A/N: YES! After a long than expected Hiatus, I am back with a new chapter and I hope you all enjoy it! now... I know the world is basically on lock down because of CONVID-19 and I ain't go lie when I say, I am genuinely concerned about it. I really am. Let's just hope things improve in the coming weeks, but until then... please stay safe guys. CONVID IS NO JOKE! Take your vitamins, avoid un needed social contact, just do what is needed and you should be alright.
Not much to say again, really. So on with the Story...
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( Chapter 32: A New Day )
JDS Shinano, Tyran River
February 19th, 20XX
0550 hrs...
To say that Carli Village was thankful for the Coalition's presence, would have been a gross understatement. Ever since Australian soldiers saved the village from being attacked by bandits all those months ago and promised to protect their little village, Carli had become a firm supporter and ally of the Japanese lead Coalition. Despite what the Empire had told them prior to their evacuation, the people of Carli were surprised to see just how friendly and and helpful these "Barbarians" from beyond the Gate were. They never asked for compensation nor did they ask the villagers to swear their allegiance to them. If anything, the Coalition offered to protect the village and even rebuild what the Bandits had destroyed.
By comparison, the Empire had sent a bunch of wannabe Knights, lead by a minor member of the imperial court, just to tell them to pack everything up and leave their homes. Needless to say, the villagers who proudly called Carli the home felt rather insulted by the way the Empire had treated them and saw no reason to continue associating themselves with Sadera. As a result, Carli basically became it's own "City State" and the Coalition now had another ally in the Provence. What had once been one of the Empire's major ship repair facility on the Mighty Tyran, was now under the dominion of the Other Worlders. But this was not all that came from this switch.
Located in the shipyard were two vessels that were under construction when the order to evacuate was given. The two ships in question had been ordered by a merchant in Sadera and they were intended to carry goods and people from the Capitol to the Coastal Territories. But with Carli breaking away from the Empire, those ships were now going to be used for something else completely. The Coalition, bought the two ships off Carli and paid with a sack of Dragon Scales. Much to the disbelief and glee of the Town Elders, who were happy to give away the ship for three times they were actually worth.
The Coalition took control of the uncompleted vessels hand began to make some "minor" alterations to them. A diesel generator was installed to provide power to the new water jets that had been fitted. While the deck was rebuilt to allow a pair of M61 Auto Cannons and 50. cal machine guns to be fitted. Ballistic armor was fitted at key points and covered the exposed top decks, while a basic radar and sonar system was fitted on each ship. Eventually... the two uncompleted merchant ships had become what could be best described was "River Monitors" and were officially commissioned into the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force just three months after being bought.
JDS Shinano and JDS Tome were by default the largest vessels the Coalition had on the Tyran river, with the Shinano acting as flagship for the Naval Contingent. They would be tasked with patrolling the river, as well as support any operations taking place along the banks. There was also the unintentional psychological effect both Shinano and Tome had when the Falmart natives saw them sailing unopposed on the Tyran river. For some, the two ships had them feel a sense of comfort and security. While for those still loyal to the Empire, they were a stern reminder of just who were truly in control of Provence.
This morning though, the Shinano sailed alone down the Tryan. The vessel nearing the end of it's week long patrol and currently on course to the Ginza Anchorage. Over the last several days, the River Monitor had patrolled the Tyran and made a few "Courtesy Call" to villages who fell under the dominion of the Italica Free State. As well as visited the recently complete Ilvermorny, a Forward Operation Base which had been established by the coalition and was currently under the control of the United States Marines. Once at Ginza, Shinano would be refueled and restocked before being sent out on another week long patrol.
From the bridge of his vessel, Captain Etajima Goro sat in his chair and sipped what was now his fourth cup of coffee for that night. Though upgraded, the Shinano still lacked certain features that were normally found on more advanced vessels back home. Mainly, a private quarters for the the Commanding officer/Himself. Not it was not like he felt he was too good to sleep in the same room with the rest of his crew, it was more of the fact that a couple of them snored like a freight train going through a tunnel and if he was not going o sleep, he might as well stayed on the bridge.
