Chapter 18 – I Weigh Our Options And
Determine our Course
I called my
officers to a meeting at the station. We needed to discuss our options to bring
this situation to a successful conclusion.
Men, I am sure
you have heard about the abduction of Miss Linton by now.” I began. “It is now
up to us to determine our next course of action. So first, Let’s review our
current situation. Currently, we expect hostilities from the government troops
at any time. If we send out an expedition to rescue Miss Linton, we will be
inviting action by Reytik’s men. I assume my message to Reytik will be met with
derision. Finally, we know nothing of Jordak or what forces he has.”
“We cannot sit
here and wait for things to happen.” said Lt. Coleman
“We whipped the
Martians easy enough in our first fight.” said Lt. Wilcox. “I reckon we can do
it again.”
“Indeed, we
defeated a force of ill equipped desert ruffians easily enough and we could do
the same with Jordak’s men.” I said. “However, I am more concerned with how
we’ll fare against Reytik’s well armed guards.” I continued, “I will not just
sit here and wait for events to unfold, but we must measure our actions to
ensure the safety and success of this endeavor.”
“What do you
suggest we do?” asked Lt. Thomas.
“First, we
determine the strength of Jordak’s tribe. Then we can calculate the force
required to rescue Miss Linton.”, I said. “We have the auxiliaries of Chronto
and Borlak at our disposal to either augment our field force or the troops that
remain here. Professor Boas, what can you tell us of Jordak?”
“Most desert
tribes are made up of from two to five clans containing around twenty warriors
each.” He said. “Occasionally, two or more tribes may join together to pursue a
common goal, but these mergers seldom last long.”
“Send for
Chronto.” I told the orderly. “Perhaps he can give us more information specific
to Jordak.”
When Chronto
arrived, I asked him to tell us what he knew of Jordak.
Chronto said,
“Jordak is an Akulu on the Lacus Ismenius. He has three Taifa in his camp. This would equal
about one hundred and twenty warriors. Each group is armed with a variety of
weapons. Approximately half have hand to hand combat weapons and the other half
have shooting weapons, mainly bows but with a few guns. He has no artillery,
but I hear he has acquired a Lagusan
and a handler,”
“What is a Lagusan?” I asked.
“A Lagusan is an land elemental creature.”
He said. “It can move through the ground like we move through air. Should the
lagusan engulf an object, like a baridium torpedo, it can transport the object
underground. It is directed, telepathically by the handler to a location where
it then can disgorge the item, where it will remain unseen below the surface.
Typically, the baridium torpedo is set with a timer, so that it will explode
once the Lagusan has moved away”
“Thank you
Chronto.” I said. “This information tells me what I need to know.”
I had one of my
men call for Borlak as I formulated a plan with my officers.
“I feel that we
can spare only one company and Chronto’s scouts for the rescue mission.” I
said. “I will also include one of the Gatling guns. How long will it take to
get to Jordak’s camp, Chronto?”
“ It is about
500 batu (450 Earth miles) from here.” He said. “The journey will take about 38
sol on foot.”
“That is unacceptable.” I said. “Jordak has a day head start on us. Is there any chance
we could catch him?”
“I doubt it.”
Chronto said. “His whole force is mounted, no doubt. And even if he is slowed
by his captive, he will still make close to 40 batu a day.”
“What if we
take a canal boat?” I asked.
“That would cut
our time down considerably,” he said, “perhaps even in half.”
“We would still
be away about a month.” I said. “ We still need something faster!”
At this time
Borlak entered. “I think I can help you, Mr. Roosevelt.” He said. “In a special
warehouse, not far from here, I have a ship I acquired from an Argyrian pirate.
It should get you there ahead of those bandits.”
“Can it carry
forty men, our artillery, and our provisions?”, I asked.
Borlak replied,
“Certainly, it was a merchant ship before it was employed in more nefarious endeavors.”
“Bully!” I
replied. “Then, after nightfall, Chronto and I will take our men to your
warehouse. We will embark the men and supplies and be off before daybreak. Thank
you for your assistance Mr. Borlak, with your help we may yet come out of this
affair ahead.”
“You are most
welcome Sir.” He replied.
I sent Lieutenants
Griffin and Wilcox to make things ready for the expedition while I continued to
converse with my remaining officers, Borlak, and Chronto.
“Borlak, Do you
realize that when Reytik discovers us missing, he will probably try to finish
you off?” I said.
`I believe you
are right, Mr. Roosevelt.” He said. “But he is going to mount another offensive
sooner or later. Hopefully, we can keep your leaving a secret until your
return. However, we shall be adopting a defensive posture until your return.”
“Coleman, you
are in charge of the fort.” I said. “And Ballard, you are in charge of the
station. Hopefully, I will not come back to find another Alamo and Goliad.”
“Here, here!”
my officers exclaimed.
We broke up our
meeting so that our preparations could be made. My company made things ready to
move quietly out of the fort after dark. Coleman and Ballard worked toward
making things look normal with one third fewer men, and Borlak went to set
up a defensive perimeter that looked like nothing out of the ordinary.
By nightfall
everything was in readiness. We moved quietly out of the fort toward the
Leontes canal. We moved up the canal to Borlak’s warehouse. We met Chronto and
his company outside. A side door opened through which we entered. What we found
inside was amazing.