"I understand the skepticism, but what if it is not some tech? Some kind of untapped potential of the brain? A particle we haven't discovered yet? Would it work in our world? So many questions... We need all scientists working on this, not just the army."
Scott makes a mental note to himself to pursue this topic in his free time. He doesn't ask any more questions and keeps quiet till the end of the briefing.
"The old man eh.. magi we took down, how does his weapon work exactly?" Laine asks his last question.
"It is exceptionally hard, thanks to it's magic. It can bypass certain magical defenses. In the hands of a Magi, it becomes a focus to extend the range of the Magi's magic. Any magic weapon would work, one he created, or one created by any other magic user. The weapon itself has nothing to do with the Magi's power, it's a crutch, it allows him to channel the mana through an item rather than his own body, allowing him to push more power through it at the cost of losing the ability to use magic of other schools."
Dawn settles back in her seat to let the others discuss their view, mostly she keeps an eye on the brass to judge their reactions.
"I can relate to that kind of focus on your studies. I've mostly done the same with my weapon at the expensive of using others effetively." Laine remarks before settling back in his seat not having any more questions.
I'm going to assume you all give as accurate a debrief as possible. I would like a post on your own personal thoughts/beliefs/observations, as well as anything you'd like to bring to their attention.
Overnight in the ravine Daniel works with Calia on language for as long as she keeps an interest. He seems to enjoy both teaching and learning from the pink eyes young lady and unless dismissed will take his evening meal with her. He is careful not to divulge any information that might be considered secret by his superiors though.
The next day he helps pass out uniforms and does his best to continue learning the local language as he says the English word for items he hands out and then repeats the local word the girls tell him. As Calia climbs up near him to her usual position he gives her a smile understanding that she is honoring his crew.
During the briefing Daniel is quiet until he is called on to speak. He details everything he can think of including the possibility that Calia can hear, if not decipher radio waves. He notes that while he has not seen anything but cooperation from the pink eyed girl she seems very observant and interested in the group’s defenses and capabilities, noting that while only natural in such a situation it still seemed worth mentioning. At that point he also mentions his believe that Calia seems to have an unusually high regard for honor and likely follow some code of honor.
Daniel will produce the green mace making sure not to touch it and will explain how he saw it used. He will then ask Calia to tell the group what she knows of it (already covered I think)
Q: What are Bisharan? What is ni'Basharan?
A: Bisharan are one of the native races to this world. The Bisharan Hegemony controls the continent of Malsase, the continent of Mishar, and more islands than can be counted. They control a large section of territory Filashel. Filashel is the continent the Gate is currently open on. The Bisharan control a large section of the north west of the continent. Ni'Bisharan are the results of a Bisharan placing their essence into a female human host. Humans are unique in their ability to bear a Bisharan hybrid safely. No other species can. Bisharan normally reproduce by placing some of their essence into a host animal, and then after a year, a the host dies and the new Bisharan rises from it's corpse. Human females, however, are able to birth a Ni'Bisharan, who share characteristics of both Bisharan and Human.
Q: Are female humans forced to do this?
A: Yes and No. It was discovered when humans attacked the Bisharan. It is Bisharan custom that if a Bisharan is killed in an unprovoked attack, those who killed the Bisharan are forced to replace the dead Bisharan from their own body. It came as a surprise when human females given essence didn't die, and instead gave birth to a Ni'Basharan. Humans are only forced to bear the essence of a Bisharan when they are guilty of the murder of a Bisharan. It is, however, allowed for a human female to trade bearing a Ni'Basharan in exchange for service from the Bisharan. Calia's mother, for example, traded bearing Calia for a cure for her parents, who had developed a wasting sickness. In exchange for curing them, Calia was born to a what humans would call a Noble amongst the Bisharan.
Q: Why do Bisharan desire Ni'Bisharan offspring?
A: Primarily, we act as liasons with humans. Humans find us not nearly as scary as the Bisharan. It makes it easier to maintain peace. Most Ni'Bisharan are raised to be Guardians.
Q: What other races are there on this world?
