A/N: I got such an positive reception from my first chapter, I decided to do another one. Anyway, thanks to everyone who reviewed, followed or even favorited this story! trust me when I say I am very thankful for that show of support. But for future referance, I need to let you guys know a few things about this fic.
Multiple countries will take part in the eventual crossing into Alnus, but I will be only focusing on the three main (possibly 4) countries that will be leading the assault. One of which will be introduced properly in this chapter.
I must stress again that I am not, nor have I ever been apart of any military organization at any point in my life. So if my interactions between characters of different rank seem to be off, I am sorry, but I am trying.
A lot of the equipment that will be seen in this fic are either currently being used, introduced or are awaiting delivery by their respective countries. Like the ACV that will be used by my OC and his team in this story.
As always. I do NOT own GATE or any of the established characters from the series/novels, so do not sue me, I am broke.
And to the one guy who asked, you will have to wait and see... So with that out of the way, on to the story...
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{ Chapter 1: The Eagle, The Crane and The Tiger.)
If anyone were traveling on that particular stretch of highway and hoping for an uneventful drive on that day, they would have been sorely disappointed. For one thing, there was an unusual number of police vehicles and military trucks parked at every intersection and overpass. Armed JGSDF soldiers stood outside their assigned vehicles with weapons in hand, as police officers stood by in full uniform and white gloves directing traffic. Every so often, a military helicopter would fly over head following the road. Yet for the time being, traffic still flowed normally as cars and truck drove along as if it were business as usual.
The, the radios at every check point crackled to life and words were exchanged. Suddenly the police offices would run into the road with stop signs in hand and whistles blowing, as they jestured for the traffic to come to a stop. Sure enough, the few vehicles that were attempting to access the highway came to a stop and idled. Just as the Japanese soldiers moved into position and waited. Then the familiar sound of a chopper could be heard approaching, only to be confirmed as a lone Japanese UH-1 flew low over head and back up the road.
Moments later, a short burst of a police siren cut through the morning air which signaled that the convoy each check point sand road block was waiting for, was now passing. First were the two cyclist and police car with flashing lights and caution flags mounted on them. Moments later, a JGSDF Humvee drove pass with its headlights on. Then the main event began...
A seemingly endless line of armored vehicles, trucks and even tanks rumbled past the small group of spectators who had not assembled. Their eyes wide in both awe and disbelief, as this multi national force consisting of Japan's closest allies drove by. The orange strobe lights flashing brightly as the air soon became thick with the sent of Diesel and Gasoline fumes. Curiously, some of these vehicles had mounted the flags of not only their respective nations, but their unit colors as well and Third Tracks were no different.
Along with the Stars and Stripes, along with the flag of the First Marine Division, the Third Assault Amphibian Battalion had their unit flag flying on some of their vehicles as well. It was the image of an mean looking Crocodile riding on top a set of tank tracks and in front the the First Division's insignia. All of which rested on a shield with the unit's name written under it. Third Tracks had a history that stretched back all the way to World War Two and it was one it was rather proud of. Now they were making history again by taking part in the largest military exercise to take place in Japan.
Sitting on the hatch that lead to the top of his ACV, Lance Corporal Lewis "Punjab" Williams watched as the Japanese landscape rolled by. It was nice for once to be able to ride on top of his vehicle, and not have to worry about an insurgent sniper try to pick him off. Every so often the convoy would pass a group of spectators who would gather to see the military procession drive by. Some were protest, possibly set up by one of the nationalist movement who were opposed to the build up of foreign troop on Japanese soil. But most were just curious on lookers who just could not help but to stare at the convoy as it passed. But for the most part, the trip was proving to be uneventful.
Eventually, the convoy had to pull off of the highway to complete their last stretch to Fuji. It was at this point when the crowds really began to come out.
"Looks like we are getting a lot of attention." Williams called out to the men inside the ACV, sounding slightly amused.
"What you expect?" Private Jay Puller, replied from his position in the driver's seat. "The Marines are in town, sir!"
"More like they are not use to seeing so many Tanks and Trucks pass through their town." Private Richie Santo replied from her spot in the turret. "Remeber some of those protest we passed?"
"Well they don't look hostile." Williams replied, as he waved at a group of young children who were standing in front of their pre school wand cheering the vehicles as they drove by. "At least they are happy to see us pass through."
an hour would pass again before the convoy finally made it to Camp Fuji made their was to their designated areas. While the Indonesian contingent continued on to the JGSDF camp Takiahara, both Third Tracks and the Filipino units would remain in the USMC base there. Arriving in the motor pool and arranging their vehicles for parade, the Commander of the unit had his men assembled to give the standard speech that needed to be given.
"Alright, listen up!"Col. Gibbs announced, as he stood in front of his men. "Let's get the formalities out of the way! Welcome to Japan, I expect ALL OF YOU to conduct yourselves in a manner that would no tarnish the good name of the Corp! The last thing we need is a bunch of Samurai wannabes getting any excuse to attack us! If ANY OF YOU, do anything out of line, I will personally see to it that you are kicked out of the Corp. DO I MAKE MY SELF CLEAR?"
"YES SIR!" was the response.
