TOW77

Chapter 77 - The Other War
En route to Sumral
Babylon, Pentagon Worlds (Clan Space)
August 22nd, 3063
----
Seth Irons' poncho billowed as the train ran south to Sumral with Tigris rising over the bay. Despite the very apparent threat Vaga felt more comfortable among their own than under Clan control in Port Logan. Thousands of them occupied poorly ventilated but covered box cars sitting on crates of supplies, another regular shipment to the desert outpost. Not part of the regular shipment was a Star of Fire Mandrill Huntsmen and Salamanders, a Point of Rhino Combat Vehicles and Sylph Battle Armors, some industrial trucks, ancient cannons, and heavy weapons.
He was more comfortable outside equipped as he was with a broad hat, shemagh, and goggles that kept out sun and sand. A Kaskan rifle leaned against his shoulder as he sat under haphazardly rigged camouflage netting flapping in the wind. Other Clan Warriors felt the same, particularly the Elementals who towered over the refugees and drew either awe or fear from the Vaga depending on their previous experience.
Star Colonel Irons took particular interest in Claude Goulet who blended in as he had donned native garb. Additionally he spoke enough of the language to be in constant communication with the refugee's elders and chiefs. His Elementals distributed food and water as well as breaking up street fights started between rival clans. Point Leader Ghost kept to himself, apparently nursing a hangover, and wary of the Dark Caste. Brother Opriq did the same but Seth could hear him conversing with others from his Monastic Order on the other side of the flatbed he was sitting upon.
They set out on time first passing the large microwave receiver arrays just outside Port Logan that helped power its limited industry, and by extension the electric train for at least part of its trek south. The city, while large for Valence, was too small for municipal nuclear reactor and there were proliferation risks among a restive population. His Diamond Shark Patrol cadets, officially on a 'wilderness survival trek,' were freeborn Babylonians harboring Vaga sympathies with more vigor than vigilance or victuals.
Tarin and Jenna settled next to him setting up a tea service in the middle of the Diamond Sharks. A basket was laid out for everyone filled with fruit, nuts, still warm brazier grilled pita bread, and a bowl of hummus. 
“We brought you breakfast.”
“You didn't have to do that.” Irons said
The kids had only eaten a few decent meals in the past week and regularly had to skip them when out on the range. “You're doing something we can't. We wanted to thank you somehow.”
“I greatly appreciate it. Lunch is on me however.” 
He slid POGS into their leather haversacks while everyone was eating with the Cadets being particularly slow-eaters forcing the starved yet generous kids to pick up the slack. 
They looked at him. “Why don't you want to sit inside the box car?”
“Too hot. Besides I have never seen this place.” kid told him
The hills revealed colored bands of mineral impurities as the sun rose higher. “Its very pretty.” 
His mind went back to the poorly lit mushroom town on Tathis where everything was gray and lifeless. “My last assignment was not nearly as interesting. I needed a battlemech to stand on its surface and even then it was as hostile as any Shayatin.”
Jenna finished chewing a piece of bread. “Its a long trip to Sumral. Can you tell us some stories?”
Seth crossed the empty rifle on his lap. “Well I will have to think of some. I've been at this long enough.
How bout we start with the Great Refusal?”
A cadet chimed in after throwing a date pit onto the passing ground. “You sure you want to start with the top, Colonel?”
“Well if I don't they might fall asleep and miss it. That would be a tragedy. Incidentally earned me a spot in the Star Adder Remembrance as much as the vat-born dislike it.”
“Well it all started with a woman.”
A different cadet interrupted. “All the best stories do.”
“You wait your turn to tell stories, Cadet.
So back to the story.”
----------
Previous Chapter - Return to Story Index - Next Chapter
Category:The Other War Chapters
Category:Works by AlphaMirage