In their first encounter into the new world the members of the Reds and Blues faced against a terrible Flam Dragon. After introducing the beast to modern day technology and single handedly besting the monster, they saved many people and elves in the process. Now the Reds and Blues along with the survivors must face a new challenge. The challenge that comes with so many refugees.
[Main Base Communications Department]
"WHO THE HELL TOLD YOU THAT YOU CAN TAKE REFUGEES!!!" The intelligence officer yelled at them.
Tucker and Church wore blank expressions while they let the officer yell his head off, while Tucker thought out loud to everyone, "Welp, we should have seen that coming."
Church was more sarcastic than usual, "Ah so we weren't supposed to help some homeless people who lost their families?"
"You wanted us to leave them on the side of the road? That's it?" Tucker asked, joining in on mocking the guy in front of them.
"No, next time we should run them over with the Warthog, that'll solve the refugee crisis, right?"
"Oh definitely, saves them the suffering too."
"YOU ALL SHOULDN'T HAVE EVEN BEEN THERE!" The intelligence officer practically screamed at them. He needed to sit down and swallow a handful of stress pills to keep cool before he lost it with them, "We don't have the facilities to house said refugees, getting one constructed could take weeks maybe a month."
Church calculated how long it would actually take, then went to the window next to the office to shout down to Lopez who was parked outside with the others, "Lopez, how long would it take for you to construct a place for the refugees? With or without a the construction team?"
"[That depends entirely on when the heavy equipment operators can finish digging holes, flatten the landscape and all that. If they get done sometime later today I could have a housing facility in about by tomorrow morning if I don't sleep, which I don't. Hell I could get two by tomorrow night and that's if the other construction crew doesn't help.]" Lopez answered truthfully as he started grabbing the tools he would need.
Church nodded, "So no way it should take over about a week right?"
"Si." Lopez answered.
Church turned back to the man in front of him behind the desk, "Lie to me again."
"...I need to put in a call..." The Intelligence officer excused himself as he picked up the phone. They could only hear one side of the conversation, "Sir... yes we have several refugees brought in by the Reds and Blues from Chorus... Yes... I see... understood sir. I will tell them directly."
"So I guess we're not in trouble?" Tucker guessed by the glum expression the intelligence officer had on his face, "Well, take care now we'll see you later."
"Not just yet Captain... after careful consideration the higher ups have decided to accept the people from this world you have rescued as refugees." The Intelligence officer then smiled to himself as he relayed the next bit of information, "Their protection, safety, and necessities are all under your care as of now."
"What the fuck? Why?" Church argued, pissed off at his new duties.
"You rescued them they're responsibilities, you saved them SO YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM!"
[Outside The Intelligence Office]
Church sighed as he stood in front of the team in front of him, "Sarge, you take Lopez and Caboose and see if you can make a negotiation with the construction battalion. After that, get some tents because I don't think it'll be done by tonight."
"Gotcha, just get me case of beer and I'll get those bastards to construct a five star hotel." Sarge demanded as he and the two he was assigned went off.
Church then turned to Doc and Donut, "You two are in charge of feeding and toiletries for the refugees?"
"Ohhh I can't wait to introduce this world to the civilized lifestyle choices of veganism." Doc smiled giddily.
"Feed them normally or else I'm putting Sarge on this, which means meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables and something for dessert."
"Awww fine..."
"I'll handled the paperwork. You go workout Tucker, you've earned it." Church recommended it as they all went there separate ways.
As Tucker walked down the road a familiar voice he's missed all these months had called out to him, "Tucker, I see that you've all been doing well."
"Wash, the hell you doing here?" Tucker had asked as he went in for a hug and the two soldiers embraced each other.
"Follow me." Wash told his friend.
[Somewhere Within The Base]
Tucker and Washington have found a place far from eyes and ears when I can speak in private and no one would be able to hear them or eavesdrop on their conversation. Tucker still in his new armor which protected against blades and shock absorbance well Washington was still in standard issue armor that freelancers had always wore. If one were to stay for a prolonged period they would need the newer model no matter who they were, this was clearly just a visit.
Tucker got right down to business, "I didn't think I would see you again, so what brings you down here? Besides of course just coming down to spy on us?"
