Roland Steele shot up, his body on fire and covered in sweat. Tearing at the wrappings he slept in, he flung them aside chaoticly the vivid images of his dream still etched in him now conscious mind, the image of the last time he saw his family all lost during a SeeD and Esthar joint invasion of Galbadia not long after the Sorceress Ultimecia had been defeated at the hands of now Headmaster Squall Leonheart and SeeD. Roland Gasped for air, looking around the empty barracks to find none of his squad mates, which releaved him. Hunching over he pulled himself from the bed, cutting the the light that emptied through a nearby window. Gazing out for a moment he watched as his squad gathered in the courtyard. ” Oh fuck, the commander is going to kill me! ” Roland blurted out as he started grabbing for his gear and clothing, dressing as quickly as he could before bolting through the door towards his squad. ” We move out in one hour for Dollet, any quest… oh look who decided to join us! ” The commander spoke as Roland tore through the courtyard joining his squad. Haven't we been over this shit about ten times now Steele? It's shit like this that keeps you from going anywhere in this damn army, at least if I have any say in it soldier! ” The commander continued, pausing for a moment so all the fellow infantry men could rightfully mock their squad mate. Now as I said, get your gear together, you'll all be on the front line, we're going to pen those bastards to the coast and take the city today! You have one hour! ” He finished before instructing the men to break.
— OOC Talk: I figure our characters will know each other, being in the same squad so this is a good way to start this one, you can observe this from your point of view and then we'll get moving.
2:41 am May 25, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
2
Lyner could only watch as his squadmate burst out the door, heading for the group. You're in for it again, you know? he thought, past experiences having taught that the Commander wouldn't hold back on Roland. It had always felt like the older man really had it in for the kid; it wasn't likely that he would improve under a leader like that. “I'm nothin' if not proud of you, Roland.” Lyner called out, cracking a grin as he decided to joke around with him a bit. “You made it before we were dismissed this time, after all.” At those words the man offered a consoling smile before returning to attention as the Commander resumed speaking to the squad. When they were allowed to break, Lyner casually walked towards Roland, coming to a stop next to the younger soldier. “Don't let it get to you,” he started to say, pausing for a moment to make sure the Commander was out of earshot before continuing. “you've got enough talent to put him to shame when you try.” Lyner said earnestly, his own expectations of the kid were rather high; it just seemed as if he lacked the confidence necessary to back his natural talent as a soldier.
The warm air of the Dollet region soothed Roland as much as it could, the kind words of his friend helping as well. Roland knew it in his bones that if he just got a shot he could show them all, he could prove that he had the right stuff and that he could make Galbadia proud. ” I know Lyner, we need to show them what we can do when we get to Dollet, we'll make names for ourselves! ” Roland spoke, his voice full of exuberance. Shifting his focas from his friend to the barracks Roland made his way back up the steps which he had only moments before bolted down as if they weren't even their. His hand reaching for the door and tugging it open, releasing a burst of cool air conditioning as he headed back toward his bunk. Knowing the drill Roland assumed he wouldn't be coming back here and proceeded to begin packing all of his gear, leaving his armor and weapons aside. ” You think SeeD will be able to make it to Dollet in time to try to repell us? ” Roland spoke to Lyner, hoping that his age and insight might provide some information, as it usually did. Having finished packing his things, Roland quickly moved to his gear, taking his time to step by step place his galbadian battle armor on and lock it all into place, only leaving his helmet off at the moment, ready to leave when Lyner had finished packing as well.
— OOC Talk: —
11:49 pm May 26, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
4
“That's the way of it,” Lyner replied, laughing whole-heartedly at his friend's enthusiasm. Lyner walked just a few steps behind his squadmate, following him to the barracks in order to pack his belongings. “but start with baby steps first: no more beauty sleep like today, alright?” Lyner approached his own bunk and started to gather his equipment with practiced efficiency. When he finished packing the gear he picked up one of his pistols, checking to make sure the clip was empty before setting it aside and moving onto maintenance of the other.