"When are you due in port?" Captain Goro asked his second in command, his bloodshot eyes not even bothering to look at the younger man as he spoke.
"Two more hours, sir." Lt. Commander Mizuki Nagano replied, as he took a sip from his own mug of coffee. "It would be good to get back to base."
"Would be better to be able to sleep in my own bed and not hear snoring" Goro joked, as he got up from his seat and walked towards his 21C. "Looks like we another uneventful patrol under our belts. Not that I am complaining."
"Agreed." Nagano replied. "Less paper work to do!"
"Sir, Radar is picking up an unknown contact." a sailor suddenly announced from his station. "Its moving at less than three knots and is coming out from the tributary."
"Could be one of the American fast craft?" Goro reasoned, as it was common knowledge that the Americans had vessels of their own in this section of the river.
"Negative sir." the sailor replied. "It's too big."
Sighing heavily, Goro replied. "Send up the drone. Lets see who it is."
Within few minutes, a small "Helicopter" drone was launched of the rear deck of the Shinano. The sun was just starting to crest the horizon as the small craft flew off to investigate the unknown vessel. On the bridge, Goro, Nagano and the drone's operator watched the live feed said craft was transmitting back. Within a few minutes, the small unmanned aircraft came upon a sight that stunned everyone. For on the river, was a burnt out hull of a ship that was slowly being pulled along by the current. This was quite curious, as they had not received any reports of any allied vessels engaging Imperial ships during the night.
Under the orders of Goro, the drone pilots lowered their aircraft towards the crippled vessel and began to scan it with it's camera. It was then that the camera caught sight of something that had them absolutely stunned.
There were two individuals laying on what was left of the upper deck. The dirty rags that covered their bodies confirmed that these persons were in fact, slaves.
"Possible survivors?" Nagano asked, as he saw the images beig sent back by the drone.
"I think it is worth checking out." Goro replied, before taking another sip of his coffee. "Contact Ginza and inform them of our situation. Helm, set course to intercept."
"Sir, the Americans have two vessels 5 minutes away." Nagano informed his commanding officer. "I suggest we call in their assistance just in case this is a trap."
"Duly noted." the JMSDF Officer replied, before ordering the com officer to do just that. Within moments, the Shinano increased speed and and began in intercept course towards the mystery vessel. Completely unaware of just what they would find...
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Fort Ginza, 0600hrs...
The cold morning air was pierced by the call for morning prayer coming from the base mosque as Indonesian forces and Egyptian Peace Keepers took part in the daily Salat al-fajr. It was an event that usually signaled the beginning of the day for the residents of near by Alnustown. As this was going, another supply convoy from Japan came through the Gate and made it's way towards the main storage facility. While a Australian convoy made its way back into the base after a all night patrol of the area. Helicopters could be heard flying out from Alnus Air Field in the distance, while a pair of Indian patrol craft slowly cruise out of the Ginza Canal and towards the Tyran River.
Basically, it was just another typical morning on Alnus Hill.
Yet in this early hour, one could find a long line of hungry marines and soldiers waiting to eat breakfast. There were actually several mess halls located within the walls of Ginza and they all catered to the thousands of military personnel that called the base home. This one in particular catered to both Japanese and American troops and already, service was in full swing.
Scrambled Eggs, hot cakes and Bacon was the main course, while troops had the option to wash it all down with either coffee or Orange Juice. In the dinning area, both Japanese and American personnel ate their meals and although the two groups mostly kept to themselves, their were few tables where both sides interacted. Such was the case with Third Recon, as the joint task force would usually eat together every morning and today was no different.
"So I heard Itami is flying out to Sadera today." Kuwahara commented, as he sipped his mug of coffee.