"No it's nothing like that," Washington defended his position, "I'm actually here from Kimball to see if you guys have anything you wish to share about this world. Anything at all?"
"Not really, other than different species of people and animals nothing really much." Tucker admitted.
"That's a relief, maybe that could get Kimball to calm down and everyone else off our backs." Wash spoke aloud.
"Wait, what? What do you mean?" Tucker questioned.
Washington leaned in so that only Tucker could hear it in case anyone came by, "Officially, it's classified. Unofficially, Kimball and quite possibly the whole planet of Chorus are under a lot of heat right now from the UNSC."
"What? I thought they were cool."
"Well, not not the UNSC, however since we sent you guys over a couple months ago there have been a number of attacks and assassination attempts on Chorus. All directed at President Kimball."
"Who would do that?"
"That would be endless, but a number of them had alien technology on them, any idea who could have provided them that?"
Tucker cursed under his breath knowing the answer, "That bald-headed bastard."
"That's one. But a few others weren't paid the same if you catch my meaning. They we're paid normally, with cash and money wired to their accounts, a whole lot of money if I might add"
"So any leads?"
"Normally no, this was good, but Santa was able to track down some sources. All the people who hired them, mysteriously died when we were inbound to interrogate them. Car crash, suicide, random crime even mysteriously food poisoning which means..."
"...I don't know."
"They we're hired by extremely wealthy and extremely powerful people. They were also in very high positions of power in certain companies. About four if I am correct."
"So you guys are dealing with contract killers and people out for revenge for their boss. Wait, should you even be here? What about Kimball?" Tucker started to panic.
Washington shook his head wow putting up his hands and defense to calm Tucker down, "No no no, don't worry we've already got that covered. Kimball had agreed to stay in a bunker while Carolina and I called some old contacts. A few freelancers who went hiding and survived."
"How many?"
"Enough that I can count them on both hands and still have fingers left over. Not a lot, but just enough."
"Damn, thought there would be more."
"Me too but it is what it is. I just wanted to keep you guys informed. Plus, now knowing what we know about this world or dimension so far, we can release a press conference and calm a few people down."
"Wait, there's one more thing..." Tucker told Wash, "Is there anything you can tell us about Church and his new body. Should we watch out for anything?"
"From what Dr Grey and Carolina both told me, he doesn't have long. He'll begin to have nervous breakdowns, pause or pass out if things get too intense. You have to remember he's based off of emotions and memories and feelings. If he becomes overwhelmed or it's too much for him to handle, I'm not sure what will happen. Let's just hope that him being on two legs and in his own body will be enough to stabilize him." Washington started to walk away as he had others duties to attend to.
Tucker look down at the ground and kick some dirt once wash was out of range, "Yeah... sure... hope."
[The Very Next Day]
The remaining refugees for gathered in front of the Red and Blue soldiers, their alien companion as well as their best doctor, Dr Grey. Church held up a clipboard to go over the names of the people they had left. From a head count they stood in front of 9 to 12 children, 6 to 7 elders, and a few who seem to be teenagers, young adults or adults. They didn't bother to separate the human and other people seeing as they were all in the same boat.
While Church went over the count and listed off names, Tucker had noticed something different about the group. Something that should have been obvious to the smartest people in the room.
"Hey, does anyone notice anything about the refugees?" Tucker pointed out.
Church kept his head down as he kept calling people forth, "No nothing comes to mind, why did you spot something?"
"Yeah... Where are all the elves?" Tucker asked.
Church was about to point at the group of elves next to the human children and elders when he too noticed it. The elves should be more than twice the number than the humans, as of now they almost equal to them. Causing Church to curse himself for not noticing, "What the fuck?! Hey, you. Where the hell did all the other elves go?" Church pointed at the girl they rescued who stayed behind.
The girl he pointed at just happened to be Tuka who fidgeted with her fingers looking while looking at Tucker. Her cheeks turning red as she did her best not to lock eyes with him, "Well... um... the Chief... my father led some of our people over... there..." Tuka had pointed slowly at the green forest area about four to five cliques south west where they were currently at.
Church groaned as he turned to Sarge, "Old timer, get a ride me and Tucker will go see what's up. While we're gone, Grey is in charge."
"Yes sir." Sarge saluted before taking off to get a warthog.
