Chapter 16: Ultimatum

Training is common among already trained troops, as it is necessary to sharpen your dull blade, in this case, your mind and body. As you leisure around, your body will grow comfortable, and your mind in the wrong place. As soldiers, operatives, it is paramount for us to hold an effective mental state, and have our bodies ready for the worse. That requirement is even more tasking when you're an operative for the SCP Foundation, more weight on your shoulders to not die.

This is the reason why here they stand, in the middle of a scale wooden replica of Rondel city. From what he read in the briefing, Rondel is the city of scholars and magic. The most prestigious magic academy is located in Rondel, and it has been the Empire's factory for wizards and magic users. How can they make a detailed scale replica? The constant surveillance via drones for the past month. Even before the Battle For Italica, as it is dubbed now among soldiers, reconnaissance efforts had been put on Rondel.

The reason being is just that, it is the city of scholars and magic, a factory for the Empire to bring out fresh wizards and magic users. It may be an over-exaggeration as training a human in the art of something is time-consuming over literally everything else, but it's the reason why Rondel has been watched so closely. Richard was surprised, however, a full day's rest is not enough to get him back up, but now he and his original team of 5 is tasked to go to Rondel for a ground-reconnaissance mission.

Richard still thinks that magic users are not a big deal. Witnessing both Lelei and Tuka in their magic practices, they require concentration and time to conjure a spell. Finally, they are still made out of flesh and bones, bullets will still be effective against them. Even if they put up some magical barrier, every military exchange so far proves to Richard that they are practically useless. Once again, Richard can't help but feel pity for the locals, but they have a job to do and it was a necessary sacrifice for the greater good.

Richard stands in a square formation with his other four teammates; Cassie, Josh, Larry, and Roomy. Cassie to his right and Larry to his left, while Roomy stands behind him in the formation. Richard takes this time to calm himself, loosen his muscles and focus on the course. "First scenario; Ambushed Without Vehicle." Came the robotic feminine voice from the intercom, notifying them that the course is about to start. "Begins now!" And just like that, the course had begun.

Without cover and surrounded, they must maintain formation, cohesion, and commit to defending each of their fields of fire. Two shots rang out from behind Richard, telling the Lieutenant that he had gotten down one, or even two bandits. "One out!" Four shots then ring out from Cassie and once again Roomy, each one shouting how many targets they eliminated.

"Two targets down!" Cassie shouts.

"One target down!" Roomy shouts.

Richard can't waver from keeping a watch at his field of fire, keeping his eyes on a building with so many windows and an accessible rooftop. But his curiosity, and instinct as a leader want him to look back and check on the others. A wooden cut-out target pops up in one of the windows, and in the blink of an eye Richard fires two shots and takes out the target, it falling back. "One target down!" Richard saw how his bullets sparked on the seemingly wooden cut-out, looks like they're just painted as wooden cut-outs, but made out of steel or titanium.

For reasons of immersion, or trying to simulate a realistic scenario where the enemy blends into the environment, the environment in this training are bland wooden uncolored, to-scale replica buildings they had painted the steel targets. It surprises Richard, but he likes it. He supposed it fits with the reason that they have to do this with live ammunition, and perhaps with that reason too is why they go with steel cutouts. They don't want to process wooden cutouts with bullet holes in them, or tears that the bullets had made.

Larry that's beside Richard fires his weapon, with Josh following suit a moment later. They both shout their downed targets, two for Josh, and one for Larry. Cassie takes another shot as the sound of a ricocheting round echoes across the wooden city, and it would take another shot to get a solid ping. Cassie announces her small victory over the fake assailant that cropped up, but it was just the beginning. Two targets come up in Richard's field of fire, one on the rooftop and one on the bottom floor looking out the window.

Prioritizing a target is another lesson he picked up. It is crucial to identify the enemy, determine their threat level by identifying their gear, their weapon, or if any decorations or insignias are signifying their rank. Enemy anti-tank or anti-air infantrymen would be a priority alongside machine gunners, but officers are just as important as well. That said, their positioning and the scenario with varying conditions on the battlefield make the decision fall on intuition.

