Rough Riders On Mars! - Chapter 36 – The Jail Break

 

Chapter 36 – The Jail Break

We marched out an hour before sun-up, the scouts led by Sergeant Fish in front. When we reached a

line even with the middle of town, I took the squad of V.I.C. north, to our hiding place. The scouts continued east until they were out of sight.

We waited anxiously for the sun to come up. Once it was light enough to see, I ordered the men to check their weapons. I gave the scouts the bolt action rifles so that they could benefit from increased rate of fire. My men carried the trapdoor carbines and two revolvers.

The sun had just cleared the horizon when we heard the first reports of the rifles. I took out my binoculars and scanned the town. To my delight, I could see the building where ten Martian soldiers spilled out into the street. From a building across the street from the barracks, I saw a man dressed in a suit typically worn by officials come out into the street.

“They are on the move men.”, I said. “I have spotted two buildings where our men might be located. They are across the street from one another. We’ll check the closer building first, then the second if needed.

The men nodded their understanding. The rifle fire increased steadily. I strained to hear the report of a pistol. The unique report of the Martian rifle started up, sporadic at first, then becoming more regular. Still we waited. Minutes went by, but no pistol shots. Then I perceived our rifles moving away.

“Our boys are movin’ back.”, Private Adair said. With this, the men began to fidget.

“It should be soon now.”, I said.

Adair then said, “Sounds like a good number of them Martians are after our boys. A dozen, maybe more.”

A few minutes later, we could hear three pistol shots.

“There’s our signal.”, I said. “Let’s move.”

We advanced to the edge of our cover. We had a hundred yards of open ground to cover.

“At the double men!”, I ordered, then took off at a run to clear the open ground. The rifle fire to our right continued unabated. We halted beside the buildings on either side of the street that we were to enter. I motioned to the men on the opposite side to move as I rounded the corner. As I advanced down the street, a door flew open and two soldier stepped out. Two shots rang out from behind me and the two Martians fell to the ground.

I drew my pistol and hurried to the door. I entered the door and found an empty room. The room was silent, aside from the men entering. I moved to the right corridor and motioned to the other half squad to the left. We entered the corridor and saw civilians scattering.

“Adair!”, I yelled, “You and Benson round up those people!”

The two men fell back to collect the people and push them behind us. I entered the next tower, which was empty as well.

I turned to my men and said, “Help Adair and Benson get those people in here.” I then went to the next door. I waited until I saw Private Cook at the far door.

“Anything!”, I shouted.

“They’re not here!”, he replied. “Just a few civilians!”

“Round them up and bring them here!”, I ordered. “We’ll lock them up in this tower!”

We moved our captives to a corner as Cook and his men brought the others. I had him lock and bar the door after everyone was in. We put all the civilians together. They appeared very frightened, but we could do nothing for it. We left through the door I came in, barricading it before we left.

“Let’s go to the next building.”, I said. “We’ll find them there.”

I moved out the door then up to the corner. I looked down the street to the west then east and saw no one. I waved the men forward and they rushed past me with a “Rebel Yell”. As I got under way, I saw two of my men crash through the door and three more dive in after. Shots were fired and as I made it to the door, my men were disappearing down the hallways.

“No unnecessary shooting!” I yelled. As I surveyed the room. I saw two officials on the floor and one of our men down.

“Are you alive, private?”, I said to the man. He moaned then sat up.

“Sorry colonel,”, he said, “I think I broke my shoulder on the door.”

“Let me get you fixed up so we can get out of here.”, I said. As I fixed a sling for my wounded man, more shots rang out. I moved to the corridor and saw my men coming my way.

“We got’em!”, Private Benson said. In a moment I could see what he meant. There were Banto and Granto in amongst the men.

“What was the shooting?”, I asked.

“Couldn’t find the key.” Benson said.

“Bully!”, I said. “Let’s get back to camp. Banto, Granto, you help Private Davis. He has an injured shoulder.”

I looked down the street and saw no one, so we moved on. We got to the end of the street and stopped to observe. Then I noticed that I wasn’t hearing rifle fire.

