Summoning the Counties
Chapter 1
The year is 2023. We open up to see Parris Island, Virginia at the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot to see 19-year-old Anthony Towson and Jacob Rawlins standing side by side with other Recruits as their Senior Drill Instructor paces around the 42 Marine Recruits introducing himself as well.
As the Senior Drill Instructor paces around the 42 Marine recruits, he introduces himself as Master Sergeant Johnson and begins to lay down the foundation for what will be the toughest weeks of their lives.
"Good morning, recruits. My name is Master Sergeant Johnson, and for the next several weeks, I will be your Senior Drill Instructor. I expect nothing but the best from every one of you. You are now part of the most elite fighting force in the world, the United States Marine Corps. You will be held to the highest standards of discipline, physical fitness, and mental toughness. I will push you to your limits, but in doing so, I will mold you into a Marine. Is that understood?"
The recruits respond in unison, "Yes, Master Sergeant!"
Master Sergeant Johnson continues, "I am not your friend. I am not here to coddle you or hold your hand. I am here to train you to become warriors. You will obey my every command without question, hesitation, or complaint. Do you understand?"
Again, the recruits respond, "Yes, Master Sergeant!"
"Good," Master Sergeant Johnson says, nodding in approval. "Now, I want you to take a good look around you. These are the people who will have your back in the coming weeks. You will learn to work together, to trust each other, and to rely on each other. You will become a team. You will become a Marine. Dismissed!"
The recruits quickly snap to attention, and Master Sergeant Johnson marches off, leaving the recruits standing at attention in front of their barracks. Anthony Towson and Jacob Rawlins exchange nervous glances, knowing that their journey to becoming Marines has just begun.
Later on, we saw a Recruit who drew a mockup of a footlocker. The drawing was terrible. And Master Sergeant Johnson saw this.
Master Sergeant Johnson spots the recruit's drawing of a footlocker and marches over to him, his expression stern. He takes a long, hard look at the chalk drawing, and then turns his gaze back to the recruit.
"Recruit, is this the best you can do?" he asks, his voice full of disappointment.
The recruit, clearly taken aback by Master Sergeant Johnson's sudden appearance, stammers out a response. "I'm sorry, Master Sergeant. I'm not very good at drawing."
Master Sergeant Johnson's eyes narrow. "You're not very good at drawing, huh? Well, let me tell you something, recruit. Being good at drawing has nothing to do with it. This isn't about being an artist. This is about diligence. This is about taking pride in your work. This is about doing everything to the best of your ability, no matter how small the task is. Do you understand me?"
The recruit nods, his eyes fixed on the ground. "Yes, Master Sergeant."
"Good," Master Sergeant Johnson says, his voice softening slightly. "Now, I want you to take this drawing and redo it. And when you're done, I want you to show it to me so I can inspect it. And I want it to be perfect. Is that clear?"
The recruit nods again, and Master Sergeant Johnson turns on his heel and marches away. The recruit stares down at the erased drawing on the board, feeling a sense of frustration and humiliation. But as he looks around at the other recruits, all working diligently on their tasks, he realizes that he's not alone. They're all in this together, pushing each other to be better, stronger, more disciplined Marines. And with a newfound sense of determination, the recruit sets out to work on his drawing, determined to make it the best it can be.
A few weeks later, As the Marine Recruits assemble and disassemble their M16A4s, Jacob Rawlins and Anthony Towson work efficiently, their movements precise and practiced. They finish before any of the other recruits and stand at attention, waiting for Master Sergeant Johnson to come over to inspect their work.
"Done, Master Sergeant!" they say in unison, holding their rifles out for inspection.
Master Sergeant Johnson approaches them, his expression unreadable. He takes a long, hard look at their rifles, checking every detail with a practiced eye. Finally, he nods in approval.
"Good work, recruits," he says. "You've both demonstrated a solid understanding of the basics. Keep this up, and you'll be fine Marines."