Not here, however. The cut-out at the bottom floor is depicted to be holding a crossbow, while the man on the top is depicted to be holding a wand. His knowledge of spell casters requiring concentration and time to cast a spell sends his aim down at the man with the crossbow. Pressing down on the trigger he fires a single shot on the crossbowman cut-out, nailing the target right in the forehead. Quickly afterward he shifts his weapon up and has it trained on the mage, pressing the trigger again he fires two shots for precaution, then the mage goes down. "Two targets down!" Richard declared.

The training continues to go smoothly. A few mess-ups on several of Richard's team's sides, but the 'Ambushed Without Vehicle' training goes on without a hitch. Man, that thing's a mouthful, Richard prompts to just call it the AWV Course, or would 'section' be more fitting? The AWV is only one out of possible tens of different scenarios, yeah, AWV Section sounds fitting. "The Ambushed Without Vehicle Scenario is complete, return to the prep room and prepare for the next scenario.

Josh lets out a sigh of relief as old man Larry lets out a heavy huff. Their grinds and gears oiled back up after the Battle For Italica and are ready for the next scenario. Cassie is indifferent, checking on her rifle and doing some quick maintenance checks. Roomy holds his rifle above his shoulder, casually walking back to the prep room. "Dammit! I could've gotten that last one in a single shot!" Josh whined, disappointed in his performance at the last moment.

Richard came from behind Josh and pats the young Corporal on the back with a smile, getting Josh to walk to the prep room as well with Larry behind them. Richard doesn't have anything to say to Josh, and feels like that pat on the back with his smile is enough to tell Josh that he did his best. Besides it's only the first scenario, Josh can redeem himself in the next few scenarios they need to go through. Larry, however, speaks from behind them and piques Richard's interest, looking back at the Sergeant.

"Hhmm." The Sergeant first grumbled with one hand on his chin, looking down at the ground. "I think I'm developing tunnel vision, I couldn't see my peripheral vision very clearly. It… can't be good." Larry complained about his condition, disappointed as well. Looks like old age is starting to get into the aging Sergeant, with tunnel vision slowly developing. The old man really must retire, but it would go against Larry's interests.

Richard stops his walk and lets Josh go onward. Richard starts his walk again once the Sergeant caught up to him, walking beside the Sergeant with a solemn, sympathetic smile and an almost worried look. "Looks like old age is starting to take its toll on you," Richard remarked, keeping at pace with the Sergeant.

It's clear to Richard that the old man doesn't want to admit that he is getting weaker day by day, his old age and obvious weakening physical and mental state are bright as day, but the old man starts to look a little bit desperate. Through the years Richard has been with the Sergeant, he observed Larry has gotten sloppier, more sluggish, and much easier to get fatigued. It's simply the complications of old age, but the Sergeant still insists on being a man of steel. "You know it's alright to retire, right Larry?"

"Retire?" Larry looks up at the Lieutenant, his brows furrowed in frustration. As if Richard had insulted Larry. "Retire my ass, I'm just as good as I was in College. Don't mock me, Lieutenant, I'm still strong and capable in my position." Larry replied with the coarseness in his voice.

"Let's talk about it later then." Richard ends the conversation, not wanting to push the Sergeant and add fuel to the fire, and also because they just entered the prep room. It's a cool, air-conditioned room and is fitted out like a small armory. Prep tables in white with wall lockers and a weapons cabinet, there are benches for operatives to sit down and rest themselves after training, there's even a couch. Only a single couch though, Richard can imagine the comical fights for the sacred couch.

After taking off his heavy gear and leaving on himself are his fatigues and uniform, Richard turns towards the all-mighty, comfy-looking red couch. He makes his way over, only to have Josh, the slithering snake, hop over from the corner of Richard's eyes and occupy the couch before Richard can touch it. "Dibs!" Josh declared triumphantly to not only Richard but the rest of the team. Richard looks on, dramatically putting on a dejected face, with Cassie chiming in with her small giggling.