“Our men are not shooting.” I said. “We must be viligant. Let’s move out.”

As we crossed the open, I spotted a group of Martian soldiers moving toward us.

I shouted, “Down men!” The men dove to the ground. I brought my rifle to bear and fired. The men followed suit and a sharp firefight ensued. We were pinned down in a small depression without much cover.  The Martian hostiles kept us pinned down while their comrades rushed forward. It would soon come to hand to hand fighting.

Then, what sounded like a machine gun opened up behind us. I spun around but could see nothing. Reytik’s men stopped, confused. My squad took advantage of their pause and opened a rapid and telling fire. I turned back to see the Martians throw down their weapons and run.

The machine gun fire persisted, but it sounded strange. It was not in rhythm.

“Let’s move, cautiously.”, I ordered. We crept forward, toward the shooting. We broke into the brush and found Professor Edgren.

“Professor!”, I shouted. “What are you doing here.”

“Well,”, he started, “I heard you tell the troops that you needed them to make as much noise as possible.
The others came back, out of ammunition, so I grabbed a bucket of water and a box of Martian bullets and came here to help.”

“Well, you scared off the lot.”, I said. “And you gave us a fright as well. Let’s get back to camp.”

We made it back to camp with no issues.

The paintings are by Charles Johnson Post. who was visiting from Nodus Gordii.

Rough Riders On Mars! - Chapter 35 – Rejik the Merchant

 

Chapter 35 – Rejik the Merchant

We pitched camp on the edge of the marginal area west of Lethes. At dusk, I sent Sergeant Banto and 4 scouts to communicate with Rejik. Banto and one other would contact the merchant while the others waited on the outskirts of town. I was nervous with anticipation waiting on their return.

About 10 o’clock one of the men came running back to camp.

“Colonel!”, he yelled “Banto and Granto are captured!”

I rushed out of my tent and confronted the private.

“Slowly private,” I said, “tell me what happened.”

The man had caught his breath and began his tale.

“We were waiting just outside of town. Sergeant Banto and Granto moved ahead. They stopped at a shop. Someone came to the door. I saw them standing talking. As the Sergeant turned to leave soldiers came down the road. The sergeant talked to them. It looked like they argued for a time. More soldiers came. Then the Sergeant and Granto left with the soldiers.”

“How many soldiers did you see in all?”, I asked.

“Five in the first group, then five more.”, He replied.

“And our other two men?” I asked.

“They are still watching the town.”, he said. “We wanted to help the Sergeant, but there were too many.”

“You did well following orders and reporting back to me.”, I said. “Go get you some food and water and get some for your comrades as well. You’ll be taking me to them shortly.”

“Yes sir.” He said, then disappeared into camp.

“Sergeant Fish!”, I called. “Looks like we’ll need to make plans for a jail break.”

Sergeant Fish and I sat in my tent to discuss our options.

“It looks like Reytik is setting his pickets here.”, I said. “I had hoped he would be further east.”

“Yeah, if he is this close, it don’t give us much breathing space.”, Fish said.

“Lethes is not a large town.”, I said. “I wouldn’t think they will have much of a garrison. Perhaps we can set up a diversion with the scouts, then your squad can break into the jail and rescue our boys.”

“It would be nice to know a little more about the place before we go and rush in.” Fish said.

“Indeed it would.”, I said. “But we must play with the cards we were dealt. However, we know that the Martians are consistent in the way they layout a town. So, we know that Banto and Granto will be held in the town’s center. We shall only have to traverse a block or two to get to them.”

“At least they are predictable that way.”, he said. “But how many guys do you reckon will be there?”

“We know of ten.”, I said. “Thirty would give them a good rotation for watches.”

“Do you think ten rifles will draw off the lot?”, Sergeant Fish said. “And if it does will eight scouts be able to handle it?”

“We can’t let Reytik’s men get too close.”, I said. “we need to get them moving away from town but keep them at long range. You are a sharpshooter, aren’t you?”

“Why yes, but…”, Fish said.

