Anomalous Trip (Part II)

[Dragnoxz]

Female Soldier: "Tired? You SPOND don't tire."

Sgt. Bo: "Well, look at him. Scars, wounds, camouflage bandages, dirt and muck all over his face and uniform, dusty shoes, his digital camo on his leg is glitching all to s***." He nods, his smile showcasing his pearly white teeth. "He's tired, like a tank that just survived a fight with a fleet of ships." Taking a sip from the soup, he suddenly pauses, catching the attention of the female soldier.

Female Soldier: "Huh ? What ?" She gives him a scowling expression, almost anticipating an insult.

Sgt. Bo: "You forgot the garlic." His momentary frown creates a brief pause in the atmosphere before transforming into a smile.

Female Soldier: "I knew you'd have something to say about it." She shoots back, acting insulted but with a hint of humor and sarcasm. "Of course it's missing the garlic, we have none."

The banter in the kitchen continues to flow effortlessly, evident in their playful remarks and teasing jibes. Amidst the lighthearted atmosphere, the weariness of the mission doesn't go unnoticed, as evident in your appearance. Though, it may not be too much of a concern, her name has yet been shared with you.

As the door casually swings open behind you, you instinctively turn your attention to the newcomer, the breeze from the door blows softly at a dried plant in a vase on the wall. At first glance, it seems like an ordinary person in a business suit, but upon closer inspection, you notice the combat boots peeking from under the tailored pants. The coal-black trousers bear the same digital camo pattern as your uniform, a subtle hint at the person's involvement in matters beyond the ordinary.

The suit jacket showcases an array of pens on the left side, neatly arranged from good to blue, then green, followed by red, and finally, black. This curious detail hints at a meticulous and organized nature. On his right hip, a pistol rests with its handle facing forward, suggesting an unconventional approach to weapon handling. The blue tie with gold trim, adorned with a Pynerian insignia tie clip, further emphasizes his affiliation and authority.

As the person strides confidently towards you, the name tag finally comes into view, bearing the title "Director." His presence commands both respect and attention, prompting the others in the room to stand at attention in silence. The female soldier places her cup on the counter softly. A palpable shift in the room's atmosphere ensues, as the weight of his presence fills the space with an undeniable sense of importance.

Director: "First Lieutenant Caston," 

The Director's entrance signals that significant matters are at hand, and the room now stands on the edge of anticipation, awaiting the reason for this esteemed figure's visit.

[slicsinatra]

I pop to attention after setting my meal safely aside. “Yes sir.” I say authoritatively but not as loud as a scream.

[Dragnoxz]

Major Neltz walks in behind the Director, flanked by a person in a flight suit. The atmosphere bristles with a sense of the unknown, as if an invisible thread of tension weaves through the room. But then, the Director's commanding voice cuts through the uncertainty, casting a reassuring aura that washes away the unease. A collective sigh of relief floods the space, mingled with feelings of positivity, victory, and triumph.

Director: "Second Lieutenant Caston. I'm here to provide you a file with your career's awards and honors, and to witness your Tactical Combat Group Leader administer your medal." With a swift motion, he hands you a flash drive, its significance signaling a treasure trove of recognition. “This can be accessed wirelessly, the code is E-Mailed to you, and can only be accessed by you.” The weight of appreciation rests upon your shoulders, a testament to your commendable contributions.

Stepping back gracefully, the Director allows Major Neltz to take center stage. The Major's presence exudes respect and admiration as he addresses you directly.

Major Neltz: "First Lieutenant Caston. I am honored to administer this award, the Medal of Freedom and Liberation to you. It is bestowed upon those who free or liberate, with unparalleled magnitude, something of high value, achieved through unwavering effort." His words hang in the air, emphasizing the gravity of the accolade you are about to receive. “You’ve liberated Farenvól, whom is vital in the effort in defeating this dimensional enemy. Without your direct involvement, the war could be lost in this dimension, which is our only connection to the hub on which our enemy spreads out to other parallel dimensions. Your service is very much appreciated.” He hands you a dark blue pin, with a silver arrow on a red shaft pointing upward next to two pillars. One blue, the other a violet. “The actual medal is at Scar Creek, since we are still out here. But this is the pin and what the ribbon looks like.” 

With each passing second, the weight of your service becomes clearer, as the room fills with gratitude and reverence for your bravery and dedication. You stand before your peers and superiors, your achievements acknowledged and celebrated. The room has transformed, now basking in the glow of your accomplishments, as the once-intense atmosphere has shifted into an atmosphere of profound pride and appreciation.

[slicsinatra]

“Thank you sir. I wouldn’t have been able to do this if it weren’t for my old team, as well as my new one. And may we honor the sacrifices of those who have come before.” I shake his hand and offer a salute, as is customary with most award ceremonies directed by a higher officer.

[Dragnoxz]

Major Neltz salutes you back, and drops his to allow you to drop yours.

Major Neltz: “Likewise. Winning the war will ensure these losses are not in vein. Now, let’s go to The Map room.”

Director: “Letz.” The director walks out first, and turns immediately left. Neltz follows. The man in a pilot suit also follows.

You all end up in The Map room, which is the room of the temple where the large fire place is. A new tapestry style map is unrolled over the large table in the middle. It shows an unfamiliar region. Two officers begin placing chess pieces on it, and each piece has flags with numbers on them.