Richard finishes his performance by raising a fist to his face, glaring at Josh in a joking manner. He sighs and turns to where the benches are in the room, and takes a seat beside Cassie. The bench itself is not cushioned, with only a hard surface to hold a person's body, but somewhere to sit is always appreciated. Richard watched Roomy's eyes before the esteemed driver of the team threw a water bottle to Richard, and another to Cassie. Then Roomy gives the rest of the team one bottle as well.

The silence that ensues in the prep room gives Richard some peace. Except for the barracks at night, there's nowhere Richard can go to get some peace and quiet. Sure he can rent out a Humvee again and go out into the forest, but seeing how it turned out last time he's reluctant to do it again. Richard lets out a sigh, his shoulders loosening and his body leaning back on the bench. They have around 10 minutes being inside the prep room, while the maintenance team sets up the replica for the second scenario.

Richard looks down on the ground, a bottle of water in hand on his lap, and gets into deep thought. As the leader of the team, Richard lacks some… rallying skills. Sure he's good at barking orders and giving out responses, but the last person he had uplifted with his words would be a kid. Now, unsure if the others think the silence is awkward, Richard starts feeling like the silence is awkward. Waiting around for 10 minutes without any stimulant would make someone restless, and it looks like the young Josh is getting bored already.

"...You all did great in the battle." Richard's initial words are picked up by the team, their heads turning towards the Lieutenant. "You all did your part very well, and the battle couldn't have gone any better. Roomy, your driving got us five to the North Gate quickly. Larry, your supporting fire got Rory out of more harm. And Cassie, you helping with the injured helped tremendously. And Josh, while you may not have been with us, guarding the East Gate as ordered already shows to me how good of a soldier you are."

Richard's words must have hit something in the team's heads because as he finished they all started smiling in appreciation and admiration. "Never in my career would I want to be surrounded more with during these situations, and thank you all for being a part of the team" Richard realized his words sounded crooked a little, stiff and while coming from a good place, may sound forced. Larry must've noticed it with the amused face on his wrinkled face.

Cassie lays her hand on Richard's shoulder, prompting him to look at the team medic. "Thanks, Lieutenant. You did great as well in leading us. We can't have all the praise, and it's thanks to your leadership that we coordinated so well in the first place." Richard doubts that he could've done better. Probably by preventing Rory from risking her life like that, or ordering a recon drone to the bandit camp. However, his doubts fade away after seeing the agreeing nods of the other team members. Richard unintentionally smiles as well, joining the team.

"You can work on the fluidity of your inspirational speeches, Lieutenant, but it's a start," Larry commented on Richard's performance. Not mocking him or calling him awful at it, just that Richard has room to improve. "Rarely have I ever received praise, especially in this line of work. All the stuffy bureaucrats and formalities, I'm tired of them so this is a nice change for me, Lieutenant."

"Hey!" Josh called out, his arms up in the air while he still laid on the couch. "A moment of clarity and respite? I'll take it after all of the shit I went through." He commented half-jokingly, chuckling soon after and taking gulps out of the water.

Roomy walked over and leaned on one of the prep tables, raising his bottle towards Richard. "Your words honor me, Lieutenant, after… what? A year working together? I think we all deserve this moment of self-reflection, and for a lack of a better word, bonding." Of course, it gains the laugh from Josh, slapping the cushion of the couch while he cackles. The rest of the team just smiles.

Richard can't help it, smiling wider from Roomy's words. After a whole year working together, they should've been closer than this, but they didn't. All it took was Richard to speak up, and all of a sudden, it feels like this recon team is a little more bearable. The intercom screeches on, causing everyone to look up at the speakers. "The next course is almost ready, please prepare to move back into the set in five minutes."

[-]

The tension within the room is starting to get unbearable, the Princess with her hands balled up into a fist on her lap as she sat anxiously. Across the table, sitting on the couch, are two of the Men-In-Black. The silence is adding to the tension, and while the head maid of the castle served them all drinks and snacks, it still doesn't lift the tension from the situation. They're just… staring at her and Hamilton, no talking, no gestures, they are just silently watching.