“Good, “, I said, “You take another crackshot from your squad with the scouts. Keep the scouts firing as fast as they can. They just have to make noise. You and the other sharpshooter will provide telling fire. That way Reytik’s men will think they are engaged by more than what we really have.”

“Because we can outrange them,” he said, “we can hover just out of reach. That might just work.”

“You’ll take your squad to the east end of town and start shooting at sun up.” I said. “If they press you, move directly south and keep them going that way as long as possible. If they don’t follow press them until they do.”

“How will you know when to make your move, Colonel?”, Fish asked.

“Fire three rapid pistol shots when you have them well engaged.”, I said.

Then I heard the sentry call out. Fish and I went to see what was happening. The two scouts with a third person came into camp.

“Report, private.”, I said.

“We spotted this man coming out of the canal. He seemed to be looking for something, so we caught him and brought him in.”, one of the privates said.

“Good work men.”, I said. ”You may return to camp.”, addressing Private Canto. “Nanto, you take Private Ennis with you to continue watching the town.” The two scouts moved on, leaving the gentleman from town. Professor Edgren arrived at this time.

The Professor talked to the man a bit then turned to me.

“This is Rejik the Merchant.”, he said. “He snuck out of town after our men were taken.”

“Ask him to explain what happened.”, I said.

The Professor and Rejik conversed again.

“He said that your men came to his house, asking him to come and meet with you.”, the Professor translated. “as he was preparing to follow, the guards came up. They were concerned by the uniforms our men were wearing, as they seemed out of place. Our men tried to convince them they were just traders, but the guards took them into custody,”

“What do you think will happen to them?”, I asked.

“It may not go well for them, if they cannot verify their story.”, Rejik replied.

“How many men does Reytik have in your town?”, I asked.

“Only twenty.”, he said. “The men here are only to watch what you are doing. There are not many soldiers between here and the mountains.”

“Do you know anything of Reytik’s intentions?”, I asked.

“He is trying to rally support from other states.”, Rejik said. “Alba sent some Ma Gongi to test your power. They are now wavering. Reytik will try to sway them with some quick action while you are unready.”

“Is he massing a force somewhere for this attack?”, I asked.

He is planning to strike from the south, by way of the Arges canal then up the Leontes.”, Rejik said.

“How soon?”, I asked.

“He wishes to start moving in ten sols time.”, he said.

“Do you know how far Reytik’s power reaches?”, I asked.

“Nominally, to here.”, Rejik said. “His real power starts one hundred bantu this side of the Phlegra Mountains. He is risking much on this venture.”

“Why are you helping us, Mr. Rejik?”, I asked.

“Reytik has wronged my family many times to line his pockets.”, he said. “But not just him. All the nobles in Ceraunius are corrupt. They must be defeated if we are to continue living.”

“Thank you for your help, Mr. Rejik.”, I said. “Will you stay with us for the night?”

“No, Mr. Roosevelt.”, he said. “I must be back in my place by morning or the authorities will suspect something.”

With that, Rejik walked off into the night and we were left to our rescue mission in the morning.

Ironclads!

 

Ironclads!

Since I haven’t developed the last batch of photographs from Mars for the latest installments of “Rough Riders on Mars” and this blog is supposed to be about what I am doing in the world of wargaming; I have decided to post some photos of the Ironclad warships I’ve been making.

As it happened, I was browsing on the internet and came across an article on ‘Jeune Ecole’. This was a French theory of using many small torpedo craft, coastal defense ships, and commerce raiders to defeat a more powerful (British) navy. The idea was at its heyday in the 1870’s and 80’s and it greatly affected French naval policy.

I found the idea intriguing, but knew the torpedoes of 1870 weren’t the weapon that would make ‘Jeune Ecole’ possible. Somewhere around the mid to late 1880’s torpedoes had a range of around 650 yards at a speed of 24 kts. At a game scale of 1/2400, this is about 10”, or about 1/3 of what the French (and most everyone else) considered effective long range for gunnery.

