Pacificus
Straight up, having a good time.
The fortress dungeon of Baal, a vast subterranean complex beneath the Cascadian Mountains. An ancient hellscape the size of a city. This sprawling underworld is estimated to contain hundreds of miles of tunnels, some high enough to build a skyscraper within. Its chained and cursed caverns, built by a long dead civilization, are said to contain wonders, mysteries and creatures of unfathomable horror. Its only entrance, the legendary Gates of Thunder have been closed since time immemorial.
Outside these intimidating doors, bathed in the bright light of a midday sun stood those who would dare to open them. The modern mercenary army, “Aquila Invicta''. Assembled before the doors, their war machines rumbled in their hundreds. Thousands of battle-hardened men and women. Some seeking fortune, others adventure. All sought the prestige to be the ones to conquer the world of Illustris’ last unexplored region and to-date, biggest mystery.
Tanks, armored personnel carriers, trucks and highly specialized pioneering equipment were lined in rows, a respectful distance from the Gates of Thunder. Quartermasters frantically ensured the distribution of supplies. Technicians conducted their final procedures upon their equipment with almost religious reverance. Unit leaders marshaled their forces into their pre-planned positions.
Before the doors, at the head of the miles-long convoy, a single humvee sat surrounded by various leaders of this armed expedition. Papers and maps were laid upon its hood as several outstanding individuals debated.
Dr. Fulbright. PhD. (archeology) adjusted his too-large coveralls. A man well past his forties, with every year of toil apparent upon his aged body; but his demeanor had not been lessened and his energy was focused. He studied data sheets laid upon the vehicle. A calloused hand held an ancient book; its pages yellow, but remarkably intact.
Across from him was Mr. Tanaka, a civil engineer. He hunched over a map, appearing deep in thought. He was the youngest of the 4 who stood at the head of the convoy. He was prim and proper, his hair appeared as though it had undergone the same detailed inspection as the blueprints of a suspension bridge. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth.
In the middle was Major Tambor. The storied leader and the founder of Aquila Invicta. His demeanor was casual as he listened to his subordinates on this expedition. Quite the opposite of the fiery and ramrod commanders often told of in folklore, he stood at ease with his arms crossed, as if this was all formality. Behind him stood his adjutant, young Captain Amelia Anson. She stood straight and stiff, contrary to her superior. Her green fatigues her spotless without a single crease upon them. Her cover was drawn low to shield her eyes from the sun, covering most of her pale face. She held a clipboard with a thick stack of paper, occasionally, she drew from it and presented its contents for the Major or the doctor, or Mr. Tanaka.
“Seismic readings are inconclusive. I have no way of validating this map.” Said Mr. Tanaka, “there is something unaccounted for in the shale that lines the mountain. I have never seen anything like it.”
Dr. Fulbright held up the ancient book he cradled. “The ancients have written nothing of what lies directly beyond the gates. The translation of the Gates of Thunder does say that it once was guarded. By who, or what, it does not say. The ancients who built them were known to tame dragons. It is possible that a wyrm or drake was left in defense.”
“Is it possible for one to still be alive? These gates are older than any ruins I have ever encountered.” Said the engineer.
“That depends upon a number of variables. The Atilla expedition 13 years ago encountered great fire drakes when they opened the tomb of the Hun. They had subsisted on roots and natural gas pockets until the tomb was unsealed. Then they subsisted on the, ah, expedition.” the doctor let that hang for a moment. “It is your call, sir. Though, if I know you, and I do, you have already made it.”
Major Tambor let slip a grin. “I have.” he said. He plucked the cigarette from Mr. Tanaka’s mouth and snuffed it with his foot. He prompted his adjutant and she handed him a radio. “Aquila Actual, Door Knocker 1-1: Execute.”
As soon as his thumb lifted off the transmit button, the convoy roared to life. An engineering vehicle, an M60 with a massive 150mm howitzer trundled past and stopped in front of the door. The barrel elevated as the commander closed his hatch. With a resounding BOOM! The cannon fired and the high-explosive projectile exploded against the gates not a moment later. The explosion bored inward and rubble came crashing down around the gates. As if, blown off their hinges, the doors collapsed inward into a cloud of dust. An all-consuming darkness lay beyond.
