Times of Uncertainty (Closed att. Aleard)
The last of the foreign invaders had left, peace was restored Shino was safetly back in the hands of her island home. But still the future was uncertain. With only a handful of approved peace keepers left and life was still in question for the 5 small islands in the southern tropical waters was still unknown. The beaches were still litterd with the dead, the jungles were stripped from the bombs, empty shells and still full shells remained intrentched. Disease was still spreading admist the efforts of the UK2 Red Cross. Shino her self was uncertain. Could these islands really be self-sustaining like she hopped. She had to convince her skeptical people that never again would they be at the mercy of a protector and at the mercy of the protectors relationships in the world. After the horrors experienced under RedTiden Soldiers and the alien looking Knights Templar, opinion was strongly against the world abroad. That was double for thoes on Animalpolis.
"You must understand why I've sought out further freindship with another country. It's exactly the same reason I sought Kanami out. Aleard can help clean these islands up and make sure peace is restored to this region."
"Milady," the Lord Yasha said "you must understand no one is paticularly a fan of this idea. Especially us. Many have fled experimentation and they fear to be back in the hands of more scientists."
"I assure all of you Aleard is the best choice for AHSCA."
"Just like you asured us Kanami was the best choice to protect us?"
A nasty shot to the heart. "I know the war was terrible, but it's resolved. We must give it another chance."
"You are the Grandleader Duchess. By the constitution we created you are entitled to all final power. It's your call."
"All right, I will ensure they are placed evenly. If we don't take care of cleaning and stopping the diseases we will probably all die. Our children will die. Pretty soon these islands will be just that, islands. Bits of rock floating in the middle of the ocean with traces of past civilizations. Aleard can protect us this time I know for sure. This time I will make sure if anything is questionable I will terminate the relationship."
"No more Protectrorates Shino. The world doesn't give a care about protected states. Remember we were overan and shelled. We are independent and we should act as such."
"You're right."
The roar of the cargo planes engines flying low over the island would no doubt have made some locals turn their heads in curiosity, or maybe even fear. The troops had no idea what they would face when they landed, but they had been immunised, to what some troops thought to be over the top.
"Runthrough of objectives! Number one, secure the islands and ensure that its inhabitants are finally safe. Number two, set up field hospitals and housing where needed. Number three, correct the nation as the people wish. Number four, never open fire unless threatened beyond the point of unit safety." Tom Kielineger, operation chief, shouted above the noise inside the aircraft. Each soldier aboard the plane nodded, as far as he could tell.
He strapped himself into a seat, as the plane descended to touch down in the middle of the forest on the southern most island. As the plane was struggling to come to a halt in time, the troops checked their weapons, preparing for the eventuality of attack upon exit. They could not be sure if there were no hostile forces still on the island or not.
Sergeant Ford was the first off of the plan, crouching and moving at jogging speed to the edge of the treeline, facing back towards the plane as his squad disembarked. They moved away from the aircraft as an APC rolled out of the huge cargo area. They were to rendez-vous with the transport two miles south, and a lorry carrying equipment needed for the relief operation. His dinner, taken from his ration pack, was repeating on him. He felt like he was in no fit state to go into a potentially hazardous area, but he had to. He signalled for the troops to move out. It would be a long walk/
The jungle was humid and uncomfortable. Ford took a swig from his water container. Moving in single file, the troops had their weapons readied, each man a metre behind the other. The trees offered good cover where they were available. Ford called into HQ, where the lorry was.
"Bravo HQ, Delta Five. Approx one mile from RV point. Requesting signal."
The small device Ford carried on his left wrist, the size of a normal wristwatch, was a signal receiver. It was basic, but it allowed him to find the RV. A small yellow dot flashed on one edge of the screen, he veered slightly left into the thicker shrubbery.
Two flights a day were being made for the first week, on each island wherever possible. Boats were tied up in bays to carry anything that couldnt be flown in to one of the islands. This relief mission was the biggest ever carried out by Aleardian forces. They were not sure, as ever, how the population would react.
Ford stopped and looked at the sky, admiring it.
OOC: Can I have any information about your nation that might be helpful please? A map if possible too. Thanks.
--Two Days Later--
A small fireteam advanced into a village some five miles north of the RV point on the second most southern island. The whole area was silent, and if it werent for the pot swaying over the lit fire, Ford would have guessed it had been deserted for a long time. The teams translator walked into the centre of the village, and spouted some foreign dialect or other. The men couldnt be sure what.
Nothing happened.
The translator walked back to Ford. He had a strange accent that most certainly wasnt Aleardian, but he spoke with perfectly correct grammar that Ford, a high school drop-out, couldnt match. "There is no reply to be had. Short of entering each hut in turn and driving out its inhabitants, the people will not budge."
One of the soldiers at the back of the group felt something tug on his trouser leg. He ignored it. "Glah." Whatever it was had now grabbed his attention, as well as two soldiers beside him.
"Sir." Ford turned around, to see a small naked child at the soldiers feet. Suddenly from nowhere came a sound, and in a moment a few villagers had come out of the huts.
(I do have a map as for info I'll write up a Wiki page for you http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g310/AShadow17/Nation%20States/Map4-1.jpg)
It was blazing hot on Animalpolis. So hot most decided to just forgoe what clothes they had. Animalpolis was unique in the way it had mostly hybrid inhabidents. Mostly Nekos (Of the Feliosapiens) but a few others there too. "Don't wander far Shao, it's not safe." Myukiko his older sister warned him. Signes now littered the area saying BEWARE OF LANDMINES the signs had the figure of a neko figure stepping on something with lines indicating explosion. It was still dangerous to rome the beaches since the previous landing of RT2 soldiers. As the group of men emerged from the dense jungles Shao being too young to understand who is freind who is foe went to greet them. He tugged on his the legs of the pants of the strange man, as the group reacted so did Myukiko. Her cat ears wiggled and before she knew it she saw her baby brother with a bunch of strange men. Myukiko was one of the ones to hide in the many cavernes during the invasion. Her parents fought and died against RT2 soldiers. "Soldiers!" She cried out, it brought everyone out of their huts into the hot sun light. Most were naked because of the heat some were armed. Myukiko ran and swept her brother into her arms. She stood like a dear in the headlights.
"Weapons down!" Ford bellowed over his men, waving his hand calmly towards the ground.
The translator stepped forward speaking loudly over everyone, something else that the men couldnt understand. He was panicking. He felt he was too young to die. He and a small group of people had left these islands a long time ago, how nobody quite knew, but they ended up washed ashore on the Aleardian east coast. Now the government had great need for them, they were on a high wage packet, and promised a home in Aleard if life failed in AHSCA. He resorted to waving his arms up and down to calm the locals.