This would give a flotilla of torpedo boats a chance to close to torpedo range in one to two turns under fire (in the best case scenario). With a large number of torpedo boats and the distraction of coastal defense and capital ships nearby, this seems to be the period where ‘Jeune Ecole’ might first be possible.

At the same time, I ran across a free PDF version of “Brassey’s Naval Annual – 1887 edition”. This book has all sorts of information about ships, guns, and other naval related items, mostly for the British navy, but it also has much information about other navies. The part of the book that really caught my interest were the line drawings (deck plans and elevations) of the ships then in service. Using these drawings, as well as “Conway’s All The World’s Fight Ships 1860-1905” and other sources I have, I figured I could make 3D digital models of these vessels and print them on my 3D printer.

To that end, I present to you the following photographs of my work:

HMS Minotaur, HMS Achilles (1866 refit), HMS Hercules, HMS Superb, and HMS Alexandra

HMS Swiftsure, HMS Audacious,  HMS Hector, HMS Defence, And HMS Temeraire

Nelson, Penelope, Bellerphon, Shannon, and Neptune

Monarch, Ajax, Collosus ,Inflexible, and Devastation

French ships - Amiril Baudin, Colbert, Caiman, Courbet, Belliqueuse, Cerbere, and Acheron

These are some, but not all of what I’ve made so far. Here are some close-ups of some of the ships pictured above.

HMS Temeraire

HMS Minotaur

Colbert

Cerbere

Please note, the clear bases were made by LITKO Game Accessories. I think they will really help protect the models and make them easier to move on the gaming surface.

I will have more photos to share and will have even more as I complete more models.

Now I must get back to developing those pictures from Mars.

Rough Riders On Mars! - Chapter 34 – The Road To Lethes

 Chapter 34 – The Road To Lethes

We walked back to camp, both deep in thought. We returned just in time for the evening meal. After dinner, I made arrangements for posting sentries. I set up two, two-man teams for each four hour stint. One Martian and one Earthman in each team. By this time, the Scouts were picking up a good bit of English and the isolation of sentry duty would help this along even more.

After the evening’s duties were completed, I called Sergeants Fish and Banto to my tent. I meant to
discuss the news we obtained and see how it would set with the men.

“Good evening gentlemen,” I started, “I hope you both are well.”, to which they both answered in the affirmative.

“How do you feel the men did on our march today?” I asked.

“Not bad, for a bunch of greenhorns.” Sergeant Fish said.

Sergeant Banto said, “I thought the Scouts did well for their first march.”

“As did I.”, Sergeant Fish replied, “I was referring to the greenhorns in my squad.”

To this exchange Sergeant Fish and I gave a hearty chuckle. Sergeant Banto eventually understood Fish’s comment to be a joke and joined in the mirth.

“I suppose you might be interested in the news we obtained from Corax.”, I began. “Well, it is not all good, but not all bad. Nothing is confirmed yet, but it appears that the situation could turn ill in short order. So, I would like your estimation of our men before we proceed.”

“The town of Corax is friendly toward us and the Democracy movement, so we are safe tonight.” I began. “However, the next village, Jamuna, is not. In Lethes, we have friends, but they are repressed as were our friends in Ceraunius. It will be worse in that respect the further east we go.  So, what I need to know is, how jumpy are the men? I ask because even though we are going to avoid hostile areas, we may still encounter unfriendly people and I do not want to provoke an incident because of nervous jitters.”

“I think we’ll be OK Colonel.” Sergeant Fish said.

“Yes,”, Sergeant Banto said, “our men will remain orderly.”

“Bully! Gentlemen.”, I said. “Tomorrow we will be skirting Jamuna and camping on the margins. Sergeant Banto, I expect your men to instruct Fish’s squad on the dangers of the wilderness as we go.”

“It will be done.”, Sergeant Banto replied.

“We will get an early start tomorrow, so I’ll bid you good night.”, I said.

With that the Sergeants retired. I checked on the sentries then retired as well. We broke camp as the sun came up and were on the road within the hour. We marched through Corax with the admiration of the locals. After 5 miles we stopped for a break. As we relaxed on the edge of the canal, I spotted a boat coming up from the east.

