Chapter 5: Ominous Signs

As the roars of artillery and aerial bombardment echoes in the distance, Arnold waits anxiously for the result of the mission. It wasn't until the reports of the recon teams indicating that the mission was a success that he visibly relaxed before deciding to look at the gains he got from the monster kills.

"That’s right let's see if I levelled up from that encounter. I need as many manpower as I can get to properly secure our position."

[Summoned Armaments]

-The technology and equipment which can be summoned are strictly limited to what has been developed before and on 1955 Common Era (CE). This ability is restricted to the user’s current level, increasing levels will in turn raise the summon limit & lessen some restrictions. At this time, the number of soldiers and weapons are limited to a certain degree.

[Status]

Name: Arnold Richardson

Level: 10

Equipment:

-M43 Field Marshal Uniform

-M43 Field Marshal Visor Cap

-M43 Low Boots

-Rucksack

-Pistol Holster

Weapons:

-Sturmgewehr (x6 30-round magazine) (7.92x33mm)

-Browning Hi-Power (x6 13-round magazine) (9x19mm)

Extra equipment:

-Bayonet

-M24 Grenade (x2)

[Summon Size Limit]

-Due to the restrictions given, the summon limit for summoned equipment and personnel are as follows.

INFANTRY:

Soldiers: 1,250

Artillery: 180

Vehicles: 230

AIR FORCE:

Aircraft: 130

NAVY:

Naval Vessels: 20

Naval Aircrafts: 100 (NEW)

Marines: 500 (NEW)

If Artillery, Vehicles, Aircraft, Naval Vessel, Facilities & Structures are summoned, the required amount of personnel operating them will be summoned alongside. Combat Service Support personnel (Combat Engineers, Maintenance/Mechanics, Communications Specialists, Supply & Food Specialists, Medical Soldiers, etc.) are not included towards the Infantry summon limit. 10 CSS personnel are assigned to each soldier and marine. There are no restrictions in summoning small arms and heavy weapons that require 1-4 soldiers operate.

'Ohohoho, nice! Although the summon limit is not a lot, with this, my forces aren't stretched out too thin now from defending the base.' Arnold thought as he was satisfied with the increase of his summons.

'And what's this? New units from the navy? Naval Aircraft and Marines, hmmm...should I summon a naval base in the shoreline?' he mused as he thought of the pros and cons of building a naval base.

As he was preoccupied in his thoughts, Charlotte informs him that the recon teams returned.

"Sir Arnold, the recon teams have returned and reported that there were no fatalities, however, 4 soldiers were minorly injured from the encounter but will return after a few days of treatment."

"Mhm, thank you, Charlotte. Can you take me to them? I would like to commend their actions and bravery in dealing with the danger against our home." said Arnold.

"Of course, Sir Arnold! The men will be overjoyed merely by your presence." replied Charlotte.

With that, Arnold went on to meet with the recon teams who participated in the mission. As he arrived, he can see that a lot of curious men gathered at a spot to see what these monsters, that can only be found on fiction, look like before being dragged off by various researchers for study.

With skin the color of mud, two protruding tusks at the bottom part of the mouth, bipedal characteristics, burly frame and stands taller than most men; its appearance can intimidate a regular person.

As they were focused on the dead orc bodies, some soldiers saw Arnold coming, went into formation and saluted him with respect.

"ATTEN-SHUN! We greet the Leader!" the men shouted for which Arnold dismissed them.

"At ease. Which one is in charge of the previous assault here?"

As he said this a man with the rank of Staff Sergeant appeared and saluted in front of him.

"Staff Sergeant Raymond Thompson, reporting to my leader! I was the one who lead the charge, sir!"

"Staff Sergeant Thompson, is it? On behalf of everyone in the base I would like to commend you and your men on your exemplary actions in dealing with the threat. And by my authority as your leader, I would like to bestow upon you and your men the Knight's Cross (without the Nazi symbol) for your valor."

The staff sergeant, surprised, looked at Arnold in a fervent gaze as he and the rest of the recon teams who participated was personally adorned by their own leader. This act made Arnold even more respected by his men, especially his aide who has the most passionate face. As the simple ceremony was over, the men applauded the members of the recon teams who faced the danger head on.