Pina involuntarily swallowed a large lump in her throat to ease herself, but it's no use. Beads of sweat roll down her temples, as the unwavering sharp gaze of the two men, cycles between Pina and Hamilton. What are they thinking? And more specifically what do they want? Ever since they've sat down, Pina, Princess of the Empire, can't even lift a single finger. She wants to speak, she wants to express her gratitude to the Men-In-Black for saving Italica.

To think that they were just regular commoners, no, these are the Empire's enemies from beyond the gates. Their destructive power with their iron machinations of war and death is unrivaled with, and shouldn't be trifled with. Pina's not only feeling the heavy air but also in a dilemma. They are the Empire's enemies, it is her duty to defend the Empire, but now here she is wanting to extend her gratitude to said, enemy.

There's no lying that these men-in-black saved the city of Italica from the… she can't even describe what she saw. Hordes of the undead, she was told from the conscripts up at the wall. However, it is extremely disrespectful of them to not only the Count but also to herself for establishing an outpost without their consent. Does she dare call it a takeover? It would mean Italica has fallen into the hands of the enemy, or… again, saved by the enemy from bands of brigands that the Empire's to blame.

Pina nearly jumped out of her seat when one of the men spoke. Their dialect is different, and while they express perfect grammar, there's an obvious accent and rigidness in their speech. "Princess Pina Co Lada." The man to the left addressed her fully, then his gaze moved over to Hamilton. "Hamilton Uno Ror." His head turned and lay his eyes on the Count. "Countess Myui Formal." Once he has addressed everyone in the room, his gaze returns to Pina, causing her to tense up and swallow another big lump in her throat.

His deep booming tone and his unmoving steel face make her heart race even further. What is he going to say? What will he want? Is he going to ask for Italica to be under their jurisdiction? "The city of Italica is important. Its central location makes it the gateway to the rest of the Empire, and the allied kingdoms. It is within the interest of my organization that Italica is to allow our forces within the city, and use it as a frontal base of operations."

"We do not wish to annex it or vassalize it. Italica can remain neutral if it so wishes, we only ask for free access to the city." It brought some relief to Pina's heart and mind, but his next words sent a chill up her spine. "Simply put, do not stop us, do not hinder us, and if you stand in our way, we will annihilate you." It left Pina speechless, her mouth slightly agape and her eyes wide, leaving her blinking in shock. Even Hamilton is left shook, the pious and loyal Knight kept still in her seat, a worried face plastered on.

Before Pina can speak up and comment on what he demanded, he speaks again, directly at the Princess. "Princess, you are a key player of the Empire. You think we are both in a state of war, but we don't share the same outlook. We will give you several chances to make things right, make the Empire stand down, and allow our organization to finish its mission. If you prove yourself to be worthless, you'll be dead."

That's when Hamilton has had enough, it's as if steam is rising from her head, and her face is red from ear to ear. Angrily, she shouts. "Do not threaten the Princess, you think highly of yourselves, but what are you? Cowards that do not want to fight!? You invaded Falmart through the gate, decimated the allied armies, and now want the Empire to surrender!?" Hamilton is now trembling in anger, her voice echoed within the room, causing the young Count to cover her ears. "We're beyond diplomacy!"

The two men, unfazed, undeterred, and certainly uncaring of what Hamilton had shouted at the top of her lungs, glanced at the Knight. The one to the right, who had been silent the whole time, speaks. "You are stubborn." Hamilton, her eyes widening in a fraction of a second, does not take the insult kindly. Pina, however, stepped in and held out her arm in front of Hamilton to stop her from doing anything stupid. "Need I remind you that it was you who invaded our world first? Killed hundreds, kidnapping thousands? Be glad that our organizations' objective is not revenge or the annihilation of the Empire."

The two men then stand up. "It's a simple order, one that you can follow without even telling us." The one who had talked first commented on their demands. "We expect good news soon, Princess Pina. Please do consider putting in the effort to have the Empire stand down because you know what will happen if you don't consider it." And with those final words, the two men stride out of the throne room, with the echo of the closing door transitioning to a deafening silence.