“Banto,” I said, “What do you make of that.”, as I pointed to the vessel.

“It is not a cargo ship.” He said.

The ship slowed to a stop a good distance away, stayed there for a bit, then turned and sailed away.

“Sergeants,”, I said, “I think it is time we started a cross country march. Travelling the road is too easy. Sergeant Banto, take the lead.”

We marched south for a couple of miles then went back to the southeast. I allowed the squads to mingle so that the scouts could point out items of interest as we passed them. I did, however, maintain vigilance as the boat we spotted I believed to be reconnaissance from Reytik’s forces. I still did not expect to meet his men, but the fact that he was checking on us gave me pause.

By late afternoon we were passing Jamuna, though it was well out of sight. We found a spot to pitch camp. While the men set up camp, Sergeant Banto and I scouted toward town. We rode to a small rise that overlooked the town. As we surveyed the area, I spotted a man moving through the field below us.

“Sergeant Banto,” I whispered, “that man there, does he look like a farmer, a soldier, or some other sort of fellow?”

“He appears to be a farmer.”, Banto said, “but he is not farming. He is looking for something.”

“Could you bring him here without causing him undo distress?”, I asked.

“I think that is possible.”, he said.

With that Sergeant Banto circled around and approached the man from the direction of the town. He stopped near the fellow and they talked for a bit, then Banto pointed my way. The two men then started toward me. When they arrived at my location Banto introduced our friend.

“This is Gorlak.”, he said. “He is missing a small one, a child. The Headman here was no help, so he must search on his own.”

“How long has the child been missing?”, I asked.

“Two sol.”, Banto said.

“Tell our friend here that we will help him find his child.”, I said. “I’ll get the scouts. They won’t arouse so much suspicion if they are spotted.”

Sergeant Banto relayed my offer to help and Gorlak appeared grateful. He and Banto began the search and I went to retrieve the scouts. When I returned, I had the scouts scour the fields in pairs. I was with a private, Nanto. We were searching along an irrigation trench when we nearly tumbled into a sinkhole. Our stumbling around the edge of the hole aroused a reaction at the bottom. We peered over the edge to see a young lad, severely injured.

I fetched a rope from my mount and ordered Nanto to get help. I then tied the rope to a nearby tree and
descended into the hole. The bottom felt spongy under foot and I didn’t know how long it would hold. I tied the rope about my waist then took up the boy into my arms. I felt the floor slowly sinking when Nanto and several others arrived. The men pulled us out of the hole as the bottom collapsed into a subterranean watercourse.

Immediately upon our extradition, we gave the boy some water and first aid. The lad responded favorably as his father arrived. Gorlak was overwhelmed with emotion. He asked why Ceraunian soldiers would bother helping a poor farmer.

I asked, “You have heard that there is a new government in Ceraunius?”. To which he acknowledged he had. “We are part of the new regime. As we get stronger, you will find this government more to your liking.”

Gorlak thanked us and told us to be wary as we headed east. He has seen many soldiers heading to the mountains. With that I had Banto and Nanto help carry the boy back to his house while I took the rest of the men back to camp. The next day we marched to Lethes.

Rough Riders On Mars! - Chapter 33 – Rumors In The Air

 Chapter 33 – Rumors In The Air

As we walked into the town, we were greeted heartily by the locals. Professor Edgren suggested that because these people had suffered nearly as much from Reytik’s oppression as the Ceraunians, they were relieved that changes were happening. In fact, we passed a number of injured men that indicated their participation in the recent struggles. These men in particular, greeted us most warmly.

Within a few minutes we arrived at the headman’s office. I was not sure what our reception would be. Was this man one of Reytik’s or a democracy man? Or was he solely looking out for his own interests. The Professor read the office sign and told me, “Is says that this is the office of Deytik.”

“Does it mention the name of his lieutenant? I suppose if Deytik is one of us, he will be in  Ceraunius.”, I said.

