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Tomoe SAO Earth
J apan - Hokkaido

So the Japanese Military had been spurred on by earlier efforts of elites both native and multiversal. The negotiations with Sundew had also proven fruitful. Now with the added support the JSDF had gone on the attack and had been fairly successful until after one of it's most recent raids on the monster's camps? An attack helicopter was shot down and it's crew captured by the monsters. They had confirmed the pilot and co-pilot were still alive and had requested aid to rescue them. Given normal humans in close combat with such creatures would prove to likely be highly lethal for the military they were willing take outside aid for this mission. Also, the pay was good as well and likely didn't hurt either.

It was currently snowing in the mountains of Hokadio and the Military had been kind enough to give anyone who didn't have the means transport to decently close distance to the monster's lair where the two solider were held there. Tomoe was the first one out of the transport and notes to the rest of the arrivals.

"Also if we can find any intel about where they have hidden away their primary base of operation that is our secondary objective."

Looming before you admit the snow-covered trees is a small fort made of hide, wood and stone, with the skull of some massive beast over the entrance and the wind howls if there are monsters they can be hard to see here unless you have some abilities.

"A drone flyby did note the side up against the ridge might be vulnerable to inflation as for the rest we might want a distraction. Any other ideas?"

Tomoe knows she's not the best at stealth and she looks to the rest of the party looking for ideas or input.
Sarracenia      As the military transport moves in, it is soon joined by the Sundew Sovereign, Sarracenia's flagship! As an official ally of Japan and the lessee for a dark elf fortress in the region she is here fairly often, and when she heard about the problem she came to assist. The airship comes to a stop above that savage stone fortification before slowly lowering to the ground. A section of the hull opens, lowering to form a ramp, and Sarracenia gives her hair a toss and smirks confidently as she makes her way down the ramp with a small squad of her piranha plant soldiers behind her. And since it is cold she is wearing her pure white snow dress, basically a very long fur coat with a built-in hoop skirt.

     She joins up with Tomoe and shakes her head. "What is it with these monsters and kidnapping people? Did they not learn their lesson after we recovered the farmer's daughter?" she says as she reaches into her purse and pulls out her massive DK Hammer. She gives it a twirling flourish before bringing it down haft-first to create an audible thud. "So...you are looking to infiltrate stealthily? I can likely draw some of the monsters out and provide quite an effective distraction for any who think they can make their way in quietly."
Kirito     What the heck's this about? If he didn't hear about it from a trusted source, Kirito would be a little bit doubtful of this idea that monsters had taken hostages. It has quite nasty implications in his mindset.

    And it's why he steps out just after Tomoe, hands in his coat pockets, displaying a sole black blade strapped over his back. He's not smiling. No, his look is quite grim, focused, and serious.

    "Stealth, huh." It's been a while since he actually tried to SNEAK into somewhere, but this situation... "Then I guess I'm the best scout we've got." And without a further word, Kirito just KICKS off the ramp and runs a hand over his invisible-to-everyone-else hotbar, activating his Stealth skill and diving into the tree line. He'll slow down soon enough, switching to snooping between tree cover as he attempts to find a good spot to attempt scaling the fort and see where the captives might be held... and what sort of opposition they're dealing with.
Staren     Staren takes the transport, since there's room and he hasn't seen where he's going. "Maybe they're not the same monsters, Sarracenia." Staren looks between the princess and the fort. "I suppose we COULD try Stealth, but... given who we've got here? This team seems more suited for attempting diplomacy and, if that doesn't work, violence. So let's just walk up to the front door and introduce ourselves."

    Aaand Kirito's stealthed off.

    <<"Although... if Kirito wants to sneak in and either get us a bargaining chip for plan A or be ready to hit 'em where it hurts during Plan B, I guess that works too. I'm loathe to split the party, but... if anyone can handle getting caught out solo in this situation, I guess it's him.">>

    Staren then makes his way to the door. And then he pulls a hand back and POUNDS it with nearly-superhuman strength. "Open up! The Hand of the Concord and the Princess of the Sundew Kingdom have come to negotiate!"
Tomoe Tomoe looks over to Sarracenia as she joins up with her and she nods to her.

"Trying to once we get the pilots out, we can get loud I say."