Major Neltz: “So, you do have a picture of what’s going on in this region.” He comments. The engineering team enters the room and begins to set up posts on the parimeter of the table and at the top of each post is a sphere, with cameras and sensors.

Director:: “Just installed one on the boot and island, and Sarms wanted one too.”

A sophisticated map and sensor system is being set up.

[slicsinatra]

“I imagine this visit isn’t just for formalities. What’s next on the menu, seems like a tipping point is coming?”

[Dragnoxz]

The Director laughs hysterically, but yet with reassuring awareness.

Director: “That f**ker f**ked with thee-WRONG group of minds. And he just crossed into our crosshairs, and we keep picking him off all his forces, whittling away everything he has, confronting his power with a serious middle finger. He’s here. He’s not even a dragon. He, or it, is some form of a dimensional entity, not of the physical world. These locals call it a demon or ghost or spirit. It’s inhabiting an a**hole of a dragon, and pulled a s*** ton of copies from parallel universes, but even they have become aware of its dangers. They all seem to experience each others death when it happens. It’s a dread. Maybe all life forms do, but he experiences it.” He walks over to calibrate one of the posts, helping the engineer crews get the system set up faster.

Major Neltz: “Are we close to it being over ?”

Director: “f**k no. But here, maybe. The many versions of us will ripple out after us, and we will send key messages to them to point them in the best possible direction. Slight, subtle expressions we give will nudge the many forces we have to choose the best possible choices in combat and even in life, coalescing to focus on one moment in time, so that we achieve victory. A single baby born because of a choice could lead to a leader in these parallel universes to rise up and play out events that are key in our overall victory.” He nods. “Short answer, yes. This place will finally be freed.”

[slicsinatra]

“Well I know these people can handle it. I’ve been on the back burner here and helping where I’m needed. I may have saved Farenvoi, but I’ll tell you the real commendations belong to these enlisted soldiers and their officers. Those gunship pilots, Dixie, and the ones holding it down. Wherever I’m needed I’ll fill the need and lock this s*** down.”

[Dragnoxz]

Director: "I may be the overall Director, but that's just it. Like when you get in a car, you aim it as you drive or we fly, putting the inputs that tell the craft what to do. We are all the same make up. We all have our roles. Everyone has for sure been recognized for their service. We just fill the roles, and apply our strengths to what we do to our fullest potential. Serpent here is a badass pilot." He points at the man in a flight suit. "Neltz is a badass swordsman and frontline commander under a lot of heat. You are good at piercing the f**k out of the enemy at the core and getting out somehow."

As the Director's words hang in the air, the engineers stop what they're doing, their eyes glancing up, sensing the weight of the message he conveyed. The room falls into an intense silence, an unspoken understanding passing between those present. It's as if the impending mission has been acknowledged, a collective agreement that justice must be served.

The serious vibe in the room remains palpable, even as the Director's words seem to carry a hint of humor. However, the underlying tension betrays the gravity of the situation. Plans for retaliation and justice are quietly being formulated, each person aware of their crucial role in the operation to come.

The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, a sense of urgency pushing everyone to prepare, gathering resources and fine-tuning strategies. The engineers return to their tasks with a renewed focus, driven by the realization that they are part of something larger, a mission that demands nothing less than excellence.

Each person present knows they are part of a well-coordinated team, and the knowledge of their collective strength fuels their determination. The upcoming operation looms, and with it, the resolve to strike back against the dimensional enemy with unyielding force.

As the room hums with activity, a shared determination emerges, a unified force moving towards a common goal. Justice will be served, the enemy's grip loosened, and retaliation will be executed with precision. The Director's words serve as a catalyst, solidifying the team's purpose, and setting the stage for a momentous undertaking.

[slicsinatra]

“Well, since I’m the bullet that’s supposed to hit the heart…let’s take aim. What’s on the agenda.” I straighten my uniform. I look down at its dingy state. “I really need a wardrobe change, I look like hammered s***.” I put my hand on my forehead and chuckle.

[Dragnoxz]

Major Neltz: “Yea, you really do need a wardrobe update.” He looks over your uniform, noting the damaged digital camo portion on your leg.

Director: “Ts-on the chopper.” He looks up at Neltz, then to you, then to Serpent.

Major Serpent: “No.” He says with a Dutch accent. “It’s in the kitchen.” He points his hand toward where y’all were eating. Major Neltz nods with a smile.

Major Neltz: “Well. Prepared, aren’t we.” He looks over the map and stands more relaxed. He looks back up at you. “There’s a restroom in the kitchen. Well, it looked like one. The closet with the bucket and the stone drainage pipe. You can change there. The kitchen has water somewhere. It’s probably good for washing up with.

[slicsinatra]

“I’ll go make myself decent.” I excuse myself to grab the uniform and take my leave to the bathroom. I take a **** while I’m at it, don’t know when I’ll be able to next. I then wash my body a bit with anything clean enough in the makeshift washroom. Then I begin to put on the new uniform and accessories.

[Dragnoxz]

You have freshened up a bit. What do you do with the old uniform ?

[slicsinatra]

I put it in my pack. Could be used as a back up, or for something else. You never know.

[Dragnoxz]

Very well. You feel a chill up your spine as you reminisce what the Director said about the enemy being a dimensional being and then remember the entity you encountered in the cavern that was unable to cross the metal gate.