“SeeD, huh?” Lyner said offhandedly, taking a moment to consider their possible involvement. Only two years prior they had been able to respond to the Galbadian occupation of Dollet with frightening speed. “Yes,” he stated firmly, pausing for a moment before continuing to speak. “but when they do we'll be ready this time; especially if they decide to send kids at us like two years ago.” With those words the soldier brought a hand to his chest, feeling the second pair of dog tags hidden behind his shirt. “Things will be different this time.”
Roland's mind was focused on making a name for himself, where everyone had said he could not. He had applied for SeeD and been rejected, and now all of his struggles in the Galbadian military had at times make him question his own abilities, but having someone there to cut through the negativity was important. ” The goal will be different this time, during the occupation two years ago it was more about that communications dish and establishing a connection with all the worlds citizens. ” Roland spoke, remembering what he had read in the Galbadian papers a few years prior and how SeeD had managed to thwart the Galbadian occupation but was unable to sever that communications connection. ” This time we're going to take down the Dollet Dukedom and claim it for Galbadia by using our far stronger military to push them back to the sea, they'll either flee or we'll just kill them all. ” Roland said with a smirk, finally happy that his ability to listen in on others converstions had packed him full of knowledge on their current objectives, happy that this time it wasn't about the communications dome, though SeeD did not know that. ” Okay, lets get to the transport, I want to be on the front lines! ” Roland said as he patted Lyner on the shoulder and headed out into the sunlight once more, rounding the barracks to where a long row of transport trucks had lined up, each filling with soldiers.
— OOC Talk: —
10:39 pm June 11, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
6
Lyner couldn't help but feel as if there was a painfully heavy weight placed upon his shoulders; Galbadia was the aggressor once more, and he still wasn't in a position to change the country for the better. It felt shameful to find himself in these circumstances once more, after so boldly proclaiming his desire to make this country a better place. Yet he wouldn't abandon it either no matter the misguided actions of those who lead them along this path, after all this was home. Suddenly he was snapped from his thoughts into reality as Roland began speaking. Lyner listened intently, a knowing smile creeping upon his face. It was refreshing to hear the younger soldier recite the strategy, as if attempting to prove his capacity and capability. “Yeah,” he replied calmly, pulling a vest holster over his shoulders before securing his pistols into it. “we're coming conquerors this time, and I don't intend to settle for anything less than complete victory.” Lyner announced with a devilish grin, as Roland spoke about taking down the Dollet Dukedom. Lyner's eyes went wide at the end of his speech, something that could be seen clearly in his expression. “I'm glad you're eager,” Lyner started to say, pausing for a moment as he carefully thought over his next words. “but we're not barbarians. Even I'm not always comfortable with what we need to do for the sake of our country, buddy.” Deciding it was best to leave it at that the soldier headed out the door behind Roland, hoping his words go through to his friend.
Roland's heavy boots made a rhythmic clatter as his two timed it across the gap between the barracks and the row of transport carriers. Launching himself fowards, Roland grabbed firmly on the metal rod used to pull ones self up into the back of the covered truck. Once inside Roland took a moment to look around, noticing his fellow troops had stopped talking when he entered the transport, then moments later resumed without making a fuss. Taking a seat Roland peered out of the opening which he had just climped through, hoping that Lyner had seen which transport he had chosen. ” Yo, Lyner! ” Roland gave a shout, sticking his arm out of the entrence to the transport and giving it a frivolous wave to make the impression.
— OOC Talk: —
8:30 pm June 29, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
8
Lyner maintained a cool pace as Roland ran double-time across the yard. It wasn't as if they would miss out on the upcoming battle if he were to take it slow and steady; though he did find Roland's enthusiasm for the mission encouraging. Lyner watched closely as his friend dashed forward across the yard before leaping onto the transport with a flourish. “Alright already, I get it.” Lyner yelled out, picking the pace up to a slow run. Much like his fellow the man jumped onto the back of the transport, using the metal bar as leverage to pull hoist himself up. “Can't let you show me up.” Lyner said lightheartedly, taking a seat across the way from Roland.
