Wings of Democracy 4: Recon
Felix Lyfeld, FOB Bifrost Regimental Office, 1900 hours
"... And that ends my report, sir" I finish, standing in attention before Colonel Pitch who's skimming through the Mission report, that I handed him earlier. Something tells me he isn't exactly content with the situation I got myself in. A part of me wonders how the Colonel envisioned first contact.
He sighs and puts down the documents "It could've been worse. You're lucky none of your men got killed."
I didn't know how to reply, so I just stood there and took the comment. I feel like an idiot when he stared at me for a moment and went to grab a document beneath his desk.
"Listen, Lieutenant..." He says, pulling out a folder from his desk "You have more exposure to the elements here than the entire Regiment. Somehow, you've met Commander Erwin, who is ONE of the high value individuals we're supposed to keep an eye out for, but you've also made it well known to this world of our capabilities. Seriously, you guys emptied four cans of Mark 19 Ammo. Anything you want to say to that?"
I felt a chill down my spine as he said those words. His cold stare didn't make it any better. "N-No sir... I was just following the Rules of Engagement and addressed the Titan threat accordingly" I reply.
The colonel sighs, leaning back on his chair and pinching his brows. "Lieutenant, just to clarify, I'm not holding you accountable for and wrongdoings."
"Wait, then what exactly is your point sir, with all due respect" I ask politely.
The Colonel straightens himself, and looks at me "Lieutenant, given the complicated nature of recent events, I'm currently awaiting approval for the formation of a small recon detachment that will serve as representatives of the interests of the United States Expeditionary Force towards the Wall Government." He hands me the folder, which seems to explain recent events and the necessity for the formation of a new detachment. Basically, what the Colonel had just told me. "And I want you, to command it. Are you up for it?"
I shift my attention from the document back to the Colonel with a nervous look "Do I even have a choice sir?"
"I'm afraid not." He grins "I'll telephone you once I get approval. In the meantime, I want you to choose which ones you wanna drag along from Bravo Company. Don't tell them about this yet. Whatever I told you here is confidential for now. Any questions?"
I looked back down on the document, not reading it, but just thinking of the possibilities that'll happen in the future. Truth be told, I joined the Marines because I used to yearn for adventure. I thought about being stationed in Japan or Hawaii or some tropical place like the Philippines. Never in a hundred years would I had thought I'd be squared away in some demon infested land in some alternate dimension or some crap. I was hoping for a peaceful service in the Pacific. While that may sound stupid given how China and the Soviets could attack us at any given moment, I still dreamed of proving my worth somewhere while on a quest for adventure.
Yet here I am now, far from home probably lightyears away if this was some different planet the Gate led to, surrounded by war torn Veterans who expect much from me and Titans waiting in some dark corner to devour us. I took a breath and returned my gaze back to the Colonel.
"What's gonna be the size of the Detachment?"
The Colonel smiles, and responds "Just a Platoon."
Rod Reiss, Reiss Estate
Reiss was sitting on his balcony overlooking some fields. This was just one of his many estates, and by far his most favorite. The cool winds blew in his direction whenever he would be out here on the balcony, sipping tea and reading the latest newspapers.
It was the usual news so far. Scout Regiment failed another Expedition, Erwin and Eren to be sent for trial for the failed Expedition... All seemed to be going to plan.
Now there's the matter with Historia. She was the only one left with Royal Blood asides from him, and he certainly didn't want to take up the responsibility of having the Founding Titan.
Plus, he was old. He's not sure if his body could even handle it... Or perhaps this is just another excuse to rid himself of responsibility? At the moment, he's content with his position.
"Lord Reiss" One of his servants call out to him "A message for you, My Lord" He says, handing Reiss the letter.
"Thank you" He thanks and opens the letter as the servant leaves.
First some pleasantries, then the main topic. And by Lord Reiss' horror, the time had come. He knew the Outside World would come for them at some point, but this was too sudden. Why now of all times? Was the Attack on Wall Maria a preparatory strike to weaken them?
No... That wouldn't be the case. The Outside World can't risk triggering the Rumbling. They can't possibly know that the Founder is still missing, or rather... At the hands of a certain young Scout named Eren Jaeger.
