Fandom Gate: New World

[Dak]

[class=stoneBackground] width: 100%; height: calc(auto + 30px); background: #1c2129; [/class] [class=stoneTitle] color: white; text-align: center; font-size: 50px; margin-bottom: 0px; [/class] [class=stoneBoxBar] display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 90%; margin: auto; [/class] [class=stoneBox] height: 90px; width: 370px; text-align: center; background: rgba(16,20,26, 0.7); margin-right: 5px; [/class] [class=stoneBoxHeader] color: #787c87; font-size: 25px; [/class] [class=stoneBoxContent] color: white; font-size: 40px; margin-top: -20px; [/class] [class=stoneMain] width: 80%; height: auto; margin: auto; background: #f0f2f5; padding: 20px; color: black; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; [/class] [class=stoneCredit] color: white; text-align: center; font-size: 9px; margin-top: 30px; [/class] [div class=stoneBackground][div class=stoneTitle]1st lietenant Sugata Yagami[/div][div class=stoneBoxBar][div class=stoneBox][div class=stoneBoxHeader]Location[/div][div class=stoneBoxContent]New World: chow hall[/div][/div][div class=stoneBox][div class=stoneBoxHeader]Date[/div][div class=stoneBoxContent]7th June 20XX[/div][/div][div class=stoneBox][div class=stoneBoxHeader]Time[/div][div class=stoneBoxContent]7:30 AM[/div][/div][/div][div class=stoneMain]Sugata was awake at 6. He has a busy day today. The JSDF had only come to the new world but two days prior.It hasn't taken them long to actually set up the base. Obviously they didn't have up any walls but they did have a rotation of patrols and crews working around the clock to get the defenses up and running. It was an arduous task but the crews knew it was for a good reason. If he walls were put up, then it would be easier for the JSDF to opporate. But that wasn't the reason Sugata was up. He was put on a special task from the LT.General himself. As he finished his breakfast he made his way over to the Command tent, where he worked out of. While there he met with the Major that was in charge of the special assignment.
The special assignment was a going to be a team recon unit. They were going to be going from village to village and recon the area along with seeing about setting up a trade agreement with the village. After the meeting of the major and the 6 team leads, Sugata was let go to meet up with his team for the first time.
Sugata had donned his gear and weapon. They would set out after their meeting. The major had given them a location to meet their teams. Sugata wasn't all that happy that he was going to be in charge of people. Hell, he wasn't even happy about being in the new world. He wanted to be home where he could have access to his hobby a lot better than in the new world. He stepped in front of his troops. "Hello, I am first lieutenant Sugata Yagami... I'm gonna be the leader of this team. You've all been chosen for a special assignment. We are going to be traveling around the new world doing recon on the area around us. We're all going to be around each other for a while now so why don't we all introduce ourselves." He said looking at his team.[/div][div class=stoneCredit]Coded By || @StoneWolf18[/div][/div]

 

[Dante Verren]

What once was pitch black turned red by the flairs, then came the shells that held not a single care. Bits of man thrown here and there, one could hardly see through smoke that clung to the air. “What am doing?” quietly sighed the annoyed corporal as he sat up in his bed. Thinking back to the terrible poetry that was swimming around in his head he looked at the clock, 5:55. Laying down for the five minutes wasn’t worth it so instead he got and started his day early. Getting dressed he set out to complete his normal morning routine.

When he completed his routine he was informed of his special orders. Quickly he returned to his bunk to retrieve his few possessions he had, most importantly he wanted to retrieve his camera. With his stuff gathered he hurried to the meeting place and waited for the OIC to arrive. When the man did arrive Eito got his first impression of Lieutenant Yagami and it was best described as meh. The man’s introduction wasn’t the most inspiring and he seemed to have a more laid-back vibe then what you would picture of a higher-ranking officer who was placed in command of a special mission.

Deciding to be the first one up for their introductions Eito stepped forward and saluted his CO. “Corporal Eito Ishii reporting for duty. It is a pleasure to meet you sir, I will be acting as your driver for this operation.” He introduction was by the book but that was really all he needed to say. Stepping back into line he waited for the rest of the team to do their introductions.

 

[HighSanguinaryPriest]

Feels good to be in uniform again. Was the first thing Sgt. Joseph Phillips thought after his morning routine. After half a year of civilian life, mostly on the run in a strange land full of savages that believed bloodletting was a form of medical treatment, it felt right to once again don a uniform. He had awoke early at 05:00 hours, allowing the American to prepare himself for the day proper. This included a quick shower, shave, and maintenance on his sidearm and dagger. The latter being a memento from the guard he brutalized in his escape. The steel was fair, and the blade itself held many flaws, but he carried it all the same.