A: There are three races native to this world. The Alshee inhabit forests throughout the world, and speak to nature and understand it's secrets. Anything done by man or Bisharan, they can coax nature to do as well. They are the only race other than the Bisharan on this continent to drive off the Human Invaders during the Imperial Wars 2 millenia ago. They are bipedal humanoids with tendrils for hair, green and brown skin, and horns. Only their females are allowed to interact with outsiders. Their males are physically weaker than their females, and are highly protected. Birth rates are 20 to 1 female to male. The Barish are the other native race, and are subsurface ocean dwellers, and cannot leave salt water for more than short periods of time. They are the masters of the oceans. They vary in color from blue to silver to gold, have four arms and two legs, and a powerful tail. While capable of walking on land, they do not like to do so, at least as much because they appear ungainly on land.
Q: And the non-native species?
A: Humans of course, The humans Empire controls the central and southern portions of the continent, other than the Fellgrove Forest. The eastern portion of the continent is controlled by the Rim Kingdoms, although 'Kingdoms' is something of a misnomer. They are more ruthless outlaws, outcasts, a place for the empire to exile people to. The Kel'Ree once controlled the lands the Empire now controls, but were defeated by the humans and are now second class citizens of the Empire. Kel'Ree come from a world where things are heavier, much heavier, so they have extremely dense muscles. Then there are the Drakon. Drakon come in various sizes and shapes. They are native to this world, but it is difficult to classify them as a single native race. Many Drakon are not able to think, only the largest and oldest of them gain that ability. Those that do are extremely dangerous, and most can use magic of varying types with lethal certainty.
Q: Why did the Empire attack us?
A: You were there? You seemed an easy target? Their only other source of conquest would be the Bisharan or the Alshee, or the Barish, and those are not fights the Empire can win, and the Emperor knows it.
Q: Who is the Emperor?
A: Emperor James the Fourteenth is the current Emperor of the Human Realm.
After two weeks, the brass comes down with the decision that 3 of the local girls will be allowed to join the scouts as 'Local Combatants' as they are 17+ years old. Calia, Ameena, and Brona are assigned to scout units. LAV-22 and LAV-83 (by their last two digits) are detailed as local embedded units, and given slightly more autonomous authority.
Calia and Brona are assigned to LAV-22, and Ameena to LAV-83. LAV-22's squad is split into two squads, and new recruits are added to each squad to bring it up to 8 total with the local combatants.
Brona is considered an adult by local standards, she's also 6'2" in bare feet, her father and mother both originally from the Duchy of Elstrick, which was actually far to the north. Her clan is known for it's warriors, and both her parents taught her to fight from a young age. Per her tales about the village massacre, she managed to kill 3 raiders with a kitchen knife before someone hit her from behind with a club. She is very good with the local weapons, but not very good with firearms, and only carries a pistol that was assigned to her. She wears some kevlar cloth beneath her light armor.
Calia also accepted some kevlar cloth for her armor padding, and also has picked up enough of the basics of firearms to carry a submachine gun.
LAV-22 and LAV-83 are now considered force recon units, and are allowed to customize their LAV weaponry and personal weapons loadout. Additionally, they've been issued a tanker and two HUMVEEs along with a squad to operate them to extend their range. They will be given new orders in one week, with the extra week of downtime to be used to settle their personal equipment loadouts and the LAV modifications.
The airfield is proceeding, and it should be possible to land planes within a month's time. Disassembled F16's and Warthogs are already being brought in along with additional mechanics to rebuild them.
The newly created squad's CO is 2nd Ltn Jacob David, who has 3 months in grade more than Dawn and 5 months more in grade than Daniel, so he takes over command of the squad.
The squad is told, in private, that they should consider Calia a level 3 biohazard if she's bleeding. Her blood is 15% trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, and the squad should avoid getting it on them at all costs. The squad is issued packets of powder to be used to neutralize acid. This likely explains how she was able to etch designs into the armor of the LAV (and open the locked cage by melting the hinges off the door).
