Team Information: Shitbox Rally 2023 - Entries Open! - #52 by TheYugo45GV
Long Chapter Ahead
This chapter was written in collaboration with @Madrias
Good Public Relations
Following the rather exuberant entrance to the camp, the occupants of the Mayland got out of their car. Karl kept the driver’s door open, and leant against it and the roof, while Landon shut the passenger, and straightened his medals and uniform jacket following the chaotic drive to the camp.
“Y’know, for how much shit I give you, you seem surprisingly tolerant.” Landon began. “I’m real grateful you got us out of there safely.”
“Hey now. I just followed my instincts, I am a cat after all. One that knows how to drive better than most professionals.” Karl replied, thankful. “Plus, you and I have proven time and time again that we are weirdly good at improvising.”
A chuckle came from Landon. “You know what they say, great minds think alike. Anyway, I think I’m gonna go introduce myself to the hosts.”
“I saw two Khalans when we pulled in. I think I’ll hold back a little bit considering what my uncle did to my family’s reputation.”
“Your uncle?”
Karl nodded. “Yeah, he tarnished our reputation with his betrayal of the code.”
“You have a code?” Landon queried, a note of confusion in his voice.
“Uh-huh, it’s… it’s a long story. Now go on, I’ll join you later.”
The general looked across the camp towards the heavy duty trucks parked on the far side near the trailers and the Diones. Well, he did see one of the Khalans wearing some sort of military uniform and it was maybe a wise idea to get to know the hosts, and besides, establishing good relations from the get go was how wars were avoided. The General sighed, he was taller than anyone on his team, just a little over 6’ 6", and his uniform would probably make him stand out especially since it strongly resembled Soviet service dress uniforms. A country that Karl told him about that had collapsed long ago. Regardless, he twitched his ears and donned his peaked military cap before starting his approach dodging around the Ivera’s hood.
Takaraya looked over as a fox-like being, about six-and-a-half feet tall, started making his way over toward him. He glanced over at his son, who was writing something in a notebook with the cab door half open for airflow, again almost oblivious to the world around him. He looked back at the fox, his own amber eyes trying to pick any and all details up that he could, even with his inability to see color.
Eventually, the fox made it to within speaking distance of him. “Wing Commander Takaraya Wintermoon. State your business,” Takaraya said, naturally a bit on the defensive side because he knew his son didn’t really like being around military people.
Kasiya looked out of the cab door and groaned. “Great. More military people,” he muttered to himself. “At this rate, Nehmenweld will think it’s an invasion.”
Remaining focused on the Khalan that had just greeted him and introduced himself. Landon stood at ease, hands behind his back, standing fully upright, as though he were addressing troops.
“Greetings Commander. I’m Supreme General Sabourne of the Velkaristan Armed Forces. Your uniform tells me you’re in the Royal Air and Space Force.”
Takaraya gave a light nod. “Good to meet you, then, General,” he said, his metal hands reflecting a bit of sunlight as he moved. “Kasiya, you might as well meet him,” he called out.
Kasiya set his notebook down on the seat with a muffled thump, shoved the door open the rest of the way, and stepped out, rising to his full 10 foot height as he crossed his arms. “Kasiya Wintermoon, leader of the Nehmenweld Expedition for the Interplanetary Historical Preservation Society,” he said, looking down at General Sabourne.
“Pleased to meet you Kasiya, I presume your the commander’s son.” Landon began, offering a handshake, despite the size difference. “I’ve heard of the Preservation Society before, my… uhm… associate has told me all about it.”
“I am Takaraya’s son, yes,” Kasiya replied, accepting the handshake and trying his best not to squeeze too hard in the process.
Takaraya, on the other hand, looked over toward the cars as Landon mentioned his associate. “Now that is curious. Your associate is aware of the Preservation Society, and you’re here as well… You’re looking for something in Nehmenweld,” Takaraya said. “They wouldn’t assign high-brass to a mission like this unless it was dangerous. I’m not here on mission, my orders were to heal up after my accident, and I got involved with the rest of this crew on this event.”