By 05:40 hours, the Staff Sgt. had made his way to the mess hall. It was here he would meet his squad, and the officers he would be under. After enjoying a hot meal, a cup of strong coffee and a couple cigarettes with some of the other early risers, Joe was ready for the day. After another hour or so, the Sgt. Snapped to attention when the LTs approached Alerting the rest of the squad with a loud "Atten-hut!" This of course was a mistake, as he had barked out the order in english. None the less, it did it's job. Upon the Lt and Corporal finishing their introduction, he spoke up. "Staff Sergeant Joseph Phillips, former US Special Forces, Sir. I'll be serving as your translator and combat specialist. Just point me at them, and they won't know what hit'em, Sir." He belted out, as years of training and indoctrination took over.

Dak Dante Verren

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

2Lt Hasegawa Junko​

".... Well this is interesting..." Junko muttered before taking a bite out of her breakfast sandwich, her eyes glued to the file she was reading since 6:30am. Dossiers of her future teammates containing their medical reports and other important information she should try to remember when out in the field. Luckily for her, she was given most of their dossiers about 2 days prior and in-between her rank and duties, had plenty of time to give them a through read through even when a new one was delivered to her the night before. She was rather surprised that the American the JSDF recovered was going to be in their squad. And as a Staff Sergeant at that. Talk about a fast track to being a non-com instead of being sent home. She figured that the Major must have found him useful enough to be added to the team.

"Oh well... I'm sure he can handle himself. Former special forces...? Hm...." Junko hummed as she closed the dossier and glanced at her watch. 7:29am. The OIC should be here any second now. Having decided to wait patiently instead of getting another cup of coffee, she decided to check her first aid for the 4th time when she heard someone belt out a very loud and sudden "Atten-hut!" nearby. Almost jolting out of her seat in surprise, she grit her teeth and zipped up her first aid kit before looking up to see what is possibly the most laid back officer she has ever seen. After his equally laid back introduction, it was followed by one from Corporal Eito, the squad driver. He seems like a likable fellow and what she could tell from his psyche report says almost as much. A typical soldier. Next was Staff Sergeant Phillips. So that was the guy? The American. Junko figured that he must be the one who belted out that atten-hut earlier.

"Nice grasp of Japanese. His special forces training might be useful but his psyche report worries me a little." Junko thought to herself. She has read that he was captured by the people who invaded Ginza and the army psychologist stated that he was given the green light for active duty but a part of her, namely her gut, wonders if allowing him to join them was the right thing to do. Then again, he's not the worst of her worries. Sighing slightly, she stepped forward and looked at her main worry, her OIC, dead in the eyes.

"Second Lieutenant Hasegawa Junko reporting, Sir. I'll be serving as this squad's medic and your adjunct. If there is anything you need, just ask me, Sir." Junko politely introduced herself. It was an odd feeling she felt. She had her fair share of superior officers, kind ones, slave drivers, the odd freshie from Officer School. But this one... is very, very new to her. Not only was he younger but he was field promoted for his actions in Ginza and Alnus Hill. Both battles where she didn't do much except treat injuries at the field hospital. By all rights, he was her superior officer but... "Why does he remind me of a goddamn otaku?"

HighSanguinaryPriest Dak Dante Verren

 

[Commissar Darman]

Haruo let out a loud groan followed by a yawn as the Mega Cruiser came to a full stop. Stepping out of the Vehicle in front of the mess tent, a little smile appeared. "damn place is still a dust ball." he stifled out, trying to suppress another yawn. He hated mornings, always slow and sluggish. Especially if he hadn't had his coffee yet. which at this moment, he hasn't. Deciding to alleviate that problem before he met his new squad. Haruo grabbed his blouse and plate carrier in one hand, a manila envelope stenciled Medical in the other, and his rifle on his back, and entered the mess tent for A nice hot cup of bitter Coffee.

As he a was filling up his mug for the fourth time. someone decided to yell in English, which nearly caused him to spill his coffee. carefully swapping the mug to his other hand to shake off the few drops that did spill over. Haruo moved to the assembled group that was to be his squad. The LT didn't look like he wanted to be here. Understandable, this place was basically uncharted wild territory, and you're away from home. Not many People in the JSDF ever thought they would be stationed anywhere else besides Japan. the next one was a Corporal, Didn't say much. which can't be said for the next guy. The Yank. In Haruos eyes, that's really all he needs to know about him. Spent enough time to know how they think. last was the Doc. A bit weird, she looked Familiar. Maybe when he almost blew himself up? could have been. Apparently he was one of the very few wounded to be brought in and the medics literally jumped at the chance to actually to their jobs. Looking around as "Doc" finished her introductory speech. Haruo realized he was the last. so he stepped forward, no armor, no blouse, and the mug of coffee just under his chin. "Morning, SGT Haruo Dieker, 3rd Engineering Corps. It looks like I'll be acting as your Engineering Liaison" finishing his introduction. Haruo lifted the mug to the group and took one last sip.