"Good. Now I don't think I need to remind you just why we are her. Beijing is starting to act a fool and bully its neighbors for land and territories they never wanted in the past. Despite what you hear from the politicians and media, are man reason for being here is to make sure that China knows that we are more that ready to deal with them if they ever cross that line. We are here re ensure our allies that America stands with them and are more than willing to help them in any way possible!"
"OORAH!"
"That's what I like to hear!" the Colonel replied proudly. "But also remember, we are not alone in this war game. As every country that had beef with Beijing had sent their best to train along side us, so I expect all of you to show them the same respect you expect to be shown while here. We may have the largest contingent, but we are guest here and the goal is to foster co operation between nation and friendships. An the more friends China sees us or our allies have, the lest likely chance of them doing something they will regret. Do I make myself CLEAR?!"
"Sir, YES SIR!"
"Good. Because I have arrange a little get together this after noon." Gibbs replied, "Members of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force will be visiting us and interacting with both you and your vehicles. You are to answer any questions they have, because we will be training closely with them over the coming weeks. Now unlest anyone had snything else to add, DISMISSED!"
And with that, the Colonel left the motor pool to meet with the other high ranking officials. The next few hours saw the men and women of Third Track cleaning their vehicles and preparing themselves for the afternoon's activities.
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{ 2 Hours Later... }
This is going to be so cool!" Kuribayashi exclaimed cheerfully, as she and a number of other JGSDF soldiers made their way towards the American camp. They were gonna be the first to interact with the visiting American contingent and while most were interested in seeing just what their counterparts in the U.S. Marines had brought, the young sargent was by far the most enthusiastic.
"I wonder if they will let me climb into their Abrams? Or even fire off a few rounds from it?"
"Calm down, kid." Sargent Major Kuwahara tpld his younger companion. "You don't want t make a spectacle of yourself in front of them."
"Still, the MARINES!" the young woman replied, putting an emphasis on the word "Marines"
"Let her have her fun." Sargent First Class Tomia replied with a grin. "It may be the happiest she may ever get in her life." this was a comment which earned him a death glare from the petite woman. Meanwhile Itami just remained silent as he walked with the group, trying his very best to become invisible in the group of green.
After a few minutes the group came upon the motor pool and Third Tracks. After greetings were exchanged by each group's commanding officer, the JGSDF were lead towards one of the parked ACVs and were introduced to the four Marines that stood with it.
"Greetings." Williams said in Japanese, all be it with a thick American accent. " My name is Lance Corporal Lewis William, Bravo Company of the Third Assault Amphibian Battalion. This is is my crew and this is our vehicle." he finished by motioning to his team and the ACV they stood by. "If you have any questions please fee; free to ask."
"Um... Um... are all ACVs equipped with the gun system?" Kuribayashi asked nervously, pointing to the vehicle's turret which housed the primary weapon. Apparently she was still rather awestruck by the fact she was now interacting with American marines.
Taken aback by the Sargent's odd behaviour, Williams replied "Not all of them. The ACV is primarily an armored troop carrier, but some vehicles are mounted with special weapons systems for certain task. In our case, we are mounted with the MK 44 Bushmaster 2 as our primary weapon for supporting infantry and engaging other enemy vehicle. Though expect us to go toe to toe with a tank any time soon."
"Tanker... 6?" Kuwahara said in broken english, as he noticed it was written on the side of the vehicle. " What does it mean?"
"Oh that?That is what we named it!" the Lance Corporal replied with a smile. "We thought it needed a name, so we gane it one."
"But what does it mean?" the older man questioned. "Does it have any significance?"
"Actually, it does." a new voice chimed in,as Puller emerged from an open hatch on top of the vehicle and looked down at the assembled group. "You see, when me and the Corporal are not being Marines, we are members of the Berks County Volunteer Fire Department back home."
This caught the attention of all the Japanese soldiers there. "Wait? you guys are also Firefighters?" A very confused, yet impressed Shino asked out loud.
"Well... yea." Williams replied. "Well... both of us are with Berks County Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey. While the vehicle we drive is a water tanker called Tanker 6. so why not name it after my other work vehicle?"
"Wow..." Tomia gasped out. It was one thing to be in the military, but to be a fire fighter when not on active duty? These men were really something else, maybe Shino was right about Marines being fearless. To fight in a war then go home to be fire fighters?
For the rest of that afternoon, the Marines of Third Tracks and Tanker 6 in particular, continued to interact with with member with not only the JGSDF, but soldiers from the other countries that were taking part in the Exercise. After the Japanese departed, members of the Filipino Expeditionary Force also got a chance to look at the American equipment. As it turned out, Third Tracks would be working very closely with the Philippine military during the exercise, as integration and cooperation were key aspects of the deployment.
But eventually, the day came to an end and the Marine began to settle in for the night. Tiger Shield was not expected to begin for another three days as there were still a number of units to arrive in Japan before it could start. There was gonna be at least one more unit that Joining Third Tracks at Fuji.
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{ The Next Day...}
"Hey, what's going on?" Itami asked curiously, as she saw a group of Japanese soldiers gathering near the base entrance.