Kasiya watched Malavera duck inside one of the plastic portable toilets, noticing Kivenaal checking his phone a few moments later. He glanced over to Landon, then added in, “There are a few things I can think of that might be of value enough to send out a General. The big one, however, is the Sacred Chalice of Aureia, some Aetheriian goddess of peace and healing. Well, it’s either that, or you’re looking for the Dragon-shard, a sword that burns with eternal fire.”
Takaraya noticed that Kivenaal ducked inside one of the “porta-potties” as well, then gave a chuckle and shook his head as he figured out what was going on. “They’re going to get caught if they keep doing that,” he said to himself. He then looked to Landon and smiled. “It’s often been said by my father that Kasiya would make a good diplomat,” Takaraya said.
“No, I wouldn’t. I can’t lie enough to keep myself in office for a day,” Kasiya replied.
“I’m here because the High Council ordered me to be here. Plus, My friend over there,” Landon pointed to what was evidently not a fox, bent over through the window of the older of the two car. “He’s the one who pulled the strings to bring me here. I’m certain you’ll instantly recognize who and what he is. Especially since he told me about it on the way here.”
Meanwhile, the being had found what they were looking for, and then stood up. It was none other than a Caracalian, a species on a neighboring planet to Panthiri Prime, that was comprised of the smaller wildcats.
Landon then continued. “He’s the one who’s brought that giant boat over there. A Mayland Ambassador I think it is. Next to the Ivera over there, with the RV lookin’ thing.”
Takaraya studied the other being, then sighed. “A Caracalian. Which family? There’s one where, depending on the branch, I have very specific orders I am to follow,” Takaraya said.
Before Landon could answer, however, Kaylie stormed over and asked, “So, what went through your mind when you raced past the camp in a cloud of gravel and dust?”
Kasiya, rolling his eyes, then said, “Landon, here, was not the one driving. Yes, I know your first name, General. I read the entry forms and logged them in earlier for the historical record.”
Karl meanwhile had walked up, and he stood about similar to Kaylie’s height, as he came up from behind. He wore civilian clothing. “I think you could blame me for the driving. You see, Landon and I were attacked on the way here. Wasn’t until he pointed out that we missed the turning on the road over there that I saw how fast I was going.” He paused, before addressing the two Khalans, and also offering a handshake.
“Karl von Heislingberg, I’m certain that name isn’t pleasing to hear given recent circumstances, but I can assure you, my father, Ayren has dealt with the traitors. You must be Takaraya, the son of his Majesty the king, Wintermoon.”
Kaylie sighed. “Yeah, the only reason I was upset was the rock-shower you threw behind your car. We’ve had team members pelted by rocks before, it’s not fun.”
Karl flashed a small grin across his face in response.
As Karl introduced himself, Takaraya sighed. “I am the son of Dakala, yes. And while your father may have dealt with the traitors, Karl, I still have my orders that, should I cross paths with Erran and his line, I am to shoot them on sight. Luckily for you, I got an update to my orders a while back that changed it to just his branch of the family.”
Kasiya sighed. “The last thing the galaxy needs is another fucking war,” he grumbled.
Karl gave a light nod, in response.
Takaraya glanced over to the portable toilet again and chuckled as he saw Kivenaal walk out of it with a light grin on his face. A few seconds later, Malavera stepped out, looking a little unsteady on his feet at first, but managing to hide it well after a few steps. Kaylie had followed his glance and sighed. “So that’s why they asked Jayde to sound-proof the toilets,” she said, shaking her head.
“Y’know, Takaraya, my dad did tell me he spoke with the king, about what to do moving forward. So, I guess the both of us should expect some form of message at some point.” Karl concluded, ignoring what was happening in the background. “Plus, I’m glad to see you walking around again, given what happened.”
Landon meanwhile, watched in the background what was happening. He flashed a little bit of confusion on his face but then spoke up. “You seem to know the commander, but that’s his son that’s next to him, he’s an archeologist like you I think.”
Karl glanced up at the much taller Khalan. “You must be with the Historical Preservation Society. I recognized the color scheme on the HD-GVs over there. I can tell one of 'em is a Carry-All.”