 

[Tanya Degurechaff]

Nobuko Yamada
​

The early morning rise was a bit new to Nobuko, she actually had to get one of the spirits to wake her up instead. She had been informed of the reason she’d be sticking around with some squad a while back. Apparently, her knowledge on the culture and various locales would be essential for a smoother operation. There was already Joe though… But she wasn’t cleared to return to Japan due to her current situation, and so it was really her only option.

She’d been isolating herself from the rest of the group since around 5:45 AM, having wolfed down her breakfast. Well, Iska was eating for her, rather. Iska was just one of many spirits Nobuko entrusted herself to when she was unwilling to be in command. Nobuko herself had been talking with the others that resided within her since she woke up, teaching them modern mannerisms that couldn’t be understood just by knowing the language. It’s been going nicely for a few, though others were still clinging to their nobility.

Nobuko hadn’t been paying attention to the initial commotion, and thus missed a few of the introductions. She’d just ask later, it wasn’t a big deal anyway. She did figure she’d have to speak up eventually though, so she decided to get it over with. “....Um…”

She stood up, shuddering for a moment as she regained control of her body. “Yamada Nobuko, I’ve been told I’ll be assisting with navigation and relations with indigenous people. Pleased to meet you all.” With that, she sat back down and stared at the table, silent.

 

[Dak]

[class=stoneBackground] width: 100%; height: calc(auto + 30px); background: #1c2129; [/class] [class=stoneTitle] color: white; text-align: center; font-size: 50px; margin-bottom: 0px; [/class] [class=stoneBoxBar] display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 90%; margin: auto; [/class] [class=stoneBox] height: 90px; width: 370px; text-align: center; background: rgba(16,20,26, 0.7); margin-right: 5px; [/class] [class=stoneBoxHeader] color: #787c87; font-size: 25px; [/class] [class=stoneBoxContent] color: white; font-size: 40px; margin-top: -20px; [/class] [class=stoneMain] width: 80%; height: auto; margin: auto; background: #f0f2f5; padding: 20px; color: black; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; [/class] [class=stoneCredit] color: white; text-align: center; font-size: 9px; margin-top: 30px; [/class] [div class=stoneBackground][div class=stoneTitle]1st lietenant Sugata Yagami[/div][div class=stoneBoxBar][div class=stoneBox][div class=stoneBoxHeader]Location[/div][div class=stoneBoxContent]New World: chow hall[/div][/div][div class=stoneBox][div class=stoneBoxHeader]Date[/div][div class=stoneBoxContent]7th June 20XX[/div][/div][div class=stoneBox][div class=stoneBoxHeader]Time[/div][div class=stoneBoxContent]7:40 AM[/div][/div][/div][div class=stoneMain]Sugata listened to a majority of the introductions. All the names and what they were going to be doing. Any questions he would answer later. The truth was the group was actually suppose to head out the day prior, but some of the paperwork wasn't done. Not that Sugata liked doing paperwork, in fact he hated it. That's why it took so long. He sighed before speaking. "Alright, now that we're all here. Our mission is to recon the area. From there we're to make contact with anyone along the way and try and build relations." He said blankly with no emotion in his voice.

He looked at the team. "We're might not be coming back to base for a few days. So grab your gear and follow me." He said before turning around and slowly made his way out of the chow hall. Conveniently the motorcade that they would be using was already parked there. "We only have two vehicles so myself, Ishii and Nobuko will be in the lead car. Doc, Dieker, and Phillips will be in the second car. We will keep comms open. If you spot something call it out. We're in an unknown land so lets do what we can." He said looking over his troops. "Let's mount up. We're heading out..." He said climbing into the passenger seat.

With that they set off on their way.

After a couple of hours into their drive, Sugata called over the radio. "Doc... How's everything back there? See anything interesting?" He said again blankly. He then looked back at Nobuko. "So.... any good places around here? settlements or villages?" He asked. [/div][div class=stoneCredit]Coded By || @StoneWolf18[/div][/div]

 

[HighSanguinaryPriest]

After that rather brief and in his opinion rather pathetic meet and greet, Joe and the others quickly mounted up. Inside the humvee, the american was surprised to find his pipes already loaded in, cause him to smile with a hint of sadism. "Remind me to thank the CO, Doc...." He said to the medic, as he hefted the bulky instrument. Without another word, he set the reed to he mouth and began to charge the bag. Soon after the Three Drone pipes began to fill the cabin of the vehicle as they cruised along. Soon after, Joe began to play, making sure the windows were down as to not deafen the other passengers, and to let the others hear it in the vehicle ahead. That, and it had been a while since he had played. Might as well play something easy and regonizable... he thought.