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Jacob will find his new force recon squad and move over and give them a crisp greeting good day squad. From briefing it seems congratulations are in order for a successful mission in country. As I have a different background then scouting or force recon missions I will be relying on each of you to help me not place my own head in the fourth point of contact. Jacob pauses with a grin and continues, my previous mission expertise is search and rescue and combat of which I have a great deal of experience. With this new world and new structure comes new opportunity. Lets make the most of it, work together as a team, and shoot, move, and communicate. The rest will handle itself.
Brona tilts her head, and looks down at Jacob (she looks down at most people). "Good Day. Yes, Success, save Guardian." She scrunches her nose as she tries to decipher Jacob's words with her very limited English she's picked up. "You search and rescue fights? Strange. Must shoot? I not good at the shoot." This is a monumental understatement, as so far she's managed to hit the target a few times by accident with her pistol.
Calia is now up to accented but understandable English. "Good day." She turns to Brona, and says something rapidly in Imperial, basically translating Jacob's words. Brona's eyes light up as she finally understands, but she doesn't speak again, leaving her previous statements as they were. Calia then turns to Jacob again. "Brona is learning, she's actually quite good with Bisharan, but English is new. Your people have so many languages, I was quite surprised, and yet your soldiers rarely speak more than one or two at most." She shakes her head in wonder. "Until your war is complete, I have sworn my banner to yours, as has Brona. We will see victory or death, as the Gods have it."
Well I hope we all make it through this war alive, would love to come back and see Earth once again. But for now focus is on surviving here and beat this empire. Would also be good to learn about this world, who knows how long we will be living here." He responds to Calia turning to the new leader "Ltn sir! Have we gotten a new assignment yet?" he asks saluting, curious to come out and see more of the world.
WO Debbs heads over to her new squad mates and introduces herself to everyone. She is a shortish woman of mixed European heritage with short, brown hair. "Good morning, everyone. Warrant Officer Eugenia Debbs reporting. I fly UH-60s for 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation , mostly for search and rescue, out of Los Alamitos, California. This is all very new to me, so any advice is not just appreciated or sought for!"
Genie then introduces herself to the natives, hoping to pick up a little of their language and make a more personal connection.
WO Debbs salutes Sgt. David. "Glad to be with your unit, sergeant. I've been to Moffett a few times, so I'm familiar with the Guardian Angels. I wouldn't say that our skills are that good. Our Archangels are always trying to play catch-up!"
Calia gives a salute of sorts, her salute involves crossing her fist and lower arm across her torso, just beneath her breasts, and then nodding her head forward at a precise angle. Brona keeps trying to do both and ending up getting neither right.
"I am Calia Ni'Bisharan, Bisharan Guardian Journeyman. It is a pleasure to meet you, Warrant Officer Eugenia Debbs. What is a You-Ach Sixty?" She asks, sounding out the letters. "My advice is to not let your You-Ach Sixty eat any of us should you bring it along. Flying beasts are usually ill-tempered in my experience."
Brona nods. "No get ate by beast. I Brona No Rank."
Jacob will find his new force recon squad and move over and give them a crisp greeting good day squad. From briefing it seems congratulations are in order for a successful mission in country. As I have a different background then scouting or force recon missions I will be relying on each of you to help me not place my own head in the fourth point of contact. Jacob pauses with a grin and continues, my previous mission expertise is search and rescue and combat of which I have a great deal of experience. With this new world and new structure comes new opportunity. Lets make the most of it, work together as a team, and shoot, move, and communicate. The rest will handle itself.
Ltn Rainwater offers a crisp salute. Yes sir. Glad to have you on the team. Since his superior officer has not asked for anything specific Daniel offers little. He does ask What are you think for our load out? Based on our last trip out I am wondering if we could somehow ground the LAV by dragging a cable attached to the frame. If you read our report you know we were hit with high voltage.
"I am Calia Ni'Bisharan, Bisharan Guardian Journeyman. It is a pleasure to meet you, Warrant Officer Eugenia Debbs. What is a You-Ach Sixty?" She asks, sounding out the letters. "My advice is to not let your You-Ach Sixty eat any of us should you bring it along. Flying beasts are usually ill-tempered in my experience."