"The next foreign contingent arrived early this moring, they on their way now." one of the men replied, as he took out his phone to video tape the arrival.
"Who is it?" the otaku asked curiously, just as a pair of police cyclist rolled by. He soon got his answer when the ominous yet familiar sounds of vehicle engines began to approach. Moments later a number of large, dark green trucks passed his position. Itami did not recognize the makes or models of the vehicles that drove pass, 6 of them in total. But each one had a large flag mounted on the back of them which had a tri-color of Saffron, White and Green. Moments after the trucks passed, the even more familiar sight of tanks coming up the street with the very same flags mounted on them.
"Will you look at that." Puller said out loud, as the saw the large contingent roll pass the motor pool.
"Yep." Santo replied, as some of the new vehicles pulled into the Motor pool and switched off. As if on cue, Soldiers dressed in brown, woodland camouflage uniforms poured out of the the trucks and began to take position in front of them. Moments later, 6 armored vehicles with 8 wheels pulled in as well and parked next to where Third Tracks were lined up. An impressive sight to say the very least.
"The Indians have arrived." Williams added, as he continued to see the units form up. "I guess we will be working with them as well."
"And with their heavy armor too boot." Santo added, as she noticed 6 T-90 Bhishmas Main Battle Tanks enter the area.
"If you were still not sure just how serious the Tiger Exercise was gonna be, you are now." Col. Gibbs stated, as he walked up to the assmbled group of Marines. "This will be the first time in their history that India has deployed such a large ground contingent to Japan. Delhi has been on edge ever since that shelling incident on their border last year and as you can guess, they are not gonna let the People's Republic do what they want so close to their homeland."
Just then, a man dressed in the same woodland camo scheme as the rest of the Indian contingent came up to the Marine Colonel and saluted him.
"Colonel Gibbs I presume?" The Indian officer asked, a thick Indian accent in his voice. "Colonel Vijay Sing of the Indian Army, 12th Armored Regiment. I was informed by my superiors that I am supposed to report to you upon my arrival to Fuji."
"Indeed, you were inspected." The Colonel replied. "We have a meeting the rest of the forigen contingent leaders later today."
"Well, I look forward to finally meeting my counterparts for this exercise." Vijay replied. " Just give me a few minuted to speak with my men, they also look forward to taking part in Tiger Shield."
"I bet they would be." The Marine commander said with a smile.
The two commanders just laughed before making their way over to 12th regiment to inspect the assembled contingent.
"This is going to be a very interesting 6-7 weeks." Williams said to no one in particular, as he and the rest of his group just went back to their own business .
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{Meanwhile... in another place and time...}
A lone farmer walked alone through the cold morning dawn. With him were 30 sheep from his own stock he hoped to sell at Italica market to who ever needed them. It was a journey the old man had made numerous times in the past and despite the distance, it was a trip he still enjoyed doing even in his old age.
He had no family to speak of to say, his wife had long since passed and the two sons she had given him during their relationship had both died during one of the many "crusades" the Empire had gone on to expand their borders. In truth, he had no love for the empire or any of the Royal Family that were in charge. Which was why he always enjoyed his visits to Italica, as the city more or less acted as its own county. Even though the family which controlled had had long since pledged its loyalty to the Imperial Family.
It was a city where fortunes could be made and for some, a new life as well. For him though, it was the place where he could not only sell his sheep, but used the profits to buy supplies he could use to last him through the coming winter. But he still had a few days of walking his flock before he could even thing about doing any of that. He still needed to get to Italica first.
The sun had barely risen over the distant mountains, as a thick fog blanketed the area. The cold air biting at his exposed skin as he approached the sacred hill of Alnus. The hill that had many legends about it, a hill that many say the gods themselves would not allow any mortal to tread upon. A hill that many say all the peoples of Falmart originated from.
But to him, it was just a hill that he passed numerous times in his life and never once did he ever notice anything out of the ordinary. But today, something just didn't feel right.
The fog today was especially thick this morning and the air even more so cold. But it was the silence that really had him on edge. Usually he would hear the sounds of birds chirping as the flew off into the morning sky, but today he could not hear them.
Something was off, yet he could not place his finger on it. Soon, the familiar outline of Aluns his could be seen as the thick fog began to dissipate. It was only then did he see it...
For now resting on top the normally featureless hill, was a rather large stone building that as imposing, as it was mysterious. Again, a chill ran down the farmer's spine as he continued to look at the new structure. His mind raced as he tried to think of a logical explanation for this structure being there.
But as the sun's rays slowly began to shine on the building, the farmer could not find any. It was then did the old man realize that just maybe, there may actually be something to the old legends of Alnus...
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A/N: And the Indians have arrived in Japan, just as the GATE appears on Alnus hill. Just what the Indians bring to the story and just what they will be using? You will just have to wait for future chapters to find out. Until next time, NIGHTSTALKER OUT!
Trivia:
The T-90 Bhishmas Main Battle Tank is basically an Russian Tank that is built in India for the Indian Army.
Also, I could not find any info in regards to what weapon systems the ACV would be equipped with since it has only now come into service with the USMC. So I did some digging and decided to give "Tanker 6" a Bushmaster cannon.