A/N: Hey guys! hope you are all doing well because I am back with another update! Now before I continue, I have a special announcement to make...
I, UH-60 NIGHTSTALKER... is looking into the idea of writing another GATE-Fic after I am finished with this one. I won't go into too much detail, but all I will saw it will be set around World War 2 and unlike this one, it will be a total American Affair. Why? Because in the Time Period it takes place, the Japanese would be in no position to send anything through the Gate when it opens. I will not say anymore sine I want it to be a surprise! But let me focus on finishing this story first, which I think will be much longer than I thought
Not much to really say again, so on to the story!
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{ Chapter 35: Push Comes to Shove...}
Alnus Air Field
'Tower to Goal Post, you are cleared to take off.'
' Copy Tower. '
The American pilot replied as he slowly began to apply power, causing his single engine aircraft to accelerate down the air base's sole run way. Just hours before, elements of the USAF 489TH Attack Squadron had received orders to deploy one of their aircraft to the kingdom of Elbe. Specifically the Schwarzt forest near the boarder with Sadera. This was a operation that was not unfamiliar to the men and women of the 489th, as since their deployment to the Special Region, the unit had conducted and taken part in numerous reconnaissance operations and close air support missions for the coalition.
Normally, the 489th had a ridged time table and schedule laid out for when each of their assets would would be deployed and just were they would be deployed to. This system usually allowed the squadron to cover as much territory as possible, without overlapping with other units. But today, they would be conducting what could be best described as a "Snap Operation". As command had received information and needed to verify that said information was indeed, valid.
With final conformation from the tower, the MQ-9 "Reaper" accelerated down the black tarmac and within a few moments, the single engine drone was air born and retracting it's landing gear into its body. The small yet powerful Honeywell turbo-prop engine propelling the unmanned aerial vehicle to its operational altitude, before its operator directed the craft towards its intended area of operations.
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Fort Ginza Medical Center, 1400 HRS
Seiya still could not believe that after all he had been through, he was now going home.
What was supposed to be a day fun filled day at Mei Con with his friends and girl friend, soon turned into a nightmare when the Saderan Army attacked. It happened all so fast, one minute they were running for their lives and the next thing Seiya knew, he and his companions were captured and sent back through the Gate in chains.
What came next was what could have been best described as a living hell, as soon he was separated from his friends and girlfriend. As they were soon loaded onto large wagons for transport. He could still hear the screams of his beloved Megumi as the wagons went their separate ways. He could only wonder just what happened to her afterwards. It was not long before he was sent to what could be best described as a mine where we was forced to work endlessly underground with others who had been taken from Ginza as well. He saw many die and witness unspeakable horrors the guards did to the other captives, all the while wondering just what became of his Megumi... Just why did he let them just take her...
It was not long before he was befriended by two others who had been taken as well and soon, they came up with a plan to escape.
It was not easy, and they were forced to do things that would forever haunt them for the rest of their lives, but the group was able to escape from the mines. But it was not long before their captors gave chase and soon the trio found themselves on a boat that had been set on fire by their former masters after they were re-captures. The operator of the mine thought simple lashings were too good for them so he decide to lock them in a old barge with a few others and set in alight, before letting it drift down the river.
The screams... the screams of the dying will forever haunt his dreams. But somehow the Student and a handful of others were able to break free just as the flames died down. But they were the only ones left alive, left to drift aimlessly on a river in another world. Far away from everything they he knew with no hopes of ever returning home or ever seeing his loved ones again. He was going to die here and it was a fate the high school student was willing to accept.
But fate was indeed on his side, as he ans his group were discovered by the Shinano and rescued. Now he was here was, in a hospital operated by his fellow country men and being given the proper medical care he had been denied for all those months. But it was a bitter sweet feeling. While he was safe and would finally being going back home, Seiya knew that his friend were still in the hand of those bastards and only Kami-Sama knew just what horrors they were being subjected to. Just an hour ago, Seiya was visited by the Commander of the base and his companions and was surprised to learn that not only Japan had crossed over to rescue those taken from Ginza, but other nations were taking part as well.
The commander, General Hazama, spoke to the young man and even gave him words of comfort. While his companions, an American and Australian, also spoke to him as well. They were not aggressive nor did they push him for information, but they were genuinely concerned about his well being while asking him questions. They were not forceful and Seyia knew they were probably just wanted information as to quite possibly launch a rescue missions in the future. As a result, the young man told them everything that he could about the mine and it's occupants, as well as how many persons from Ginza he thought were still there.