Rawlins and Towson exchange a glance, a sense of pride swelling within them. They're both well aware that they have a long way to go before they can truly call themselves Marines, but moments like this give them the motivation to keep pushing themselves harder and to strive for excellence in everything they do.
"Thank you, Master Sergeant," they say in unison, their voices filled with determination. They know that they're on the right path, and they're ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Later in the final week, the Marine Recruits will complete final administrative tasks on the island before their graduation ceremony.
As the final week of their training draws to a close, the Marine Recruits find themselves busy with administrative tasks on the island. They're all eager to complete these final assignments so that they can graduate and officially become Marines.
Anthony Towson and Jacob Rawlins work diligently, making sure that everything is completed to the best of their abilities. They've come a long way since the day they first arrived on Parris Island, and they're both filled with a sense of pride at how far they've come.
As they complete their final tasks, they can feel the anticipation building within them. They know that graduation day is just around the corner, and they're both eager to take that ultimate step and become Marines.
Finally, the day of the graduation ceremony arrives. The recruits line up in formation, their uniforms crisp and clean, their boots polished to a high shine. They stand at attention, waiting for the moment when they'll officially become Marines.
The ceremony is filled with speeches, presentations, and demonstrations of the skills they've learned over the past several weeks. Finally, the moment arrives. The recruits are called up one by one, and they receive their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor pins, symbolizing their transformation from recruit to Marine.
Jacob Rawlins and Anthony Towson both feel a surge of emotion as they receive their pins, their chests swelling with pride at the realization that they've become part of the most elite fighting force in the world.
As the ceremony draws to a close, they exchange knowing glances, both filled with a sense of excitement for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. They know that their journey as Marines has just begun, and they're ready to face whatever comes their way.
Typically, the new Marines get 10 days of leave before reporting to Camp Lejeune, N.C., for additional combat training, and then to various military occupational specialty schools across the country.
After completing their training at Parris Island and graduating as Marines, Jacob Rawlins and Anthony Towson are granted 10 days of leave before reporting to Camp Lejeune, N.C. for additional combat training.
During their time off, they spend time with their families and loved ones, catching up on all the things they've missed while they were away. They also take some time to reflect on their experiences at Parris Island and how much they've grown and learned during their training.
As their leave draws to a close, they mentally prepare themselves for the next phase of their journey as Marines. They know that the training they'll receive at Camp Lejeune and in their occupational specialty schools will be challenging, but they're ready for it.
When they arrive at Camp Lejeune, they find themselves among a new group of Marines, all with divergent backgrounds and experiences. They quickly settle into their new routines, training hard and pushing themselves to be the best they can be.
Over the next several months, they undergo intense physical and mental training, honing their combat skills and preparing themselves for the challenges of their chosen specialties. They also learn about the importance of teamwork and camaraderie, forging strong bonds with their fellow Marines as they work together to achieve their goals.
By the time they complete their additional training and move on to their occupational specialty schools across the country, Jacob Rawlins and Anthony Towson are confident and skilled Marines, ready to take on whatever challenges come their way. They know that the road ahead will be long and difficult, but they're determined to succeed and make the Marine Corps proud.
Eight years later, we see the now Master Sergeants Anthony Towson and Jacob Rawlins. Both are now twenty-seven and have served in numerous combat tours and are now highly experienced and skilled Marines. They've been deployed to various parts of the world, including Russia, China, Syria, and North Korea, facing some of the most challenging and dangerous situations a Marine can encounter.
Despite the dangers they've faced, both Anthony and Jacob have survived and thrived. Anthony's left eye, which was once deep brown, is now pale white with a scar across it, but he can still see from it. Jacob has a large burn scar across the right side of his face, but he wears it as a badge of honor, a testament to the sacrifices he's made in service of his country.
As veterans of multiple combat tours, Anthony and Jacob have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge. They've seen the horrors of war up close and personal, and they've learned how to keep their cool under pressure, make split-second decisions, and work as part of a team to achieve their objectives.