Kasiya nodded. “I’m the leader of the Nehmenweld Expedition,” he said, looking to Karl. “My truck is the Carry-All. My father drives the Home-Unit. We’re both hauling a trailer that’s made from the rear half of a Carry-All as well, so we have plenty of supplies.”
“And plenty of weapons,” Takaraya said, smiling. “We’re probably not the most heavily armed team here, but we are prepared.”
Landon and Karl glanced at each other, before Landon started. “Well, we didn’t know what dangers we would face so we did too. We had to use one of them though, as Karl might have stated.”
Karl meanwhile had reached around his back and removed his sidearm. It was an Automag Raven with a shorter barrel, around 6 inches. He examined the weapon, demonstrating very good discipline.
Karl drawing his weapon had the end result of Kaylie, Takaraya, and Kasiya drawing their sidearms. Kaylie’s Walther P99 was, perhaps the most normal weapon of the three as she held it low, with the barrel pointed in a generally safe direction and her finger outside the trigger guard. Takaraya had a very large, heavy semi-automatic handgun that clearly had been stamped with a new caliber, declaring it now fired .458 SOCOM instead of the old .46 KAL. Likewise, Kasiya had a revolver, rechambered in .500 S&W Magnum, holding 7 rounds and having a “short” 6 inch barrel. None of the three weapons were particularly shiny or showy, and were instead very practical handguns.
Of course, the “gun show” got Kivenaal’s attention, and he approached the group and drew his four Smith & Wesson Model 500 Magnum revolvers, with 8 inch barrels, nickel-chrome finish, and custom walnut grips. “Sorry that I missed our introductions,” he said. “I’m Kivenaal Khakrin-Marinseien.” He holstered his weapons quickly, prompting Kaylie, Kivenaal, and Takaraya to do the same. “Would’ve been here earlier, but I had… Other duties to take care of.”
“Not sure that having a bit of “fun” with Malavera in a portable toilet exactly counts as “other duties,” Kivenaal,” Takaraya said in response.
Neither Karl nor Landon said anything, they stood there and pretended to mind their own business. “I think we could set up some sort of gun range. Especially with that hill as a back stop.” Landon pointed out, “If we have any tables to put targets on, perhaps.”
“Landon, they’ve brought a giant transport truck. It’s going to have room for all sorts of supplies, I’m gonna assume they brought some form of table at least.”
The general simply looked at him, unamused, but understanding. "I guess it won’t hurt to practice a little bit and maybe show of some of the firepower that we’ve brought. “Especially considering our…” He trailed making sure he could trust absolutely everyone, satisfied, he finished his sentence. “Mission.”
“You mean the range I busted my ass earlier to set up?” Kivenaal asked, motioning toward the range he’d built earlier, complete with targets at reasonable distances. “Granted, Takaraya helped - it’s very helpful to have someone who has nearly no limit to the number of sandbags he can lug around - but we set the range up because we expected people might want to shoot.”
Karl glanced at the range, putting up a hand to shield the sunlight. “Well, I guess that means we’ve got something to pass the time. Also, Landon, please go change out of that uniform, I’m overheating just looking at you.”
“How many times do I have to tell you that it’s insulated? I’ll change out of it later, once more people arrive.”
“Okay, alright. Let’s go see the range then.”
Kasiya laughed. “Karl, if you think what Landon is wearing would be hot, take another look at Kivenaal,” Kasiya said. Kivenaal, giving a light smirk, showed his leather duster, leather vest, button-up shirt, jeans, and leather chaps to Karl, before making an explanation of his own.
“My fur is rated for -40 degrees Celsius. A couple months ago, it would have been rated for far, far colder. You’ll survive,” Kivenaal said, chuckling.
Karl simply shrugged, knowing he was a being that could exist in warm temperatures being a cat mainly found in desert climates.
As the small group headed for the range, eventually making it to the firing line, Kaylie added, “If it’s really that bad here for you, I’ll let Jayde know. Just bring a spare shirt so he can put a cooling enchantment on it.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I should be alright.” Karl replied politely.