He spouted something else to them, which Ford guessed meant something along the lines of "dont hurt us, we're your friends". However much he doubted that would work, Ford remained calm. Him and his men were trained to the highest degree, as was all of the military. The government collected little taxes and let the people and business run its own day to day affairs, a relative capitalist paradise. The money they did collect went straight into the military, and this created the AAF (Aleardian Armed Forces). Through all their psychological training, the men remained calm in the face of danger. Although each had dropped their weapons to the ground, they would be able to retrieve them as soon as the need arose very quickly and take up firing positions.
Ford stepped forwards, and reaching into his pocket, retrieved a bag of small sugar packed sweets, taken from his ration pack. He held them out to the locals, what reaction he expected was unsure.
The translator looked at him quizzically, before turning to the locals and saying "take them", before rubbing his belly and making a sound similar to "yum".
Both were uncertain, they appeared to be freindly to them. A tad unheard of. They have always been taught to be distrustful of the world outside their small village. They were holding some sort of food, could it be, sweets, an amazingly rare treat. They had sweet fruit on the island but not actual sweet candy. She wilfully took some gave it a lick and began to eat it. She eased her little brother out of the tight grasp of her arms and gave him some. Both their tails were wagging and their ears wiggled, usually a sign of great affection. "Ziko" {Thank you} She said. The villagers began to feel calm regarding the mysterious men.
"Can we ask them if it is OK to set up a camp? I think it best not to tell them of our plans just yet." The translator looked at Ford a bit puzzled. "The lorries, theyre bringing things in for us, and we will set up the hospital and such like." Suddenly the puzzled look dissapeared, and was replaced by a smile and a nod.
"Pick up your things, find defensive positions. I doubt the people feel to comfortable with us in one large group." Ford gave the whole bag of sweets to the translator to give out.
-----
ANFV Penignon and her fleet drifted off of the coast of Stillestando, near the entrance to the western bay. Smaller vessels transported troops and supplies onto the shore, where a guard had been established, and where all supplies to the island would now come in. Admiral Tamberno stood on the deck of the battleship, looking onto the island through binoculars. He looked down to the doctor sitting beside him. "Its wonderful, isnt it? If I didnt know from briefing that this island was in great trouble, what with disease and famine and whatnot, I would have to say its a tropial paradise."
"Its quite beautiful." The two men, Tamberno, and Dr Leon, looked out over the island. It was a rare oppurtunity for the Admiral to be able to take in a view such as this. "When do we disembark for medical duties?"
"When we have secured the land, and the villages are peaceful towards our actions, Id say it would be safe to let you get on with your job. Unfortunately we do not know what lies on that island." Dr Leon knew of the dangers of a war torn nation, and guessed a war torn island would be no different. He was the only person in his team who was a military doctor, and had worked in a battlefield situation. He hoped his team would not have to see the things he once had. Images of men severed from their limbs, or with their faces horrifically burnt, they haunted him every night. He went quiet and subdued, before standing up and heading below deck.
Tamberno watched the man leave, and then continued to watch the operation unfold. He spotted something on the cliff. There was a small group of three men, each carrying some kind of primitive weapons. He raised his binoculars to see them, but by the time he had done so, they had dissapeared. "Hmm. They know we're here at least." For better or for worse, Tamberno did not know.
Further inland of the island in a mighty temple stood high. It's archetecture resembled that of an old myan temple. Tortential tropical rain fell. "My lord, we have reports of landings in the south jungles."
"Landings?"
"That's right. People, homosapiens."
"Well Shino did say Aleard would be coming into aid. But they are dealing with very indiginous villages. Some may not take kindly to them. Keiko, I wan't you to travel through to the south and greet our arrivals. You can easily serve as a translator and keep the people calm."
"It will take time in this weather milord."
"Never mind the rain go."
"As you wish."
_____
"Ayla," Said Shino "I know this is a really troublesome time for you, but your island is in great need of aid."
"Foreigners took my Kino Milady Shino, how do I know that I can trust these new commers?"
"I assure you, you can. I know The war was a very terrible thing. I hope Kino is found alive, I really do but we can't survive on our own yet."
"I understand. What is the pattern madam?"
"The troops will set up base camp on Animalpolis, they will move up comming to you next. It won't be a pretty sight for them. Followed by Truce Hoshino and ending up here."
A soldier lit up a cigarette behind the crates of supplies that had just arrived, and walked around to the front to supervise the docking of a boat on the inflatable docks that had been set-up on the waters surface. Suddenly a huge yell, like a battlecry, arose.
Everyone stopped what they were doing, unsure what had happened. One of the dock guards had come face to face, too suddenly for his liking, with a large native. He was a young recruit, and despite his military training, couldnt keep his nerve. He would be talked to later about this, but for now he was silenced by the rather large hand covering his mouth, the other holding his head from behind. He mumbled some muffled words, and the native released his grip. A small group of four soldiers and General Westing approached the situation, weapons aimed, before realising they may be taking the wrong approach.
Westing took one dissaproving look at the young man before him, and sent a soldier with him to his quarters. He would deal with him later. He looked at the native, wondering how to tackle the situation, for the translators had not yet arrived and werent due to for some time. Westing was angry that his part of the operation had been poorly planned by the military back home. He extended his hand to the man, willing him to accept it. He began to speak in a slow voice, hoping that the man understood. "Im Westing, do you speak English or Aleardian?"
"Yes I can speak some English."
"We understand your troubles, and are here to help. We would like you, in time, to show us to your people. Please, would you join us for food? I would like to tell you what we are here for in more detail. I hope that you can help us." Westing stepped and turned to one side, extending his arm in a welcoming gesture towards the camp.
"Oh yes I would be greatly glad to eat with you. Please show me."
The hard days graft had ended, and the men were either on nightwatch at the camp ahead of tomorrows duties, or sleeping readying themselves. Westing and his guest, along with three other men, sat in the Generals room eating a meal. It was a typical Aleardian meal, balanced yet in too great a portion. Meat, vegetables, a small delicacy rich in carbohydrates called 'Ipsluich', and a fruit flavoured water drink.
"I understand that your people may be ill. Theyre also lacking food, and clean water, and furthermore homes in some cases. Correct?"
-----
Tamberno and the Penignons fleet had already begun to head to the next island to deliver further supplies.
Ford was in desperate need of resupply, somewhere a vessel was lost and it carried many supplies destined for Corono, along with one hundred men. It was not up to the Penignon to locate their whereabouts, but simply to make sure the operation was not hindered by the ships loss. However, this didnt stop them from finding it.