But nonetheless, they're here. Outside influence must not trickle within the Walls or else the illusion the Old Kings had built will crumble down and trigger conflict within the Walls. He needs to act fast. He needs Eren and Historia now. It may be a little early to enact his plans, but at this point, there's no denying that the foundations of this society will collapse. Those outsiders are a threat of the highest priority.
"Servant!" He calls out, and within moments the man who handed him the letter returned.
"Yes my Lord?"
"Send a Letter to Kenny Ackerman. Tell him to meet me here by tonight."
Days later, 25,000 Feet Over the Walls
"Present Altitude, 25,000. Heading, 2-4-0. Reducing Altitude to 20,000 Feet" Red 1 calls out in the radio. Joining him was his Wingman, Red 2, who acknowledges his command and reduces altitude with him.
The Regiment had just recently activated its Wing of 6 AV-8 Harriers, and just this morning they took to the Skies in their Jump Jets. The FOB had no proper Airstrips, rather just a small field of which the Harriers can fly out of using their V/STOL Capabilities. It was some loophole in the FOB Specification the Regimental Commander, the Colonel exploited.
Thus, here they were now, flying Mapping Missions over Walled Territory, mapping the Area of Operations of the entire Regiment. The Walls were massive, and the Districts were equally as impressive. One District Red-1 takes notice of was nearly the size of New York, minus the Skyscrapers. Though both Gates leading in and out seemed to have a gaping hole within them. Perhaps this was the reason why Titans were a thing within Wall Maria.
Was this Shiganshina? He read the dossiers based off the information given by Ilse Langnar, but just the sight of it was... Majestic. It was like the Walls of Constantinople of the Classical Days.
His Reconnaissance Cameras took pictures of nearly every detail he found. The Forest of Giant Trees, The Outer Districts, the Districts of Wall Rose. However, as they were hovering over Calaneth District, both Harriers noticed a plume of smoke emanating from within Wall Sina.
"Reckon Titans bypassed Wall Rose?" Red-2 comments over the Radio
"I don't really see that happening. Both of us saw the state of Wall Rose."
"Should we check it out?"
"We're almost bingo fuel so let's make it quick."
They adjusted their course and flew over what seems to be Stohess District. Devastated buildings, soldiers flying around buildings. They still maintained their altitude of 20,000 feet and given the chaos they doubt any of the Wall Natives noticed them.
The Reconnaissance Cameras installed in on of the hardpoints attached to their wing were brand new, but far from perfect. Most of the images weren't as High Quality as they expected it to be, however they are able to recognize what was going on. Through the modified display installed on their cockpits, both pilots could see just how chaotic things were down on the district grounds.
There were 2 Titans within the District seemingly battling each other. Red-1 and 2 took as much photos as they could of the engagement. As one Titan, the feminine looking one knocked the other one down, she tried to climb up the walls. They were directly orbiting the district above her. She was looking up, and they were looking down. Red-1 felt as if they were staring eye to eye through his camera screen within his modified cockpit.
Then, she falls. A soldier cut out her fingers. Hitting the ground, the other Titan tried to consume her nape, only to be cut down by another soldier. As he takes one more photo, the image shows two people. A soldier, pulling out a person from the nape of the Titan.
"Holy shit do you see this?' Red-2 says "That guy just pulled some other guy from a Titan."
"I saw it. Took a picture too. Anyways, we're bingo fuel."
As they corrected their course and headed back to base, their Reconnaissance Cameras picked up something rather strange. Something big was moving from below, following the river. Red-1 took notice of this first, and switched his Camera to IR. Only then did Red-1 realize that the thing he was looking at was a Titan inside Wall Rose.
Corporal Ethan Stype, FOB Bifrost
The sound of cannon fire filled up the afternoon air, followed by an explosion at the far distance. This was a normal occurrence in the FOB. The Outer Perimeter was in a perpetual war against the Titans from outside the concrete walls that surrounded the FOB. Sheridans, AAVs and even newer LAV-25s never seem to run out of targets. It was good target practice, and they barely missed their shots at this point.
