Mobile Infantry in Camelot

[Johnny Rico]

Gateway area
Camelot
1st Sergeant Johnny Rico

There was another bright flash as he went through and suddenly, a bright blue sky, birds, wind, forests, he was somewhere that could easily be mistaken for Earth and with the standing stones could be thought of as some old area in Great-Britain. He shakes his head, looking up at the blue sky with large white clouds, a beautiful summery day by any standards. "Oooohkay!" He shakes his head and cracks is neck. "Allright, guess I have more exploring to do." He looks around, down what looks like a dirt road of some sort heading off into the forest. "Guess I'll go that way." He sets out, keeping an alert eye and ear out for anything.

After having walked for what his watch told him was at the very least 2 Earth hours, he decides to take a break and comes up on a lake, he sits on a felled tree near the lake's edge, gently leaning his rifle on its stump and removes his armored vest while retrieving his canteen from his belt, shaking it gently. "Hmmm going to need to refill this." He thinks as he opens it and takes a swig, or two. "This is a really nice place, wonder if here are any inhabitants." He states as he removes a nutrition bar from his belt's survival compartment, munching on it, the taste wasn't great but it helped keep him going. He finishes the bar when eh hears a sound nearby, reflexively he grabs his rifle, bringing it up, safety clicking off as he aims it only to spook a Deer and send it bounding away deeper into the woods, he takes a deep breath and relaxes, safetying the Morita Carbine rifle as he lowers it. "Okay so they have Deer here." He relaxes again and puts the rifle back against the stump before getting up. "Well I think this Soldier needs a swim!" He says as he begins disrobing, stripping down to his boxers before shrugging and going down to his birthday suit before running into the water for a swim, thinking himself alone.

[Johnny Rico]

After having taken a good swim in the pristine looking lake and relaxed some, Rico gets out of the water and lays in some grass near the small beach along the lake's edge to dry off, having slipped his boxers back on, at least he wasn't totally exposed anymore and wouldn't be seen as some total exhibitionist pervert, right? He relaxes some, the warm sun and soft, warm breeze were fantastic in helping him relax in this absolutely beautiful forest area.

He lays there, breathing slowly, eyes closed as he slowly falls into a relaxing naptime sleep, the first real break he's taken in what feels like months to him. Planet P wasn't a picnic in any way, the bugs we're everywhere and there was little the Mobile Infantry could do to hold the fuckers back, hopefully fleet found some way of turning the tide there, or everyone was in deep shit. He sighs, and relaxes more, his thoughts turning to more "pleasant" memories, many of a certain fleet officer he's been fond of for a very long time.

[Johnny Rico]

When he wakes, he realizes that the sun is setting and thinks he should get dressed and probably make camp as best he can for the night. Johnny gets up and dresses himself, keeping his body-armor off as it wasn't necessary at that time, looking around, finding some relatively dry wood and some good sized stones around, he quickly collects them up to build a fire pit and get a nice fire set up in there. His survival training would come in handy for sure now, he thinks to himself as he uses some strike anywhere matches from his belt to light the kindling, the fire is soon crackling softly, he puts a good log on to keep it going as he heads into the woods, thinking of hunting down something to eat.

It doesn't take long before a Deer comes nearby, the same one he spooked earlier by the looks of it, Johnny is cleverly hidden up a tree and takes careful aim with his carbine, not wanting to waste the shot, he slowly lines the crosshairs up on the target and gently squeezes the trigger. "KRAKOW!" the shot goes off, booming like thunder, causing birds and animals of all kinds to scatter as the bullet streaks through the air and slams through the Deer's neck, severing the brain stem, causing near instant death, the creature stumbles and falls over, its life extinguished. He feels a pang of guilt about it but the buck would guarantee he had food for at least a week if not more by the size of it. Johnny calmly climbs down the tree after slinging his rifle and moves over to the dear to begin the often seen as gruesome task of emptying the carcass and cleaning it, the Deer is far enough form his camp he can leave the leftovers to the wolves he assumes can inhabit the forest so he quickly works at getting al the good meat off this prime buck he just claimed the life of.