A smaller vessel on the edge of the convoy lay silent. The whir of the engines disturbed nobody, until one sailor decided to stick his head above the parapet of silence and make a noise. "Sir! Ship, bearing 088."
Dozing off, the first mate looked up to see what the sailor was looking at. "It looks in trouble."
The sailor placed his finger on a switch on the board in front of him. "Have a closer look, sir?"
"I think we should. It could be Aleardian, right?" The sailor flicked the switch, and a yellow light came on on the board. Within two minutes sailors began to fill the room. "Send a message to Tamberno."
"Sir."
"Yes. Because of war we have little food. Usually we send out troops to catch many fish but fish don't come near because of the toxic water. Thoes that do become bad to eat, make children sick. Then when big storm approached many soldiers forced us out to take shelter in our own huts. Bombings and shelling of ships also led to our lack of homes. With out trees we have nothing to build with. We find shelter where we can."
Westing detected a hint of sadness in the mans voice, one of despair and lost hope. He was reminded of his past momentarily, and this caused silence in the room for a few seconds. Poverty and homelessness used to be the things on his mind all day, before the new government had come into power. Now he had a job and a family, and he felt as though he too could save someone. Military training told him not to make things personal, because grief can set in, demoralizing and leading to an uncontrollable soldier in the field of battle. At this point he gave a mental two fingers to all of this.
Suddenly the room came back into his vision. "Tomorrow, when the sun rises, I want you to take us to your village, where we can help your people."
Westing let go a smile at the man, a reassuring 'everything is going to be OK' smile. He picked up his glass and drank.
-----
"We came to save others, not ourselves. I suppose we have to, save the men, take half the convoy, Penignon will deliver her supplies." The official word came through from Tamberno. Half of the fleet broke off, and began to plan a salvage operation. Some cargo was spilt out into the sea, floating on the surface. Fears were much of it had been lost to the depths of the oceon.
A sonar was sent down, and the signal received. Depth was about 100 metres, not unattainable, but the cargo may be spoilt already. The crew were the first concern for the navy though.
Meanwhile, Tamberno continued to Corono to resupply Ford.
(Sorry for being late)
"I will do that."
The next morning he led the troops through the thick jungles to a village. It was a much larger village than the one the troops had first landed on. There was already a bit of relife there. A Christian Mission had taken up residence but it certianlly wasn't enough. "This is one of the key villages. I say that it means the highest concentration of people are here. "
Westing scorned at the mission, before realising that they were actually trying to do some good and not just preach.
"Lets get this place supplied, set up our own relief, get these people through hospitals. This place looks in disrepair, message out and get us some building materials. I want protection of our facilities and the mission of primary importance. Sentries, guards, fences around the perimeter. I want to talk to the person running the mission. In fact, can you get me a meeting with all of the missionaries? Talk about what we need to do, and how. I wouldnt be suprised if they were disorganised and not getting far."
Various troops ran off at each of his commands to do as he wanted. Westing directed the troops in the off road heavy goods vehicle to the place he wanted the medical facilities built. The simple fabric buildings were more than good enough, even if these were second-hand. The latest batch were in use in real combat environments.
"Certianlly. Come with me."
Alexa examined a small girl. "Well you sound all right. My guess is you had some bad shell fish."
"I'm not going to die am I?"
"No sweetheart. You'll have a bad tummy ace for a while but you'll be just fine. Now go on home."
"Here she is, she's in charge."
"Hello, and who are you?" Alexa asked.
"Captain Westing, head of the Aleardian relief operation on this island. I understand you have similar objectives to ours? We hope to work together. With our equipment and protection, your apparent relationship with the people, it could work. If not we will carry on and let you carry on, but it will be a lot easier on both our parts if we could work alongside."
(OOC: I may be off for a while)
She hugged the man. "Oh God bless you men. These people really need help, and I can't really do it alone."
Westing didnt really have time for the loving stuff, but he didnt let this show. Accepting the hug, he then wished her luck, before adding "would you object to a permanent guard stationed at the mission?"
"Send men on land, armed, to find our sailors. They may have washed up, or swam ashore. What supplies were on that ship?"
"Medical supplies, quite expensive, cost the government a fair bit." The head of the marines for this operation, Jason Donnel, was well informed of what was happening. Luckily.
"Hmm, I suppose we serve the people, and the people pay the taxes. Do we have anything anywhere on this operation that may be able to go down and rescue the cargo?"
"Only divers. They cant bring the crates up but they can bring things from the crates up piece by piece."
"How long do you think it will take?"
"Probably a whole week of solid work, constant dives. I doubt all of the cargo is serviceable, so we wouldnt retrieve it all. We would take things of use."
"Ill leave this all in your charge, we will maintain a defensive position, and come to me if there is anything you need." Donnel saluted the first mate, and walked from the room into the cold dark corridor of an Aleardian naval vessel.
Quite rightly, they afforded no creature comforts, but the hardened personnel wouldnt expect it. Each crew member may have a poster pinned up of their favourite model, or a picture of their girlfriend, but apart from this, nothing. Basic beds, kitchen facilities, decoration. The metal clanged under Donnels feet, and the ceiling mounted strip lighting was barely enough to light the passage. Energy was for motors, not for allowing visibility moving from one quarter to the next.
A group of marines sat playing cards around a bed, a pile of cigarettes appearing to be the currency they were playing for. They felt his presence and turned to salute. "Hate to interrupt the game, but we have sailors to rescue. Sergeant, is your task force ready? Briefing in ten minutes, on deck. Landing craft are being prepared."
"Sir!"
Donnel left the room again, and the sergeant turned to his men. They looked at him blankly. "YOU HEARD THE MAN! MOVE!"
-----
On Coreno, Ford was awaiting the receival of further medical supplies. They had underestimated the demand, one of the downsides to keeping costs at a minimum. The people outside the medical room were growing restless, and every bed was taken by people waiting for injections. Being a man of impecable time keeping, Ford could only complain about the lateness of the supplies.
"How many people have been through, Doc?"
"Only a quarter of the people." Ford sighed, and looked outside the field hospital for the shipment, and from far off he heard a lorry's engine, competing with the road.
"At last," thought Ford. He went outside to tell the people to stay put as best he could. His translator was nowhere to be found, after Ford had sent him off to talk to people, and try to improve the public relations. From outside, the supplies sounded little like what Ford had expected, when suddenly he saw a convoy of lorries and APCs making its way up to the village.
Maybe four, maybe five lorries. Ford couldnt count for the sun was blinding him.
"What are we doing mommy?" Asked a small girl.
"We're waiting dear. They're going to give us some medicine so we don't get sick."