"I heard that too!" Williams replied. "Apparently the Cocktail Princess requested that he be there for some party she is having?"
"Would explain why he's not stuffing his face with the rest of us." Puller added on, as the marine took another bite out of his eggs. "What's so important about this party anyway?"
"Well my government is sending a trade mission in an attempt to win over some of the senators." the Sargent Major explained. "There are a number of them that are against this war, but don't have any real power compared to the noble houses that are still calling to continue the war."
"That reminds me, I heard a rumor that the 160th is going to be coming through the Gate this week." Santo stated casually, which caught the attention of almost everyone there.
"You're kidding?" Shino exclaimed, "The Nightsalkers are coming through?"
"Who are the Nightstalkers?" Kurata asked curiously, genuinely puzzled by his friend's reactions.
"Remember the Bin Laden raid?" Williams asked the young man.
"Yea."
"Well... they were the guys who flew the helicopters. The are expertd when it comes to night time operations and usually work closely with groups like SEALs and even Delta Force!" the Marine explained. "I have not seen them since our tour in Somalia!"
"That's so cool!" Shino squealed out, before she chugged down the last of her coffee. Excited at the idea of possibly working along side both U.S. Marines and the Nightstalkers. But while the members of third Recon continued on with their breakfast and small banter, the leader of said group was busily getting ready to undertake a new mission.
"Textiles..."
"Check!"
"Pots and pans..."
"Check!"
"Care package for Pina?"
"Uhhh... yea check." the marine replied, just as the last of the items were loaded on to the V-22.
"Well... that looks like everything." Ambassador Todo remarked, just as the last of the items were going with him to the Jade Palace. "It's certainly gonna go a long way when I finally meed with some of these noble houses. Besides, it beats using strong arm tactics."
"Ambassador, everything is secure. All we need is to get you on board an we'll be off!" Itami told the diplomat, just as the Marine Corp aircraft powered up it's engines. With a nod, the Japanese Ambassador boarded the Osprey along with a contingent of soldiers from the JSDF. A few meters away, a second Osprey loaded up with U.S. Personnel also came to life and within moments, the two fast transports were airborne and en route to the Imperial Capital.
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Alunstown, 0900hrs
To say Yao was having an interesting day would be correct. It all started with the Dark Elf following a flight of Broncos towards Alnus Air Field, where she almost broke down in tears when she saw a group of men in green suddenly approach her in what was quite possibly thee strangest carriage she had ever seen in her life!
As they came to a stop, Yao introduced herself and requested that she met with their commanders. Unfortunately for her, the Egyptian Peace Keepers that occupied the Humvee were not as well versed with the Falmart language as some of the other Coalition members. They could only say "Hello! How are you!" in broken Falmart. Much to the dismay of the dark elf, who soon realized that many of the Other Worlders she encountered could barely speak her language, let alone understand her. A few "locals" would offer to help her meet directly with the Other Worlder Leadership, but for some reason every single one of them you try to lure her into a back alley and every time they would be run over by a horse and carriage while clutching their private areas.
Even stranger, they would leave behind a pouch full of gold while they fled. But through luck, Yao managed to wander into what was by far the most wonderful market she had ever seen. It had strange items she had never seen before, yet the locals seemed keen on buying them for themselves and everything was well organized. But what really caught her attention was the fact that the wolf girl that worked there was talking casually with two of the men in green.
Needless to say, the dark elf woman was surprised by this and litterally ran up to the girl behind the counter.
"I'm sorry!" Yao said desperately. "Please talk to me!"
"Wait..." Meia gasped back "Weren't you in the tavern last night?"
"Just now, were you taking in the language of the other worlders?" Yao asked, a small glimmer of hope starting to build inside her once again.
"Oh... you mean English?" the wolf girl replied. "Well... that's one of their languages anyway. It's right here in this book!"
"Book?" Yao asked, as she looked at the little book the wolf girl held up.