Kivenaal smiled, then said, “Pick a lane. Plenty of targets available, after all.”
Takaraya chose the far lane, thumbing the safety off on his pistol and taking aim at a mid-range target, firing one shot and landing just off to the right of the bullseye with a one-handed shot.
Kaylie gripped her handgun with her right hand, carefully wrapping her chrome left hand around her natural right hand to support the weapon, then cracked off her first round and managed to hit the top of the close-range target.
Kasiya, likewise, aimed at the close target, using both hands to steady his revolver, then put a hole a few inches low of the bullseye.
Kivenaal, however, drew all four revolvers, picked the mid-range pistol target, and promptly put four holes within an inch of the bullseye.
The Automag was a familiar weight, and instinctively, Karl racked the slide and gripped the weapon with both hands. He took aim at a mid-range target as well and fired three times, one went left, the other one right and one just right next to the bullseye.
Landon meanwhile, selected one of the further targets holding the gun with one hand fired off all six rounds from his revolver. Two bullets hit directly in the center of bullseye, side by side, one went low, hitting just below the bullseye, the other three hit just above the two holes in the center.
It soon became clear as Kaylie, Kivenaal, Kasiya, and Takaraya unloaded on their targets that some of them were much better shots than the others. Takaraya was resistant to the heavy recoil of his rifle-chambered pistol, proceeding to keep all of his shots within a very tight group, similar to Landon. Kivenaal pelted his target with all four revolvers, leaving a cluster of 20 holes all grouped in the space of a human’s fist. Kaylie’s target looked more like someone had fired a shotgun at it, with a bunch of 9mm holes scattered around the top of the target, with none of them really making it to the bullseye. Kasiya, despite his usual claims of being a bad shot, managed to put seven rounds into a space the size of a CD on his target, centered around the bullseye.
Reloading their weapons also showed their familiarity, as Takaraya casually ejected the magazine, put it into a pouch on his belt, retrieved a full one, and loaded it into the weapon with well-practiced ease, dropping the slide-release and chambering a round. Kaylie, on the other hand, was a lot slower on her reload, taking her time to make sure she lined things up properly before shoving the loaded magazine into her P99. Kivenaal holstered two revolvers, swung the cylinders out on the pair remaining in his hands and knocked the spent shells free, loaded them with a pair of speed loaders, and closed the cylinders back up, holstered that pair, drew the empty set, and repeated the process, before drawing the other revolvers again. Kasiya, however, swung the cylinder out, emptied the shells out, and then put 7 new ones in, one at a time, from a pouch of ammunition on his belt.
Karl meanwhile, had left to go get something, and Landon seemed to know what it was, as he returned with a large very high quality rifle case and a metal box of ammunition that had Holland & Holland scrawled on it with permanent marker.
He set it down on a plastic folding table and popped the latches, and opened the lid. From inside he lifted what was very much a Czech CZ-550 safari hunting rifle crafted from materials that looked ridiculously expensive. It also had a high end professional grade sniper scope that had up to 12x zoom and a shoulder strap hanging from the sling anchor points.
To load the weapon Karl pulled the bolt back and inserted three rounds of .375 H&H Magnum, then once the weapon was loaded, he slapped the bolt closed and then shouldered the rifle and took aim, adopting a steady stance with his feet shoulder width apart, and his right foot slightly behind and to the right. Flattening his ears, he pulled the trigger.
There came a loud bang accompanied by a huge muzzle flash, the rifle bucking violently as it sent a .375 bullet down range punching right through the bullseye and thrown up sand and dust into the air.
“Okay, if we’re playing with rifles now,” Kivenaal said, holstering his revolvers and pulling his lever action rifle from across his back, “I can do that.” While he was busy loading his suppressed lever action rifle with .45-70 Government rounds, Takaraya walked over to the Carry All, opened the back, and got his rifle out of it, returning a few moments later with what vaguely resembled an M16, but scaled up to Takaraya’s size, and holding one hell of a chunky magazine in it. He racked the charging handle, pulled the stock into his shoulder, and then set the weapon to semi-automatic, blasting one of the distant targets with a .50 BMG round. Kaylie casually caught the flying shell casing with her left hand and set it down on the table, avoiding it hitting either Kasiya, Karl, or Landon.