Pina relaxes her shoulder and slumped on the couch while breathing heavily. Hamilton, who is beside her, looked on worriedly, giving glances to the shocked young Count. Pina has no choice, she knows that. She had witnessed the men-in-black's military prowess, machines, and metal machinations beyond their comprehension able to wipe entire Legions. Their speed would put a quick end to any of the Empire's efforts, and it would be the end of the Empire. Crows and vultures would be picking at its blasted corpse, leaving nothing but hollow bones.

It leaves the Princess shuddering in her seat, Hamilton's warm hands wrapped around the Princess's arm in an attempt to calm her commander but it only does little to ease Pina. She's not ready to make a decision, a decision this big that would not only involve her but those that are also close to her. The servants entered the room a second later, trying to remain stoic but concern leaks from their bodies.

The servants are here for the confused, and worried young Count, but the head maid caringly strides over to the couch where Pina and Hamilton are sitting. "Your excellency, what transpired within the talks?" The head maid asked to try and get why Pina has been reduced to such a sorry state. And when Pina didn't answer immediately, the maid placed her palm on Pina's nape. The Princess is sweating cold sweat, and her face is beginning to become pale.

She could've barely defended Italica from the bandits the first time, but now faced with such a bigger enemy, and circumstance, she just wants to be ignorant of all of this and stay within her room. "Princess…" Hamilton worriedly called out, while not fully understanding the weight on Pina's shoulders, is still worried about her.

"Would you like some hot tea to calm your nerves, Princess?" the head maid respectfully, and lowly offered.

Hot tea may be the thing Pina needs as of right now. The tea in the cups on the table had gone cold, so Pina accepted. "Yes please…" And with those words, the head maid bowed and left the room to make that hot tea for Pina. Hamilton shifts her attention away from the Princess and looks out the window where she could see one or two metal pegasus of the man-in-black. It flies unchallenged across the skies, and Hamilton can pick out small figures within, or sitting at the edge of its middle opening.

Hamilton exhales heavily, nearly heaving in the process but she manages to stay composed. "Princess…" Hamilton began, turning her head to face Pina again, who now lifted her head to look at the Knight but still hunched over. "I'm… not sure what we have gotten ourselves into, or the true scale of it. The threat upon your life… and the men-in-black… I see their power." Hamilton continued, taking a small break to think over her next words. "Whatever happens, whatever you decide to do, I will be by your side, Princess Pina."

Having the complete trust and assurance of one of her friends since childhood, and formally her Knight, Pina begins to calm down. Pina straightens her back a few moments after Hamilton finishes and lets out a heavy huff as she leans back against the couch. Pina nods in appreciation of Hamilton's words, and that was enough of an answer for the Knight. "I'm not ready to make a decision yet, and I feel like it is irresponsible of me to decide the fate of Italica rather than the Count.:

"That is a respectable response, Princess." The head maid suddenly replied to Pina's words, silently walking over to the couches and table with a cup of tea in her hands. "I am a mere maid, but if I may, I would like to give you my consul." The maid suddenly asked for permission while setting down the piping hot cup of tea on the table.

Pina nods, she would need every opinion she can get her hands on.

The head maid first nods in respect. "The House Of Formal's relationship with the Royal Family of the Empire was shaken when the former head was killed in the Battle Of Alnus Hill, no offense to you, my lady." And Pina shakes her head, signifying that no offense was taken. If her father is sent into battle by the gods, and he is dead, Pina would also forsake the gods and their judgment.

"So it would be against the wish of the people of Italica, and the House Of Formal to tie them with the Empire. However, it would be dangerous to actively support the actions of the Men-In-Black. From what I've seen based on their body language, they have no interest in the people of Italica."

But then Hamilton stood up, looking at the maid with discontent but then looked at Pina, essentially asking permission to speak her fill. With a nod from Pina, Hamilton speaks. "Then what do you call their soldiers and iron pegasus' annihilating the horde of the undead and saving Italica from certain destruction? Do you say they did it out of pity, they would not expend resources to save Italica. If they truly are after Italica's geographical centrism, then they would've let Italica fall, and then arrive to clean the mess."

