Ullr and Artemis - Consortium Arctic Rangers [2]

Thank you to u/SpacePaladin15 for the universe and thanks to the other fanfic writers for giving me the inspiration for this little masterpiece of nonsense I have cooked up.

Additional thanks to u/rookamillion and u/JulianSkies for nomenclature and lore ideas.

[First]

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Memory Transcription Subject: Ullr Hoback, Human KC Military Something

Date: [Standardized Human time] May 15, 2160

I awake to a warm, fluffy mass on my back. Its weight and warmth are a comfort long forgotten since moving to Tellus all those years ago. 

Wait, what the hell is on my back?! It’s some type of thing. It’ll probably attack if I don’t get it off as fast as possible. Okay, just a quick grab and throw.

With blistering speed, I whip my arms up from my side and grab into whatever creature is camped out on my posterior. The beast yelps in fear, an obvious sign my plan is working so far. I begin to rotate my arms to launch it when a set of sharp fangs bite into my arm. 

The beast is craftier than I anticipated. I’ll have to turn over and-

“Ullr! What in melted Esquo are you doing?!”

Son of a bitch. Ullr, you are an expert at making friends and social interactions in general!

“Would you believe me if I said I thought you were some type of animal trying to kill me while I slept?”

“Ar-are you being serious? Even after what we talked about yesterday?”

Guilt pangs through my very being at her words. She steps off of me and moves to the middle of the room where she sits in an amazingly pitiful pout and stares me down. My mind whips into a fury to find an apology acceptable for the amount of fucking up I have done in the last 24 hours.

“It-it’s…” How do I explain this? Dammit! Hey.... “Wait, why the hell were you sleeping on top of me?!”

“Oh uhh, you were twitching and mumbling in your sleep and when I put a paw on you to wake you up to make sure you were okay, you instantly started calming down. When I put another on you, you calmed even further so I thought it’d be a polite thing to fully calm you down by laying on top of you. Kind of in repayment for the massage yesterday in addition to it being a traditional Jaslip sleeping pile. Alsoyoucalledmesweetgirl”

“Okay... that makes sense, s-wait I called you what?”

“Sweet girl?”

Oh. Do I talk that much in my sleep? Sorry Ma and Pa.

“That- that wasn’t exactly directed at you. It’s from my dream. See, back on Earth…” No time for a sob story buddy, just apologize. “Uh anyhow, that feeling of a fluffy thing on my back reminded me of an old pet back home and when waking up, I felt that sensation but remembered that I wasn’t on Earth so the feeling must be from some type of alien pest or creature or something. Anyway, I’m sorry for trying to throw you across the room.”

To my awful, rambling apology, Artaya just tilts her head in obvious suspicion. I can almost see the gears turning in her head to formulate a question that would rip my obviously shit story apart. Needing to stop that before she gets the chance, I rotate myself up and out of the cot and walk up to her. Kneeling before her I make a move to save my hide.

“Major, permission to head pat as an apology?”

Her head snaps back upright and she bores her eyes into my own in a cold glare. Or what would be considered a cold glare if her tails weren’t wagging with the same fury as yesterday. The staring contest does not last long as she breaks and begins laughing. I can’t help but follow in giggles of my own.

“Yes Private, permission granted.”

I reach a hand out and start scratching the top of her head but with much more apprehension than my efforts the day before now knowing she's a person.

“Major, does the Consortium military have Reveille?”

“That translated as ‘wake up horn’ so yes, but as you might guess, you tried to hurl me across the room before today’s.”

“Does that mean that the latrines are empty right now?”

“That is a benefit of an early rise, we better get to it.”

“Yes ma’am!”

I rise to my feet, grab my daily standard issue uniform, and we both head out of the room to the latrines. With a shared head nod, we each enter a different one of the private rooms, a definitive benefit of the officers barracks. During my incredibly comfortable shower, a loud, hellish combination of a horn and a squawk pierces through the speakers. That is one cursed Reveille! I quickly finish my morning routine and exit the room to find Artaya in the hallway wearing her vest and sitting among a moving mass of other officers getting started on their own respective mornings. Her tails begin to whip back up into a fury as I nod her way and we start down to the mess hall.

She’s really taken a liking to me just for being the first one here not to inherently hate her. How long has she been putting up with this? Hah, better question is how long will she tolerate me over loneliness?