Then again she knows her friends aren't the most stealthy person in the world she still grins as she suggests to distract the monsters from the stealth team. Speaking of that she'll look at Kirito as her friend and Guild Master speaks up.

This should make things fairly simple in her mind.

"He is the solo beater of Sword Art Online after all he'll be find Staren."

With the plan laid out? It seems they are going Be it by combat or talking they got a diversion team and now Kirito is operation stealth.

What could go wrong as Staren makes his way for the door she'll follow along with him and Sarracenia to act as the bodyguard.

The fortress doors remain closed for the moment and a guttural voice.

"Who?! YOu Humies wanna talk?!"

The voice then starts laughing as the doors open whatever the Oni and orcs are plotting this one seems amused.

As for Kirito? The party has split but the monsters in the base are distracted. Kirito has no issue in finding a way into the far the ridge lets him drop down right onto one of the rampant and with all the monsters distracted by the front gate? They are not expecting someone to back door them.

There's a central tower, which seems to be a forge a small stable, and what might pass for a barracks. So there's not too much to search given his experience Kirito might suspect the pilots are very likely to be in the tower at the top.
Sarracenia      Sarracenia pouts a bit as Kirito runs off before she can even talk to him, then shrugs at Staren. "Of course they are different monsters. We wiped out the others." she says, then waits as the door is answered. The voice makes her hmph softly. "If you have even the slightest bit of intelligence you would accept negotiations. Did you not hear of what happened to the last population of monsters that tried something like this? If I recall correctly, not a single one remains." she says in a firm, authoritative voice. "Not even their demonic overlords." she adds after a few moments.

     She then directs her piranha plants to clank their weapons against their helms. "And, if you -do- refuse to negotiation, we have plenty of muscle to ensure that you never have to worry about negotiations again!" The dozen or so plants let out their own gravelly, gutteral roars.
Kirito     As soon as Kirito finds a good way in, he simply vaults over the fort walls, leaps quietly over the rampart, and briefly manifests his wings at the end of a long drop to slow his fall and mute his impact as he finds cover behind a stack of supplies, using the brief respite from danger to get the lay of the place.

    Naturally, his attention's drawn to the tower in the middle. The Black Swordsman frowns, because his hearing's sharp and his worst fears are increasingly confirmed.

    The monsters are becoming PEOPLE in some places. Some part of him's always regarded the enemies he fought in VRMMOs to have an existence and awareness of a sort, but seeing THIS development brings a sinking feeling to his stomach.

    If the diplomacy goes badly, he might have to KILL. Perhaps a lot.

    The boy just gulps, tamping down his worries as he instead focuses on the mission. Eyes on that tower, mind churning to calculate a safe path for an entrance... even if it might be one he has to fly to, in a pinch. Seriously though, something that doesn't sound an alarm is IDEAL.
Staren     Sarra goes right for intimidation. Staren shrugs. "It's true. Just... play nice and talk to us. It worked out for the Dark Elves. It could work for you. But if you think you can just take what you want by force... do you know the human saying, 'live by the sword, die by the sword'?"
Tomoe Tomoe follows Sarra and Staren in after all she's just the muscle if they somehow distract the monsters here long enough to get the pilots out? Then it will be for the best right? the orc at the lead of the group looks at Sarracenia for a moment she's not short like most of the round ears it has seen before this catches the monster's attention.

"Wait that's wot happened to Rotgut's warbands?! Youse saying that the humies and the fairies just wiped it off the map?!"

The orcs seem to be very caught off guard on this wizard seems to be trying to cast a spell, one that is some sort of communication spell and it seems to be frowning.

"Oi still nothing from Gutrippa."

"You dub git don't do that in front of the outsiders."

The orc looks at Sarra for a moment thinking.

"That's how you live that's how it has always has been."

The orc seems a bit confused at this but they are not attacking. This is giving Kirito time to act at the very least.