Their skills and expertise are highly valued within the Marine Corps, and they've both been recognized for their contributions to the service. They've mentored younger Marines, sharing their knowledge and experience to help prepare the next generation of warriors.
But despite their successes, both Anthony and Jacob know that the fight is far from over. They continue to train hard, hone their skills, and stay ready for whatever challenges come their way. They know that the world can be a dangerous and unpredictable place, and they're determined to do whatever it takes to protect their country and their fellow Marines.
As Master Sergeants Anthony Towson and Jacob Rawlins take a break from their joint training exercise with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, they notice that many of the Japanese soldiers seem to be avoiding them due to their battle scars.
Anthony and Jacob understand that their scars may be intimidating or uncomfortable for some people to see, especially those who haven't been exposed to combat or military culture. They don't take it personally and instead focus on building relationships with those who are willing to engage with them.
During their downtime, they take the opportunity to interact with the Japanese soldiers who are open to it, sharing stories and experiences from their respective militaries. They find common ground in their shared commitment to serving their countries and protecting their fellow citizens.
Over time, as they continue to work together and build trust, the Japanese soldiers begin to see Anthony and Jacob not just as scarred veterans, but as skilled and resolute Marines who are willing to put their lives on the line for their country and their allies.
Through their interactions with the Japanese soldiers, Anthony and Jacob also gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of building bridges between diverse cultures and militaries. They understand that trust and understanding are key to building strong partnerships, and they're committed to doing their part to foster those connections wherever they go.
Suddenly, the base Air Raid sirens were going off. "Shit. You think this is a bombing run or paratroopers?" Jacob calmly asked Anthony as many Japanese soldiers started to panic a little.
As the base air raid sirens blare, Master Sergeants Anthony Towson and Jacob Rawlins quickly spring into action. Despite the chaos and panic that starts to ensue among some of the Japanese soldiers, Anthony and Jacob remain calm and focused.
Jacob turns to Anthony and asks him what he thinks is happening. Anthony takes a quick assessment of the situation and replies, "It's hard to say for sure, but given our location and the current geopolitical climate, it could be either a bombing run, or a paratrooper drop."
With their training and experience, Anthony and Jacob know exactly what to do in a situation like this. They immediately start barking orders, directing the Japanese soldiers to take cover and prepare for the worst. They make sure that everyone is accounted for and that the necessary precautions are taken to protect themselves and the base.
As the tension builds and the air raid sirens continue to blare, Anthony and Jacob keep their cool and remain focused on their mission. They know that their training and experience have prepared them for situations like this, and they're ready to do whatever it takes to protect themselves and their fellow Marines.
Master Sergeants Anthony Towson and Jacob Rawlins quickly assess the situation and start giving orders to the Marines around them. They instruct some of the Marines to take control of the LAV-ADs and other anti-air vehicles to take out any potential threats in the sky.
As trained and experienced leaders, Anthony and Jacob know that decisive action is crucial in a crisis like this. They don't hesitate to take charge and give clear, concise orders to the Marines under their command.
With their guidance, the Marines quickly jump into action, scrambling to their assigned vehicles and preparing to take out any incoming threats. Despite the chaos and confusion around them, Anthony and Jacob remain calm and focused, keeping a watchful eye on the sky and making split-second decisions as needed.
As the minutes tick by and the air raid sirens continue to blare, Anthony and Jacob stay on high alert, ready to respond to any new developments or threats that may arise. They know that the safety of their fellow troops and the success of the mission depend on their quick thinking and decisive action.
As enemy aircraft appeared in the sky, the tension on the ground rose even higher. Master Sergeants Towson and Rawlins kept a close eye on the situation, directing their Marines to continue staffing the anti-air vehicles and remaining on high alert.
But just as quickly as the enemy aircraft appeared, they were shot down by a joint effort of Japanese, American, Australian, New Zealander, and Korean fighter jets. As the debris rained down from the sky, a sense of relief washed over the base.
Anthony and Jacob quickly assessed the situation, ensuring that all the Marines under their command were accounted for and that there were no immediate threats. As they stood among their fellow soldiers, they couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and camaraderie knowing that they had all worked together to successfully defend their base.