At the mess hall, we split to gather our respective rations. Shortly after retrieving mine, I turn around to see Artaya exiting with her rations in tail. Back to eating alone in the room? Not on my watch! I put a bit of pep in my step and start after her but soon a group of other officers stop me in my tracks, wanting to talk about my arctic experience again. Sorry Major, we’ll catch up later.

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{Advance time 30 stdm}

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I exit the mess and make my way towards Sergeant Kalfa’s office. Almost unsurprisingly, the scaly green Krev is excited enough to see me that he nearly jumps from his seat when I enter. I raise my hand in a salute in the doorway and he stares confusedly at me for a moment. 

“At ease soldier! There’s no need for that!”

“Sorry sir, but given the choice I’m defaulting to the safe and respectful option.”

“And that’s why you’re going to do so well here! So, I’m guessing you’re here about your pending assignment? What questions can I answer for you?”

“I was wondering about what equipment and supplies I’ll be issued. From what I understand, you have standardized equipment for the Jaslips and Reskets but I can assume human specific cold-weather gear isn’t exactly off the shelf.”

“Correct and that’s why you’ll be going over to Master Sergeant Alavel and Captain Weioki, our resident Trombil engineer and Ulchid supply officer respectively. They should have you equipped with anything you desire within a day or two at most.”

“A day or two? Including weapons and vehicles?”

“Not yet familiar with Trombil technology? Well get over there and see it for yourself! Come by later when you get yourself sorted and we’ll talk further on your assignment.”

I give another salute which is dismissed by a huff as I exit the office and navigate towards the engineering garages and workshops across base. On my trek, I can’t help but giggle at the sight of the other human recruits getting screamed at by a very enthusiastic Resket officer. Unfortunately, I catch his attention and his gaze whips towards me. I straighten my posture and give a salute all the while keeping a steady walking pace towards my objective. Luckily, looking like you know what you’re doing works on authority figures of any race and he returns his attention to the now rather jealous looking humans.

You poor bastards. No excessive PT in desert hell for me.

Strolling into the engineering workshop, I find myself spinning in circles taking in all of the machinery whirring at lightning pace, producing parts for everything! A multitude of 3D printers are making weapon and vehicle parts at a speed incomprehensible for even the old CNC mills and lathes at the cavern. I walk up to the window of one and stare in awe as an entire suspension assembly for a truck is produced in moments. 

“Pretty neat isn't it? As a hatchling all I ever wanted to be was a mechanical engineer like my mother and her mother before. Now look at me! Producing an entire new military vehicle fleet in only a few days time. Now I can guess you aren’t here to just observe, so what can I do for you?”

Turning around I find myself face to face with a teal Trombil who sports a metallic leg and arm, both with many tools attached and stored, evidently for quick access and use. Wait, is she glowing? Like making light? I take too long with my evidently rude staring and she takes a step back and turns slightly away. Well, try a salute and see where this goes. 

“Good morning ma’am! I apologize if I made you uncomfortable, but your glow is mesmerizing. That aside, I am Private Ullr Hoback and I’m looking for Master Sergeant Alavel to help me design and produce equipment for my, uh, non-standard mission”

Her gaze returns to me and she smiles proudly at me, or what I assume is a smile.

“Ah, so my glow caught your eye? Well, look no further Private, you’ve found Alavel! Sorry about my reaction, Trombil are a bit more publicly reserved than most, especially to the hard gazes of binocular species. Nonetheless, what is your mission and what do you think you’ll need?”

“While the specifics are yet to be defined, I know that I’ll be doing some type of mostly autonomous patrol in an arctic environment. That in mind, I’ll need an all-terrain vehicle capable of rapid and sustained snow travel, some form of shelter, some type of facilities to cook and store food, and a weapon or two effective in the same conditions.”

“No washroom?” 

“Is that possible on this type of vehicle?”

“I don’t see why not. Come over to my station and we’ll draft up some designs and you can take a look at them in the simulator.”

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{Advance time 6 stdh}

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My puny and smooth brain was not ready for what these Trombil engineers could do. A body scan followed by quick pencil sketches and then some CAD modeling and I now find myself with a VR headset on looking at the single most badass snowmobile and camper combo ever conceived! 

The snowmobile part was mostly the same as the old HICEV models back on Earth but instead of hydrogen fuel, this one has a micro-fission power plant guaranteed to last for at least a half-decade before replacement. Alavel also assures me that the reactor is failsafe and I won’t nuke my own ass if things go wrong. But I would be the first human to get nuked in a quarter century if it did, neat!