Still some were so nervouse, hearing the rumors of what happend to Cheif Kino, many panicked and began to fight, and had to be subdued by the guards. Some small children were crying for their mothers. Somwhere off the island coast of Corona, Ayla was making her way back to her island, to ensure safety of her people. She felt Shino was crazy for doing this but she knew Shino's wisdome. "Kino..." She said sadly She missed her husband dearly.
There was more trouble, a woman kept speaking in her native tounge and with out a translator no one could understand her.
Thunder rumbled as storms gathered over the islands. Thoes standing in line retreated for their huts but some remained admist the stormy conditions
In the storm, the troops found their waterproof gear and put it on over the jungle camo field uniform. In the heat they hadnt expected a storm to come over them so quickly, but it was too late to put up a holding tent. It could have been done in ten minutes, if command had seen it coming. The soldiers ushered the people remaining inside, even if they cluttered the entrance.
It was a shame the soldiers knew nothing of the past of these people, for they seemed to have had it driven into them to hate them, or just what they represented. They would know already out of curiosity if they could only speak the language. Simple hand communications and talking very basic english was all they had, and it just about seemed to get through. Holding a conversation could prove difficult.
"Wheres our man? Hes been gone all day. He hasnt deserted has he?"
"Last I saw him was before the equipment arrived." The soldier glanced away from his sergeant towards the lorries, which for now - until the ground would no longer give way under them - were stuck in the village. The men were taking shelter in the cabs.
"Some of our food supplies have gone missing, along with a clip of ammunition and respective firearm."
"Firearm?"
"A pistol."
"Shit. You think he has it?" The sergeant questioning the soldier looked down at the ground. "Damn. How about-"
"A search party? Its a small island, but our resources are taken. Unless you fancy leading a small team? I trust you, youve been with the company for a long time. At any rate, I think we can be assured that the centre wont come under attack. Two men will do it for defence, instead of our eight."
"If its commands wishing, then Ill follow. Six men versus one. Its a manhunt."
"Youre a good soldier, sir." The sergeant saluted the man and then walked off.
Ayla shored up just in time too, the storm was growing fierce. She saw a lot of activity occuring. "That must be them." She said. Ayla trecked up the beaches to the camps. She talked to a few nerouvs villagers, trying to calm them down. "I know this storm may seem like a bad omen but try to rember these people are here to help. Do you know who's in charge? No? That's okay, try to stay dry."
Not much anyone could do, some made makeshift ponchos out of palm leaves. She looked at everyone's anxious faces. Everyone still had strong distrust over outsiders, Ayla knew if she was going to keep her people calm, she would have too forget what happend to her husband. After all he stayed behind to make sure she never would be captured.
The soldiers waited out the storm, some outside as duties must go on in any weather, but guard was kept minimal. The search party prepared itself for venturing outside. They hoped he had not escaped the island.
The rain seemed to come down in waves, the canvas roofing splattered and then only mild rain could be heard, before it splattered again. The thunder outside was almost like the artillery of this until now conflict free operation. The lightning was the flash of explosions, the rain battered down like a wall of bullets. A rather drenched looking soldier ran into the hospital, removed his helmet and hung his rifle from his shoulder by the strap. "Lovely weather, eh?"
He made himself a hot chocolate from his ration pack, and the smell filled the others nostrils. The cruel scent begged them to make one for themselves too. A call from outside could barely be heard over the noise of the battle outside, but one of the men poked his head outside. The silhouette of a man, backlit by the light from a hut, waved over. The soldier put his helmet on, and prepared himself for the short and dreaded run. "You called?"
"There is someone outside your tent, near the entrance but in the shadows. I was calling to him."
"What fool would be outside in this weather?"
"Thats what I thought. Whoever it is, hes not a friend of ours." The soldier turned to face the tent.
"Ill stay here, pairs. Report it in by radio. Take precautions."
"I recommend just taking your children and returning to your hut. Try again in the morning."
Some took Ayla's adivce and took children. A lone little girl clung to her. "Hey there little one." Ayla picked her up. "No need to be scared."
Thunder crashed. Ayla held the child like it was her own. "Where's your mama and papa huh?"
"They're not here."
"Oh, you stay close to me okay."
Two soldiers squatted and moved as quick as they could across the open. Almost instinctively the two men outside raised their weapons to give them protective fire. The knelt down behind trees and surveyed the area the figure had been spotted. A flash light came on, and lit up the individual rain drops as they fell.
The light swept across the area, but nothing seemed out of place. Suddenly a sound of real war filled the air. The soldiers senses were heightened, all four raising their weapons and training them on the area, the two others running forwards, forgetting the conditions. Before they took two steps though, one man fell to his knees, and then onto his side, rolling over to show his wounds. "MAN DOWN!"
A short burst of fire filled the air, as the bullets cut paths through the rain. Another burst of fire cut across the other. There were no torches to give away positions this time, although fire from a barrel was enough for a trained man. Two of the men advanced further, keeping their wits about them. They werent sure who it was, or where it was.
One man covered the casualty, as three more soldiers, two carrying a strectcher, ran out. They had luckily not transformed all of the MASH into a quick in quick out civilian clinic. Army surgeons were on hand, and the wound didnt look fatal.
"Gun shots!"
Ayla looked around nervously, was their a lose gunman? Or worse had they been betrayed? She ran for shelter into the nearest tent she could find. Another possiblity it was a frightend islander who jummped the gun
Thoughts rushed through many heads at command. They didnt know what was going on, and neither did the men on the ground. They continued to move forwards, when one soldier stumbled on the body of a man. It was too dark to see. He turned the flashlight on his carbine on, and dragged it across the beings face.
A helmet had rolled away into the mud from the mans head. His mouth was half open, and his eyes alert, despite the apaprent lack of life signs. The shots appeared to have riddled his body, one glancing his neck, blood spilling from the wound. "'Ex' Down. Position secure."
The other soldier looked back towards the soldier looking over the body, as he picked the body up from the ground and prepared to drag the man by his shoulders. He stopped, picked up the helmet, and placed it on the mans head loosely, before dragging him further.
Who was it? He wasnt Aleardian, but he wasnt a native. Were there other troops on the island?
"Identity?" Command radioed in to the soldiers earphone, shocking him slightly, the adrenaline pumping round his body. He didnt respond. "Soldier, identity?"
"Unknown." He dumped the body, the rain pelting down the dead mans face, washing the blood away to mix with the mud.
The man was dead. Hopefully that would be the last of the horrorfying encounters. But there were no guarantees on these islands. After the terror the people went through.
The men wanted to ask the locals if they knew who this man was, but without their translator all they could do was point and make a puzzled face and shrug their shoulders, hoping for a response they could understand.