As the chaos of the air raid subsided and the situation returned to normal, Anthony and Jacob took a moment to reflect on the gravity of what had just occurred. They knew that they had been a part of something significant and that their training and experience had been put to the ultimate test.
But despite the adrenaline and excitement of the moment, they remained focused on their duty and their mission. They knew that there were still challenges ahead and that they needed to remain vigilant and prepared for whatever came next.
Before the two and many of the JGSDF and USMC began seeing a bright light.
"I can't see!?" Anthony yelled.
"I'm blind!" Said Jacob.
"Jesus is that you?!" Said a random Marine.
"Am I getting isekai'd?!" Yelled a Japanese soldier happily.
This didn't just happen at the base but to entire countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, New Russia, New China, Ukraine, Botswana, and the entire North American continent including the Caribbean Islands. About 30 seconds later, the countries were gone.
In just a matter of moments, everything around them disappeared, leaving behind only a void of light. Shock and confusion gripped the troops as they struggled to comprehend what had just happened.
For Anthony and Jacob, who had already faced countless battles and challenges in their years of service, this was unlike anything they had ever experienced. They were trained to face danger and overcome adversity, but this was something entirely different. It was as if they had been transported to another world, or perhaps another dimension altogether.
As they tried to make sense of their new surroundings, Anthony and Jacob knew that they would have to rely on their skills and training more than ever before. They were Marines, after all, and they were determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The light fades away and many of the other Japanese soldiers and US Marines are still at the base alive and well. This made everyone sigh in big relief and started to regroup and assess the situation. Some wanted to try and return to their home countries to help reassure the public that they were safe, while others felt that it would be best to work together to understand what had just happened.
For Anthony and Jacob, who had seen their fair share of strange and unusual events during their time in service, this was yet another unexpected turn of events. But they knew that they couldn't afford to be complacent, not when so much was at stake.
Unbeknownst to the North American Continent a large landmass was to at least five hundred miles away from the United States East Coast. From NASA satellite imagery, the population appears to be Elves.
A week later, we see Towson and Rawlins back Stateside. North America's allies like Ukraine, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Botswana, New Russia, and New China are within proximity to each other. Mostly on the West Coast.
New Russia and New China are relatively new as the former was lost during a civil war. Russo-Ukraine still happened in 2022, but this caused a Civil War in Russia that was won by the Anti-War/Putin Party. Also ending the war in Ukraine and getting peace talks with NATO. The Chinese government didn't like the peace with Russia and the West, so it began starting a military build-up and having troops near Taiwan, India, Mongolia, and Russia. However, anonymous hackers leaked it to the citizens and military personnel on the government's planning. So, a coup happened which built up to another Chinese Civil War that ended by 2030 with Pro-Democracy winning against Pro-Communist.
Right now, Marshall Law was declared for all countries and the allies were building up a task force to explore the unknown Landmass with elves.
Meanwhile on the Landmass with elves.
Most of the population was questioning why a bright shined and brought a large unknown Landmass. Most say it was the Gods or Goddesses doing. Some say they should be careful of what's on there. Others say that it could be a land of heroes.
However, the King and Queen of the elves decided to not explore the unknown land. As they don't have the proper experience traveling through ocean waters and enough boats for either a large or small expedition.
As the days went by, the elves continued with their daily routines, but with a sense of unease and curiosity about the unknown land. They sent scouts to the coast to observe and report back any unusual activity or signs of life.
Meanwhile, the task force of allies led by the United States began to prepare for the expedition to the unknown landmass. They gathered intelligence and resources to equip their ships and personnel for the journey.
Towson and Rawlins were part of the expedition, serving as advisers and experienced military personnel. They were excited about the opportunity to explore a new land and make contact with a new culture.
As the task force set sail towards the unknown landmass, tensions were high and expectations even higher. What would they find on the other side of the ocean? Would they be welcomed or met with hostility? Only time will tell.