In the form of a sled towed behind the snowmobile, my mini-camper has a multi-function interior that seems to work off of magic folding only an insane engineer could imagine. Somehow, the entire space inside can be changed from a bed, to a kitchen, or to a bathroom all in a moment’s notice. It too has its own micro-fission power and a shitload of storage underneath which has the added benefit of maintaining a low center of gravity.

And the cherry on top of it all are the firearms designed just for me. A carbine for standard use, a big boy rifle for whatever 1-ton plus creature wants trouble, and a pistol liable to handle both in an emergency.

I take the headset off and nearly wrap the engineer in a hug before I stop myself from disrespecting her like earlier. I settle for a bow and my verbal gratitude.

“Alavel, this is the single greatest Christmas I’ve had since Earth fell and for that you have my thanks.”

“Of course Ullr, I would never pass up a chance to challenge myself for some unique engineering. Also, what is Christmas?”

“A human holiday that happens once per year where family, decorating, and gift exchange are the primary highlights.”

“Oh, in that case Happy Christmas!”

“Actually it’s ‘Merry Christmas’, and Christmas was 5 months ago.”

Before she can call me out for my rather confusing explanation, I give another salute and make my way towards the next stop of the day, logistics. This time, my wayfinding is much easier as I take myself to the same warehouse where I met Artaya and Kalfa. Inside, the same Ulchid soldier as yesterday mans his post in the same bored but distracted fashion. 

“Hello Private Hoback. Now are you here to dispute your issued gear?”

“Actually, I am! I’ve been sent to find Captain Weioki to discuss and acquire my arctic gear.”

The Ulchid’s eyes go wide at the mention of ‘arctic’, most likely due to his translation and the implications of such weather.

“Captain Weioki is down the hall in his office, here is the room and directions. Good luck on your assignment.”

I nod in thanks and wander through the building to the Captain’s office. At his room, I give a quick rap on the door.

“Enter!”

Inside the small room, a somehow disheveled looking Ulchid sits sloppily at a desk. It’s one of the officers from yesterday that was harassing Artaya. Despite my better judgment, I salute and then sit as he directs me towards a stool opposite of himself.

“Good afternoon sir! I’m Private Ullr Hoback and I was sent here to receive new gear for an arctic assignment.”

“Is that so? What makes you think that you are getting sent to an arctic region? What need is there for a human ranger on the Jaslip enclaves? They’re all well staffed by our forces so I’m not sure what you can really offer there.”

What an asshole, but he makes a point. Why do they want me patrolling the Jaslip Enclaves?

“I’m not sure sir. Possibly a new face for public relations?”

“Well that’s certainly an optimistic thought.”

He slowly leans towards me and focuses a single eye on me as the other swivels around the room. He starts again in a whisper.

“I’m telling you right now soldier. Whatever you think you’re going to be doing is incorrect. The Jaslip are maniacal and conniving. They’ll chew you up and shit you out before you even know what hit you. Don’t think I’m threatening you, I just don’t want you to get caught unaware and find yourself as one less of an already near-extinct race.”

He softens his crazed eye and leans back away from me before resuming.

“Now what do you need for your fun little ‘arctic’ trip?”

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{Advance time 3 stdh}

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Sitting back at my barracks desk with a massive supply of admittedly comfortable winter gear beside me, I pour over document after document trying to justify my role in this military machine. All searches and articles reveal the same thing, ‘peaceful’ suppression of Jaslip protests and scuffles between their Enclave governments and the occupying military.

I’m not some damn Federation grunt, I will not be used as a boot to tread on the Jaslip.

In a rage, I jump up from my desk and begin my march to Kalfa’s office. My attitude gets the best of me as I barge inside without announcing my presence. To my surprise, a very nervous Kalfa is a sickly shade of pale green as he converses with an oddly dressed Krev. Kalfa’s attention snaps to me and he visibly gulps while the other Krev’s head slowly and scarily turns my way.

“O–oh uh Private Ullr! I-uh we were just talking about you. W-what can I do for you?”

Something about the other Krev is off. They’re just… not right?

“Sergeant Kalfa, I wanted to discuss my assignment to the Jaslip Enclaves.”

“S-sorry but you’re not going to one of the Enclaves like I thought. B-but don’t get rid of your gear, you might still need it!” His head whips to the other Krev and then back to me. “T-that’s all I can say for now, please go back to your barracks and uh do what you think is necessary to prepare. Oh uh, you’ve also been commissioned as an officer. C-congratulations Captain Hoback!”