"Carry on, Staff Sergeant Thompson. We would be watching your career with great interest."

"Yes, my leader! I will dedicate my blood and soul for you!"

When that was all done Arnold summoned 1,000 soldiers more and assigned them to work inn different areas. He also promoted Charlotte to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel due to increase in size of the army.

After that, he summoned a motor pool consisting of M59 APC, M38A1 Willys, M54 Series Truck, M41 Bulldog, M48 Patton, BM-24.

He replaced the STG-44 with the AK-47 due to its lightness, reliability and better sights, the SVT-40 for the SA58 DMR. and also replaced the Bazooka with the RPG-2.

He summoned an additional 40 M114 and 30 M115 howitzers along with 10 M29 mortar, and 30 Soltam-M-65 which replaced the 120-PM-43 mortar.

For his air force, he summoned 25 F-89 for interceptor role, 40 F-100 Super Sabre for the fighter-bomber role, 30 B-52 for strategic bombing, and 10 U-2 that superseded the F-15A Reporter for reconnaissance.

When he was finished summoning more capable technologies for his MOB, Arnold also decided to build a naval base on the shoreline 5 km southwest and a dedicated highway to reach it. For this, he summoned engineers well-versed in naval base design, and was accompanied by Charlotte and Recon 8 along with his personal bodyguards.

When they reached the shoreline, Arnold quickly got to work and built the necessary facilities and establishments from ports, to command centers to radars and many more needed to maintain his marines, staff and ships. He also summoned adequate armaments to defend the naval base, and if it were in danger of invasion from the land then his MOB can provide fire support when needed. It took him two hours to build the naval base while being supervised by Charlotte and the engineers. When he was finished, the natural shoreline was nowhere to be seen as the place is now a concrete jungle dedicated for modern naval operations.

"Whew, it took me way longer to build a naval base but it's all worth it to make sure I can support a proper navy. That aside, it's time to summon my own warships! Hmm, which should I summon..." as Arnold completed his naval base, he ponders on what ship he will summon for the strongest navy this world has ever seen.

"For now, my navy will be comprised of 2 Carrier Strike Group, each consisting of: 1 Forrestral-class aircraft carrier (Each carrying 20 F3H Demon, 20 A-4 Skyhawk, and 10 AD-5W/EA-1E), 1 Iowa-class battleship, 2 Skate-class submarine, 2 Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, 2 Boston-class guided missile cruiser, and 1 Mitscher-class destroyer leaders." as Arnold said this, the summoned ships appeared out of nowhere showing their might and grandeur.

For transportation, Arnold decided to summon both RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth ocean liners as his troop ships should he need to transport a large amount of people by sea.

"Okay, now that that’s done, it's time to summon my marines! I want them to be as badass and capable as the U*MC from my time. Let's see, set their parameters the same as my army, *cough* commanded by a *cough* beauty *cough* and is mostly comprised of men. And that should do it." as Arnold said so, 500 marines appeared in frog skin camouflage with 1 particular marine standing out. This is because she was wearing a SNCO Evening Dress consisting of a semi-formfitting mess jacket with a black bow tie and sky blue trousers, indicating that she was a senior officer.

The female commander steps forward, salutes and begins to issue commands.

"Battalion, Attention! Great Leader, 500 marines reporting for duty and are ready to faithfully obey your commands, sir!" the female commander with black, lustrous, medium length hair and fair skin said.

"At ease. Would you identify yourself commander?" Arnold asked as he dismissed the marines.

"Reporting to Great Leader, I am Lieutenant Colonel Anne Ruth, Battalion Commander of the Marine Corps. As per our motto 'Semper Fidelis' we will always stay faithful to our leader 'til our deaths!" LtCol Ruth said with the same fervor as the now LTC Williams.

"Glad to have you on board Colonel, I have high expectations for your unit."

"Yes, my leader! My men and I will accomplish your expectations without fail." LTC Ruth declared.

"Mhm, for the Navy will be in charge of defending and charting the surrounding waters against both man and monsters while the Marines will serve as the main defense for this naval base against invasion by land. You will report directly under me along with the Chief of Naval Operations, informing me of everything that happened is that clear, Colonel Ruth?" Arnold commanded, to which LtCol Ruth replied,

"Yes, my leader! I will do everything to the best of my abilities!"