After having spent the better part of a half hour getting all the meat he needed off the Deer and returning to his camp, he finds the fire is getting weak so he kindles it some more, giving it more fuel, getting it burning nicely while he finds some sticks to fashion into a grilling tourniquet or spit-roaster as some like to call them. The meat is kept on a relatively clean looking rock, he ahs to really rough it sadly. The meat will have to be cooked in one go, all of it to guarantee longer keeping. Johnny gets to work on it, the cooking taking a good deal of time but the results meant he wouldn't go hungry.

[Johnny Rico]

((SLIGHT FLASH FORWARDS HERE))
CAMELOT VERSE
MINAS TIRITH
OUTSIDE WALLS

After having journeyed through The forest for a Day or so, Johnny came across large plains with a view on cliffs where a massive citadel town could be seen in the distance. He decided to make his way towards it, as he did, he noticed people moving about, carts being pulled by horses, for the most part it seemed these people were dressed in Medieval like garb for the most part, garb very similar to those he saw pictures of in history books and videos. It was eerie as many seemed to stare at him with confusion and/or apprehension as he walked by.

Johnny now finds himself near some gates, guards keeping a vigilant eye out as carts and people make their way through their daily routines, he stands there calmly, his weapon slung, looking around casually when four men on horseback ride up and surround him, each one clad in identical uniformed armor. Their leader blocking his front as he lowers his lances tip at him. "Who are you and what business do you have in Minas Tirith?" He asks in a calm tone, no menace in his voice only duty bound determination rings out into Rico's ears, the Mobile Infantry Sergeant sighs softly, raising his arms in a sign of peace. "I honestly don't know." The guard raises an eyebrow, looking at Rico with cold methodical eyes. "You wear strange garb, who are you stranger?" Johnny shrugs, his arms still up. "First Sergeant John D. Rico of the Earth Federation Mobile Infantry... If that means anything at all around here." The guard nods. "I see, a soldier then, I am a Sergeant as well, we will discuss this further with the guard's Captain. Men, take his weapons, they look dangerous enough, Sergeant, do not resist, no harm will come to you and you will be allowed to speak your piece, your weapons will be returned to you if you are deemed a friend." Johnny nods, reluctantly handing his weapons over to one of the soldiers who had dismounted, the guardsman nods politely to him. "You can trust me Sergeant, your equipment will be safe with us." He gives a small smile before turning to put Ricos Morita, knife, and flash-bang grenades on their holders on his body armor that Rico had also removed, all the equipment is securely tied to the man's horse. Johnny nods, taking his helmet off and handing it to him, as the guard clips it to a strap on his armor Rico dons his beret and waits. A few moments later, the guards are all mounted again and their Sergeant turns his steed around. "Follow Sergeant, to the Captain!" The group puts their steeds to a walk, Rico following silently.

[Johnny Rico]

CAMELOT VERSE
MINAS TIRITH
CITY GUARD'S HEADQUARTERS

The guard's had led Rico through the town to a large complex that was fenced off with large stone walls and intricate Iron fencing, everything within the walls was nicely organized and in proper military order, something any true soldier such as himself could easily notice and appreciate. The guards brought their horses back to the stables to get them settled in for a nice rest and some feed, leaving them to be tended by the stable boys and stable girls who were all trainees to the Minas Tirith guard.

After having done so, the guards, with the sergeant in the lead, brought Rico into the large main building that housed the guards and guard officers barracks, offices, classrooms and other necessary amenities. They led him up three floors of stairs and down to the end of that floors main corridor to a rom with large double doors. The Sergeant briefly spoke with a guard near the door, said guard nodding gently before politely knocking on the door and announcing them to the person within the office. The door's guard got a prompt reply and turned to the ones that had escorted Rico in, nodding to them. The Sergeant nodded and they were let in.