Genie smiles. "They are a flying machine that look a bit like a dragonfly. We use them to carry soldiers to and from the battlefield, for scouting, and for transporting the wounded. They are quite versatile and useful and can be quite ill-tempered."
Jacob will find his new force recon squad and move over and give them a crisp greeting good day squad. From briefing it seems congratulations are in order for a successful mission in country. As I have a different background then scouting or force recon missions I will be relying on each of you to help me not place my own head in the fourth point of contact. Jacob pauses with a grin and continues, my previous mission expertise is search and rescue and combat of which I have a great deal of experience. With this new world and new structure comes new opportunity. Lets make the most of it, work together as a team, and shoot, move, and communicate. The rest will handle itself.
"Lieutenant, Sir, Private Scott Baker." Scott salutes to his new commander. "I'll be our squad's medic, so come to me if something's wrong."
..."Brona is learning, she's actually quite good with Bisharan, but English is new. Your people have so many languages, I was quite surprised, and yet your soldiers rarely speak more than one or two at most." She shakes her head in wonder. "Until your war is complete, I have sworn my banner to yours, as has Brona. We will see victory or death, as the Gods have it."
"That's because on Earth English is international language, and we can find most of what we want in English," explains Scott. "Learning other language is a necessity only if you work in a foreign land, like we are now, if you like learning languages, or if a lot of something you'd like to read or watch isn't available in English."
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although not a scientist or R and D guy I am sure we can get something rigged to help give additional grounding to the vehicle, specifically the electric equipment
the weapons load seems passable, however, make sure we get some spare .50 caliber armor piercing rounds with a Barrett rifle for our shooter here. That should punch a hole in those big flying things or anything else we need to punch. Also a few viper anti vehicle missles and perhaps a bit more c4 with detenators could never hurt. Also a few extra gas cans and a couple of flare guns also always solves the worlds problems.
"Indeed many Earth countries have their own language. As said english is the most spoken language it's easy to learn and most of the world understands it to some degree." Laine adds while listening to Jacob
"Sir I use a .338 sniper do you think that will be enough to get through the armor of those flying beasties?"
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Jacob will req a four pack of LAW rockets two cases for each side of the vehicle with their strap down load and then excuse himself saying alright team, have a short break and I should have some definitive orders shortly so unless someone gets a big bug up someplace we will form up to move out in 2 days time, giving you all a day to recover from mission and send letters home, etc. Check out the px, its pretty good and can augment your travel packs. Make sure to buy extra sock and baby piwder, along with trade goods such as bit of honey and cigerettes as this society will be more closely tied to a barter system.
Calia goes to the captured goods warehouse, and returns with several finely wrought weapons of various types, as well as several sets of armor. "In case you wish to pretend to be locals, just don't talk much." She adds them to the cargo container, locking the weapons in the weapons locker with the extra firearms.
Brona, apparently doing some heavy lifting for Calia, also puts a duffle bag that weighs about 300 lbs into the LAV. Judging from the angular dents in the bag, it's full of books.
Rather than ride on top this time, Calia and Brona content themselves to ride inside the LAV (in the air conditioning, not that it's all that hot outside, the outside temperature is a reasonable 82 F with only 50% humidity). Calia digs out what looks like highschool text books from the bag, and begins to read them, her mouth moving as she sounds out unfamiliar words. She also has a 5 inch thick dictionary, although she rarely consults it.
Brona has a much more colorful set of books, which look to be reading primers designed for 1st graders. She consults the dictionary several times per book.
While the locals teach themselves, the convoy begins to get ready to roll out.
"This is Coyote 2 to Coyote 1, Coyote 2 is ready." Comes the voice of the Auxiliary Squad commander, CWO Florez, in the M998 Avenger.
"This is Warthog, the Pig is locked, cocked and ready to rock." Comes the voice of the Auxiliary Squad Heavy Vehicle driver, PVC Tawny 'T-Kat' Miller from the R11 fueler truck.
