Chapter 466 - First Contact Part I (1/2)

Berengar sat on the bow of the ship; in his hands was his MP-22 submachine gun, which he carefully cleaned. The salty air of the sea required the weapons of the Austrian force to be maintained regularly. Though they were finished with excellent bluing, which slightly aided in resisting rust, it was not nearly as effective as modern means of rustproofing.

His third wife, Honoria, was also cleaning her weapon by his side. The majority of the Marines who had been dispatched on this covert operation were all hard at work maintaining their gear to ensure it was in top shape for their arrival in Vinland.

Berengar, like the Marines beneath his command, was dressed in thick winter clothing, with a splinter camouflage parka, and trench-style body armor that was painted to match. Unlike his soldiers, though, Berengar did not wear a helmet. Instead, he wore an M43 style field cap which shared the same camouflage pattern as his parka.

Currently, it was towards the end of winter, and the beginning of spring, thus the land was still covered in frost, and the weather was dreadfully cold. Despite being a less than ideal time to venture to the new world, Berengar had decided it was best to begin his efforts now, especially since his family life had become somewhat chaotic over the past month.

It had been eleven days since the crew set off from the port in Trieste, and though Berengar knew that they were close to the shores of the New World, his team was not as optimistic. Despite this, supplies were ample, as the canned food became exceptionally useful on the high seas. Thus, there was no concern about running out of things to eat and drink for the time being.

Berengar used an oil-based product that he had imported from Byzantium to clean his weapon. While Austria had a decent oil reserve within its borders, Berengar had no intent to use this stockpile just yet. After all, he could consider it his strategic reserve, and he had not even begun production of refinement facilities, as well as combustion engines.

Thus he relied on the relatively crude oil found across the world in open pits to maintain his equipment. After he had finished cleaning his weapon, the young King of Austria heard a shout from a sailor whose job was to spot land.

”Land ho!”

Immediately Berengar reacted by putting his weapon back together and inserting a loaded magazine into its chamber before charging the open bolt mechanism and putting on its safety. After doing this, he slung it over his shoulder and issued his commands to the Marines who occupied the ship.

”Men, we are about to embark onto a new world, with various unknown factors! Under no circumstances should you panic; remember to remain calm at all times! If we come under fire, do not hesitate to eliminate the enemy; however, make sure to conserve your ammunition, as we only brought so much with us on this difficult journey!”

The battle-hardened marines beneath Berengar's command had dire expressions on their faces as they saluted their King.

”Yes, sir!”

While Berengar was lecturing his soldiers, Honoria rushed to the helm, where she helped bring the ship to the coastline of the landmass in front of them. If Berengar's chartings were correct, they would be off the coast of what was considered New York in his past life.

Because this was a steam-powered vessel with a triple-expansion steam engine, Berengar had opted to take the route from the coast of Iberia to New York. At an average speed of between 20-25 knots, the journey took eleven days to arrive at their destination.

Berengar gazed upon the vacant coastline with excitement in his eyes. This was not only a monumental journey in world history, but it was also a personal goal of his. He would finally be able to return to the land of his birth within his past life. Though he was not a native to New York, he had spent four years of University in the State and had some decent memories of his life there.

As he was reminiscing, the ship was settled off the region's coast, where Honoria and the crew deployed the anchor. After the boat had halted itself in the bay, Berengar issued a command to the sailors aboard the ship.

”Marines! Assemble, Sailors begin to deploy the Row Boats. We are heading ashore!”

While the crew currently operating the Sloop of War known as Queen Honoria's Revenge were getting into position, Berengar, Honoria, and the Marines boarded the rowboats, where they were quickly lowered into the bay. Upon hitting the water, they immediately began to row towards the shore.

While this was going on, Berengar stood at the head of the rowboat, proudly gazing into the distance. He decided now was as good as time as any to crack a joke, and thus he bellowed out in a voice for all his soldiers to hear.