Visiting Gondor

Posted on Sat Mar 7th, 2020 @ 6:21am by Company Sergeant Major Jeffery "The Mountain" Duval

Mission: Mission 72: T'Would Ring the Bells of Heaven
Location: Various Locations - USS Roanoke
Timeline: 1200Hrs - April 2nd, 2392

Command Sergeant Major Jeffery Duval stood wearing plate armor as he inhaled the fresh scent of heather and lilac as it flowed smoothly on the wind, before suddenly the fresh scent was replaced by a vile one of sulfur and volcanic fumes, the faint breeze blowing from the east which when he looked to the east from where he stood over the great watchtower at the top of the city of Minas Anor or more rather it was now called more properly as Minas Tirith.

The view to the east was bracketed by a chain of evil looking dark peaks which resolved the lower line of teath from a vast predator in size and scale but, this was no animal that had ever been seen on this good Earth for it was a chain of mountains, the eastern boarder of the realm of Gondor, the settled home of the men of the west. These teeth were known as 'the outer fence' and three sets if mountains bracketed Mordor to the north, south and west.

It was the land of Mordor and in the center was the one single massive
Volcano, the mountain of Doom and located nearby was the fortress of
Barad-dûr and there was purpose behind Duval's visit to Gondor today as he smiled as he took in the view as two Knights approached.

"Your pardon Master Duval but the Knight Commander has sent word that your request is granted, we are to escort you to him immediately." one of the two footmen addressed him

Duval nodded. "Thank you gentlemen." he turned. "An Ill wind blows this fine day... does it not?" he indicated the east with his free hand.

"Aye, what is that stench?" asked the second footman, as he made a face.

Duval raised an eyebrow as he inhaled the scent of ashfall and volcanic
fire. "That gentlemen is a volcanic fume... I must be quick about my business..."

"A word please Knight of Gondor." interrupted a new voice as Duval turned to see a very old man garbed in white with a staff, clearly this was a wizard. "Of course Mithrandir." Duval addressed Gandalf the white with a smile. "I sense great times are upon us." Duval added.

"You carry a great burden, don't you?" Gandalf replied. "I see it upon your person, like the armor you wear..."

"I manage just fine with my burdens, parted from my wife and family who are elsewhere while I protect them. Even with my death if I must." Duval smiled. "It is my oath to service."

“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you
give it to them?." Gandalf inquired evenly and upon seeing Duval's hesitation "Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." he explained gently as he smiled.

"Of course Mithrandir. I will consider your council in my future
endeavours." Duval commented as he lowered his head while a smile graced his lips.

"Thats all I ask of you, Knight of Gondor." and with that Gandalf turned
away to take in the view as clearly the conversation was over as he went off to go visit the Knight Commander and conclude his business here but the words that Gandalf had said would remain with him, while this gandalf was a Hologram and thus was a mere collection of light particles and forcefields, that still did not diminish who he was in Duval's eyes.

Duval bowed his head in Gandalf's direction as he and what seemed to be a small child walked towards the front of the city, Duval meanwhile knew better as he knew who that small boy was, the boy was no mere child but a fully grown man in his own right.

Duval turned and proceeded to walk towards the line of buildings which the White tower was located as he turned his thoughts back to his mate who was nearby on her own ship, delivering a shipment of medical supplies to an Akurian base. He missed her company and he was determined to do something about it as he made a mental note to speak with people as soon as possible.