Another cannon fires, but this time it was the distinct sound of a burst of autocannon fire that filled the atmosphere. Stype however, doesn't flinch. He never fought in Vietnam, but instead witnessed firsthand the evacuations. He vividly remembers grabbing the hand of a child amidst the chaos in Saigon. Whenever the outer perimeter lets off a few rounds, he can't help but be reminded of those times. It's not that he was traumatized by it, he just wished he was ACTUALLY there.
But being in a completely different planet seems to be a better experience than that shithole Spades keeps talking about He thoughts to himself.
Passing by the Gate, he wonders if the building will disappear with them still here. It appeared suddenly in the middle of Central Park, and it could suddenly disappear. That building is an enigma. He sighs and enters the Mess Hall. It wasn't dinner time yet, but they do give free coffee, which is a luxury he's more than happy to exploit.
Looking around for a place to sit, he finds Gunnery Sergeant Walter Ace, better known as Spades sitting alone with a cup of coffee and a newspaper. He decides to join the aged man with his coffee.
"You don't mind if I join you, Gunny?" Stype says, sitting down.
"Not at all Stype." Walter replies
"So, what's new on the paper?"
"Britain's at war" Spades replies.
"What? Against whom?"
"Argentina apparently. Took some territorial island off the Brits."
"And how's the war going for them?"
"Dunno. Just started yesterday" The Gunny shrugs "Speaking of which, heard about the Lieutenant?"
Stype, taking a sip from his coffee, perks up "No? What's up?"
Spades sighs, and pinches his brow "Well, he's being transferred to a new unit. Possibly because of what happened last time."
Stype was confused at this "So let me get this straight. The Lieutenant, went with the Company to initiate first contact with the natives as ordered to, followed the ROE by the book, got no one killed and now command wants to fucking transfer him out because of a non-existent screw up that happened?"
"Wouldn't exactly say that" Spades chuckles "It's not like he's being transferred out of the Regiment?"
"Wait he isn't?" Stype clarifies.
"Did you just assume that Corporal Stype?" Gunny spades grin as he took a sip of his coffee. Stype, blushes at his assumption
"So, I guess that'll be the last time we'll be seeing him? Truth be told most of the other officers here are POGS (People other than Grunts). Most of them are either parade officers or some rear echelon reservists that got thrown into this mess in panic." Stype exclaims.
"Honestly, yeah... Shame he's gone now." Spades concurs.
Then after a moment, Charlie comes in, and calls out to the two Marines "Oh good you two are here" he says, panting. It's clear he came into the Mess Hall running. "Listen, Regiment is calling all of Bravo to mobilize. Shit's going down."
Felix Lyfeld, FOB Bifrost Regimental Headquarters Office
I once again stand before the desk of Colonel Pitch's Office. Around me are several other Marines, some of which I make out to be pilots.
The Colonel had suddenly called for me this afternoon for an emergency briefing. The sun was setting and I'm a little anxious. We're still not sure if Titans are nocturnal or not. I asked around earlier on where the Colonel was. It was a little strange how he wasn't here despite calling for me asap.
"Dunno. Just told us to wait here for the briefing." One of the Pilots replied.
I scruff the back of my head, somewhat irritated. I'm gonna miss chow if this goes on for another hour. Sitting on one of the chairs, I eagerly wait for someone to come out of the door. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long for someone to enter. Unfortunately, it wasn't the Colonel.
"Gunny?" I say as Gunnery Sergeant Walter enter the room, followed by Charlie and Corporal Stype "And you guys?"
The two Marines salute, with Charlie just waving hello. Sometimes I forget he wasn't exactly a member of the Military, but rather just some University translator attached to their Company.
"At ease." I say. Both Marines drop their salutes and Stype comes along and asks why I was still here.
"Lieutenant? I thought you got transferred?"
"Yeah, about that..." I trailed off, remembering that the information of the new Detachment was still a secret "I think the Colonel will be the one giving the details..." I laugh nervously
Spades eyes me with doubt "Right..."
"Any idea why we're here?" Stype asks, crossing his arms and inspecting the various personnel in the room.
"No idea. The Call came in too suddenly." I reply.