"That is enough," Pina said calmly, taking in the words of the two ladies and processing their consuls. Hamilton sat back down in response, and the head maid excused herself and headed out of the room. Pina continued to think, looking back up and around the room, particularly at the paintings and heirlooms on display. She's trying to find some more clarity in her judgment, but alas, she admits that she does not have the answers yet. "I still can't decide as of yet."

"That's fine, Princess." Hamilton respects Pina's resolve, being the loyal Knight she is. Leaning forward, Pina goes and takes the cup of tea from the table, raising it to her lips, and with a few blows, she lands her lips at the edge of the cup. The sweet tea starts flowing into her mouth, and a wash of relief comes over her body. The herbal smell of the tea also helps in this experience.

After taking a sip, Pina swallows and lets out a relaxed, and satisfied sigh. She kept holding onto the cup of tea in her hand, enjoying the taste of the sip she had while continuing to savor the herbal smell of it. It's a wonderful tea, one that she would want to continue drinking. Lifting the cup again to her lips, she begins to do so.

"Perhaps after counseling with Bozes and Panache you will have a clearer view of- '' Pina nearly spat the tea in her mouth upon hearing Bozes and Panache, realizing something very important. Hamilton was surprised and moved in to see if the Princess is alright, but it appears she's fine, able to catch the tea from leaving her mouth.

The Princess swallowed, and slowly lowered the cup of tea on the table. Pina turns to Hamilton with wide eyes. "Hamilton… we haven't told them what happened." It took Hamilton a second, but a moment later Hamilton had the same horrified face. The Rose Order Of The Knights reinforcement is arriving today, and they have not been told about the men-in-black and their victory in saving Italica. "Damn it!"

[-]

"Two hundred gold sink and one thousand silver denari" The soft-spoken, quiet, and reserved blue-haired young mage said. She's looking up towards one of the men-in-black as they walk down the moderately filled city street.

A smile forms across the Corporal's face, enthusiastic and is happy for the mage. "Oh wow! Didn't know they were that valuable." He remarked upon the price of such a commodity, although he does wonder what they are used for. Jewelry? Decoration? Too few to be made into armor, but he's taken out of his line of questions and wonders when the mage speaks again.

"The fire dragon is a legendary creature, its hide said to be indestructible, it's fire all-powerful, and its roar brings all to their knees. The merchant we came to was first skeptical of our claim, but upon further inspection, he was shocked." It's always unnerving to watch the mage's inexpressive face, even after mentioning the amount of money they have gotten. "It will be valued very greatly."

Josh chuckled as his smile hadn't shrunk one bit. He looks on forward down the street, then at the buildings of Italica. Three days after the battle, businesses have already opened up again, trade resumed and the streets, while not bustling, are still busy as ever. "You know, Lelei, back in my world this kind of environment is only possible through yearly events."

"Interesting, would you care to explain?"

"Hm?" Her question brought Josh's sightseeing to a close and turned his head to face Lelei again. "What do you mean? Explain my world?" Lelei is hesitant at first, probably because Josh interpreted it wrong. But with the prospect of getting more than what she asked for, she nods in acceptance. "Well, where do I start. My world is a world where people from across the world can communicate with one another in an instant."

"A world where nearly all knowledge is accessible through the flick of a finger." Josh is saying it like an adult telling a fantasy world to a child. Josh is very happy to be taking this time off, and just walking around, even with Lelei, brings immense joy to the young, perhaps childish, Corporal. "And a world where there's… relatively no wars." Josh's face soured for a second as one of his hands is lifted to hold his dog tags. But then a moment later his smile is back, looking back at Lelei to gauge her reaction.

As per Lelei's fashion, she looks unfazed and uninterested. However, the way she's looking down on the ground, as if thinking, gives Josh a massive clue that she is indeed interested. A few seconds later Lelei lifts her head and looks back up at Josh with the same old neutral look, but her question surprises Josh the most. "Will I be able to see and experience your world, Josh?"