"Watch the language, Warthog." Remands Florez.
"Hey, I left out the fu..." PFC Miller's voice cuts off as someone takes the mike out of her hand.
"This is Coyote 3 to Coyote 1, Coyote 3 is buttoned up and ready to roll." Pipes up WO Porter, in the other HumVee.
"This is Elephant Alpha to Coyote 1, Trunks are packed, ready to roll."
"This is Elephant Beta to Coyote 1, Ivory all polished and stowed, ready to roll."
"This is Elephant Charlie to Coyote 1, Peanuts are all loaded up, ready to roll."
"This is Elephant Delta to Coyote 1, the other guys took all the good jokes, ready to roll."
Brona looks up. "Why call each other animals?" She asks, wrinkling her nose. "Those animals gang attack you in your world?"
"This is...
"It's code Brona, in our world we uses codename for combat units to confuse the enemy if they are listening in on our radioes. And sometimes the animalname resembles the squads mission or thier way of fighting." laine says with a smile at the young woman.
Turning to the leader "Should I take a stint at the wheels while we are still in relatively known area? My driving could use some finepolishing."
"I'm not good at driving either. Last time was when I was eighteen. Or was it nineteen?.. I'd like to practice a bit when we're in an open flat terrain, if that's okay with you," Scott joins Laine in her request.
The convoy begins to move out, with the LAV in front, and the HumVee's bringing up the rear.
Once out in the wilderness, the convoy moves forward at a lumbering 25 mph that eats up land to the perception of the locals, but is painfully slow to the Earth folks.
It's a quiet ride, the local animals seem to find the rumbling growl of the engines slightly disturbing.
Over the next 5 days, a routine sets in. Drive for 6.5 to 9 hours to reach the next fuel depot, stop, set up camp, eat, talk some, and then get some sleep. Up the next morning, breakfast, pack up, and head off.
The afternoon of the 5th day, is slightly different. Calia gets out, hops on top of the LAV as usual, and then looks around. Hopping down, she nods. "I know this place, Sardath Forest is that way." She points north. "You weren't planning on going there were you? It would be extremely dangerous, the Alshee control it." LAV-837638 never made it back from their scouting mission in that direction, and are currently listed as MIA.
LAV-837638 never made it back from their scouting mission in that direction, and are currently listed as MIA.
WO Debbs wears an almost constant scowl on her face, not because she is necessarily in a bad mood, but because she tends to always be worrying about one thing or the other. When one of the LAVs out on scouting duty does not report in on time, she hops on the radio to track them down.
"LAV 638, LAV 638 this is the Big Top, over. What's your 20, over. Repeat, what's your 20, over. "
Dawn asks Calia, Are they always aggressive? Any chance for a meeting with them?
Hey Lt! Was there anything in our orders about checking on the status of -38?
Dawn grabs one of their long range binoculars and stands up on top of the LAV to look off north, careful to keep the lens from reflecting light.
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Jacob will circle convoy when they learn of this missing LAV and talk with his group.
with a missing scout in there I am inclined to go ferret them out and rescue or recover them if possible. Calia, tell us more about the Alshee and if they can be reasoned or traded with. If not can we hope to get our lost scouting mission back with any other means?
"It is not that they are aggressive, they have a non-aggression pact with the Empire. Part of that Pact is that if the Empire is at war with anyone, they will assist. You are at war with the Empire, so you are the Enemy of the Alshee. Alshee, much like Bisharan, are very particular about keeping their word. Much more so than humans."
Dawn cannot see the forest from here. She does see grassland, lizard like animals grazing, and the occasional winged lizard flying around.
Daniel takes turns at driving and manning the machine gun on top of the LAV. When he can he drills in language with the two local girls. He is quite interested in learning how to use the sword that he now wears and almost timidly asks Calia for help the first night in camp. I can use a knife he explains and can hold my own with my fists. But I never trained with a long blade. Will you teach me?