[The Forest to the southwest of Alnus Hill]
After Sarge had retrieved the Warthog for the two Captains they had made their way to the forest where the elven chief was said to have been. Once they arrived, the two along with Tuka, who they brought along as a good show of whatever would pass for friendship with the elves. Tucker and Church noticed several of them were using tools as they began to hollow out trees and such with saws and scrapers.
The Chief was surrounded by several of his people who spoke among themselves as they pointed at the many different trees. The trees they were mainly focused on were the ones that were too thick for the chainsaws and too deep rooted to be moved by the tractors. The scene was interrupted when the Chief finally noticed that the two saviours from before had finally arrived.
The elven leader approached Church and Tucker and bowed before taking their hands and shaking them both, "The Colorful Warriors, many thanks for saving and helping us, what brings you here?"
"Well... what... what's are you doing here?" Tucker struggled to ask after a few lessons from Church.
The Chief smiled as he presented their work, "Isn't it great? We just were introduced to this place a little while ago by some of your men. It's a perfect place to start a new land. Not just for elves, but for all peoples, we wanted to follow in your footsteps."
"That's nice and all, but... who told you about this?" Church asked.
The Chief closed his eyes as he tried to remember in detail who saved him, "She had two stars on her shoulders and was dressed in cloth instead of your strange metal."
The description must have been the Major General who was leading the whole operation from her office. The woman who assigned the men the refugees under their care, also let them off with a warning. She was cool, as cool as brass could be, understanding, calm and above all one of the brightest tacticians.
Church was still skeptical about the whole thing, "Are you sure she said you could keep this land?"
"Oh... yes... she said to show this paper if anyone had questions, she would also send in more in case of emergencies." The chief of the elves began to rummage through his bag to pull a stack of papers to hand to Church. The paper was an official UNSC deed to the non-essential land of the forest near Alnus Hill.
Church confirmed it after a quick glance, "Well... if you'll be fine... I guess you can join us for some food in a bit. Actual food and not MREs."
"That'd be nice... we'd be honored to dine with you all." Hodor Marceau answered as he nodded to both of them. As he went back to get everything situated.
[A Few Days Later]
After relaying new information to Chorus, building new places for the refugees and assisting the elves with building their homes, the Reds and Blues were enjoying some R and R. Sarge brought over a grill so they could enjoy a barbecue and grill with the refugees while Doc brought a Caesar salad despite protests from Grif and Sarge. Meanwhile Tucker and Church went to the gym, Church to try his new body as recommended while Tucker was busy toning his.
Everyone else did what they wanted until they got new orders on what to do next with everything else. Since the breach, Lord Roland had been on good behavior and cooperation, mostly thanks to the fact him and Tucker share a bond with their swords. So the UNSC gave him permission to go through the other side after they taught him some English so he could communicate better. He was now a political official, for now at least, due to his high status in this systems government.
After coming through they allowed him to keep his armor, but to avoid anybody mistaking him for an enemy they gave him some regular clothes. A pair of jeans, a white T-shirt with the UNSC logo and insignia, black combat boots and white socks. His new look seem to agree with him as he walked with his noble cape on his back, to distinguish him from everyone else.
He was currently enjoying the luxury the UNSC called the gym as he walked next to Tucker, "I can not understand how these machines work, you walk for a long time and this is fun?" Lord Roland questioned as he kept walking on the treadmill despite stumbling a few times at the unusual movement.
Tucker had one earbud out as he stood next to him so they could have a conversation, "For some yes, we also talk as well, watch a movie or listen to music."
"What is a, moo-vee?"
"Umm... it's like a moving painting that tells a story. I'll show you one sometime." Tucker replied.
Church was in the room walking next to them, "An actual movie, not one of your, 'special' movies."
"...Later..." Tucker joked as the two laughed while Roland was left in the dark, "So... any thoughts on what you have seen?"
"While I am... unsure of what you can do I am certain that you have good hearts. If you did not have good hearts, then perhaps many people would not be here. Those people you have taken in look very happy just to be here. The elven people mostly keep to themselves, but you have managed to earn their respect and trust. And an apostle as well?" Roland was amazed to hear that accomplishment.
Church took this opportunity to get some information, "About Rory, what is she... she helped us beat a flame dragon for fuck's sake."