The room is well lit with candles and large windows to let the sunlight in as well as large in size and has shelves of books, armor and weapons and a large desk all well organized and placed. There, sitting behind the desk in a guard's armor with Captain's decorations is a strong looking woman with raven black hair and bright blue eyes, she nods to them as they approach, the sergeant coming forward and bowing. "Captain, I present Sergeant 1st Class John D. Rico, he says he belongs o an organization known as the Earth Federation, their... Mobile infantry as he said, some sort of special soldier caste I would wager forth maam." The captain nods s she stands, walking around her desk. "I see, and now we will see if this young man is a friend or a foe, as we do with all those who come to our great city, good, let us begin!" She smiles softly, no malice, no secrecy in her face. She will do her duty as she always does.

[Johnny Rico]

MINAS TIRITH
GUARD HQ
CAPTAIN'S OFFICE
NEARLY FIVE HOURS LATER

Rico is sitting in a chair, still managing to remain calm after nearly five hours of near constant interrogation, everything they could think of to see who he is, what his intentions are, what he knows, who his leaders are, family, friends, nothing was sacred it seemed and the questions got harsher and harder to answer as time went by, yet, through it all no malice, no menace ever entered the captain's voice, she has absolutely no animosity towards him, only a desire to truly know who this strange man is. After he answered the last question though, a long period of silence has ensued and is still ongoing. This silence was somewhat irritating but he kept calm and silent.

After what felt like an eternity, the Captain nods after having finished deliberating with her Sergeant and smiles to him softly as she stands from her seat. "Well it seems you are most definitely not an enemy Sergeant, I shall have the proper papers drawn up and word sent that you are to be permitted freedom of movement and to explore as you wish, of course there are areas only a select few may enter but the majority of Minas Tirith will be available for you to get acquainted with, I suggest you find some form of employment." Rico nods. "Well, I am a soldier, maybe I could find employment in the military? If you have one." The Captain nods. "I see, well, here." She hands him a piece of paper. "this is where you can find a room for the time being, ask them to put you up at the guard's expense for three nights, after that time we should be able to have someone see if you can join one of the militias, the papers you will need shall be ready downstairs momentarily, please accept my apologies if I seemed overly harsh but we can never be too careful." She states, extending him a hand, Rico stands nodding and clasps his forearm with hers as he had seen done in history books, a warriors greeting and farewell. He nods. "Thank you, I will definitely take your offer as a good rest is what I need most." The captain nods. "The Sergeant will see you out, enjoy our fine city." The Sergeant waits as Rico goes through grabbing his gear and his new papers before leading him out back into the city. Once outside he smiles to Rico. "Have a good evening Sergeant and don't get in trouble." Rico nods. "No chance of that, I'm sure." They both laugh before parting ways, Rico grabbing the paper, strangely he could read it even though he doubted it was actually written in English, the directions indicated he head due north from the Guard HQ.

[Johnny Rico]

MINAS TIRITH
THE SOARING DRAGON INN


Johnny had arrived a few minutes prior and moved towards the Inn's large well kept wooden bar, the place was obviously very high end for these peoples standards as everything was well kept and well lit by a variety of candles and oil lamps of various sorts.

There are a few patrons present, most look like Guard or Soldiers, some more like nobles or diplomats of some sort, no peasants or regular folk per say. The woman behind the bar, a tall, curvaceous but very beautiful blonde with bright blue eyes smiles warmly as he takes a seat on a stool. " What can I get ye stranger?" Rico smiles softly, "Oh, well I'm new to town and the Guard said I could be put up here for a few days, they did give me these papers." he hands them to her, the young woman takes them and gently reads over them. "Ah! I see, good, seems all in order, yes, ye can stay here for a week on their coin, everything included, we can have ye a room ready in oh... an hour?" Rico nods. "Thank you, Well, while I wait could I have something to eat and drink?" The woman nods and smiles. "Aye, we have some stew simmering on the pot, should be ready for serving in about a quarter hour and we can get ye any kind a beer or mead, maybe even some harder stuff if ya fancy?" Rico nods."mmm any Ale you have will be a fine start and i'll definitely have a Stew when its ready." She smiles. "One Ale comin' up stud!" She winks and moves off, pouring a pint of it and comes back a moment alter, handing him the drink. "Enjoy, also if ya like we've got some seasoned taterbites ready to get yer apetite goin." Rico smiles after having taken a good gulp of the Ale, finding it quite good. "Sure! That sounds great, you can call me Johnny by the way." The barmaid smiles. "Siobhan (pronounced Shae-Ben), so where ya from there Johnny? you've got a strange look with all that fancy gear." Johnny nods."From a place called Earth... well a part of that place, this stuff is what soldiers where I'm from use in combat." She nods with a knowing look. "Aye, certainly looks like soldierin gear, not like any I seen b'fore but ye got the strong determined look of a soldier, tha' I know!" She smiles as he nods, sipping his drink. "I'll get ya them taters if ya want em." Rico nods. "Thanks, suddenly feeling very hungry." Siobhan smiles."Ate, place does that ta most folks, be right back!" She disappears into what rico assumes is the kitchen for a few moments and comes back with a silver plate that has a small mound of golden bite sized, grilled potato cubes on it and places it before him with a smaller plate that has butter on it next to it along with a knife and fork, both also made of silver. "Well here you go and in another tenner I'll get ye yer stew, now if ya don't mind i'm gunna go serve up them more recent arrivals while you enjoy them taters cutie." Rico nods, smiling as he savours one, deciding to relax some and enjoy this meal as the Soaring Dragon Inn definitely seemed like a safe haven.