Josh keeps up a facade of happiness, but within he knows that this will never happen. Lelei, and the Falmartians, will never be able to leave Falmart. They will never be able to see Earth, and in the end, probably will never even remember this whole thing happening. Clearing his throat to steel himself, and strengthen the facade, he looks up with a finger to his chin, acting as if he's thinking. Finally, he answers. "Maybe-"

Upon hearing his response, Lelei's face beamed with admiration, her mouth slightly agape as she starts to wonder about all of the discoveries she will go through. The many books she will read through, the many things she will witness, such grandeur world filled technological advancements that go beyond what Falmart has. Josh keeps up a smile, knowing that those things would not happen, but doesn't want to ruin the mage's imagination.

But then Lelei asks another question that leaves him baffled, not knowing how to respond. "Then, is it possible for me to study records of your world? Books, anything? Your people have been denying me of any information, and when I ask for permission, they always refuse…" These are hard-hitting questions for Josh, his childish yet caring and cheerful personality taking those words straight into his heart.

Poor Lelei, her curious mind, and her magic endeavors, not being allowed to sate her curiosity and explore freely. Not only that, Josh knows that there's a possibility of Lelei going too far and discovering something she isn't supposed to. There's also his assurance on the ending of this campaign, total memory wipeout of the Foundation being here. "Well, Lelei-"

Josh holds out his left arm and places his hand on the girl's head. Patting her head, Josh gives a reserved smile. "I hope you can get permission one day. It's not my position to tell you whether you can or not. Maybe ask Lieutenant Richard, if he supports you, you might get your hands on some books!" He lied as he breathed. He's saying that not really to advise Lelei, but to just not give the girl's hopes up.

Lelei's face looked a bit surprised from the sudden head pat, causing Josh to chuckle a little bit from that reaction. However, the young mage recovered quickly and nodded to Josh's words. That'll be her next objective, talk to Lieutenant Richard and get access to some books from the world of the men-in-black. Lelei's time with Lambda has been one of excitement, discoveries, and curiosity. On one hand, she had learned a lot about the everyday workings of the soldiers, on the other, she still had no clue about their world.

Lelei understands most of the field equipment starting from the field kitchen, the motor pool, the barracks, and most other everyday locations. She understands how flashlights work, the fundamentals, and math of energy, she even mastered mental math. But when she would go up to the dome, within it lies the gate, its huge blast doors blocking everything from view and only opening when the men-in-black send things in and out. Lelei feels like she still knows nothing.

All of a sudden, a moving shadow of the blade and person land on both of them. A moment later the ground in front of them is struck, and a light explosion of dust obscures their view. They stop dead in their tracks, Josh keeps one hand on the grip of his pistol in his holster, while Lelei raises her staff and goes into a defensive stance.

The dust slowly clears, and the familiar small figure now came forward out of it. It's Rory, leaning her oversized halberd on her shoulder with a smug smile on her face. "Did I scare you two~?" Rory asked teasingly and playfully, giggling afterward. Josh rolls his eyes but ultimately smiles at the sight of the loli demi-goddess, while Lelei straightens up again.

"Quite the entrance, Rory. Did your legs hurt when you landed?" Josh spoke, making conversation, and taking several steps forward to close the distance between him and Rory. The people around them looked on in awe and shock, focused on the apostle of Emroy, but more importantly one of the men-in-black talking so casually to the apostle.

Rory childishly and playfully twirled in place, flaring up her skirt before leaning against her halberd. "Sometimes sacrifices need to be made for a grand entrance~ besides." Rory picked up her halberd once again and swung it to the side while placing her other hand on her hip. "I'm an apostle, I don't feel pain like you mortals do~"

"Hm, must be a pain to have that-" Josh said, unintentionally making a pun. He realized and chuckled awkwardly, and cleared his name. "Sorry, I was reminded how pain is essential in survival. So I can only imagine it sucking and being a pain in the ass to not be able to feel pain." Josh still feels weird, not just because he's talking to a real demi-goddess, but also the fact that Rory's flaunting herself so vulgarly.