He told them everything, including the conditions they were kept in and just how the owner of the camp tried to killed them after he had escaped and was recaptured. A few more minutes passed and after speaking to them, the three commanders left Seiya as to allow him to get some rest. But not before telling him that the base Psychologist would visit him soon. Seyia had go through literal hell and it did take an expert to conclude that he would need some serious therapy to deal with the trauma.
The medical personnel already that when he woke up... he was screaming...
Meanwhile General Hazama had recalled all of the other commanders to inform them about what they had learned.
"According to this map, he probably came from the Minataro Provence." Gibbs stated, as he brought out one of the maps that had been provided to the Coalition by King Duran. "It's much further north from our current theater of operations."
"But Intel provided by Duran stated that the empire really had no mining operations in that region, hence not a likely location for slaves to be sent." Respati explained, as he and the rest of the coalition commanders examined the map.
"Does not mean they aren't any." Giddeion replied, "We can't expect Duran to know about every mining operation and slave camp the Empire has. As far as we know, it could just a new operation Sadera started. Which makes sense like the Colonel said, it is much further north and far away from our area of operations."
"It is possible that the Empire is actively trying to keep out people as far away from the wat as possible so as to prevent us from rescuing them." the leader of the Indian contingent reasoned. "Probably in an attempt to spite us. I mean by now the Saderans know we are actively trying to locate and rescue everyone they took from Japan."
"I have to agree." Hazama replied, as it was a logical conclusion to come to. Over the last few weeks, intelligence gathered by Special Forces Teams in the field and information provided by the Princess have suggested that the Empire has been moving large numbers of slaves to the very edge of their domain. If the coalition did not act soon, then there was a very strong chance that many of those who were taken from Ginza, would never be located. "But we still need to locate this mine before we can do anything."
"Normal Drones would take too long to reach Minataro." Gibbs notes, as the location was much further than where they normally operated. "But one of our jets should be able to make it there in a couple hours."
"I could have one of my jets up in the are in an hour." Respati announced, as he knew that the Flankers his country had sent over had also been conduction recon flights over the southern coast of Falmart and the numerous colonies the Empire had there.
"Very well." Hazama agreed. "You are cleared to conduct a recon flight over Minataro. Once we locate this camp, then we can act accordingly."
"General!" said a Japanese soldier as he ran up to the commanding officer. "Watch Tower just radioed that a Contingent of the Cocktail- I mean Princess Pina's knights are on their way. They said they have some important documents to give you."
"How long before they arrive?" Hazama asked the young woman.
"They were on horse back, Watch Tower said they should be entering Alnustown in half an hour." the soldier explained. "Col. Mahmood (Commander of the Peacekeeper force) has already been alerted and has sent a contingent to escort them to the base."
"Very Good." Hazama replied. "I will meet them when they arive"
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( "Main Street" Alnustown Half an hour later... )
What ever business or event that was taking place near the town center at that period of time, had suddenly come to a hault. What ever sale or business transaction that was in the process of being completed was now on pause, while persons who were browsing the many small businesses soon found their attention drawn to the new spectacle that was happening before them.
For now riding down the main street on horses, were members of the Rose Order of Knights. Their ornate and well polished armor a stark contrast to the uniforms worn by the Other Worlder soldiers they were so use to seeing by this point. Some who saw the knights looked on in both awe and confusion, while others could only look on in disgust and anger. Many of Alnustown's residents had lived on lands that were controlled by Imperial Lords and Barons, many of whom were quite corrupt and abused their powers to take advantage of those who lived under their domain. It was safe to assume that the People of Alnus Town did not view the Rose Knight in high regard.
Just what in the name of Hardy were there Imperial Brats doing here?
Meanwhile, Beefeater felt as if thousands of eyes were suddenly burning holes through her and the rest of her team. Which was not exactly far from the truth. The Nobles that made up the small contingent knew that they were literally in the heart of enemy territory and those who lived there would not hold the Empire in high regard. Let alone a group of knights that were made up of the children of some of said noble families. Probably the only thing that prevented the populace from straight up mobbing the Knights, were the fact that they were currently being escorted through the town by other worlder soldiers that for some reason, wore blue helmets rather than the dark green they were use to seeing.
Were these some kind of special units?