Kivenaal’s response, however, was to chamber one round, flip up his precision rear iron sight, dial it in for the range of that distant target, and put one right through the bullseye. “Just be glad Malavera’s not over here, we actually stand a chance of looking decent. If *he’s * shooting with his rifle, we all look like a bunch of rookies,” Kivenaal said.
Landon had left for a moment but returned clutching what was a G36 but with a heavier barrel, and a dual helical drum magazine that was loaded. Karl was eyeing worriedly.
“What? We’ve got enough 5.56 to last us months.” Landon remarked, racking the charging handle. What came afterward was a full auto 750 round per minute burst of 5.56 ammunition lighting up one of the closer range targets. “Forgot I left it in full auto.”
Then he flicked the firing selector into semi auto and fired off a few more rounds.
Takaraya rolled his eyes at the burst of full-auto from the G36. “I can do that as well, but it’s not needed while fighting paper targets,” Takaraya replied, punching a few more half-inch holes in one of the targets.
Kivenaal, meanwhile was trying to sight in on the furthest target available, cracking off a shot and landing it in the bottom left corner of the target board.
“Low and to the left,” Malavera said, joining the line with his PGM Hecate II in his hands. He pulled the bolt back, put a fresh magazine in the weapon, and carefully slid the bolt home, then shouldered the rifle and looked down the scope. “Calling my shot: Top half of the eight, furthest target,” Malavera said, before carefully squeezing the trigger. Sure enough, he put a round into the top half of the 8, rather than hitting the large bullseye a couple inches below it. He took a brief moment to reload, catching his spent brass as it left the chamber and putting it on the table, took aim at the target, then said, “Center of the bullseye.” Another shot, and another hole where Malavera claimed it’d end up being.
Kivenaal looked to Landon, then said, “This is why I said Malavera would make all of us look like rookies.”
The general gave a nod, before leaving to return the rifle where he’d brought it from.
“You want to give the rifle a try?” Karl asked him as he returned. “Yeah sure.”
Landon took aim, and fired, hitting one of the further targets dead center. Before firing again, hitting a little to the left of the previous bullet.
Malavera finished off a group of five shots, each time calling his intended target, before he unloaded the weapon and returned it to its case in the truck. Takaraya unloaded his rifle, taking the time to make sure it was returned to a safe condition with an empty magazine stored in the rifle. Kivenaal finished up his target practice with his lever-action rifle, putting it away after he’d emptied the weapon. Kasiya and Kaylie made sure their handguns were loaded, yet safe, returning them to their holsters. Takaraya took a bit longer as he reloaded the empty pistol magazine at the range and put it back in his pouch, then holstered the rather large handgun.
“Was good to have a bit of range time,” Kaylie said, smiling. She led the crew back to the HD-GVs after making sure the spent brass was collected up and put in the metal bucket, keeping their range clean.
After the others had left, Karl and Landon packed up their weapons, and returned to where their team’s vehicles were parked. It was around this time, Karl looked over at where the trailers were.
“I guess you still want to meet new people, eh Karl?” Landon asked, walking up from behind the car.
“We did introduce ourselves to one of the host teams, so why don’t we go and meet the other, host team?”
“Maybe later. Speaking of which, Where’s Ramius?”
“He’s around the back of the Ivera with the others, he’ll join us if he wants to when we go and introduce ourselves to the other hosting team. Jayde or whoever, seems to be a mage.”
In the back of Karl’s mind Ramius began speaking. “He is a mage, you moron. Plus, I’m able to communicate with him and the one of the Valraadi in the same way I do with you.”
“Is he telling you off again?”
Karl gave a nod.
“Thought so.”
With a final glance towards the trailers and the steam generator, Karl and Landon soon rejoined their other team mates, and began to run through the mission plan again which they did as other teams arrived after them.
Till next time.