[Johnny Rico]

MINAS TIRITH
SOARING DRAGON INN
(a little later)

Siobhan Smiles at him again from where she pours some Ale for some thirsty customers, the place is all smiles it seems, the people genuinely warm and friendly for most, even the gruffer, tougher looking folks had a bit of a friendly glint in their eye, this city's folk, at least those frequenting the Soaring Dragon, seem to be mostly decent people. Johnny chuckles, sipping his ale as Siobhan disappears into the kitchen, soon coming out with his ordered meal, winking to him as she places the food served in a bowl in front of him, the bowl rests on a plate with his utensils and two fresh hot dumpling breads. The strew looks and smells quite hearty and tasty so Johnny wastes no time digging in, the taste is as wonderful as the smell and he finds his hunger got quite large as he devours his meal quite rapidly.

Siobhan giggles, handing him a new Pint of Ale as his first was nearly done. 'Aye lad, seems ya got a god appetite, love t'see tha' in a client!" She smiles warmly as he finishes his first pint, handing it to her before raising the second and smiling. "My compliments to your cook, damn fine stew it is!" he says, smiling broadly, she winks at him and heads back to return the dirty Pint for cleaning. He smiles, finding her quite attractive but his politeness made him remain casual, at least for now.

[Johnny Rico]

MINAS TIRITH
SOARING DRAGON INN
RICO'S ROOM
(Later that evening)

Johnny had enjoyed his time in the dining area and the meal, Siobhan was definitely an interesting young woman and the food had been great, though he definitely did have too much to drink after those guards came in and asked him to join them in Drinking and story telling. They were very enthusiastic and more than a little loud at times but had heard of him from the sergeant and wanted to give him a proper welcome to the city. The evening went by in a blurr and now he finds himself in his room, under his sheets and his head splitting like a cord of firewood.

He grunts softly as he sits up and stands, the covers falling off him to reveal two things, someone stripped him down to his Birthday Suit and that someone was laying in bed with him as he felt someone sit up behind him, turning he blinks, seeing Siobhan, also devoid of clothing, sitting there, smiling warmly. "Ye looked cold and in need of rest Johnny, hope you don't mind me helpin keep ye warm!" She says, blushing a bit at the thought of him not really liking it. Johnny smiles softly. "Hmmm well If you show me to the nearest bathroom, if you have such things, I just need to relieve myself and I can come back because I definitely appreciate you being right there." Siobhan smiles, laying under the covers after showing there,s a door at the back of the room. "Travelers from other worlds like yerself helped us develop lavatory rooms, there's one, hurry back!" Johnny winked at her, hurrying there and back to return to bed, getting a good feeling about the rest of his night.

[Johnny Rico]

MINAS TIRITH
SOARING DRAGON INN
RICO'S ROOM
(the morning after)

Rico awakens to find himself alone in his bed, but her scent is still there, he knows he was not dreaming when Siobhan was in his bed, she was good, passionate, young, alive and beautiful, not to mention much smarter than your average young maid in an Inn. He sits up, stretchingas he gets up and heads for the lavatory to relieve himself.

