded, after a moment of the two whispering.
“Alright next question: Which god do you serve?” After some whispering between the two, Parker responded
“We don't serve one god, but we consist of multiple different religions, with our largest being Christianity.”
“How odd.” one of the officials commented.
“Never heard of a god named Christianity.” another official added.
“It would be rude for us to interrogate our guests like this, especially when they saved us. So the last question…What are your intentions?”
Once the commander was informed of the question, he started unclipping his mask, revealing his face beneath the void that was his mask. A face that was quite similar to most people of this nation.
“In the short-term friendship. in the long-term…A possible home.” Parker stated in response to the captain’s words.
Maybe these…Marines aren't so bad, Reslica leaned back in her seat, content at the idea that this possible Gem mine could aid them in their war for the right to survive.