The idea to give the man an ear piece was rejected, but now the mistake had shown itself. The unknown was well and truly dead, but the rain continued to pour down, and they just lay a cover over him, the hospital full and transport out of the village grounded until the bad weather ceased.
Whoever this man was, he had put an Aleardian troop into a position where he has to fight for his life. This, by Aleardian Force Dogma, was what he justly deserved.
Finally by morning the tropical rains had passed leaving scatterd clouds. Ayla had fallen asleep in the tent with the little girl still in her arms. No one had disturbed them during the night possibly because of the storm, or it was meere storage area. She walked outside to see the morning sun rise
OOC: Where is Ayla at the moment? I may have glanced over it.
IC:
It seemed the storm had done more damage than the troops ever thought it would. That may have been because they were half expecting to just see out the storm and carry on as normal, without interruption. Little did they know.
The man had been moved before the villagers awoke, but he wasnt far from where he lay for the night. The lorries still couldnt leave the area, so the drivers helped out around the village. Some villagers huts seemed in more disrepair than they had been on the troops arrival. They fetched the building supplies from stores, and began to patch up.
A wind-up radio sat next to three men working on one hut, and they were pleasantly suprised to have found a signal all the way out there.
(OOC: She's near the edge of your base of operations of Corona she'll be making way into the interior where she will meet you all. She's offically Island Cheif with the disappearance of her husband)
The storm had taken down a few huts, and some of the soldiers were nice enough to repair them. Others tried to dig the APC's out of the mud and sand. The locals were facinated by the radio commnuication has always been extremly limited. Ayla still carrying the small girl made her way to the village. IT looked like everyone else was here. "Mama!" The girl jumped down and ran to her mother. "Mikochin!" The two embraced each other Ayla smiled happy the girl found her mother again.
Command descended down from on high, a helicoptor one mile away dropping them off. The two men of Corona Division, along with ten troops, walked into the village, glad to see some friendly faces. Soldiers stopped and saluted the two men, who casually returned the gesture.
"Sergeant."
"General Kilone." The two men stood to attention and saluted one another, and Kilone turned and looked about to see the work going on.
Suddenly his eye caught Ayla. The storm and the firefight had bought the Corona Command into the village, to assess the situation. Kilone turned to Haart, the other general. They each looked at each other, then strode forward to greet Ayla. Haart extended his hand in a gesture of good will.
"General Haart, Ma'am."
"Ayla Turell, I'm Village Cheif of Corona. Thank you, thank you for comming to help us all. Other than the storm last night have you had any trouble on the island?"
"We are afraid we had an incident last night during the storm. A man of unknown identity was shot by our forces, after he fired at one of our men. We hope someone can tell us who he is. Apart from that, nothing has happened that wasnt planned. Ive yet to speak to the men here in the village personally though."
"Oh dear, I'm very sorry. It is a posbility it could have been a native. We've seen so much horrible things, the thought of invasion scares us so. I assure you I am trying to comfort and reasure you are here to help us. Things will probably get easier once you make it to Aurora. I know this hasn't been easy for me, since my husband was taken away."
"Im sorry for your loss, I truly am. War is such a terrible thing. Sure, we may be the tools of war, but we are men, men enough to admit the truth about war.
This man though, he was armed, and he had military equipment. We have reason to think he is not native, unless he stole this stuff from one of the invaders? You are welcome to see the man. However, prepare yourself if you do."
"Has he been shot dead? I am no stranger to the sight of death. I can take it. I will see if I can identify him as a native Coronan."
OOC: Ill reply tomorrow. I have my last exam in the morning, I need sleep.
IC:
"He was, unfortunately. Its what had to be done. If he is Coronan, I hope you can forgive my men."
Haart showed Ayla to the lorry, where the body had been placed. He grabbed the sheet, and prepared to pull it back. He looked at Ayla, looking for some approval that she was ready. His equipment lay next to his body, obvious to see.
(OOC: Okiedokie)
Ayal examined the man. "Oh dear, I'm regretfull to say he is Cornonan. I am sorry you were attacked, I understand you did what you had to do. I hope there won't be too many rough bumps the in the road."
"Me neither. Our translator has gone missing, and we are finding it hard to communicate with the people. A search party has gone looking for him, as we felt troops could be spared."
-----
Samuel Lekerjerker was a sailor in the Aleardian Navy, born the son of foreign parents. Water brushed his thighs. He opened his eyes and looked about. A sore head and symptoms of a bad night the night before plagued him, but he had had no rough night. The sand beneath him was golden and in any other situation, he would remember the place to bring his family to next holiday. However, thoughts like this were of his last concern. The smell of the sea water, and the noise of the water lapping up onto the beach reminded him of home, on the privatised beaches or southern Aleard.
"Where am I?" Suddenly thoughts of the hidden rocks tearing through the hull of his ship, and water gushing in to the lower decks where he worked. Was he stranded?
He stood and looked about him again, before deciding to retreat from the sun and find some life. Maybe there were people on the island who could help, but where he was, he was unsure. He had a one in five chance of guessing an island, but he was in no mood for guessing games. Not without a wager at any rate.
Suddenly pain ripped through him, the epicentre his left thigh. He placed his hand on it, and looking down saw his uniform ripped and his leg bloody. He started once again on his agnosing walk to shade. He brushed some sand from his hair with the other hand. The world seemed to go dark, and then it returned again. Darkness came over him once more, and he felt himself falling.
Samuel hit the ground, unconscious.
Maria and her daughter Catalina were searching for driftwood on the beaches. The storm tore their hut apart last night and they needed to fix it. Maria and Catalina were both neko. "Mommy, look!" Catalina found the body of Samuel. "Cat," Maria ran. She listend and could hear him breathing. She lifted him up over his soldiers. "Come sweetie were going to head back. Maria took him back to their hut and she lied him down. "Catalina please get me a cold cloth. Thanks babe." Maria applied the cloth to the forehead of Sam.
___
Ayla was worried. "I hope he's found safe. If you would like I can serve as your guide. The people here really trust me so I may be of vital use."
"Its not whether he returns safely that is our biggest concern. It is the fact that he may be a danger to others.
-----
Samuel opened his eyes once more, the stinging from his leg a reminder of what had happened. He closed his eyes, and opened them again. Through all his memory, he couldnt remember arriving at a house. He sat up, and looked to his left, catching a glimpse of Catalina. His arm gave way under him and he fell back into the position he awoke.
He moaned from the pain.
That struck a never with Ayla. "Find him please."
____
"You're awake." Maria said. "Take it easy sir you've been through a rough time it seems. Cat, baby would get me the basin?"
Catalina obeyed. "Here drnink some water."