"Actually..." Charlie adds, getting our attention, even the pilots who just so happen to be eavesdropping. I didn't really mind. "I happened to be with the Colonel handing over some paperwork you soldier boys don't really have to know. "
It's Marines, dumbass I notice my RTO, Stype, murmur to himself without Charlie noticing.
"But that aside, I heard something about Wall Rose being compromised..."
With that information, all three of us were stunned, even the eavesdropping pilots.
Before any of us could say a word, the Colonel enters the room.
All of us stood in attention and saluted.
"At ease Marines." He says, marching towards his desk.
However, he wasn't alone. A young, tanned woman with black hair and hazel eyes followed him. She was dressed like some sort of businesswoman and even gave off the same vibe. She eyed us as she passed by, and by the looks of it, she was uneasy.
The Colonel stood just behind his desk and threw a folder on it.
"Alright Marines, we've got ourselves an emergency. Wall Rose seems to have been compromised. Our Harriers were flying non-stop ever since late this afternoon but found no traces of any hole. Wish we could pass on the information to the Wall Military but at this point in time, we have no way of communicating with them."
He opens the folder and pulls out some pictures.
"Our flyers reports that the Wall Military are scrambling to evacuate as much Civilians as they could. Given the nature of the situation, this is a grand opportunity to make ourselves known to the Wall Nation as a whole. I've reached out to Pentagon and received their approval." He grins "The ROE has changed. Spooking the Natives with our technology will no longer be a problem. Now with that said, I'll announce the operation."
He pulls out another picture, and places it on his desk for all of us to see. It seemed like an old and abandoned Castle. We couldn't really see much since the picture was taken at such heights that it was basically impossible for anyone on the ground to see unless they knew what they were looking for.
"This is Castle-Bravo, codename of your Area of Operation. Aerial recon just before they RTB'd confirmed that an element of Wall Military Personnel and some civilians taking refuge on this Castle. Company Bravo from 1st Battalion will be our primary entry team and will Exfil with the refugees. Huey and CH-46's will be your means of entry." He then turns his attention to the woman whom he brought in. "This is Ilse Langnar, the first one to initiate first contact with us and the first to enter through the Gate. She'll be accompanying you in this Operation as a mediator for the Cultural differences between our two societies. Treat her well."
"Oh umm..." She stutters, and salutes in an unusual way by placing her hand on her chest "Ilse Langnar of the Survey Corps. Pleased to meet you all" She says, very stiffly.
We smile at her, but then it dawned on me. "Sir, why exactly is she coming along? I thought we'll just be evacuating some Wall Dwellers from the Castle? Shouldn't Charlie be enough Sir?"
The Colonel turns his attention back to us. "As I said, this is the best opportunity for us to make ourselves known to the citizens of the Walls. Thus, not only will this be an evacuation mission, but a diplomatic one as well." The Colonel then pulls out several papers clipped together "These are some diplomatic proposals the guys at the Pentagon came up with, all translated in Wall Letters. Miss Langnar here will be handing them out once you make contact with their higher ups after the Evacuation Mission. Be on standby until they are able to come up with a reply."
I took a look at the documents. The letters were indeed foreign. I could only imagine what it says.
"With that out of the way, any questions?"
I had none, however, it seems like the two Marines from Bravo had something to ask.
"Why Bravo specifically sir?" Stype questions. It was not unusual for Marines to question why they were the ones put up to tasks they were not exactly expected to do, but it was unusual for a Corporal to directly ask that to the Colonel himself, atleast from Felix's experience.
"Because you are the ones whom they've encountered before. Most likely they know your faces and probably trusts you. And also, if I were to send in another force, they'll have a good guess of our numbers which is something I don't exactly want the Wall Government to know."
The two Marines nods and spoke no further.
"If there's no other questions, then pack up. This Operation is codenamed Jevelin. Operation starts in 2330. Dismissed."
We salute and begin to walk out of the room; however, the Colonel calls for me.
"Lieutenant Felix, mind if I have a word?"
I turn to meet him, leaving the others exiting the door.
"Yes sir?"
"About the new Detachment, well, Pentagon is still considering it." He says with a slight hint of disappointment in his voice "Their reasons are... reasonable."