Suddenly, Beefeater soon found herself on the receiving end of a rotten Tomato attack. As three of the rotten produce found their mark on her face and body armor. Almost knocking the knight off her mount and sending her to the ground. Both the knights and the Egyptian escorts tensed up at the sight, as they suddenly expected the crowd to rush them and attack the nobles. But it was clear to see that the populace were just as surprised by the attack as the Knights and Peacekeepers were. Wiping away the disgusting mess from her face, Beefeater chose to ignore this blatant act of aggression and continued to lead her unit towards the Other Worlder Fortress. She did have a mission to complete and the Noble woman intended to complete it
Eventually, the Knights were able to make it to the fort itself without being use as targets for rotten produce and were completely taken aback by the impressive walls that surrounded it. They were massive! By Flare, these walls were even greater than those that protected Sadera! Just how were these other worlders even able to build such things so fast? What were their secrets?
Eventually the Rose Knights were lead into the Fortress and towards the Administration Building where they were to meet with the Coalition commanders.
"Princess Pina said that you may find these useful." Beefeater stated, as the knight gave Hazama the pouch that carried the numerous scrolls and documents the Royal had managed to covertly acquire. "She said these would most likely assist you in your mission to rescue your people."
Upon receiving the pouch, Hazama and the other commanders began to look over the it's contents. It was an absolute treasure trove of information! Names of known Nobles who were in the business of slavery, names of their associates, routes that slave caravans were known to take. But the big one, was a detailed map that showed the locations of slave camps that not even King Duran knew about. Obviously, most of it would have to be verified but the commander had no reason to believe that the Princess had any reason to feed them any false information. Hell, she was quite possibly the only member of the Saderan Imperial Family that knew just how dire the consequences would be if she was caught lying to the Coalition.
"Her majesty has been trying to gather as much information as she can to help you on your mission." Beefeater told the commanders, as she and her knights shifted rather uncomfortably. Despite their loyalties to the Princess and understood just what was at stake, the nobles could not help but to feel as if they were committing the highest form of Treason by meeting with the Other Worlder Commanders.
"You do realize that we will have to verify that what you have given us is accurate, right?" The Marine Corp General told the young woman. There was a pause before the Knight replied, "Pina knows that you may not believe her, but she assures you that as a member of the Royal House, she swears that her sources are reliable."
"We will be the judge of that." Hazama told the group, before having the armed guards escort them out of the conference room.
No sooner had the metal door clicked shut behind the exiting knights, Respati just looked up from the assembled parchments before he asked, "I think we may need more aircraft for this..."
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( Alnustown Market )
With hundreds of people arriving in Alnustown on a weekly basis, Countess Myui had offered to assist the Coalition to deal with the growing population. With many of the town's new residents being "Demi-Humans" both Myui and Kaine thought it would be a good idea to have some of their maids visit the new settlement to help the new residents assimilate into their new homes. Not surprisingly, many of these Demi-Humans were survivors of the Great Northern War between the Empire and the Warrior Bunny tribes that once thrived in the Northern Regions of Falmart. Despite being known for being skillful fighters and brutal warriors, the Bunny Tribes of the north lived in peace. Every once in a while, the tribes would go to war over land or food if times got desperate, but for the most part they generally got along well with one another and rarely had a reason to interfere with any of the human villages and towns that were known to them
But that all changed a few years ago, when the Imperial Army lead by Crown Prince Zorzal marched into their lands and began to decimate entitre villages and towns. It was during this war the Bunny Tribes united and soon began to live up to their reputation of being deadly warriors. The Imperial Army suffered horrible casualties and the Northern Lands were covered with Imperial Blood. But no matter just how many legions were decimated, more and more would replace the lost ranks. It was not long before Zorzal began a scorched Earth policy that saw numerous town and their inhabitants burned to the ground. Thousands of their kind who had been captured were either killed or sent back to Sadera as slaves and Trophies for the Prince. But the biggest act of treason against their kind came when the leader of the United Tribes and Queen gave herself to the Prince and sold out her people. The battle that came afterwards saw the end of the Bunny Tribes in the North and those who were fortunate enough to escape, fled south in an event that became known as the Turpe Est Dolorem Magni
The Great Shameful Sorrow...
They were all forced to leave their homes and everything else they knew because of their former queen and were now being hunted by the empire. Mamina was just one of the lucky few who were able to make it to the Formal Lands with her mother, her father having been killed trying to help his family escape. Upon being taken in by the Formal Clan, Mamina decided to repay the Clan's kindness be becoming a maid for Count Formal and his family , and it was not long before she became one of the clan's more trusted servants. She loved her new life and loved her countess as if the child were her own. A sentiment that was shared by many of those who worked under the head maid Kaine, who Mamina saw as her second mother.