"He is one of you as well as this man," Haart pointed to the lorry holding the body amongst other things. "But for some reason, he has deserted and we will make every attempt to bring him back. He is a civilian in the force but for his crimes he will be tried in a military tribunal. A seven man team is looking now."
"Is there any way off the island for a normal person?" Kilone appeared beside Haart and Ayla.
-----
"Where.. How.. Who.."
Samuel slowed down, seeing the peoples faces. "Where am I? My ship, it run aground. Wheres the rest of the crew? Who are you?"
"He is one of you as well as this man," Haart pointed to the lorry holding the body amongst other things. "But for some reason, he has deserted and we will make every attempt to bring him back. He is a civilian in the force but for his crimes he will be tried in a military tribunal. A seven man team is looking now."
"Is there any way off the island for a normal person?" Kilone appeared beside Haart and Ayla.
-----
"Where.. How.. Who.."
Samuel slowed down, seeing the peoples faces. "Where am I? My ship, it run aground. Wheres the rest of the crew? Who are you?"
"The only way to leave the island is by boat. If he's native than he will know how to leave by boat."
_________
"My name is Maria. You are on the beaches of Animalpolis. I found you and brought you to my home. This is my little girl Catalina."
"Well, hes been away from the isles for a few years now. I believe he came from Animalpolis originally. We didnt want the translators to be emotionally attached. Perhaps hes gone back home. But why the weapon?"
It seemed like one big puzzle for command to figure out.
-----
"You're very kind. Im already feeling a lot," Samuel began to black out again, but awoke. "Feeling a lot.. better." He smiled at the two people.
"Take it easy." Maria said. "Best you stay here for a while. I'll be right back okay. Cat, keep an eye on him all right?"
"Yes ma'ma."
Maria left the hut. She had to gather dinner. She didn't manage to gather enough drfit wood to fix the hut so if it stormed again it would be pretty wet. But it was late and she needed to catch fish while they were close to shore.
It seemed to Samuel that the way of life these people led was primitive. He found it quite fascinating. However, at the same time he was noticing things that were wrong. One distinct part of the hut was in desperate need of repair, unless it was an intentional window.
"I will help them when I can, its the least I can do until Im rescued." Thought Samuel on the bed.
He remained deep in thought about the ship, his being stranded, the people who had taken him in, the relief operation and his family back home.
Things were seeming to calm down on Corona. People were becomming more used with the soliders. A native islander was conversing with Ayla telling her to coax a few soldiers to come with him to a cove. "Pardon me sir, he thinks you should gather a few and follow him down to the cove. He says he might have found something in the water you might want to see."
______
Maria came back to the hut with an arm full of fish. She lit a fire under a what seemed to be a home-made grill. It was a good way to keep smoke out of the hut. She fried the fish and set it on a giant palm leafe with barries surrounding it. The faint sound of thunder filled the night air, Maria paid it little mind. "Are you feeling all right, sir?" She asked the solider.
Four men assembled by the man a bit later in the day, and they waited for him to leave. The village scene had changed quite considerably, the lorries had left and the queue by the medical facility was non-existant. Some of the medical staff had started planting trees around the village as part of the reforestation scheme, a ring about five deep. They cordoned the area off and joint others in building work.
-----
"Im feeling good thank you." He looked down at his leg which appeared to be healing, but still in no good state. The pain was largely gone.
The villager led the small group down to the cove. Ayla was included. "He says he saw body floating pinned against the rocks. He can't swim so he can't retrive it."
____
"I'm glade to hear that. But if I may..." She opend the pant leg and observed the wound. She pourd a little water on it and rubbed barrie juices on it. "That should help." The remaning light faded out of the cabin as the sun set behind the storm clouds on the horizion. fell and Maria lit the lone lantern that lit the hut. It was quite dim. She filled a medium sized round wooden tub with heated water. "It's time for you bath Catalina."
Catalina obeyed. Removing her clothes she hopped in, and Maria scrubbed her down. "Hold still honey."
"I have soap in my eyes."
"You wouldn't if keep your eyes closed."
"Good God!" One of the soldiers exclaimed at seeing the body. Little did he expect to see what he saw, and immediately began to remove clothing to swim out to the rock.
"When did you find this man?" A soldier asked the local as a splash covered them in spray.
-----
Samuel knew what was right and wrong, and politely turned his head and closed his eyes. During this time, he fell asleep, so he couldnt remember anything that happened. The next morning he woke and rose his leg to see if he could. He shifted his body weight and twisted out of the bed. Finding he could just about walk on it, he hobbled out of the doorway, and into the sun. Raising one arm over his eyes to block out the light, he marvelled at natures beauty. He hadnt noticed it on his arrival, but it was far from the war torn landscape that his superiors had described. The people were not scared of him, and the trees stood tall.
Maybe this was one island that hadnt been touced by war, or one small part of an island. He wasnt sure. He made a mental note to ask Maria when he saw her. Since they were not inside the hut, he sat down and let nature flow around him. It was peaceful, the distant crashing of waves on the shoreline, and the smell of wild flowers that filled his nose, all of varying colour and description.
Everything around him being nice reminded him of how groggy he himself felt. Touching his face he felt that he was far from clean shaven, and feeling his hair told him that it was greasy. He sighed. Maybe they could afford to let him wash. At this moment he remembered his supplies that he had grabbed on his way off the ships edge and into the ocean. Hitting a jagged edge of the rock, and the searing pain. Had he dropped the supplies? Were they washed up with him?
He stood up and walked back into the hut to await the return of Maria and Catalina.
"He says not to long ago. He thinks the sharks may have already gotten to him but not badly quite yet."
______
As he drifted off to sleep Maria helpt cat out of the tub. Maria removed her own clothes and bathed her self.
"Think we should ckean him ma'ma?"
"Not tonight baby girl. He's still in a quite a bit of pain; it's best not to move him to much."
Thunder crashed with bright flashes of lightining. Maria finished her bath quickly to get Cat to bed. The hut was shaking badly in the storm. Maria hopped it would hold, she hadn't had the time to retrive enough wood to stabalize it after the last storm. She and Cat climbed into bed together.
"Is the hut going to collapse ma'ma?"
"I hope not sweetheart."
Thunder and lighting was quick and constant. Maria began to hum a lullby. It did baffle why he averted his gaze like that. Nudity was very common on the islands. The stanger certianlly did baffle her. Now her thoughts turned to that of her husband. She missed him dearly. He was one of the freedom fighters to hold off the landing of RedTiden Soldiers. She quickly drifted off to sleep. She and Catalina woke early the next morning. Before dawn had even broken. "Come on sweetie we have to gather more wood this time, and resteady the home." They departed. As dawn rose they returned with more wood this time. "Set it down right there honey."