Once finished, he looked at the other occupants before setting down his pipes. "So... Anyone wondering why we were attacked by savages from a D&D like world?"

Wandering Grim Hollow Commissar Darman

 

[IG42]

Soaring through the clear skies over the empty grasslands surrounding Alnus Cail shifted excitedly in his saddle for the fifth time in the last few minutes earning a screech of protest from his mount. "Sorry Aspiro." He said with a chuckle patting the griffon's shoulder though his tail still twitched every few moments. He wasn't usually this fidgety while riding the sometimes ornery creature but there were visitors from a whole new world out there and the hill had finally appeared on the horizon, it was still too far off to see any more than the shape of the hill itself but it was still a good sign.

"Well how to introduce myself?" He wondered aloud, the rumours he had picked up indicated that the Empire's wyvern riders had been cut down just as easily as the foot soldiers by the 'demonic sorcery' the strangers wielded and while he expected some exaggeration it did make simply flying overhead and having a look seem like a worse idea than usual even though he felt Aspiro could fly rings around a wyvern. Digging a telescope out of a saddlebag he surveyed the area grinning widely as he spied the outline of the massive gate, more immediately interesting was the small cloud of dust on the fields that looked small enough to not be too large a group. Stowing the telescope away safely he turned towards the distant travellers.

A short time later Cail looked down again and picked out what looked like a pair of carriages moving along without any visible means of propulsion, it was possible they were simply propelling them with telekinetic magic but as far as he knew it wasn't worth the energy expended to do it. Either way the vehicles were so strange in design that they surely belonged to the visitors and there must be people inside of them. Taking a deep breath he spiralled downward towards them, as he lost altitude the sound of strange music came over the rushing wind. Making a low pass overhead he could see humans through the open windows of the carriages. Looping around he flew alongside the vehicles matching their speed as best he could and gave a friendly wave. "Good morning! Having a good one?" He called out over the sound of the music and beating wings in the local tongue.

 

[Dante Verren]

Eito stayed silent as the others gave their introduction, after him was the staff sergeant who had shouted in English to get everyone's attention. The man was surprisingly energetic but what was most surprising was that he was an american, but not only that he was ex-special forces. To think they would have a former member of another countries arms forces branch was a little surprising due to the fact there could be split loyalties. Though thinking about it realistically Eito was just being paranoid, the chances of this sergeant Philips still serving america was low. Yeah, he was just being paranoid.

Next up for their introductions was the medic. She left a lot less of an impact compared to Joe but she seemed likable enough. Hopefully they wouldn't be in need of her medical expertise but considering the mission they were on Eito wouldn't be surprised if any injuries occurred. The engineer went after the medic introducing himself in a more relaxed way then any of the others. Though the one who stuck out more than the others was the woman who was suppose to be there navigator. She had a Japanese sounding name and spoke Japanese, how was a Japanese citizen suppose to be their navigator? This was a question that he would continue to ask himself well into the first few hours of the trip.

Once introductions wrapped up the team was divided in between the two cars with Eito taking up his position of driver as the lead car. Sliding into the drivers seat of the vehicle put a smile on the Corporals face, driving in this world was going to be a blast. So far the enemy seemed to be pretty low on the tech level which meant they shouldn't have cars, and if they didn't have cars that meant he had no competition minus the car behind him. Once everyone was loaded in he gently placed his foot on the gas pedal officially starting the trip.

The drive was indeed a pleasant one, having an open road with no cars or traffic law was really something. Making sure to keep it at a manageable speed Eito just kept driving. He would take turns when he was told to or believed he needed to, otherwise he just kept following the road that was laid out for him. If he had a single complaint it would be only one thing... the annoyingly loud music that was coming from the second car! It didn't take to long Eito to realize that the blaring was bagpipes, who the hell brings bagpipes on a military expedition let alone in one on a foreign world!? God he really felt sorry for the people in the second car.