Speaking of Kirito? It is troubling is it not as Cardinal seems to be making more advanced monsters these days some are your standard ones like in the death game little more than mindless programmed thins but as the world interacts and pushes Cardinal seems to adapt and upgrade some of them. With the whole attention of the fort on the front gates with Staren, Sarra and Tomoe? He will be able to chart a safe path to the tower so long as he keeps to the side opposite the front gate as everyone seems to be. He would have to move quickly but should be able to get in.
Kirito     Hearing enough tidbits of what's going on outside, Kirito grunts. Reason enough to act, for him. He picks himself up quietly, manifests his wings, and makes a swift, barely-off-the-ground dash-glide to prevent his feet making any noise until he zips through a doorway and plants a quiet landing inside the tower... if all goes well.
Staren     Staren listens. He shrugs again. "I'm not sure who rotgut is, but..." He pulls a tablet from his bag and starts playing video of the army-scale battle from some months ago. "This is what happened to the monsters who tried to take a human city by force." It's clearly video from the main camera of his mecha.
Sarracenia      Sarracenia seems surprised herself when the monsters don't attack. She ponders a moment, then smirks. "Well, I have a proposal for you then. You are strong, and seem smarter than those other orcs. If you release those hostages, I can guarantee you a safe place to live. But, you have to be willing to work! You can join my military if you wish, or take up a craft or farming or hunting. You may live on the parcel of land that I have leased from the local govenment, or perhaps even stay on this one if you are willing to show that you do not intend any further harm. I could negotiate on your behalf either way."

     She motions to her soldiers, and they lower their spears with a few growls. She then smashes her hammer's haft into the ground so it will stand up in the soil before crossing her arms over her chest. "It is your choice. But, I did it for the dark elves. I could very likely do it for you. And, the Sundew Kingdom pays quite well~" she adds with a wink before pulling a bag from her purse. She opens it to show that it is full of shiny gold coins as large as a person's palm.
Tomoe Kirito has no issue in slipping into the tower once he's within he'll find the first level has cleared out due to the goings-on outside there are supplies here and there and there's a rounding staircase going up into the upper levels from the outside it looks like there is likely maybe one or two levels at the most before the roof. He best get to moving here while the diversion is going on out front. Though he may hear some sounds of movement above.

Meanwhile outside as the negotiations go on Tomoe is just hanging on watching it play out. Staren's showing the massive battle that gets the orc leader's attention as he stares at it for a moment lingering at the carnage. That sets up the stage for Sarracenia as she attempt to talk them over the Orcs seem to have enough brain cells to get the idea of the carnage at least.

"Youse offering us work and we can keep fighting for ya and not ... got to deal with dat!?"

The orc leader is thinking it over for the moment and calls over his wizard along with two other orcs and they seem to be talking it over the gold likely didn't hurt at all either.
Staren     Staren wonders if he should be trying to recruit for the Concord, but Sarracenia seems to have this in the bag, why mess it up? "It's a better deal than the local humans will give you for shooting their war machine. ...You DO still have the crew, right?"
Sarracenia      "Indeed I am!" Sarracenia says as the orc leader asks her that question. "Of course, there is still fighting every now and then if you are in a military force, but only those that want to join the military would have to fight. There are plenty of other things to occupy one's time in a proper kingdom, such as the farming, hunting, and crafting I mentioned. You could also become part of an airship crew!" She takes a step to the side so that the magnificent Sundew Sovereign is easily visible, a shining wooden ship hovering just off the ground that is perfectly polished and trimmed in gold.

     She smirks and gives her hair a flip. "And of course you get the honor of serving the powerful and beautiful Princess Sarracenia~" Is that a good thing or a bad thing? They will only find out if they actually do it. "And do not worry about that little helicopter you destroyed. I am sure I can buy some forgiveness so long as you swear not to do anything like that to the Japanese again."
Kirito     Hearing that the diplomacy's going well, Kirito's heart is lightened a bit. That is DEFINITELY good news! He's used to things going badly though, and so he's still somewhat holding his breath on the whole thing. Still, though.. for the moment, he decides to advance. Carefully, using every trick he knows to quiet his footsteps as he sneaks up the stairs while keeping low and trying to avoid casting weird shadows or passing in front of any windows...
Tomoe Kirito remains undetected due to his taking great care to avoid giving himself away and he would finally come across a room that has a guard out front but what he does hear is two voices, male, and they are speaking in Japanese. He can't make out what they are saying but it sounds like he's found the location of the pilots.

Tomoe is just looking a bit gobsmacked t this point the diplomatic effort is working it's working. She's very confused but she's keeping herself ready for trouble.