She went inside to see her guest was awake. "Your awake, I see. How are you feeling sir?"
"Im feeling a lot better thank you. I was wondering, can I ask you a few questions? And is it possible for me to wash somewhere?"
-----
The soldier came back above water near the rocks, looking about to find himself facing the rocks. He pulled the body away from the rocks, ripping the shirt, and swam with it on top of him back to the land. Pulling the body out of the water, he walked back to his clothes and picked them up. The other men looked at the body. "Who is this man?"
The face was trashed and unrecognisable, and the body was covered in blood. They searched his pockets for ID and papers, any clues. "What do you make of this?" One soldier handed some soggy papers to the sergeant.
"This man seems to be Aleardian."
"Of course you may ask questions, I will answer anything I can. And yes there is a hotspring further into to the jungle. It not far very close. Would you like me to lead you there?"
_______
"Hmm I don't know," Ayla said "His skin, it seems quite tan. It's possbile he's an islander. He could be a stray fisherman who got overwhelmed." Ayla explored, further. Her hands rubbed over she saw a lone mark. It was unusual mark but it looked familiar to her almost like....She paused. "This is...." Her voice began to quaver, tears formed at her eyes. "This is Kino." Her husband Kino who disappeard. "Kino....My Kino." She couldn't utter as she broke out sobbing.
"Could you, please? I shall ask my questions on the way."
-----
One of the soldiers turned to another, and asked "what was he doing with Aleardian papers?", so that Ayla couldnt hear. She seemed distraught.
It was a very good question, what had happened? The Aleardians came onto the island after he had dissapeared, so who had obtained Aleardian papers and placed them on his body? The sergeant turned to the men, clearly asking the same questions. He turned to Ayla, and placed his hand on her shoulder. It was the best attempt at consoling her that he could manage.
"Follow me then." She led him out of the Hut and into the Jungle. Awating his questions.
_____
(OOC: there will be an additonal news thread regarding Kino's discovery)
"Milady Shino...." It was an island worker that came to her with sorrow and urgency in his voice
"What's happend?"
"They found Cheif Kino. I'm afraid he's dead Milady."
"Ayla, is she all right?"
"She's in deep despair."
"Please excuse me."
"Certianlly."
Shino left. She changed from her typical white clothes, into a black outfit. Her eyes turned to a card with the number of a news reporter on it. There was a satalite phone dropped off to her.
"Was this part of the island touched by the war? It seems that the forest was not touched by bombing. What island is this?"
-----
A helicoptor hovered just above the ground as a defensive manoeuvre, and awaited the body of Kino. He would be taken safely and quickly to a place of rest, and there was space enough for the squad and Ayla. Despite not knowing the man, the squad were upset. Somehow they invisiged Kino as a man who was a symbol of the island, a light bearer in times of darkness.
For this moment at least, the light seemed to have been extinguished. The island somehow, looking over it from the air, didnt quite seem the same. Even in death the man had an air of command, and of greatness, apparent by just being with him. Maybe it was because of something they had overheard from people, or maybe it was truly because of the man he was.
The helicoptor started to descend.
"You are on the south shores of Animalpolis. While an insurgency did attempt, they were largely unsucesfull. Following that a large hurricane came through. "
"The part of the island we're on seems pretty untouched. Thats why I asked. Also, you didnt find anything on the beach that could have been mine, did you? They could be helpful to me, and to you if they washed ashore with me."
Samuel stepped over a tree root, and could faintly hear the sound of water.
"I'm afraid I did not find anything. Just you." They came to the spring. "Here you are. It's not too hot so don't worry and there's no sulfer."
As a navigator on the ship, Samuel didnt know anything about chemicals and whatever else, but he just feigned understanding the lack of sulpher. "Thanks, I think I can find my own way back if you need to go do something?"
"Okay." She turned and left, just incase she left a few markers along the trail.
____
Kino's body was respectfully zipped up in a body bag and loaded into the helicopter. THe islanders had gatherd to pay their last respects to their Cheif.
Ayla was nelt down before the Village Elder. THe last remaning Elder. He survived the bombing he survived the invasion. They spoke only in the native tounge {"Ayla, Kino was quite the man for these islands"}
{"Yes Elder."}
{"You Ayla, he loved you more than his life. He loved you since the day of your courting. And his soul will love you for the days end. Kino would have it no other way than to not only make you Village Cheif,"} (which is Cheif of the entire island) "{But to chose you as the persiding Elder. I Will not be around forever Ayla. You must chose your sucessors in the traditons that we chose Kino and cheifs before him. I am the last of the Elders Ayla, now it is up to you.}"
{"Yes Elder. You put me to the test and I will pass,}"
{"Not this time Ayla. You won't be put through the test Kino was."}
{"I must Elder. As respect to my husband...."}
{"You have a test Ayla. Your test is to resoter the islands bueaty of the divine. Bring the people out of fear out of pain. So that children may live. That is your test Ayla."} Ayla understood. It was now up to her to bring Crona not only to peace with it's self but to be apart of the United States.
{"Yes Elder. I understand."}
{"Good Ayla. Rember your duties."}
Ayla gave the elder a kiss on his cheek. She left the hut and the elder faded out for good
After washing, Samuel put his clothes back on and began to walk back to the hut. He decided to take a detour along the beach, to search for anything that might be his, or of some use.
-----
The two commanders were still in the village, and when they heard the news of Kino having Aleardian papers, alarm bells began to ring. Who had done this and why? Which soldiers papers were they? Where was the soldier?
They would have to find out, and asking Ayla would be important. When would be appropriate though? Asking questions about her husbands death straight after his body is found is not exactly courteous. Military training didnt prepare them for such things. The price of armed service in Aleard was lack of feeling where others would know what to do. Touchy-feely things werent something they were used to after years of service.
As night fell a the islanders gatherd to show their acceptance of Ayla and lay rest to the body of the Village Elder, who passed on just as Ayla left. They gatherd wood and created a large bonfire. A few soldiers were kind enough to make the process easier with some gasoline and matches. But before hand they placed the body of the Elder on the stack of wood.
"Our last Village Elder has passed. This was the last of the five. The last five that chose my Kino as your leader."
Cheeres let out, Ayla had to fight back tears. "He has seen fit to put me in the Rank of Kino. But I can not be Kino. I'm not as brave, I'm not as strong, I'm not as wise as Kino. But I can be the leader he would want me to be. I can chose the ones that will come after me. Now let us send out elder to the divine realms. Farwell Elder, you will be never forgotton."
The fire was lit.
Somehow the warmth of the fire seemed fitting to the occasion, as a symbol of the warmth of the man. He seemed caring from what the soldiers had seen.