Gritting his teeth lightly in frustration he waited as patiently as he could for there navigator to answer the Lieutenant. As he was waiting a shadow passed over the hood of the car, a shadow that was a bit to large to be a normal bird. Glancing at the side view mirror he noticed a shape descending from the sky that looked like it was headed for them, He couldn't quite tell what it was but better be safe than sorry. "Sir something approaching from our six." he told Lieutenant Yagami while wondering what it was. Well he would have his answer a moment later. Whatever it was caught up to them and even pulled up towards the windows. of the second car. It seemed to be a man riding a big bird like thing. Keeping his steady pace he mentally prepared himself to either stop the car or floor it.
Dak Wandering Grim Hollow IG42 Commissar Darman HighSanguinaryPriest Tanya Degurechaff

 

[Commissar Darman]

Watching as everyone heads out of the Mess Hall. Haruo went over to the table he set his gear on and donned it all. Quickly checking himself over. Haruo realized he needed to head to the Barracks tent to grab his pack. Hopefully one of his buddies left it there like he asked. Running out of the Mess Hall. Haruo sprinted past the Vehicles and rounded the shower tents. Luckily everything designed for quality of living was right next to each other so it took him only a minute to get to the Barracks tents and to his bunk. Luckily there was very few people in there and they actually did as he asked. Waving at those present as he threw his overly large, its actually three strapped together, Haruo bolted back out just in time to hear joe start his Bagpipes. All he could do was groan. moving to the rear of the Vehicle. Haruo tossed his over sized pack into it and shut the back. "Guess I'm driving." he stated with a slight shrug. as he got into the drivers seat, Haruo reached between his plate carrier and his chest and pulled out the Manilla envelope with a copy of his medical record and handed it to Junko. "here doc, was told you needed this."

As the drive wore on. Haruo was getting more annoyed by the minute. He loved music. but bagpipes? really? Luckily it wasn't long till Joe stopped. 'oh sweet relief.' was the only thing that popped in his head as silence retook the car. glancing back to Joe when he asked a question. Haruo gave an exaggerated shrug. "No Idea, but my guess would be expansion. as for the Fantasy thing? don't ask me." answering the question before moving on. "oh I got one thing. Please for the love of god. Don't play that shit again while we are in the car. I can barely hear as it is." As haruo focused back on the road, He thought he saw a shadow cross the hood of the car. peering up, He couldn't see anything. it wasn't till about a minute later he caught sight of movement in his peripherals. looking out the window. he saw a giant flying creature keeping pace with them not three meters away. "HOLY!" was all he could manage while he jerked the Vehicle away from the creature. quickly regaining control. Haruo sped up slightly to catch back up to Vic One. "what the fuck was that?"

 

[HighSanguinaryPriest]

Dropping his pipes, Joe immediately jumped on the radio. "Lieutenant, Unless I've gone crazy, but there appears to be a guy riding atop a fucking Griffon! The way I see it, we have three options sir. Attempt to Evade, Light'em up with the .50, or stop and let either Nobuku or I have a friendly Chat with him." He said before taking his thumb of the transmitter to allow the Lt to respond. It wasn't the first time he had seen a Griffon since coming to this world, and to be completely honest, the first thought that came to his head was how it would taste if the Lt gave the order to shoot it down and given the chance to grill the massive bird-cat. Of course, he quickly stabbed the idea repeatedly with a rusty Ka-bar and dumped it's body in the landfill that was his: to think about later portion of his mind.

With that taken care of, Joe Awaited his and his team's orders. In all honesty, he wouldn't mind going out to chat with the native rider. But if given the order, he wouldn't lose sleep over shooting it down. The title of "Griffon Slayer" being slightly appealing to the American.

Dak Wandering Grim Hollow Dante Verren Commissar Darman IG42 Tanya Degurechaff

 

[Petroshka]

After another raid from the soldiers turned bandits and not a lot of causalities on her side thanks to her contingent of Tritarii, Vesnia walked back into the keep of Italica slouching down on a couch and slamming her fist down on a table in front of her with a angry expression. 60% of the empires forces wiped out, and what does the emperor do with the vassal states? Waste their lives! "We could've used them to gain more information and slow down the advance of the invaders!" Growling to herself she got back up and walked over to the balcony that watched over Italica and the surrounding area. "and now their soldiers are running rampant pillaging everything in sight like rabid dogs." She had started questioning the choices and actions of the emperor and she could only see faults in everything the imperial family did a long time ago.

These thoughts were acts of treason, she was very aware. But now seeing how weak they've made the empire that she had fought so hard for... She held out her palm and stared at it. She would have ran everything much better, she would've gotten rid of the incompetent, and corrupt senate. She would expand the territories and secured the empire much more defensible borders and more plentiful resources. Make a new system from the ashes, if only, she had a way to take them down. But her loyal soldiers here in Italica weren't enough, sure there was little risk of them defecting against her if she were to declare herself as ruler, years of fighting with each other would do that. But she simply didn't have the forces, perhaps she would use the senate to gain allies, use Princess Pina as a political tool. That girl looked up to her after all, she almost saw her as a daughter, almost.