Roland formed a smile as he watched his cloe friend double time it across the yard and hoist himself into the troop transport, feeling as though he had motivated him to do so. ” You're pretty fast for an old man. ” Roland joked just as the transports engine fired up causing the entire troop carrier to vibrate, borderline violently. Reaching to his sides Roland felt around for the saftey belts, pulling them across his lap and latching himself in as the transport started off with a second violent tug. ” Dollet here we come! ” Roland found himself shouting out, his face going blank as he realized the rest of the unit wasn't nearly as happy about the impending battle as he was. ” It should only take us around an hour to get there, I wonder what kind of fortifications we've set up on the front lines. ” Roland continued to speak, thinking that perhaps Lyner would know.
— OOC Talk: —
6:39 am July 3, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
10
“More like you're just slow for a kid,” Lyner replied immediately with a quip, casually reaching for the seat's safety belt. The soldier brought the belt across his lap, latching it in tightly just as his friend shouted out his excitement. Even he had to admit that it took him by surprise, but moments later when the soldier had regained his composure he too called out. “Oi, everybody! Act a bit more lively,” Lyner shouted out, pausing for dramatic effect before continuing on. “Roland will buy us all a drink after the battle, as thanks for letting him sleep in!”
Lyner couldn't leave his friend alone, even if it meant embarassing himself in the process. No matter their response, he was proud to stand by Roland… even if it made him look the fool for doing so. “Honestly I don't know,” Lyner quickly replied and folded his arms. “but I'm hoping we can get this done quickly; if we're too slow about it we'll wind up biting more than we can chew.”
Roland was once again struck by Lyner's ability to motivate the other troops of the unit, who after hearing his comment about being bought a drink all cheered along. Roland had alwayed admired this about Lyner and it was really the thing that drew him to the elder warrior when they had first met, Roland just wanted to be that way. ” Whatever it is, they'll be no match for us! We're taking the continent back for Galbadia! ” Roland shouted, his love of his country clear and present to all riding in the transport. The journey from their military base to the forward operating base only took about an hour, following the curving road though the dollet country side until it nearly reached the sea. The ever present sound of gunfire in the distance greeted the troops as they arrived, the battle already raging on in the distance. As the trucks stopped and Roland disembarked he took a deep breath, the saltness from the ocean tickling his nostrals, he had always loved the smell of the sea. ” Come on Lyner, let's find our commanding officer and get our orders. ” Roland spoke as he took note of a short queue forming near the row of parked transports.
— OOC Talk: —
3:24 pm July 10, 2013
sanarian
Member
posts 108
12
Lyner was all too happy to just lean back into the seat and enjoy it while possible. They were well on their way to a battlefield; a single lax moment might just find them six feet under the ground. It was great to enjoy the small things while possible though; Roland's declaration that they would achieve total victory, that they would reclaim what they Galbadia had lost, brought a faint smile to his lips. That youthful spark was undeniable, and it served as a keen reminder of what the veteran soldier continued to fight for: a place where the next generation would grow up without the need to stain their own hands–even if it would paint him a villain in his own story, he wanted to make that dream a reality.
After roughly an hour the transport reached its destination, and the sounds of the nearby battlefield could clearly be heard. Lyner simply disembarked without a word, just behind his friend. The cacophony of combat had already caught his attention; they had a job to do now, and he wouldn't let the others take their chance for glory. If they wanted to reach the top they had to work for it. “Pick up the pace,” Lyner said with a wicked grin, waving his left arm lazily as he made way for the queue and transports. “unless you want to that old bloodhound to bark at you for sleeping in forever.”
The crackle of gunfire in the distance distracted Roland as he make way towards the command center, the queue forming at the doors as the soldiers from the various transports all made their way inside at roughly the same time. Reaching the doors after a few moments Roland looked back towards Lyner, the realization that they would soon be in active duty exciting him, he would finally have a chance to make a name for himself. ” What's the hurry old man? We're all going to the same place and hopefully whowever our commanding officer is won't have any idea about my antics. ” Roland said with a chuckle as he entered the mobile command center. The command center looked bigger on the inside than Roland had thought it would, being a large tent like you would see at a traveling circus. In front of and around Lyner and he a mass of roughly one hundred and twenty Galbadian soldiers coming together, he suddenly wondered how many other groups this size had already come through. Peering though the crowd he inspected the movement of the officers and the placement of their tables, charts and other equipment which took up roughly half the command center, the other half apparently reserved for gathering and speaking. ” Looks like they're gonna brief us all on the status and probably break us up into smaller groups. ” Roland spoke, assuming Lyner probably had already come to the same conclusion but wanting to talk about it.