When he exits a few minutes later he notices a paper has been slid under his rooms door and it bears the wax seal of the city guard on its folded center. Johnny reaches down and picks it up, putting it on his nightstand while he dresses in his fatigues then picks it up and opens the letter, reading it. The note reads. "Greetings form the guard, we have not yet found someone to officially employ you, but if you so wish, come back to the guard`s Headquarters at your earliest convenience, Captain Fioranna has a proposition for you."Iit is signed Sergeant Dierren, the kind sergeant he met the day before. Rico nods as he reaches for his gear, starting to strap it on as he ponders the message some. "Hmm, well, guess it can`t hurt to go see what Captain Fioranna has to offer, gotta start pulling my own weight around here some time, who knows how long it`ll be before I;m sent back, if at all." He clasps his armor on and heads for the door.

[Johnny Rico]

MINAS TIRITH
HEADQUARTERS OF THE CITY GUARD
MAIN HALL
(later that day)

Rico is standing near a stone statue depicting warriors fighting off creatures very much alike the Orcs of the fantasy stories he grew up watching videos and reading books about. The workmanship is simply beautiful, quite elegant and detailed. A familiar voice brings him out of his thoughts and he turns towards its origin, finding a smiling captain Fioranna and Sergeant Dierren there, the Captain approaches and out of reflex, Rico snaps to and salutes, the captain stops, taking in the sight and gives a military bow in return, having recognized Rico's salute as a sign of respect,the trooper relaxes, lowering his arm to his side. "You like the statue Sergeant?" She asks, gently placing her hand on the shoulder of one of the Soldiers depicted, the only woman shown.Rico nods softly."Yes ma'am, it does, the piece is stunning." Fioranna smiles. "It has a very personal meaning to me and it honors me that you do. You see... this woman depicted here, she was my grandmother, so you honor me by appreciating this statue."Rico nods again."I see, then it makes me like it even more, that i know a descendant of an obviously honored warrior." Fioranna smiles."Come Sergeant, Let us retreat to my office where we may discuss an opportunity for a task I feel you are quite suitable for." Rico nods."Lead the way ma'am!" Fioranna smiles and heads towards the stairs, Rico and Dierren following a step behind her, the Sergeant patting his shoulder. "I have a feeling you will like what the Captain has to offer my friend." Rico smiles, patting Dierren's shoulder back."All the more reason for me to listen to her proposal then isn't it?" He says, chuckling as they climb the stairs up after the Captain and follow her down the hallway to her office.

[Johnny Rico]

MINAS TIRITH
HEADQUARTERS OF THE CITY GUARD
CAPTAIN FIORANNA'S OFFICE
(Later, after the Captain's proposal)

Rico nods, sitting in a large wood and leather chair, pondering the documents before him and what the good Captain had graciously explained to him, what she desired him to help her with, a daunting task in deed but nowhere near impossible. Sergeant Dierren is sitting in another similar chair nearby, his face calm, a soft smile adorning it, his eyes looking intermittently to Johnny and the his Captain, he remains quiet out of respect. Johnny nods, looking over one sheaf of parchment then another, finally the third once more. "So, basically, you want me to join this new unit you want to form, these Ranger Protectors? By the looks of it they are to be a small, highly mobile unit that goes out on long patrols beyond the city walls.. you want people experienced in mobile fighting and scouting, I do know a fair bit about that though my style may not be all that compatible with that of your own men Captain. Be that as it may ma'am, I accept, I will join this unit and help." Captain Fioranna smiles brightly, Dierren as well."That is excellent Sergeant Rico, I will draft your orders Immediately and have them ready for you by tomorrow morning, where you will report to Lieutenant Gastarf at the Southern Gate Garrison. He will be your officer for this unit and help you pick among those we have better suited to the task." Rico nods and smiles."Yes ma'am, I'll return to the Inn then and wait for the papers before heading there, I won't let you down." Fioranna nods softly, smiling."I know you won't Sergeant Rico."