Her caution seems not to be needed at this rate as the orcs have been talking this over, they seem to get on some subconscious level that this is a good deal very good deal. They seem to have finished talking given what they saw of the helicopter could do and there was just one? They get the idea they have a very good deal.

"All right Princess Sarracenia you have an offer, the dragon ain't never gave us nothing anyway. Though you'll need to watch out for the Skull Crusher Oni clan."

He notes as he moves to shake on the deal the promise of a longer life span, a chance to fight and better pay? This sounds pretty good to the leader. 5R
"The Humie soldiers are up in the tower we was thinking wot to do with em, as the Oni might try to eats em and that ain't no honourable fate for no warrior."
Staren     Staren smiles slightly. It's nice that this can be resolved peacefully. Although, one thing the orcs say gives him pause. "What dragon> What /were/ they offering you? And where can we find them? And... how might we see about making similar peaceful deals with their other followers?"
Sarracenia      Sarracenia grins with smug pride as her offer is accepted! She shakes the offered hand, then motions to the airship. "Excellent! Now then, all of you who wish to go to the Sundew Kingdom please get on the airship. Those that wish to stay and make a life here should head to the dark elf settlement for now. Let them know that Princess Sarracenia has hired you and you shouldn't have any problems." She reaches into her purse and pulls out a Sundew insignia before giving it to the lead ork. "Those that go can use this as proof." she says, then looks at Staren before nodding. "Yes, any information you can share would be helpful." she says.

     She looks toward the tower, then at the leader. "Oh, and be sure to call your guards quickly. They could be in danger if word isn't sent soon enough." she adds, then gets on the radio herself. "Oh Kiritooooo~ There is no need to attack anyone. I have worked out a peaceful arrangement! Yes, I know I am amazing. You may thank me at your leisure~" She then turns to Tomoe and giggles. "I am getting quite good at this diplomacy business!"
Tomoe The Orc shakes his head for a moment at Staren.

"Just how it's always been before."

The Orc seems lost in thought for a moment.

"I finds it strange now I think on it more and I don't think you be making with peace with da Oni."

The Orcs seem to be thinking Staren has seen this before with Brick Slabmeatm, Bolt VanderHughe and Deidra back with the Dark later but the thing is when does Cardinal make people or murder machines it's hard to tell often and that might be the worst part of it.

The orc pauses "Wots an elf?"

He has no idea it seems but for now, the Orc pauses "We'll need time to break camp can't be leaving supplies for the Oni or Adventures to run off with!"

As for the info on the others

"Might be able to talk down one or two of the other Orc Clans but da Oni? They be too dumb and hungry."

Tomoe nods she seems very relieved at this turn of events.

"You are starting to scare me Sarra."

It's very clear Tomoe is joking on that she relaxes now and will fall in s they sort out things.

The Orc leader barks an order at two of his warriors

"Oi get the two humies, letting them go is part of the deal."

The Orcs salute by crossing one arm across their chests to head in and recover the JSDF pilots. The good news is they have been fed and had water, a bit roughed up but other than that they are fine with no long-lasting injuries both seem to be staring a bit.

"Thank you. I have no idea how you pulled this off."

They seem eager to get out of here and will fall in behind Tomoe who looks like the big fighter of the group.
Sarracenia      Sarracenia just grins like a smug little kid as Tomoe says that to her. "I am quite scary, it is true~" she says, going along with the joke. She picks up her hammer from its spot poked into the ground and slides it into her purse, then calls out to her soldiers. "Piranha Plants! Make sure that our new recruits are treated well!" she says, then starts toward the airship herself. The orcs salute, and she salutes them in return. Though the Sundew salute is a more traditional flat hand over the brow salute. "Well, if we are done here, I have preparations to make~" she says in a sing-song tone. "What do you think, Staren? We did not have to destroy anything this time!" she says cheerfully, then blinks and comes to a stop again. "Oh, I suppose we should wait for Kirito."
Staren     "We can make peace with the oni or we can make them into pieces." Staren shrugs.

    He smiles when the JSDF pilots are brought out. "We just offered them a better future. Want to come ride in an airship just like in fantasy games?"

    At Sarracenia's question of what he thinks, he smiles, "I'm glad! It's nice when the future doesn't have to be filled with so much death."