Rory rolled her eyes, still with her smug smile, and waved dismissively to Josh's remarks. "I appreciate your concerns, but I regenerate fast enough for me to not care~" Rory chimed, giggling before turning her attention to Lelei. "How's it going, Lelei? I hope your trip to that merchant bears some fruit~" Rory clasped her hands together, tilting her head with her hands to her cheek.

Lelei simply nods and holds up the hefty and large pouch of coins they've gotten from the selling of the scales, and Rory's eyes glow with glee. "Splendid!" Seeing Rory being a normal girl is… uncanny to Josh but he can't complain.

A moment later they heard a loud crash and the neighing sound of a horse to their front. It is the South Gate, and the fact that from where they are standing, they can see Foundation Operatives scrambling, something is going on and it is pretty dire. The three looked at each other for confirmation, then stridden to the South Gate.

[-]

Passing through the interdimensional portal, was never a fine feeling. It feels as if your stomach is contorted, churning violently while your head spun out of control. For Terry and Jill, it being their first time going through, they feel sick. But, it was only for a few moments, because as they stepped out of the Gate, a moment of clarity washes over them.

Clean fresh air, crisp morning breeze flowing into the containment dome, it's relaxing and eases nausea. Looking behind them, Anderson and a dozen operatives stepped through the void-like portal. "Good, he didn't do some voodoo bullshit while in transit," Jill commented, always with her harsh demeanor. Terry wants to comment but decides to stay silent.

Walking out of the dome and into the sunlight, they are directed into the customs building to get themselves and their equipment checked, and also checked for any diseases. Makes sense, a brand new world, with its own inhabitants, would suck to accidentally cause a plague wiping more than half of the indigenous population, like what the Europeans did in the Americas.

Anderson is still smiling with glee, obviously happy that he is finally within Falmart, and as usual, goes through every safety precaution in place. Once they're out of the customs building, Jill says goodbye to Terry, needing to check in with General Marcus about their arrival. Now Terry is left with Anderson and a handful of lower operatives.

Anderson is an anomalous entity, able to see what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen. Terry looks back at Anderson with a smug look, left to now ask Anderson as to the reason why he wants to be in Falmart. And so, Terry brings Anderson and the operatives to one of the many prefab buildings for this questioning.

After a handful of times just asking for directions, Terry and Anderson enter a secluded room, with the operatives guarding outside. Anderson, his refined movements, sits down gently on the sofa, while Terry falls back into it. Anderson let out a pleased sigh, leaning back to the couch as he looked on with a smile. A look of satisfaction, of everything going according to plan.

"Well, don't you look like you're having a blast" Terry commented on Anderson's behavior ever since they passed through SCP-4902. And he was right, Anderson is excited and happy with how far he's gone. "What's on your mind now?"

Anderson chuckles, loosening his tie for the first time since Terry's been with him, and looks rather relaxed. "Can we relax just for a few moments, Agent Terry? We're in a whole different world, its beauties yet untouched, it would be a shame to not revel in the peace and quiet of this virgin world!"

Terry groans quietly, gaining another chuckle from Anderson. Crossing his arms, Terry's trying to read Anderson. A rather peculiar man, other than his ability. Very serious, elegant in his brutality, and most of all, holds himself in high stature. Nothing about Anderson's past except for his involvement with Liam and Liam's pub has been discovered and documented, making trying to predict his next move, or just knowing who he is, extremely difficult.

"It'll be a waste of time, Anderson. The Foundation is fighting a war here, and from what I've read, the natives have been a pain in the ass." Terry doesn't want to waste any more time, but he knows he can't insist too hard, since Anderson knows everything. "So, will you please, please, tell me why you want to enter 4902 and go into Falmart?"

Anderson stays quiet for a minute, his eyes focused on the coffee table separating them, a faint smile on his face. He lifts his eyes and then his head at Terry, his smile grows wider, as he himself crosses his arms. "I'm here for a front-row seat to the biggest battle in paranormal history."

(New Chapter will be in Next Month)

(Original Book: Fanfiction.net SCP-4902 The Gate)