I re-appeared in the middle of a coniferous forest. Which was new. I scanned left and right with my revolver, and then holstered it. No sign of the Boss, Hawk or Mick. I checked my gear; M417 intact, spare Seven-Sixty-Two and .357 ammo good, moon clip for .357 good, MREs good, compass good, bedroll good, medkit good, binoculars good, knife still there, hat-mounted recorder and appropriate solar charger, all good. I was wearing a bullet-proof Kevlar vest, a cowboy-style duster, a scarf (my own personal touch), trousers, and combat boots. Nothing was missing. I checked the sky. It liked to be about six in the morning, at a guess, and I could see smoke to my immediate north, so I decided to head that way.

What I found was a bit of a surprise.

"Ranger James Davidson, Log One, Morning of Day One.

Please note that these recordings are in a hat cam, in lieu of any other recording equipment.

No sign of the other rangers, but news.

Have come across what appears to be a late 16th century townlet. Set up camp on a ridge to the south with good elevation for reconnitoring purposes, henceforth known as 'Base Camp'. Mostly human population. I say 'mostly', because there appears to be numerous... animals, walking plantigrade on two legs, wearing clothing similar to humans, and possessing a full head of hair over a fur pelt. Note that I am aware how far-fetched all of this sounds.

Three subspecies identified thus far. Subspecies One is vulpine in nature, with ears on top of head, and large tail. Two appeares to be feline. Markings suggest tiger or other big cat. Possesses claws. Three is canine or lupine in nature, unable to tell from this distance. Male and female of Two and Three distinguishable due to surprisingly human characteristics, such as longer hair, and presence of breasts. Female only of Subspecies One observed, if it keeps to similar traits.

Possible slave trade observed from Base Camp position. Mostly this new species. Presence of chokers, brackets with rings for shackling. If slave trade is in place, will disrupt as soon as opportunity presents itself. May buy and then free, if opportunity for immediate rescue is not obtainable. Unsure of how to aquire local currency, but am not a ranger for nothing. Will make it work.

Log ends."

I strolled towards the town gate, attempting to look as casual as humanly possible. I waked past the guard on the gate without a single glance at my REX Revolver. I'd left the M417 at Base Camp, for fear that they would assume it was a weapon. So then, revolving firearms were either commonplace or nonexistent.

Good.

I made my way to the market I had observed from the ridge without anything more than strange looks, and found the blacksmith. I showed him a dollar coin and, it turns out, it looked exactly like a 100 Gold piece, the equivalent of (as far as I could tell) 100 Dollars. And I was carrying ten to twenty bucks. Well, at least that sorted that. I bought a slim-bladed rapier and a suit of leather armour made from black leather, with pouches and silver metal buckles. It cost me the dollar, but I had more. No problem.

(AN- Think a black version of Skyrim Thieves Guild Armour, minus the hood and the logo)

I spent the rest of the day looking around town, asking questions about culture, technology, and the new species, and bought dinner at the local inn and tavern. I then purchased a room for the night from one of the new species, a male vulpine.

"Ranger James Davidson, Log Two, Evening of Day One

Staying night in local tavern.

Unknown species identified by local subject of species as 'Kiedran'. Subspecies Three identified as lupine in nature, not canine as previously thought.

Slave trade confirmed, possessing large presence. In lieu of chain of command, am assuming tactical control and engaging in disruption maneuvers, commencing tomorrow. Local Slavemaster is a man by the nickname of 'Collier'. Decided not to make this overly professional, so, due to counter-slavery ops, have jokingly assumed alias of Moses. By the time they figure that one out, I'll be centuries dead. Guy downstairs apparently knows my cousin, Khaled. I don't have any cousins. Probably just a drunkard.

Will report back upon arrival at base camp after completion of operation.

Log ends."