"Also, the lady by my side is Lieutenant Colonel Charlotte Williams. She is in charge of the Army and the Army Air Force, I hope you two get along." said Arnold as he introduced the two commanders to each other.

"A pleasure to meet you, Colonel Ruth, I hope our branch will support each other in times of crisis." Charlotte offered her hand to which Anne accepted.

"Pleasure's all mine Colonel Williams. That goes without saying, since my marines will definitely save your men's lives when it gets tough for the army." Anne said in an innocent manner but you can feel a slight mockery in her voice.

Charlotte just smiles and replies, "Of course, I will also offer the service of cleaning up your men's mess wherever they go, since not everyone knows how to clean up."

The two may seem to get along with the friendly handshake to anyone who sees this normally, but to Arnold, he can see sparks flying everywhere as the two opposing auras clashed which made him break a sweat.

'Is this the legendary banter among marine and army? Anyway, it's good if these two can afford to talk shit with each other, that just means they're close as family now.'

"Ahem, now, now you two, break it up, joke's over. Anyway, Miss Ruth, if you have no more inquiries then I will now return to base with Miss Williams. You can send a report to the MOB should a major problem occur, is that understood?" Arnold said to prevent from bickering against each other.

"Sorry, sir. Yes, sir. I will report if any problems occur, have a safe trip, my leader." Anne said as she returns to her professional behavior.

"Mhm, let's go Miss Charlotte."

"Yes, Sir Arnold!"

And with that Arnold returned to his MOB just as the sun was about to set. During this time, as the night falls, both base are on constant alert due to the dangers lurking in the dark.

Due to the limitations of technology, early night vision is terrible and not as capable as their modern counterparts but is still better than nothing. The navy ships' searchlights were scanning the water, however, the searchlights in the MOB are not used unless it was an emergency in order to not attract unwanted attention from the surroundings.

While the entire base is on alert, Arnold is in his private dining hall with Charlotte as they were enjoying dinner and discussing their future course of action. Their dinner is a 4 Course Meal consisting of: Rosemary Browned Butter Applesauce, Baby Kale Greens, Balsamic Glazed Lamb chops, and Greek Yogurt with Honey.

The two were enjoying the calm and quiet atmosphere with each other when they were interrupted by his guards. According to him, there were large amount of unknown air units numbering in the hundreds approximately 800 Km North, and although the radar operators say that their flight path is not headed their direction it is still a huge concern that air units of that size may endanger the base.

As soon as he heard this, Arnold, along with Charlotte, headed to the Command Center where all important officers gathered. When they saw him, they all stood up and saluted to which Arnold quickly returned as asked for the situation.

"What's the current situation? When were these unknown air units discovered?" Arnold asked to which an intelligence officer replied,

"My leader, the unknown bogeys were discovered at 19:47. At first, they were discovered at approximately 1000 Km at 312° 11′ 15″, Bearing North 48° West. However, by 20:52 they are now 800 Km from MOB at 42° 11′ 15″, Bearing North 42° East. Radar cross-section indicates that they are the size of a B-25, speed is 180 knots and are circling around at an altitude of 8-5-0-0. We currently do not know what those air units are but we advise taking the necessary precautions in case worse comes to worst." the officer reported as he was clearly tense from the huge number of aerial units even in WW2 standards.

'Damn, what could those air units be? Are they dragons or giant birds? There's so many we don't know.'

"Notify the base, we are at DEFCON 3. I want all soldiers on shift to watch for the skies and man the AA guns. Meanwhile, Colonel Williams, send two U-2 for high altitude reconnaissance to monitor what we're dealing with around the clock, do not engage unless threatened," Arnold told Charlotte.

"Yes, my leader!"

"Have all fighters prepped in case engagement cannot be avoided. Notify the naval base to stay alert in case the worst happens. This is gonna be a long night, gentlemen." Arnold said as he issued his command.

"Yes, Sir!" the officers replied as they went on to their jobs.

'*Sigh* I hope this isn't a sign of a bad omen.' Arnold mused as he feels a headache coming his way.