Speaking of which the door to the room opened revealing a maid, "Miss Tucciana is in here, Princess" Sighing in exhaustion Vesnia threw up a smile before Pina came in the room, they approached each other and Vesnia Keeled before her princess "Princess Pina Co Lada"
Dak

 

[Dak]

Princess Pina Co Lada
​

The princess had been riding for a week straight. She had stopped to sleep or eat. Other than that she rode. She had been asked by her father to ride to italica to access the situation and handle it. This would be the best opportunity to have her knights of the rose shine. She was 4 days ahead of them. It would have given her enough time to see the situation and form up a plan for herself and her knights to handle the bandits.

She had walked into the holdings and was lead to one of the holding's military members that was in charge. She was greeted with someone kneeling. She looked at the women. "Stand up. We do not have times for formality. Tell me what is the situation here?" She asked walking over to the balcony. She looked out. the inner city was just fine, untouched, but the gates. The gates had seen action, they held strong but it was easy to see that they had taken some damage.

"Speak brave warrior." She said looking at the warrior with soft eyes.

Lt. Sugata Yagami
​

Sugata had heard the call over the radio. "A Griffin?" He thought. It can't be. He said looking over his shoulder. Sure enough, there was a griffin basically gliding next to the second vehicle. "UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...... All vehicles halt. " He said over the radio. This would be their first contact with the native population. "Get it to land so that way we can have a conversation with it." He called over the radio again.

 

[Tanya Degurechaff]

Nobuko Yamada​

As the last to give an introduction, Nobuko was glad she didn’t have to spend much more time in the same setting. She didn’t expect anything to be fun, but she regretted waking up so early if it was going to take longer for the others…

She didn’t have much gear to acquire at all, seeing as she wasn’t in a combat role. She’d only been supplied with a SCK/Minebea 9mm pistol and a survival knife, both of which she received a short training session for prior to the mission. She’d also been given a compass, and some paper and pencil for attempting to draw a crude map if need be. Most of the gear would be carried by the rest of the squad, since they actually knew what they were doing.

Sitting in the back of the lead vehicle, she’d occasionally speak up to provide an answer to split paths and such. The blaring noise caused by someone playing a foreign instrument was right behind her in the second vehicle, to her slight annoyance. She seemed to have a place in mind without even asking though… Until Sugata likely caught on to the seemingly random directions and asked her himself.

“Italica… We should go to Italica. That’s where we’ve been leading you, after all. It’s a medium sized town, supposedly agricultural and trade focused. There are around two to three small settlements between our current route and Ita-”

She went silent as she finally noticed the giant bird-hybrid tailing them. “...That’s a mage. At least 5 of us have seen it before… But none of us have personally met the rider. They seem friendly enough though. If our hearing did not deceive us, he just asked how our day was?” It wasn’t easy telling what exactly he had said initially, as the bagpipes had been playing up until he finished his sentence. With the context of not immediately being attacked, it was a conclusion she jumped to.

“Should we step out?” It seemed like she wasn’t the only one requesting orders.

 

[Dante Verren]

Hearing Lt. Yagami's orders, Eito pushed his foot on the break slowing the vehicle to a smooth stop. He was pretty sure that he had heard of a griffin before but never had he thought he would see a real life one. Considering that at first glance he couldn't even recognize that the creature the native was riding was a griffin, Eito had no way to tell if that thing was friendly or not. "Wait did she say that's a mage and 5 of us had seen it before? "He had to contemplate for a moment what Nobuko had said. There were six members on the recon team and Eito was going to take a guess and say that no one on the recon team had seen a mage... let alone a griffin. For a moment his curiosity almost got the best of him and he turned to look at Nobuko with a questing look in his eyes. Deciding it was best to ask later he turned back to look at the Lt.

Nobuko asked whether they should get out or stay in the vehicle, and Eito was curious as well. He wasn't expecting to run into a local this soon into the trip, well at least not one that came flying on next to there little crew. "Shall I stay put just encase we need to make a quick run for it?"
Dak Tanya Degurechaff

 

[IG42]

Well the strangers seemed rather surprised by his greeting but they hadn't tried to attack him on sight thankfully. One of the people inside had shouted something that he didn't understand but from the tone Cail suspected that it wasn't something used in polite conversation, either way it seemed like any conversation could be a problem, whatever language they were using to converse was one he was entirely unfamiliar with. Another curiosity was that there seemed to be more voices overlapping inside the open vehicle than there were people, could they have some sort of magic that allowed them to hear sound from a distance similar to seeing things with scrying?

As the vehicles slowed to a stop Cail grinned in excitement, after how agitated they had seemed at his appearance he'd been worried that they might flee but it naturally seemed that any people who could face down the armies of the Empire wouldn't spook so easily. Pulling up he landed several metres away and sat passively in the saddle watching them while keeping his hand in view on the reins well away from his weapon. "Hey there!" He said with a bright smile while his tail twitched behind him, Aspiro meanwhile stared warily at the outsiders ready to take off at the first sign of trouble.