"Rory is what best can be called a demigod... while she is powerful she is vulnerable and mortal for now. Once her job as an apostle is done, she can become a full God. Right now she serves the dark God and takes lives, good thing she hasn't attacked you guys yet." Roland joked as he made the two next to him nervous.
Tucker brushed the thought to the side as he was about to ask another question when the doors to the gymnasium burst open as one of the elves came through. He began shouting in his tongue as Church and Roland comprehended what was being said exactly.
Tucker looked bewildered as Church and Roland stopped their machines and grabbed their gear. Church his Sniper, Roland his sword and his Gladiolus, which the UNSC strongly urged him to carry on him instead of the sword. As long as he used that instead of the sword at the base there would be no problem. Tucker grabbed his sword as he followed before questioning something, "What the hell is happening?"
"The elves said we might have a problem." Church turned back for a second.
[The New Elven Village of Alfheim]
After grabbing the rest of the Blood Gulch crew and grabbing some wheels they arrived at the edge of the thick forest where they had dismounted to face the possible threat on foot. The ride gave them plenty of time to dress in their armor as they all matched to the situation. The party only missing Junior and Doctor Grey as they had prior arrangements.
Walking forward they saw the chief with the last three remaining fighters that he had with him, one of them was his daughter as they had their bows out, not drawn but ready. They seem to conversing with a group of mainly women dressed in shiny metal armor. Their numbers almost to a full hundred troops, with them was a flag with pink roses decorated as their company sign. Roland immediately knew this was The Order Of The Rose, a group of knights made entirely of noble daughters and men who refused to quit their job as knights.
Their leader was a blonde hair woman with her hair in ringlets that hung to the side of her face with her deep brown eyes focused on the conversation with the elven chief. Her armor was a shiny steel color with golden or bronze accents along the edges of each plate. Her manner of speaking was calm but her intentions were anything but so.
The group started their approach as Caboose leaned in to Church, "Church, can I try talking to them? Please... I've been working really hard on the word issues we've been having."
"Language barrier... y'know what, go ahead. Have fun." Church ordered as he let the tall giant go forth.
Caboose went forth and removed his helmet, showing he was human just like them, once he arrived he received the smiles from the elves as they welcomed him into their discussion. The commanding officer of the Rose Order were less than welcoming, as one of them rode in front of him. A silver haired young woman started to interrogate Caboose with questions, "Who are you? Where do you come from?"
"My name... is Michael J Caboose, I am from Blood Gulch. Home..." Caboose answered as he pieced his sentence together with his fingers in the air.
"Where did you come from?" The white rose lady asked.
Caboose smiled as he answered honestly, "Alnus Hill."
His answer immediately was responded with several swords, pikes and spears aimed at his face. That's when the Blonde one got into his face as she grabbed him by his collar to lower him to her level, "What do you mean you're from Alnus? You're one of them, aren't you?!"
"Chuuuuurch..." Caboose whined as he didn't like the lady being mean to him.
The group joined him as Tucker and Church approached with Sarge being their backup, followed by the rest of group who conveniently hid Lord Roland at the moment. Tucker and Church took their helmets off to face the new ladies with peaceful faces.
"Hey now, let's keep it calm... we're all friends here." Tucker had his hands raised before he even started speaking.
That didn't stop the silver haired lady from pointing her blade at Tucker, "Hold it there! Don't even move!"
"Easy... it's alright... we mean no harm... we come in peace." Tucker admitted.
The Blonde haired lady didn't hesitate, for once the blade was away from his face she let him have it with a slap across the face, followed by her barking a one word order, "Silence!" On instinct everyone in Blood Gulch crew aimed their guns at the Rose Order, while the elves aimed their bows.
Church had his sniper pressed against his shoulder as he leaned in to talk to Tucker, "You good?"
"I'm fine... not the first time a lady slapped me... just don't shoot." Tucker pleaded as he clutched his face.
As the tempers rose on both sides, another voice boomed out past the commotion, "Enough!" Lord Roland demanded as he approached the commanding officer of the Knights of The Rose Order.
The leader, a woman named Bozes Co Palesti, immediately recognized him, "Lord Roland, we thought you were one of knights leading the charge through the GATE. What are you doing her with these... people?"
"These warriors have saved me from a death from a foe with no honor. They are noble soldiers who prove time and time again to somehow be more benevolent than most people I have met in my entire life." Roland defended the Reds and Blues as Church translated the conversation so others could stay involved as best as possible.