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Memory Transcription Subject: Artaya, Jaslip KC Military Major

Date: [Standardized Human time] May 15, 2160

Another day… Another day of melt! This assignment is getting to be too much. Maybe I can find which Enclave Ullr is getting assigned to and tag along. Or by the winds I could just apply for an early retirement and go back to Rebirth. What I do know is I can’t do this anymore!

I reach a tail up to open the room’s door and enter to find Ullr stiffly sitting on the edge of his cot staring out into nothing. Strangely, he doesn’t seem to notice my entry as I walk up before him and sit on the floor. After another few moments of no reaction, I make up my mind to give a quick bark.

He snaps out of his stupor and looks down at me before shaking his head and going back to staring at nothing. 

This requires more effort.

“What’s the matter Private, did a Squall Whipper get your tongue?”

He scoffs in response. “Sorry Major about missing breakfast with you this morning.” 

Is that all? It’s not a big deal even if that would’ve been nice to eat with a friend again.

“Oh don’t worry about that! That can’t be the only thing that’s bothering you though, is it?”

“I'm just a bit upset about my assigned mission.”

“And that is?”

“I don’t know! I thought I was going to one of the Enclaves but I deduced that I’d probably be used to oppress you guys and when I went to confront Kalfa about it he said I’m no longer going to an Enclave but to still plan on an arctic environment. Oh and it’s now Captain Hoback, I’ve been promoted, apparently…”

Ullr’s words rush over me like a roaring avalanche.

Captain? Captain?! And it took me how long to just get to Major!? Pause. Not an Enclave but still arctic? They can’t seriously…

“Congratulations on your commission and promotion Captain! I can see you’re rather troubled about your mission so I’m going to go to base command and have a little talk about your assignment.”

He pulls his focus down towards me and smiles before roughing up my head. I can't help but lean a bit into the feeling.

“Thank you Artaya, that’d mean a lot to me.”

Damn near as fast as I entered the room, I find myself leaving again and trotting to base command to give them a piece of my mind. Finding the General’s office empty, I settle for the literal second best, Brigadier General Fardani. After a curt knock, I allow myself into his room before he can protest, but it appears that his attention is already taken by a strange Krev, that is even more strangely dressed, that I do not recognize. Who on Avor are you? The Resket’s attention snaps to me, but the Krev’s head only slowly turns my way as a rare chill runs down my spine.

“Major Artaya you are interrupting confidential and very important business. Unless you have an issue that can be expressly solved by me and only me, I request that you exit immediately.”

“Brigadier General Fardani, I was just conversing with the human Captain I share a room with and anyone besides him can clearly see he’s being sent to patrol Esquo and I demand to know why?“

“That information is beyond your clearance level.”

“As the assigned Jaslip representative for this base, nothing regarding the Enclaves or Esquo itself is beyond my clearance.”

“Well congratulations because this shit is!”

“Surely you understand that something as important as travel to damn Esquo would be rather unfortunate if someone like, I don’t know, Delegate Frenelda was informed by a Consortium Military source.”

“You wouldn’t dare…”

I steel my gaze into his eyes as the Krev beckons the Resket down. A brief exchange, inaudible to even myself, occurs before Fardani straightens and turns back towards me.

“Let’s make a deal beneficial to all parties, Major. In exchange for your silence, you will be promoted to Colonel and to ensure respect towards Esquo and her remains, you will accompany Captain Ullr Hoback on his mission.”

That’s… that’s not a bad deal actually. And I get to be the first Jaslip to return in ages!

“Will I receive combat pay during this deployment?”

Astoundingly, Fardani genuinely laughs at my question.

“Of course, of course Ma- or should I say Colonel. Now get out of my damned office!”

Not willing to allow his mind to change and invalidate our deal, I dart out of the office and back towards the barracks. A few remarks and shouts come my way, but I ignore them as I hurry to inform Ullr of the new situation. Unlocking the door, I enter to find Ullr now asleep on the cot, back to his restless mumbling. On my desk is a set of fresh Jaslip rations.

That's probably the nicest thing anyone has done for me in months. Just let him sleep and tell him in the morning.

After eating my meal, I go wash up and then return to find Ullr just as I left him, tormented in his sleep. Curiosity gets the better of me and I repeat my same process as the night before and am greeted by the same results. One paw quiets, another settles, and finally my entire being lulls him into a true, peaceful slumber.

Oh Esquo our home, our sanctuary, what will we find in your wastes, in your graveyards? I hope Ullr will be as excited as I am, and that he is fine with me tagging along...

[First]