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

2Lt Hasegawa Junko​

"Okay everyone move out!" Junko called out after being given the command to follow Sugata. Something she did out of habit. She did have reservations on having a rescued civvie following them on their scouting mission but if the Major gave it the all clear, then there is nothing she can do to stop her. Still, her reservations are still there and she made a mental note to keep an eye on her. Before she knew it, the combat engineer from earlier handed her his manila folder and she accepted it with a brief word of thanks. As she began to embark the vehicle's front passenger side, she paused as she realized who that engineer was.

"..... Oh no..." Junko silently groaned as she began to recognize him. Opening his folder and reading the first page was almost enough to make her order him to get out. Sgt Haruo, the one who almost blew himself up. Currently suffering from tinnitus but was cleared for duty. Had she been the one to do his screening, she would have given him another week's medical leave. Oh well, not everything is up to her and the Sgt is more then capable of keeping himself safe. That was when the American suddenly thanked her.

"Thank the Lt? For what?" Junko managed to ask before she noticed him pick up a strange looking instrument. She was a few seconds too late to realize what it was when the most ear splitting noise she has ever heard started to fill their vehicle. Bagpipes. Why must it be bagpipes of all things? Well at least she did learn to appreciate their long history with the British Military Band but why must the noise it makes be a mix of a million mosquitoes buzzing and trombones? Thankfully, the song wasn't very long and Junko took that opportunity to address the occupants of her vehicle clearly.

"I do not know Sgt. However... The next time you play that... instrument without asking, I will puncture the bag. Make that a promise." Junko warned the Staff Sergeant before she went back to reading her manila folders. It was about an hour into the drive, Junko was keeping her eyes peeled on the surroundings when the CO asked if she spotted something. She was about to reply that it was all clear when she noticed a shadow in the side view mirror. Before she can check, the shadow just swooped past the vehicle, causing Haruo to panic and ended up making the vehicle swerve.

"Keep it steady, Sgt! What the hell is that?!" Junko cried out in surprise. She was shocked to see that the shadow was some sort of flying beast. Not only that but it seemed to be ridden by someone! Luckily for her, the American had already reported the situation and was already listing down their options. She felt her opinion on the former spec ops soldier rise slightly as he seemed calm despite the whole situation. It was when the order came for the convoy to halt did she finally snap back into action.

"You heard the Lt, stop the vehicle! Haruo, stay inside in case we need to bail quickly. Phillips, you are with me. Time to prove your worth, American." Junko ordered before stepping out of her vehicle. She took a moment to adjust her Medic patch and to ready her rifle. She released the safety and chambered a round but kept it pointed down, resisting the urge to point it towards the unknown man and his flying beast. To her relief, the man landed. No need for anything drastic. Still... One can't be too careful.

"Sir, the American and I are going to try to talk to the man. Request cover in case it all goes South. Over." Junko informed her CO. She glanced back towards Joe, her mind wondering when did he learn to translate the strange language spoken by the beast rider.

"Sgt. Ask the man his name and why did he approach the convoy." Junko ordered, her grip on her rifle tightening slightly. Her steely gaze then moved from the rider to the beast next to him. "And one more thing... Ask if his... mount is not going to cause any complications."

Dak HighSanguinaryPriest Commissar Darman IG42

 

[HighSanguinaryPriest]

Once the Vehicle came to a stop, Joe grabbed his Howa Type-64 BR and stepped out the back with the medic. Upon recieving the order to translate, Joe spoke to their griffon riding visitor. "Not a step further civilian. What is your name and business in stopping this caravan?" Joe barked out, in the strange language of the region. Reaching into his armour's pocket, he retrieved a pack of American Spirit full flavors and a lighter. Lighting up the cancer stick he spoke once more, exhaling a cloud of carcinogenic smoke. "And keep your mount back... we don't want to have any... Issues.... You wouldn't want that either would you?" The sergeant asked, with the thinly veiled threat. "Speak, or be on your way... Pursue us, and we will be forced to take drastic measures, understood?"

Feeling like a complete asshole now, Joe took another drag of his cigarette, waiting for the anthropomorphic man's response, all while remaining stone faced.

 

[IG42]

Cail watched two of the strangers, a man and a woman get out of their self-propelling vehicles each bearing a strange object that he took to be a weapon from the way they held them. He wasn't surprised that they were armed and they didn't seem to be brandishing them that aggressively as best he could tell, what little trepidation he had was wiped away as the man abruptly spoke in his own tongue.