“Aquila Actual to all units, Forward unto the breach.” He ordered.
In unison came the reply over the battlenet, “MORIOR INVICTUS!”
Outside these intimidating doors, bathed in the bright light of a midday sun stood those who would dare to open them. The modern mercenary army, “Aquila Invicta''. Assembled before the doors, their war machines rumbled in their hundreds. Thousands of battle-hardened men and women. Some seeking fortune, others adventure. All sought the prestige to be the ones to conquer the world of Illustris’ last unexplored region and to-date, biggest mystery.
Tanks, armored personnel carriers, trucks and highly specialized pioneering equipment were lined in rows, a respectful distance from the Gates of Thunder. Quartermasters frantically ensured the distribution of supplies. Technicians conducted their final procedures upon their equipment with almost religious reverance. Unit leaders marshaled their forces into their pre-planned positions.
Before the doors, at the head of the miles-long convoy, a single humvee sat surrounded by various leaders of this armed expedition. Papers and maps were laid upon its hood as several outstanding individuals debated.
Dr. Fulbright. PhD. (archeology) adjusted his too-large coveralls. A man well past his forties, with every year of toil apparent upon his aged body; but his demeanor had not been lessened and his energy was focused. He studied data sheets laid upon the vehicle. A calloused hand held an ancient book; its pages yellow, but remarkably intact.
Across from him was Mr. Tanaka, a civil engineer. He hunched over a map, appearing deep in thought. He was the youngest of the 4 who stood at the head of the convoy. He was prim and proper, his hair appeared as though it had undergone the same detailed inspection as the blueprints of a suspension bridge. A cigarette hung from the corner of his mouth.
In the middle was Major Tambor. The storied leader and the founder of Aquila Invicta. His demeanor was casual as he listened to his subordinates on this expedition. Quite the opposite of the fiery and ramrod commanders often told of in folklore, he stood at ease with his arms crossed, as if this was all formality. Behind him stood his adjutant, young Captain Amelia Anson. She stood straight and stiff, contrary to her superior. Her green fatigues her spotless without a single crease upon them. Her cover was drawn low to shield her eyes from the sun, covering most of her pale face. She held a clipboard with a thick stack of paper, occasionally, she drew from it and presented its contents for the Major or the doctor, or Mr. Tanaka.
“Seismic readings are inconclusive. I have no way of validating this map.” Said Mr. Tanaka, “there is something unaccounted for in the shale that lines the mountain. I have never seen anything like it.”
Dr. Fulbright held up the ancient book he cradled. “The ancients have written nothing of what lies directly beyond the gates. The translation of the Gates of Thunder does say that it once was guarded. By who, or what, it does not say. The ancients who built them were known to tame dragons. It is possible that a wyrm or drake was left in defense.”
“Is it possible for one to still be alive? These gates are older than any ruins I have ever encountered.” Said the engineer.
“That depends upon a number of variables. The Atilla expedition 13 years ago encountered great fire drakes when they opened the tomb of the Hun. They had subsisted on roots and natural gas pockets until the tomb was unsealed. Then they subsisted on the, ah, expedition.” the doctor let that hang for a moment. “It is your call, sir. Though, if I know you, and I do, you have already made it.”
Major Tambor let slip a grin. “I have.” he said. He plucked the cigarette from Mr. Tanaka’s mouth and snuffed it with his foot. He prompted his adjutant and she handed him a radio. “Aquila Actual, Door Knocker 1-1: Execute.”
As soon as his thumb lifted off the transmit button, the convoy roared to life. An engineering vehicle, an M60 with a massive 150mm howitzer trundled past and stopped in front of the door. The barrel elevated as the commander closed his hatch. With a resounding BOOM! The cannon fired and the high-explosive projectile exploded against the gates not a moment later. The explosion bored inward and rubble came crashing down around the gates. As if, blown off their hinges, the doors collapsed inward into a cloud of dust. An all-consuming darkness lay beyond.
“Aquila Actual to all units, Forward unto the breach.” He ordered.
In unison came the reply over the battlenet, “MORIOR INVICTUS!”
