Chapter 30 – Securing The City
After Chronto had left, Lieutenant
Ballard and I continued our conversation.
“You know Colonel,” he said “I
didn’t think I’d be fighting in a civil war when I signed up.”
“Nor did I Charlie.” I replied. “I
had no idea what we’d be getting in to, but this situation had not even crossed
my mind.”
“Don’t get me wrong,” Charlie said
“I’m glad I volunteered and I expected to do a good bit of fighting, but I
didn’t expect to be building a new government. I figured it would be more like
Indian fighting, at least until we got more men out here.”
“I guess I was thinking along
similar lines.” I said “But we’re in too deep now to get out and there is no
where we could go anyway. However, I think we’ll do alright. We can trust
Borlak. We’ll help him and the people of Ceraunius to form a strong, fair, and
peaceful society.”
“What about Reytik?” Lieutenant
Ballard asked. “I imagine he and his cronies high-tailed it out of here once
the real shooting started.”
“I am sure he will be a thorn in our
side,” I replied. “but I think we and the Martian people can keep him in check.
After all, a strong, fair, and peaceful society must have the means to protect
its self and maintain the peace. Borlak knows that and he also knows that he can
count on us to help build the instrument that will maintain the peace.”
At that moment, Chronto reentered
the room with Borlak behind.
“Thank you, Mr. Roosevelt” Borlak
said “we will definitely require your assistance.”
“Peace will benefit both of us.” I
said “However, we must take care of the immediate threat of Reytik's soldiers
first. Do you have any news of their leader?”
Borlak replied “Neither he nor his
minions have been seen since the fighting began. I fear they have fled the city
early this morning.”
“That could cause problems in the
near future.” I said. “Still, we must clear the city of his soldiers before we
worry about Reytik. Then we must secure the environs around the city. My men
are ready to help with that task, but we are afraid we will mistake your men for
the enemy.”
“If you will have your troops work
in the area around your fort, I will supply you with guides to identify the
hostiles.” Borlak suggested.
“That will be most satisfactory.” I
replied.
I had Lieutenant Wilcox take care of
the arrangements and lead the troops. I also sent for Professors Edgren and
Boas along with Miss Linton. It was time for a serious meeting with Borlak
concerning the future of Ceraunius.
Soon the men were off going house to
house and building to building looking for Reytik’s tribesmen. There was little
resistance as the fight seems to have been taken out of our foe. Our men fired
a few shots at the die-hards while the rest gave up with little to no trouble.
We found a warehouse to hold the prisoners in until we figured out what to do
with them. By the end of the day, our sector of the city was cleared. The rest
of the city was free of the enemy by morning.
With the city cleared, we set up a
hospital near our station in the city. Here, friend and foe alike were treated
and healed of their hurts with no prejudice. It was hoped that such treatment
would pacify the desert tribesmen, which would in turn make raising an army
more difficult for Reytik.
As our men canvassed the city, I
continued my conversation with Borlak.
‘So, what are your plans?” I asked.
“I am not sure.” Borlak replied.
“None of us in the movement expected this day to come so soon.”
“But the movement does have a number
of prominent members from different parts of society, correct?” I said.
“Why, yes.” He answered.
“Then I would suggest an immediate
meeting with these people.” I said. “With the city secured, we must tend to the
injured and displaced, remove the dead, and clean up the debris of war before
disease and pestilence ravage Ceraunius.”
“Of course!” Borlak exclaimed. “Mr.
Roosevelt, I am truly thankful that you have such a clear grasp of the
situation. At this time, I am very muddled in my thinking.”
“You will need to clear your head
quickly,” I said “for once the cleanup has begun, you and your fellows will
have to determine the path your new government will take. That is a much more
serious question with greater consequences than what to do in the aftermath of
a battle.”
“Indeed, that is true.” Borlak
replied. “I will call for a meeting directly.”
“Good, my advisors will be at your
disposal whenever you need them.” I said.
“Thank you for everything, Mr.
Roosevelt” Borlak said. “Your help will be needed more than ever.”
With that, Borlak left to Make his
arrangements. Shortly thereafter, Professors Edgren and Boas, Miss Linton, and
my officers not on duty arrived. We gathered in the office to discuss the
recent events and determine our next course of action.