Beaming he dismounted and stepped forward so he was between them and Aspiro. "Wonderful! I didn't think anyone among you would be able to speak our language so well. I am Cail a travelling mage, I'm simply intrigued by the idea of the Gate and the whole other world lying beyond." Giving a small bow as he introduced himself he watched as the man lit some sort of undersized pipe and made a comment about his mount. "Oh she's not glaring at you...much." He gently rested a hand on the griffon's brow. "She'll leave you alone as long you don't try and touch her or attack me." Aspiro for her part had shifted her golden-eyed stare to the more alert looking woman. "But tell me friend, what do I call you?"

Wandering Grim Hollow HighSanguinaryPriest

 

[HighSanguinaryPriest]

Looking towards Junko, Joe started translating the local for her. "He said it's wonderful that I speak their language. He also says his name is Cail and that he's a traveling mage and is curious about the gate and our world beyond it." He said in japanese, taking another drag as he listened to the mage. Exhaling another cloud of sweet tobacco smoke he continued "The Griffon is not a threat so long as we play nice. And is asking for our names." After finishing translating the mage, Joe returned his attention back to him. Switching back to the local speech, the sergeant addressed him. "I am Sergeant Joseph Phillips, Japanese Self Defense Force. Beside me is Second Lieutenant Hasegowa Junko. I am serving as a Translator for both my people and the locals." He said relaxing his posture a bit more, ashing his cigarette before taking another drag before offering the Lt. the pack.

IG42 Wandering Grim Hollow

 

[Petroshka]

Vesnia stood up and gave a warm smile toward the Princess, "We are holding well and fine but my army can not push out against these bandits as we are outnumbered, perhaps a pincer attack for when a relief army comes would break their hold of the surrounding area once and for all." She looked out into the city as pina looked to her. "The city of Italica is safe, rest assured, but what of you princess? did you make it here unscathed? is there a relief force on its way?" She tried to switch the topic from the city to pina, while the city was more or less already well defended, with her army here resources to maintain it will dwindle out quickly if they didnt try something soon. Maybe using herself as bait, or were the bandits only here for the riches?

Dak

 

[IG42]

Cail listened closely as the stranger presumably translated his words into their strange language futilely trying to work out what the words meant, it wasn't like any language he had heard before and he was sure it would take some time before he would be able to pick up even a few words without having it taught. As the stranger turned back to him Cail sniffed curiously at the smoke coming off of it, it mostly smelled of tobacco but there seemed to be something else in it.

As the stranger finally named himself and the other who had stepped out with him Cail glanced at the woman and raised his brows a little, if Joseph as the man was apparently called hadn't mistranslated their ranks then Hasegowa outranked him which was something of an oddity. "Well glad to know you Joseph and Hasegowa! Is this 'japanees' the name of the land you come from?"

HighSanguinaryPriest Wandering Grim Hollow

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

2Lt Hasegawa Junko​

"I see... Keep replying to his queries. I need a moment to think." Junko said after hearing Joe's translation of Cail's words. She was a touch miffled that Joe mispronounced her surname and that the mage was using it to refer to her now. Still, she was rather impressed by Joe. To be able to understand and fluently converse in this strange language with only less than 6 months to learn it? And as a prisoner to boot? That was impressive. Junko wondered if it was due to his Special Forces training and maybe he served as a translator of sorts. She did know that they would at least learn a second language, a skill required when posted overseas but all she knows is English, Japanese and really broken Russian after befriending a half Russian medic during her internship period. So Junko simply watched, noticing that the griffon had taken some keen interest in her before noticing something entering her peripheral vision.

"Oh?" Junko was surprised to see Joe offer her a cigarette from his own pack but she simply lightly pushed it away. She was never one to smoke while on duty. Unless she's stressed enough but so far it has never reached that level yet. Still, the smell of the Sgt's cigarette was slightly tempting but she had other things on her mind. The griffon was still staring at her and she wasn't sure if its safe to stare at it directly, even if the mage said otherwise. She decided to simply wonder how such a creature can look so strong yet be light enough to fly with a rider on its back.

HighSanguinaryPriest IG42

 

[HighSanguinaryPriest]

Seeing his offer refused, Joe tucked away the pack of cancer sticks and continued to translate. "He wants to know if the land we come from is called Japanese" Joe Translated with a bit of mirth in his tone before taking another drag of the slow burning cigarette, savoring it's full flavor before exhaling another carcinogenic cloud. Switching back to the local's language, Joe replied. "No, They-" He began, gesturing towards the Second Lieutenant and the others still in the vehicles, "are from Japan. I'm from another country called the Unity.... no thats not it, Unite... United! Yes that's it! The United States of America!" The sergeant said with a look of accomplishment written all over his face, after struggling with finding the right word and succeeding. "But that's not important. Right now, the hill you locals call Alnus, is under lock down till further notice. So unless you or your griffon have a death wish, stay away from there for the time being.

Wandering Grim Hollow IG42