22 OCT 2033 UAE, Al Dhafra Air Base PAT Site 82 “Fist” 15th Air Defense Artillery Brigade6-26, Charlie “Crusader” Battery Cpl John York“The wheels are fucking stuck! We need to abandon the radar!” “Are you fucking joking? We can’t do that!”You pressed the pedal again. Soaked in sweat and dirt, the sweat droplet stung your eyes. It’s been two years since the shit hit the fan, and your unit has become a permanent fixture of ADAB (Al Dhafra Air Base) instead of being a ‘combat deployment.’“Fuck this! I’m not dying for fucking Israel!”Your CSO hopped out of the HEMTT, hitting the dirt and falling over in his battle rattle and eating a faceful of dirt. He scrambled himself up, then quickly ran out, as if he could run from the range of the TBM. “Lind! You get back here! Lind!” You slammed your head against the steering wheel, then floored the pedal again. The HEMTT engine whined, and the radar that was hooked up behind stayed where it was. You gritted your teeth, then looked up. TBMs were flying… Even though intel said their next volley wouldn’t be for another hour… There was no way in hell you could run in time.Ah…You were going to die. Darkness enveloped, you barely saw any explosion really. So this was death, an endless darkness to drift in. And so you did, with a fleeting consciousness like scattered dreams, until you heard a voice. ...“O hero…” A light shone from above. A woman in platinum hair and golden eyes descended, garbed in white robe with golden accents. A bright golden aura of divinity radiated from the feminine curves of her body, and once her eyes opened a warm sensation spread through your chest. Yes… Chest. You looked down to see your body, you forgot you had a body. “My world is in peril.”Her world?“Wars ravage the land. Blood of the innocents is spilt.”Heh. You’re familiar with that at least. Hold on. Why can’t you talk? “Your soul, so bright and honorable, will bear this responsibility. But do not fear for you will be gifted.” No no no… Not another war. That’s the last thing you wanted. “O hero… Bring peace to this world.”Your eyes opened. >Your arms... They were small! And who is that man and woman?>You saw the clear blue sky and felt the soft earth, the blades of grass tickled your skin
>>6484652>You saw the clear blue sky and felt the soft earth, the blades of grass tickled your skinWe are going to dodge childhood and The Academy™ arc like Hulk Hogan dodges his alimony payments.
>>6484652>Your arms... They were small! And who is that man and woman?
>>6484652>You saw the clear blue sky and felt the soft earth, the blades of grass tickled your skinBleh! I don't wanna be stuck in childhood for 10 threads.
>>6484652>You saw the clear blue sky and felt the soft earth, the blades of grass tickled your skin
>>6484652>Your arms... They were small! And who is that man and woman?WAAAH WAAAAH WAAAAAAH
>>6484652>Your arms... They were small! And who is that man and woman?Backstory time.
>>6484652>You saw the clear blue sky and felt the soft earth, the blades of grass tickled your skinPLEASE SPARE US GAY BABY JAIL
>You saw the clear blue sky and felt the soft earth, the blades of grass tickled your skinWinning vote locked in
As you opened your eyes the darkness peeled away. The sky, ever blue and endless, greets you, then the bright light of the sun stung your sight. You slowly sat up. Gone was the familiar weight and texture of your full battle rattle that became your second skin. Instead, you were in your casual outfit composed of simple jeans, boots, t-shirt, and a jacket. At least your were in some clothing, though being in an unfamiliar environment, you would’ve preferred your battle rattle but beggars couldn’t be choosers. Now, time to find a way out of this forest.As you wandered, you realized it’s been so long since you had some peace and quiet. No more radar faults, no IFF No-Go, EPP fucking up, or some bullshit STO from the ICC. Just peace. You ran your hand on the soft bush, smelled the wild flowers, and breathed in the crisp forest air. Eventually, you found a dirt path and began walking down. Man, you missed camping. “Right there! There he is!” A voice boomed. “You there! Stay where you are.” A wave of metal rattling and a heavy stampede echoed. Men in armor and a woman on a horse made its way to you at full speed. The woman was in some outfit you’d seen from some 1800s historical reenactment with a sleek metal armor with a light green sheen that fit her figure. She hopped off of her horse. “Thank Sol, you are alright!Why is she in some metal armor? Who is this? Better yet, where are you? You stood where you were, you had nothing to hide. Soldiers quickly surrounded you, but didn’t point their muskets at you. “I’m sorry… Who are you?”She placed her hand on her chest and lowered her head slightly. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Antoinette Maria Le’Ouverture, fifth princess of Bonaparre Empire. And on behalf of the empire, we thank you for answering our call, hero.”“John York.”Hero… That goddess did call you one and asked for your help in bringing peace. While the woman appeared like a good person, you reminded yourself to be vigilant. Antoinette had you follow back to a grand castle, and even a grander throne room where the king awaited you. He spoke of a terrible threat, a race so evil you’d think he was Governor Ratcliffe from Pocahontas. Dehumanization and vilification, two ingredients for propaganda, you’ve heard plenty of that later in the war.
“Sir York, are you alright?”“Hm?”You followed Antoinette through the halls to your room where you’ll be staying along with two maids following five paces behind. The plan (one that the king didn’t even bother to ask your opinion on) was to have the castle and capital as your homebase as you complete various missions. Implying you’ll be following their orders like a good little soldier, as if you didn’t have a life filled with that nonsense… “Just a long day is all…”“I don’t doubt it, and again, I do apologize about ending up in the royal hunting ground. It is rare that sorcerers make mistakes but I’m glad we found you. Ah, here we are.” She opened the double door. Calling this space a room didn’t do justice, this was a size of a house. Your room had a king sized bed, dining table, fireplace, and bookshelves. The jump from living in a four man room to this was too jarring. “What’s this bell?” “That is to call your personal maids.” Antoinette said. “Should you need anything… They will serve with utmost sincerity. Please utilize them when you need to reach out to me.” Huh. “Sounds good.”After Antoinette left, the sun had begun to set. >Not wanting to waste time, you explored the castle (write-in a location you want to explore is allowed)>Not wanting to waste time, you explored the castle, but not before finding a way to ditch the maids (write-in a location you want to explore is allowed)>You asked the maids for a way to bathe and slept soundly in your new room>Call it a hunch, but you weren't sure if staying here was the right idea
>>6485037>Call it a hunch, but you weren't sure if staying here was the right idea
>>6485037>You asked the maids for a way to bathe and slept soundly in your new roomWe can escape after the bath, they'll never expect it.
>>6485037>Call it a hunch, but you weren't sure if staying here was the right ideaWe've got to trust our gut. Also I'm curious if we've been given isekai powers.
>>6485037>Not wanting to waste time, you explored the castle, but not before finding a way to ditch the maids (The dungeons, to see who is really the bad guy. Some political prisoners ought to know both sides.)Y'know, I'm not sure I trust a guy named Ratcliffe, but I'm not sure I trust the king either.
>>6485067This is a genius idea.>>6485037I'll switch my vote from >>6485047 to support anon's write-in.>Not wanting to waste time, you explored the castle, but not before finding a way to ditch the maids (The dungeons, to see who is really the bad guy. Some political prisoners ought to know both sides.)
>>6485037>>6485067+1We’ve gotten some bad vibes but not enough to just run away night 1.
>>6485067+1 Seems like a solid enough plan.