— OOC Talk: —
5:25 am January 31, 2014
sanarian
Member
posts 108
14
Gunfire roared in the distance, the sounds clear as day despite their distance from the battlefield. Lyner shook his head from side-to-side, suppressing a faint smile as the younger soldier was awestruck by the sound of battle. Lyner folded his arms apprehensively, watching his friend for a moment before making way for the command center. After reached the doors it wasn't long before Roland also made his way over, seemingly beaming with excitement.
“Old man?” Lyner replied flatly, entering the command center just a few steps ahead of Roland. There was a large force of Galbadian soldiers inside the tent already, likely waiting to be briefed on the battle plans. “You'd best remember you called me that when you get shot in the ass, little kid.” Lyner spread a faint grin at the comment, trying to peer between the soldiers ahead of them to get a better look at the officers who were debriefing them. “Of course they are.”
Post edited 3:54 pm – February 1, 2014 by dystopia Post edited 3:55 pm – February 1, 2014 by dystopia
Chapter 1: The Invasion
The reverberations of a distant explosion sent a tremble through the ground momentarily quietened the raucous sound of gunfire. Ahead of Roland the commanding officer came into view, the air of confidence in his walk unmistakable. The gathering crowd of Galbadian infantry quickly shuffled into place, lining up to salute their commanding officer. Roland made quick with the movement, lining himself up as he had been drilled to do over and over ad nauseum, almost without even think about the process. ” Company 17, welcome to the first battle to reclaim our rightful country! ” The officer spoke. Company 17, Roland included replied with cheers, morale was high. ” For to long we've been overseen, our homeland carved up by the likes of Dollet and Winhill, soon Esthar will join that bunch and we simply won't stand for it! The battle has already begun, we've laid siege on Dollet and no doubt SeeD will soon come to the Dukedom's aide. Because of this we must make quick work and push Dollet back and take the port so we can set up defensive possitions. Company 17 you will be charged with crossing the Dollet bridge which we have already captured and pushing into city center. We estimate you have twelve hours to take the city and fortify the port so time is of essense. ” The officer finished speaking before stepping aside to make way for Company 17's own officers. ” This is it Lyner, let's find Simmons and head out! ” Roland said, speaking of one of the officers who they had been under command of for some time. As the soldiers began to disperse Roland broke away, pointing towards the door where he had spotted Simmons just a moment before. Motioning for Lyner to follow he took to a jog, dodging his fellow Galbadian infantry men as he made it back outside. ROland squented as he exited the forward command center, his eyes re-adjusting to the sunlight. Ahead he spotted Simmons who would lead them to the bridge.
— OOC Talk: —
8:12 pm February 1, 2014
sanarian
Member
posts 108
16
Lyner quickly moved into rank and file next to Roland as one of the officers began to address the company. It wasn't a surprise that the officer speaking to the group showed a flair for the dramatic. Lyner could tell the majority of his speech was little more than a mixture of propagranda and grandstanding; they were rarely anything but the aggressor in conflicts, something that he felt had to change if they were ever to become regain that which they had lost in the past few years. Though it couldn't be said that he didn't appreciate the man's effort. Morale was more important than the truth, especially when they were about to charge onto a battlefield.
“Now whose in a rush?” Lyner called out after Roland as the youth disappeared into the crowd. With a frustrated groan he forced his way through the crowd, shielding his eyes from the sunlight as he exited the tent. Upon exiting the tent he caught sight of Roland, making a beeline for their commanding officer. Lyner didn't waste any time heading in that direction, closing the gap between himself and Roland.