[Johnny Rico]

MINA TIRITH
SOARING DRAGON INN
MAIN TAVERN AREA
(A few hours later the same day)

Rico smiles softly, drinking from a pint of Ale as he eyes the lovely Siobhan as she serves up some pints for some gentlemen in higher class merchant garb. The three men were all tall, well built with neatly trimmed beards, their clothing in matching Ochre and black with differing pendants, probably depicting their status in the merchant guilds. One of them turned, seeing him and smiled, raising his pint.

Rico nodded, raising his in return, the tall, blonde haired and bearded merchant walked over. "Greetings, i am Ingacious Vossk of the Merchant guild, the lovely Siobhan was telling us you are a new arrival, your garb certainly shows it, welcome to our fine city." Rico smiles, nodding." Sergeant John D. Rico, you can call me Johnny." He indicates the stool next to him."Have a seat if you wish mister Vossk." Ignacious smiles as he does."Thank you Kindly, you may call me Iggy if you wish, my friends and myself are long time friends to Siobhan and she is quite fond of you Johnny." Johnny nodded, smiling."As am I, honestly, she reminds me of someone from where i come from, her name is Carmen and having Siobhan around... well it makes things far simpler in adjusting here." Iggy nodded."If i may, Siobhans father is a childhood friend of mine, so was her mother and I can without any doubt tell you that you have gotten the attention of one of Minas Tiriths finest young women, I ask that you do right by her my friend, she needs a good man in her life and form what people have been saying over the last few days, she has found one!" he raises his pint, rico does the same and they knock them together in a cheers.

Rico takes another sip as Iggy does. "Rest assured, I intend to." The merchant smiles warmly after taking a gulp of his Ale. He takes a small hanekrchief from within his jacket and dabs his mouth, nodding. "Excellent, quite so, now, I do hear you may need some of the services my friends and I offer, clothes, furniture, an actual house to live in? We can offer all this and arrange that a small percentage of your monthly Guard pay you shall be receiving goes into paying for these over time and it will not prevent you from liing very well in the process as well, the guard is paid quite well I assure you!" Rico smiles, nodding."I may, currently I am waiting on some new associates of mine but while I do, we can discuss about your offer." Iggynods and smiles, taking some papers from a satchel on his hip.

He places them on the counter."These are agreement papers that will allow me to, in your name, do some research and acquire whatever necessities you may need, the guard gets 500 silver coins a month, with say 150 of that amount I can get you a nice house on the outskirts and furnish it with modest but comfortable furniture as well as stock it with firewood and ensure high quality chopping and splitting axes are there for you as well as a sharpening stone wheel, that will do for the first bulk purchase and i can take 10 gold of your pay for 15 months time to ensure you can purchase anything you wish with the rest." Rico nods, smiling."very reasonable, now if i require, say something solid to hold my gear and maybe anything else I acquire over time?" Iggy smiles."Ah, well Marcus, the dark haired gentleman speaking with Siobhan is a military merchant and can get you anything you may need in that sense, as for clothes, Zacharias , the red headed man, is your man for say another 50 silver added to the bulk, 25 to each they can ensure you have a small weapons locker that can easily hold a good amount of gear and a good wardrobe ready for you when the house is purchased, they take payment up front though so that will immediately cost you 50 silver on your next pay." Rico nods, sipping his Ale. "I see, hmm all-right lets do it." Iggy smiles, clapping his hands and retrieves an ink well and a quill from his satchel, he opens the well, dipping the quill, singing his name on the merchant line then dips it again, handing it to Rico who gently takes it and signs the document on the client line. They shake hands as Iggy carefully stows everything."pleasure doing business Johnny. My colleagues and I will begin looking for what you'll require once we leave after having lunch and I believe your colleagues have arrived!" Iggy stands, bowing to him then makes his way to his friends.

Rico turns and blinks, seeing three figures in the entrance, wearing light armor under black city guard cloaks, all three were obviously scout archers of some sort, but what caught his attention was that none were human, all three were without a doubt Elves, by their fair complexions, pointed ears and gentle grace.