Bozes was in shock as one the Kingdoms own troops would praise an enemy over his own people, "How could you say such a thing. After all the Empire has given you?"
Roland took a moment to whisper in Tucker's ear, after listening to the words Tucker held up his sword as it sparked to life, just like Roland's. Proving that he was worthy in Roland's eyes of possessing such a treasure, "With ease, for their actions speak louder than words. They saved several elven people from death and gave them a new home. Warned the people of a nearby village of a Flame Dragon attack. They also defeated said Flame Dragon and gave refuge to several without homes. Tell me, would our people do the same?" Roland asked already knowing the answer.
Bozes kept her head down as she gritted her teeth looking for an answer to her problem to get him back on their side, "Well what will they do for the elves and those without a home when they leave? Surely they don't intend to bring those with them?"
"She's right Tucker, we gotta find a permanent way to help those refugees. They'll need money more than anything to get back on their feet and get some sense of normalcy." Church recommended.
Tucker nodded along, "Well all we got our the the old weapons from the dead soldiers, not sure how much those would sell for here. We can't really give them stuff from our world, that would shake everything up."
"I'm sorry but all we can offer are the weapons that your troops brought over. Nothing really of value just some pieces of armor, metal... I'm not sure you guys even want anything to do with the dead wyverns..." Church admitted with a heavy heart.
All parties, Bozes, Hodor Marceau, and Lord Roland paused as they turned to look back, "Wyverns? How many?"
[A Few Minutes Later]
"Yeah you guys can take it all." Tucker showed them the field to both the refugees, the elves and the knights who came to witness the several wyverns spread out. The dead bodies apparently decay at a slower rate in this world as they have not begun to erode or show any signs of decomposition. Dr. Grey studied it earlier and still hasn't discovered the reason as to why that is.
Everyone looked at them with open jaws when they admitted that the ones in need could take the scales. Lord Roland insisted on double checking, "Are you sure... you're just giving them away?"
"Yes, we don't really have a use for them. Other than Caboose making some necklaces out of a few." Church gestured to Caboose who held up his scale attached to a string.
The people practically cheered as Bozes couldn't believe that these people were either that stupid or that generous to just give away something of value like that. Just who were these people that they wouldn't need any of the flying reptilian scales? Do they know or care how valuable they are?
Once Church relayed the information back to base that's when his team received new orders: to assist with the matter of getting the money for the refugees in addition to information. They explained the situation that they discovered that Bozes was leading the Knights on a scouting mission to observe the UNSC. However Roland's status and reputation spared any real conflict from ensuing.
Tucker then went to let the refugees what was happening, "Okay, so you can take as many wyverns scales as you want, but we'll need a few of you to come with us to... Where are we heading again?"
"Italica, my home... I cannot wait to see my cousin again." Roland smiled as he was now an official member of team Blood Gulch.
The traveling party were the Reds and Blues, Roland, the magical girl Lelei who was fascinated by the people from the UNSC, Rory 'The Reaper' Mercury who grew quite attached to Church, Hodor Marceau and his daughter Tuka, who seem to have a crush on Tucker. Church explained to the Knights that because their vehicles were in fact much faster than the horse that they would reach Italica a few days earlier.
Junior joined in and apparently Tucker discovered from Roland that Junior was an ancient race of creatures the wielded magic. Piecing together bits of logic, the alien creatures that once lived on Chorus must have used the GATE to either come through or go back. The magic they were referred to using must have been their plasma based weaponry.
Grey saw this as another opportunity so of course she tagged along with her new medical understudies and new lab assistants, Ezekiel Summit and Lauraine Craft. The team's size did require a new vehicle which was modified to be more of a field hospital than anything else.
So four vehicles and several traveling arrangements later they were ready to embark on a brand new mission to the nearest kingdom of Italica. Little did they know that they would be thrown back into the fire and flames of war.
[To be Continued]
Okay so I heard you're recommendations and you're comments and I just gotta say thank you. Now obviously in this story Bozes waisted no time to go scout ahead on Alnus Hill despite her orders to do otherwise. Just a few minor changes, courtesy of someone who recommended I try something different. Until next time Churchisalive, signing off for now.