Pittsburgh, New Sovereign Territory
The cold air licked at the withered face of the general as he tried to return to sleep. “Ah, screw it” he got up out of the bed and started walking to the window kicking his space heater “Piece of junk.” When he got to the window and opened the blinds it revealed the view of the courtyard outside of his building where the troops where training.
“What a day.” It was the dead of winter in Pennsylvania and the snow was falling heavily blanketing the ground with three feet of snow. The general grabbed his clothes from the dresser and went into the bathroom. After getting a shower and a quick shave he put on his uniform, black thermal underwear, a special Therma-Line suit (designed to keep the body warm by pumping warm water throughout it), leather and fur lined chain-mail, the Black Cohorts unique onyx plate mail armor, a pair of black combat boots, and insulated gloves. He threw his cloak over his armor, grabbed his helmet and mask and headed for the door. When he opened the door he almost ran into another officer.
“Jesus, Decimus you really need to knock!”
“I'm sorry Titus I was just about to. I'm glad to see your ready.”
“Why is that, whats up?”
“The Empress is requesting her senior officers at the palace, its sounding important we better get over there.”
The men headed out the the building onto the street. They were only 3 blocks down from the palace which was situated in the Cathedral of Learning. But the snow was thick and hard to walk through on their way there they passed multiple patrols of soldier helping to control the streets, then there it was the palace. A gorgeous tower standing in a field of crisp white snow.
“I don't know about you Titus but I'm blown away every time I see it.”
“Definitely is a building worthy of our Empress.”
They approached the main entrance where 4 Black Cohort guards stood watch, and saluted the oncoming officers. The ranking guard stepped forward to great them.
“Sirs, how is the day treating you?”
“As good as it gets sergeant.” Titus replied.
“I assume your here regarding the Empress?”
“That is right, any idea what she wants?”
“No idea sir, but these men will escort you there.” The sergeant motioned two of his guards to open the door and escort the officers to the throne room. The group headed through the marble floored lobby to the elevator taking it to the top floor. When they stepped off the elevator the two guards headed back down. The two men stood in a hallway with huge wooden doors at the end of it, and like everything in NSR territory filled with guards.
“You ready Titus?” Without waiting for a response Decimus headed towards the doors, with Titus following. They were greeted by the guards who quickly let them into the room. Upon entering the room they were met by the Empress who was sitting upon her throne already speaking with another man.
“Oh look who has arrived. Governor Bailes, I would like you to meet my most respected officers Decimus Varus, and Titus Regulus.”
“My lady.” Both officers removed their helmets and kneeled before her.
“You may rise, Governor Bailes here is the representative of our Canadian territories, and has informed me of a very interesting discovery. Would you like to elaborate Governor?”
“Of course my lady. Two of my explorers who have been missing for over a year, have recently returned back to me with information about an area untouched by the bombs, with reports of abundant resources, and tribes of prosperous locals that called the territory Alaska”
“How reliable are these reports Empress?” Titus asked.
“These reports alone could be speculated as delusional ramblings of madmen who spent to much time in the wasteland. But this corresponds with military reports and shipping manifests we have found from before the war. These reports tell us that Alaska was the staging ground of a massive counter attack by United States forces against the Chinese, after the bombs fell a lot of that equipment was left behind. So this gives us an opportunity to acquire a great wealth of military equipment.”
“So what do you ask of us, my lady?”
“I'm sending both of you to this Alaska, I want you to investigate this land and confirm these reports. Titus you will be in command of the first expedition team, you will be leaving the soonest. Decimus you will be following him shortly after with the second expedition team but only after these reports have been confirmed. I will have you notified when everything is in order for your departure. If you have no questions you are dismissed you men have a long trip ahead of you, and you could use your rest.”
“Of course my lady.” Both the officers kneeled again then walked out of the room.
“So you think we'll take a plane Titus?” Decimus asked hesitantly
“I hope not, planes crash.”
“What about a boat?”
"Not them either boats sink."
"Well what do you suggest then Titus?"
"You hunch over and carry me all the way there." Titus said jokingly.
"We'll see about that old man, but hey I'll talk to you later." Decimus and Titus then went their separate ways to rest up for the trip ahead of them.
» Tue Sep 09, 2014 11:30 am 