Roland made his way through the crowd of infantry men quickly, ducking a dodging but keeping his sights on Simmons as he did so. Behind him he could hear Lyner groan, this put a smile on his face, he always enjoyed giving him a hard time about his age. Bridging the distance quickly, Roland approached Simmons, the excitement on his face clear as it had ever been, he was finally going to make a name for himself. ” Captain Simmons! Roland Steele reporting and ready to head into the city! ”He said with confidence in his voice, saluting the captain as he did so. ” Ah good, we're to head on foot to the Dollet Bridge, which is roughly one half mile from this forward command center. We shouldn't take fire until we cross the bridge, but this is a battlezone so be ready regardless. ”The captain spoke, as a group of twelve infantry man gathered around him. Roland took a moment to take in his surroundings, realizing that the rubble that surrounded the command center on both sizes of the road where the transports were parked had once been homes. He didn't know how he felt about that, but he shook aside his weary feelings and turned back to Simmons. ” Our group of twleve will accommpany four others groups to the bridge in this wave, so get your shit together and move out! ” Simmons finished as he broke away from his company for a moment, taking time to speak to the other officers as his troops readied their gear.
— OOC Talk: —
11:01 am February 6, 2014
sanarian
Member
posts 108
18
Lyner forced his way through the crowd of soldiers, ignoring anyone that might have had somethin to say about his rough demeanor. By the time he had caught up to Roland the younger soldier had already reached the Captain, and was in the midst of offering his salute and introduction. Without hesitation he announced himself, offering the captain a salute in the process. “Lyner Farwell reporting for duty, sir!” Lyner's voice was loud and clear, but he wasn't nearly as enthusiastic as his friend; prior experience in battle had taught him the harsh reality they were about to enter into.
Once the captain had finished explaining their primary objective, he stepped away and began to speak with the other officers. Lyner glanced over at Roland, offering him a consoling pat on the back. “Don't sweat the details right now, Roland. There's a time and place for sentiment, but it's not here. All that matters here is staying alive and completing the mission.”
Simmons was a rough individual, his stubby beard and sweat covered forehead uncharacteristic of most of the younger captains in the Galbadian military. He was older, in his fourties, where most of the officers were not even thirty yet, untested in real combat. Roland knew this, and that's why he had always triedto impress Simmons, who had proven himself to be a real soldier many times over in his two decades of military service, Roland admired that. ” Yes sir! Moving out! ” Roland shouted, knowing that he was now just moments away from finally showing all the fools in this army what he could actually do, showing them it was a mistake to overlook his talent for so many years. ” Simmons will recognize my abilities, I just know it! ” He said in response to Lyner as he patted him on the back, remembering when Lyner had seen the talent in him, and wondering why Lyner had not yet made captain. The half of mile trek to the Dollet bridge took the company through unusually rough terran for a city. Many of the buildings that lined the road have been bombed or mortered from a distance, spilling out bricks, cars, and other debris into what would have been an quick walk. Roland was vigilant as they slowly made there way, his sword drawn, and his machine gun at ready if need went that far. In the distnace he could hear the sounds of combat, the hail of gunfire and screws of the wounded, coming closer and closer, they would soon reach the bridge.
— OOC Talk: —
5:56 am February 14, 2014
sanarian
Member
posts 108
20
Just as they began to move out, Lyner shook his head and smiled softly at his friend. It was great that he was eager, even if it was slightly childish. “I don't doubt that, just remember not to make yourself look too good. I'd hate to turn thirty and still be among the rank and file.” Lyner joked, though he couldn't help but think about the fact that with the way things were going it was probably going to happen. As they set out his thoughts began to wander, dwelling on the events that had put him where he was today. If he hadn't been so eager to protest the fact that they were fighting with little more than children during the attack on Balamb Garden he probably would've risen to a more noteworthy position. In spite of himself he had followed orders in the end though, and part of him regretted not having the nerve to do what he felt was right that day.
The familiar roar of gunfire in the distance brought him back to reality, and he casually unholstered his pistols; they would soon reach the bridge, and it would be stupid to dwell on the past when they were about to reach their target destination.
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