I raise a brow, curious.
"I'm sure you've been here long enough to notice most COs here are still green. Rookies. Fucking Parade Officers."
He was right. Most of the Commanding Officers here were either short tempered, incompetent or just downright moronic. Captain Gordon from Delta Company got two of his Marines decapitated by a Titan after inventing a bullshit mission to investigate some abandoned houses for possible unauthorized personnel.
Sometimes it makes me wonder how people get so stupid. I guess that's why they put me as Company Leader instead of replacing Captain Peterson. He was a good man but lost his life when a Titan grabbed him off his cupola and tore his head off. Well, either that or replacements were getting scarce. Supplies and Materials were getting through, but barely any new replacements to replace our ranks.
"I believe they're trying their best sir." I reply, trying not to say anything to undermine my subordinates.
"And yet I think you agree." The Colonel says "And Pentagon knows this. If I want them to approve this Special Detachment I need to prove to them that the Officer that's going to lead them is competent enough."
"Is that why I'm in charge of the operation tonight sir?"
He grins "I trust you. I expect things to go well with you in Command."
"Oh..." I respond.
He seemed to notice my doubts, but doesn't address it "Anyways, that is all Lieutenant. You may leave."
I had no further questions, so I left. Closing the door behind me, Spades, Stype and Charlie who was waiting for me outside all turn to me.
"So... What'd he tell you?" Stype asks.
I chuckle "If he wanted you to hear what he had to say he'd have let you guys stay dumbass." The three of them share my smile. "That asides, I'm gonna need my RTO to do some more work"
"I'm gonna assume you're gonna want me to mobilize Bravo?" Stype assumes
"Pretty much. You do that." He replies to Stype and turns his attention to Spades "Gunny, gather as much supplies as you can. MREs, Water, Ammo..."
"I'll see to it."
"And Charlie..." I turn my attention to the Civilian interpreter "I dunno do civilian things, I guess. Just be there an hour before the Operation starts."
He gestures a thumbs up with both hands.
"Well, I'll see you guys later."
Author Notes:
I feel like I could've written this chapter better but oh well lmao. Sometimes I wonder how I should have Spades be addressed lol. It's Either Gunny (he's a Gunnery Sergeant), Spades or his first name Walter. Probably just Gunny and Ace unless he's greeted formally.
Also It completely flew over my head the Lieutenants don't command Companies, but rather a Platoon lmao. I had to come up with a backstory with why they weren't commanded with a Captain in the first place.
If y'alls are gonna be wondering "Why can't Pentagon just send some fresh Officers to replenish their ranks?", just know this is intentional and I'm actually planning on spicing things a bit hehehe
Now as for the Comments:
Dive-Bombers: I have a suggestion :The royal goverment will undoubtedly oppose the Americans. Since this story takes place in 1982, let the US military showed the royal goverment the live footage of operation Urgent Fury that will take place a year later as a show of force.
- I may or may not do something similar. Just bear in mind Digital Warfare isn't really prevalent at this point in time (Desert Storm was still a decade away), so most likely they'll be getting reports through radios or probably through live feed over short distances. I doubt Earth Satellite signals would reach through the Gate lol.
Something similar to it? Probably through the Reconnaissance Pods of the Harriers but I don't think those are made to broadcast live feed lol and they certainly don't have drones or atleast any drone equivalent of our time. Plus, these are Marines so I doubt they'd get any of the fancy tech the Air Force has.
Guest: thanks for the chapter, I would have loved to join that AOTTG server, it sounded like a lot of fun.
- Actually the server is still up but It's not as active as active as before. There's only like 3-4 people when I host Operations and there's barely any activity there (probably because it's on hiatus. The Laptop that has my Unity Maps is something I kinda need a new charger to use).
But if you wanna check it out, here's the server link
NOT A 'WINGS OF DEMOCRACY' SERVER
(h)(t)(t)(p)(s)(:)(/)(/)(d)(i)(s)(c)(o)(r)(d).(g)(g)(/)(f)(J)(c)(t)(B)(W)(G)(p)(W)(n)
remove the parenthisis