"Yea!" Meia replied cheerfully "Conversational English! There are also books on Japanese and Hindi too! Every one that works here in the military exchange gets them for free. Help us interact better with the Other Worlders when they come in to buy things!"
"Let me buy this from you!"
"What? No!" the store keeper replied "We're not allowed to-"
"Please!" Yao pleaded, as tears began form in her eyes. She was so close, she could not afford to fail now. "I have got to learn their language! None of them here can understand me, I desperately need to speak with them! I beg you! Please... my people need their help... I... I can not fail my tribe! I... can't..."
Meia could only look one helplessly as the Dark Elf before her broke down in front of her. Obviously, this woman was desperate to meet with the Other Worlders and she was willing to anything to speak to them. But before the Wolf Girl could say anything, Two Carabinieri enter the store and fortunately for her, she knew them very well."
"Hey, Meia!" one of the Italian peace keepers said cheerfully in English, as the two men entered the store. "How's... um... what's going on?"
"Oh... hey Georgio." Meia replied nervously, her mind still trying to process just what was going on. But the attention of the two Carabinieri was soon drawn to the Dark Elf that stood at the counter with their friend.
"I think that's the suspect." Georgio said to his comrade in Italian.
"Dark skin, silver hair, tall female with elf ears." the other man replied. "Wearing leather armor and a long dark cloak. Deffinately matches the description we got."
Nodding to one another, the two Military Policemen approached Yao and said in perfect Falmartese "Good day miss. Do you have a minute?"
"We need to talk to you for a minute about a few things."
When Yao head this, her mood did ac complete 180. "You... want to talk.. to me?" she said through tear filled eyes.
"Um.. yea." Georgio replied. "We want to hear you story."
Then the most unexpected thing happened. Yao literally leaped into the Carabinieri's arms and hugged him tightly, much to his surprise. "Yes, DEFFINATELY!" She cried happily, just as the two peacekeepers escorted her to their Land Rover parked outside. But just as her "companions" opened the door to let her in the back, two Ambulances attached to the near by military hospital drove past with a speed, their red led lights flashing as every so often they would sound their "fog horns" to alert persons to their approach. The two Carabinieri just shrugged them off as they got into their truck and drove towards the Military Police headquarters.
Meanwhile at the Ginza Anchorage, there was a buzz of activity. An Indian Hovercraft navigated it's way through the canal before it's pilot came up onto the shoreline and approached a near by hanger.
Expertly manipulating the controls, the Indian Crew guided the craft towards the prefabricated structure where a team of medical personnel waited with stretchers and other pieces of medical equipment. No sooner had the Hovercraft powered down, the doors opened and the medics on the ground ran up to help the crew inside. Moments later, stretchers emerged from said hovercraft and the naval personnel that were there carried them to the hanger just as the Two Ambulances arrived on scene. In total, three stretchers had been on board the hovercraft and on each of them, rested individuals who showed signs of both malnutrition and physical abuse.
They were dirty and gave off a horrible,as if they had not showered in weeks and wore dirty rags. It was clear to see that these individuals had been slaves, but there was more to them that met the eye.
One of the would be slaves, a male, had features that were not normally found on any male Falmart native. As he had physical features that were normally found on persons... from Japan.
Within minutes of their arrival, the three now former slaves were loaded on to the ambulances and were immediately whisked away towards the Base Hospital. What happened in the next 24 hours, would determine just would come next.
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A/N: Another chapter down and though short, I hope you guys still enjoyed it! As always, please leave a review and tell me what you think. Until next time, NIGHTSTALKER OUT!
Trivia: Now before you think i just shamelessly created a fake military unit that just happened to have my pen name, well think again! the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is a real and operational military unit of the United States Army. They really do work along side other Special Forces groups in the U.S. Military and it is believed it were the Nightstalkers that flew the helicopters that were used in the Bin Laden raid.
I just named myself after the Nightstalkers cause their name sounded cool