Now the Warrior Bunny/Maid was in Alnustown with a few others helping the many Warrior Bunnies that were now calling Alnus their home. But right now, the Maid was in the Town Market gathering vegetables for later. Apparently she had stumbled upon some Warrior Bunnies that were from her clan up north and had planned to get together later that evening and even cook some of their traditional meals. But the bunny girl was not alone, as she was accompanied by the Clan's newest maid. A fellow Warrior Bunny who had arrived in Italica just some months ago and was proving herself to be valuable addition to the Clan.
"Ohhhh... look at these mushrooms, Kenya!" Mamina said to her young companion, as the duo came upon a cart that was selling them. "They look so good! They would most certainly go well with the meal tonight! Kenya?" the older maid stated, only to realize that her young companion had not replied. Mamina was about say something else when she notice the the attention of the young maid was not focused of the produce in front of them, but rather the group of American Marines who were also buying some fruit from another vendor near by.
The young bunny girl had a look of wonder in her eyes, as she saw the men pay for their items before walking off. Something that did not go unnoticed by the older maid, who could not help but to smile at her young friend's actions. It was not the first time it had happened after all.
"You know, Kenya... they would not hurt you if you went up to talk to them."
"Oh!" the young Bunny maid gasped is surprise. "Sorry, were you saying something?"
Mamina just giggled before she replied, "I think out of all of us, you may be the Other Worlder's biggest fan."
The young maid blushed at this statement, an action which caused Mamina to smile. Kenya had come a long way since she first arrived in in Italica. It was clear to see that the Bunny Girl was indeed an escaped slave when she was first found by one of the maids, but when asked just how she managed to escape, Kenya would only say that someone had rescued her from her master before setting her free. But nothing more. It was clear to see that her time in captivity was hellish, as her body covered in bruises and although she never said so, it was obvious she had been sexually abused numerous times. Mamina decided to take the young girl under her wing and though it was hard at times, the Bunny Warrior was able to build a friendly relationship with her new friend.
She gave Kenya a small hug before her eyes caught sight of a familiar face. For now walking through the crowded market, was the young Mage Lei Lei but she was not alone. For walking with her and with a sandwich in hand, was a dark elf! The Formal maid could not believe that a Dark Elf was in Alnus, as it was well known Dark Elves normally did not interact with persons outside of their respective clans.
Curious, the maid called out to the Mage as both she and her young companion walked up to the duo. "It's good to see you again, Lei Lei!" Mamina said cheerfully.
"Its good to see you as well." the teen replied, all be it with her trade mark emotionless demeanor. "Have you been well?"
"I am fine, I am just here to help some of the refuges settle in." the Maid replied, before she motioned to her companion and said "This is Kenya. She is one of our newer maids that I have been training for the last few months."
The younger Bunny Girl just gave a shy wave before Mamina asked "Who is your new friend?"
"This is Yao Haa Dushi." Lei Lei replied. "She is here to ask the Coalition for help. We are just waiting for them to reply."
Yao for her part, just stood their silently as she eyed the two warrior bunnies before her. The Elf Woman was sell aware of the reputation the Warrior Bunnies had and just how deadly they could be. To see two of them here up close was a bit unnerving to say the very least.
"So where are you two heading?" Mamina asked her teen.
"Yao has some questions about the Other Worlders, so I am taking her to the Town Library to help answer her questions."
"Well, we have some time to kill until later. Care if we join you?"
"That would be a good idea." the mage replied, before the new group made they way tho their new destination.
But while this was going on, a mixed squadron of unmanned drones and Indonesian Su-35 fighters were being prepared for their next operation.
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A/N: Another Chapter Down, but there is more to come so stay tuned! As always don't forget to leave a review or Princess Luna will be in you bed tonight... and she won't get out.
Until Next Time... NIGHTSTALKER OUT!
Trivia!: The MQ-9 "Reaper" is basically an upgraded Predator Drone built by General Atomics of the U.S. Military. But is also used by other countries such as Italy, The U.K. And is even operated by the U.S. Boarder Patrol.
Also... the 489TH Attack Squadron is a real squadron based out of Creech AFB in Nevada.
ONE MORE THING! Thanks for the Shout Out, The DrkKnight12! Please update again soon!