Calia shakes her head. "I am not a good teacher, it is one of my failings. And it would be dangerous anyway, if you accidentally cut me, you might lose your hand." She smiles, and nods at Brona. "Brona's father was a blacksmith and weaponsmith, and her mother was a former blademistress. She would be much better at teaching you."
Brona looks up, at her name, and blinks, and then nods. "I teach blade, easy..." She points to the sword. "Pointy end go in other guy." She grins, and Calia laughs.
After that though, Brona will begin teaching any of the Earth people to use swords properly if they wish, at night in camp. She's a good teacher, although she does seem to give out bruises to everyone, believing in learning through pain.
Daniel takes his lumps and works hard to master the skill. His natural high dexterity and footwork experience from boxing helps him somewhat. And he uses the physical practice as a way to both learn from and drill Brona in language.
How flexible are our orders to head north a couple of days? And do we want to be taking the tankers with us? We could leave them here and go up on our own. Leave the hummers to watch them. Dawn rubs her hand through her hair, as much as I want to go look, they're dead and it won't matter, or prisoners and may need to hold out a couple more days until we've completed the depot runs.
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Later that evening she'll also work on her handiwork with her kukri.
Your current orders :
1) Set up at least 3 fuel depots in the un-claimed areas south of the Empire and the Wild Kingdoms.
2) Locate more Radio Repeater Locations
3) Make peaceful contact with people in the Wild Kingdoms, if possible.
4) Gather intel about the Empire from the Wild Kingdoms, if possible.
5) Investigate local 'magic' and attempt to get working copies of any advanced technology.
6) Confirm data handed over by the Locals (do not reveal this order to the local combatants)
Secondary Objectives (only if they do not endanger primary objectives)
7) Ensure existing Depots are still useful.
8) Gather information or rescue any Civilians from the invasion, if possible without endangering orders
9) Gather information or rescue any Military personnel who may be MIA or KIA
WO Debbs chimes in on the conversation regarding the Alshee, asking Calia a question.
"Do you think the Alshee know that we are fighting the Empire? Perhaps they haven't heard about us yet. How sophisticated are the communications among various far-flung peoples?"
Calie nods. "The fact the Empire is at war with a foreign army made up of Sorcerers is widely known, remember, I was on my way to attack you when I was captured. The Alshee would have known within a week of your destruction of the guard force. Especially since you killed to King Drakon. There are only a dozen of them in captivity, and maybe twice that in the wild, so two of them dying would be quite the gossip to get around." She tilts her head, and shrugs. "Well, I could probably get into the Alshee settlement alive, and see if they are there and alive. I might not be able to get out alive, since I've sworn allegiance to your army, but I can try if you like. You could drop me off at noon tomorrow, and continue on, and I could walk the rest of the way." Turning to Genie, she answers part of her question last. "The Empire has a relay of horse riders that deliver messages. A message can be sent from one end of the Empire to the other in a week. Getting message to the capital is more problematic, but the Empire getting messages out is very well done."
She pauses, and then looks thoughtful. "Of course, if the Alshee are upset with the Empire, we might be able to talk to them from outside the forest by waving a Parley Flag at them. The Empire taught us Parley Flags. If they are on good terms with the Empire, they'll attack us, but if they aren't, they'll trade insults and shouts with us instead."
As much as I'd like to rescue our folks, going in sounds like a bad idea and does not support our primary objective. If we go in we know we are going to have to fight and will likely loose resources i if not personnel. No, if we do anything here I vote for the parley idea, and only that with clear retreat plans if things come apart.
Debbs scratches her head. "How close would their village be, Calia? I could fly our drone ... our flying mechanical eye to the location and see what we would be up against if we went in. It might also show us if our troops are still there and/or alive. You could watch my screen that shows me what the eye is seeing and give me advice on the Alshee."
Calia shakes her head. "The Alshee are one with the forest, they do not build like you do, or like the Empire does. You could be in the middle of their city and not know it, because it blends in with the forest. They do not cut down trees, they grow them into their town. You would see nothing from above to indicate the town is there. And if your missing Laahv is there, it is long sense covered over in vines and leaves, you could sit on it and not notice it."