Haart was inside while it was all going on, trying to find which soldier had their papers stolen. Unfortunately the papers had beenr removed from their case (which all soldiers were required to carry) and so had become wet. The ink had run. He cared not for funerals, he had been to many and they became much the same. It was true the military had turned him into a cold hearted beast, but it was the only life he knew. His wife had left him with his children three years into marriage, and taken half of what he owned from him. He would sometimes refuse leave and stay in barracks so that he didnt have to go home to nothing. Death became part of his everyday life, and he was meant to be on leave while this operation was going on. However, it was peace work and he had begged his superiors to let him be on duty.
"H.. A.. Is that an R or an B? Hmm.." Things like this kept him amused. He looked up sharply to see a soldier at the entrance to the building. "Yes?"
"Sir. The soldier who was shot in the village, he is not looking good, and needs to be taken home for proper medical care sooner than planned. Can we organise this?"
"I should think so. A vessel to Animalpolis and a plane out. Should be fine. You have my permission to organise it."
"Sir." The soldier turn to leave.
"Soldier! Ah yes. Do we have any soldiers on the island with names beginning 'HA'?"
"Theres a few, but I can check our records."
"Please. Can I have a list of all of the personel when you can."
"Sir."
"When are these strangers going to leave?" Asked a neko girl to her boyfreind.
"I wish I knew Keiko."
"I don't trust them. These look like the same ones that experimented on me when I was a kid."
"Keiko you don't know that for sure."
"Well they're military. No military can be trusted."
"Don't worry. Too much."
(ooc: sorry don't have much else to post at this point)
OOC: No worries.
IC:
"The President is asking after our work here. He may pay a visit to Ayla."
"Must be a slow week in politics." The two men laughed, before pulling off a new batch of trees from the lorry for replantation.
While it was true that a visit was being planned, it was not true that it was a slow week. The public did not receive the news of a wounded soldier and one soldier missing in a peace operation well. A minority were calling for troops to be withdrawn, because of cost and loss of life, all of course on top of the normal day to day runs of a man in power.
Thomson stood strong. He rebuked these people, and said to the public that relief efforts would go on. He also said about Red Tide, and how they are a tyrant, and in doing what they are doing, they are 'defying the tyrants of their mortal victory'.
Observing the two men was Haart. After the death of the village elder, he would leave and head back to command. He hoped having Ayla in power would mean the relief efforts could go on unhindered. The puzzle still remained of the possible missing soldier though, and how it was leaked to the press nobody knows. News crews were denied access by their not being able to reach the islands, as the military clearances for aircraft were for military use only. The only way was by ship, and that took time. No doubt reporters would be on the islands soon. Haart wanted them gone, so that they could get on with their work.
He wanted to talk to Ayla before he left. He found her in a hut, guided by his men to her location. "Hey. How are you? I trust you're well?"
"Welcome, yes I am doing fine. What is it I can help you with?" Ayla asked.
"Im leaving the village and the island soon, Im afraid. I wanted to ask you a few things first though. You know your husband was found with Aleardian papers, I want to know if you have any ideas how."
"He was? That is odd. I wish I knew how that happend, it could be one of a many things. I don't suppose you have previous connections to RedTide2 do you? Unless by some method the papers floated into his pockets."
"We do not. We have had no diplomatic relations with them, and our military power has not crossed lines. No. This man was carrying papers from a missing soldier on this island. We just dont know where our man is."
"I wish I could help. But I just don't know how this could have happend."
"Ah well. I guess we shall find him eventually, or get told of his whereabouts however it is." The thought of a terrorist style video occured to Haart. This thought made him sick.
"Im going back to command tomorrow morning. My work here is done for now. The troops will be moving out of the village soon, but we are leaving a detached unit behind for protection and general help. Where would you advise we head next? We know surrounding villages, but we know not of their situation."
"There are still islands in need. I think you should move onto Hoshino, besides our selves that is the most war ravaged island."
Two weeks later, after relatively little occuring, troops began to arrive from two different islands on Hoshino. Permanent garrisons remained on the islands already serviced, but troops were still left to travel. Despite the war in Hayord, the operation was kept at full strength. They would see it out to the end.
Naval vessels began to appear off the coast of Hoshino, and the men were growing tired. The same old sights and duties, it was all too repetitive. They only had themselves who could speak English or Aleardian, so conversation was the same as it was in the barracks. Many soldiers wished themselves in Hayord, due to most soldiers natural urge for war and the fight.
Command knew this, and was keen to do anything to keep the men in check.
(sorry vacation)
Hoshino began to feel it was under seige again. The first from communist rebles, the second from foreing invadors. Mayanna had lost her sister in the brutal shellings of the islands. She was angry about it, and she had no one to blame but her self. a Lethal combination. Hoshino only had one stable leader and he was killed before it could happen. She was angry and she wanted revenge against someone. She could make that happen, and now these strangers were here yet again.
"I'm Miko Misorashi." A girl said in heavily accented English. "I'll be your translator."
Landing craft deposited troops on a beach, where they rushed off and awaited supplies and further orders. The same would happen, they would go to the worst hit villages and offer medication and aid in rebuilding. It was not a soldiers life. Why werent civilians employed?
Nevertheless, they prepared incase of attack on the beach.
Miko urged the people to line up for food and other medicin. "There they should all be ready for you. Watch closely some of them may be armed."
Food was rationed heavily for now, until supplies could arrive. However, it was probably more than the people were getting at the moment so they wouldnt have complained. Diluted tablets were given, and injections after they had eaten. After the warnings, every person was searched before they entered, and armed guards stood surveying every single person.
They almost tried to urge someone on, so they could eliminate the threat. Perhaps their surveillance was too overkeen.
The sun began to beat down. Miko brought home-made cantines of water for the soldiers and people. Mayanna just sat poised. She wanted to strike but she could tell security was tight. This was a suicide mission that was for sure but she wanted to kill as many of the people that took her sister that she could. Her anger and thirst for revenge was blinding her so much she did not realize these were diffrent people. People that wanted to help.
The guards had a contented feeling that nothing would happen, given their strong presence, but if they felt pressured they were given the order to subdue anyone necessary. At least fifty faces must have flashed past Sergeant Booker already, and each one seemed starved of something, and in desperate need of the help.
Never once had he noticed a single person look up, probably due to fear of raising suspicion, except Mayanna. He followed her with his eyes, and radioed it in. He saw another soldiers eyes become wider and trace through the crowd to her. They would do nothing more, but she wasnt keeping eye contact from them, she was almost confronting them. In the event of attack, all hell would break loose.
They knew that.