Anomalous Trip (Part II)

[slicsinatra]

“We are good. Just let me know when and where you need me and it will get done. Let’s get them home.”

[Dragnoxz]

Captain Davis: “Right. I guess get familiar with the town, just don’t get too close to the locals. We are immune to diseases here, but they may not be immune to what we may have. We’ll talk soon. I’m going to get some rest.” He says, as if he’s already laying down and grunting from twisting from his side to his back. “Oh, one more thing. If your internal temp begins to increase, that means you need to rest. We’ve been up for about two earth days, I think. That’s constant stimulation and working the body. The nano-drones can only do so much to repair tissue, but we do need sleep. There’s a tavern just to the north and one just to your west. I’m just next door to the one to your north across the street. There’s a bunch of tents and townsfolk selling s***. We don’t have their currency, or an exchange here haha. In other words, don’t be buying s*** you can afford, haha. The town is secure, but keep your eyes open for thieves and shady merchants.”

Out of nowhere, the Mk-19 discharges at the west side opening. Two more shots discharge. (Do you inspect the room it came from ?)

[slicsinatra]

I do go check it out.

[Dragnoxz]

There’s a GPEO Army Sargent manning it, taking careful aim at something along the tree line. He aims slightly up and to the right and pops one more. In the background you notice dust kicked up from the last few shots and the impact of the one he just fired. You don’t see anything but he fire sure seems to see something. His radio sounds.

Radio: “Hold fire for now. They’re still in the area so stay posted.”

GPEO Sgt.: “Standing by.” He continues to watch the tree line intently. At least you know the place is fully secure with very intimidating explosive rounds wherever someone might try to enter. “What’s your business here ?” He asks with a fairly intimidating voice. He is about 6’7” tall and looks fairly fit. He’s African American and lean muscular.

2nd Lt. Lakeland: “We were going to ask you the same.” The man glances back briefly before looking back to the tree line.

GPEO Sgt. “Sargent Bo. Didn’t realize someone was up here. Y’all just lookin, or you spottin ?”

2nd Lt. Lakeland: “Couple of officers here, Inspectin.”

Sargent Bo: “Oh, well don’t let me get in your way, ma’am. Could use better optics.”

2nd Lt. Lakeland: “Not that kind of inspectin. Just here, checking the layout of the land.”

Sargent Bo: “Yes ma’am.” He looks back again. “Oh, y'all SPOND.” He acknowledges as he turns to focus on the tree line again.

It’s a gunner doing his job. The atmosphere is active with lots of things going on at the same time. Enemy continuously picks at the defense lines, defense line personnel continuously observe potential threat areas and is constantly doing friend or foe identifying, locals are doing their thing. Even the insects and animals are doing their thing. 

[slicsinatra]

“Yea we are. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. Last couple days have me a little jumpy at least. I’m going to get around the town tomorrow. But if you need a spotter for a little bit I can oblige.” I walk further in the room.

[Dragnoxz]

2nd Lt. Lakeland: “I’m going to a tavern to sleep. You have my locator active. Come get me when you need me or it’s time to go. Don’t bother me otherwise.” She walks out and down the steps.

Sargent Bo: “Got a spotter. If you look down there by the road. Count about twelve road width from the tree line, or a tree and a half from it, that little bump is the spotter for that spot.” He points out to you, and on FLIR you barely pick him up, because the camouflage is also anti-thermal. You see a few targets past the tree line scurrying around, two running away as one limps away, but then they are out of view.

[slicsinatra]

“Ahh gotcha. Well I’m going to go get some rest. Thanks for what you’re doing. Hate to ask this but what’s their currency here? I really need some type of inebriating beverage and I don’t have their money.” I chuckle.

[Dragnoxz]

Sargent Bo: “Don’t do it.” He shakes his head with a serious expression. “Yo, we don’t have trade with this place. It’s strictly business here. Command has strict policy on substance use. We all on duty while we hear. This ain’t no vacation.”

[slicsinatra]

“Sheesh I was partially kidding. I understand though. I was more so curious what they even have here. But either way, I need to go pass out. Happy hunting.”

[Dragnoxz]

Sargent Bo: “Aight. Sweet dreams, sir.” He goes back to his focused observation. His vigilance displays a significant meaning to how intense and alert one must be to conduct just a simple watch duty here.

The town appears to always be under threat. Without a tracer shot to aid the enemy in locating the shooter, the grenade launchers provide a nice defense, and the hidden spotters right next to the potential flood of enemy warriors keeps the enemy guessing as to what magic is at play when they’ve been spotted and fired upon long before they reach the tree line. The endless warriors that chased you before could be just outside of the Mk-19 range. The town is most likely the last point of friendly land this side of the river.

New uplink request by Major Neltz. Do you accept ?

[slicsinatra]

I answer.

[Dragnoxz]

What do you answer ? Accept or decline ?

[slicsinatra]

accept

[Dragnoxz]

It takes about 4 minutes to fully download to your device. It’s a big file. It’s organized, but deep. The file reads “R-2017-0847.”

[slicsinatra]

I open the file to read.