“It says that the junior headman is Deytik also.” Professor Edgren said.

“Hmm,” I said, “Well we may find no one here. Shall we enter and solve this mystery?”

“Indeed.”, he replied.

With that, we entered the office. Inside we found a young man pouring over some papers and looking rather perplexed. He did not seem to notice our entrance.

Professor Edgren addressed the young man who looked up and was rather astonished to see two earthmen in his office.

He then spoke to the Professor who translated the young man’s introduction.

The Professor said, “This is Deytik the Younger, the son of the headman here. He says that it is a pleasure to meet us as this is the first time earthmen have come to this town.”

“Please tell him that the pleasure is ours and that he can expect more visits from us in the future.” I asked Professor Edgren to reply.

With the introductions concluded, I got down to business. I asked Deytik what his opinion was of the events in Ceraunius.

“We here in Corax make our living from agriculture. It is a modest living at best. We are too close to the city for the convoys from the mountains to stop over so we are mostly ignored, except at tax time.” He said. “The ruling classes never cared about us, they just wanted our produce and our profits. So, we are happy to see the changes that have occurred” he added.

“I expect you will be treated fairly from now on.” I said.

“If we can survive, I believe we will.” He stated grimly.

“So, you fear retribution?”, I asked.

“No doubt.” He said. “We saw many soldiers and officials fleeing eastward. They have gone to the mountains, I am sure. There they will choke off the income of Ceraunius. Then they will return to rule leaving devastation in their wake.”

“Then you do not expect we can hold on to our gains?”, I asked.

“With what can we hold them?”, Deytik said. “You earthmen have shown you are superior fighters, but you are too few to stop the tide that is to come.”

“An army is being trained as we speak.” I said. “And from what I’ve seen over the past weeks, I believe it will acquit itself admirably.”

“If we were up against Reytik and his minions alone, I would have more faith.” Deytik said.

“What do you mean?”, I asked. “You have news?”

“Nothing direct,”, he said, “but I’ve heard things and seen things. The other states nearby do not want to see a change in the world order any more than Reytik did.”

“So you fear interference from abroad?”, I asked.

“I do.” He said. “How else can you explain Ma Gongi in Ceraunius?”

“I don’t understand.”, I said.

Professor Edgren interjected, “The Ma Gongi are the little yellow fellows we encountered in the recent conflict. They are native to the swamps and do not usually venture far from there.”

 “So you believe some other state brought these Ma Gongi here. How do you know they were not just hired mercenaries?”

“They were mercenaries, no doubt.”, Deytik said. “But Reytik can hire men much closer to home, and of better quality.”

“This is indeed disturbing news.”, I said “Has the new government been informed?”

“My father is there now, I am sure it is being discussed.”, Deytik said.

“I assume this help is coming from the east, that is the direction of the nearest swamp.”, I said. “Deytik, do you know how far up the canal our foe is?”

“If you travel to the third village from here, down the canal,” he said, “you will get more accurate news.”

Will they be friendly toward us?” I asked.

“Find Rejik the Merchant.” Deytik said. “If you have a Martian friend travelling with you, send him into the village. Rejik owns the third building into town.”

“Thank you for your help, Mr. Deytik.”, I said. “ We will take your advice.”

“Very good.” He said. “The next village will be friendly to you, but you would be wise to avoid the second.”

“Thank you again.” I said.

With that the Professor and I returned to our camp.

Rough Riders On Mars! Chapter 32 – Preparing For The Future

Chapter 32 – Preparing For The Future

We spent the next week repairing the fort and our station in town. The townsfolk were doing the same with their property. Of course, their job was much harder than ours. We helped where we could, but still it was a sad business.  Miss Linton spent much of her time caring for the wounded, When she could, she went with Professors Boas and Edgren to the Ceraunian Congress to give advice and support to the fledgling government.

I had to administer to the military situation. To that end, I sent out patrols to look for evidence of Reytik and his minions.  Jordak took the Iska Mahayi to the west to quell Reytik’s allies and rally her supporters. She was to be out for a month, so for that time we were relegated to ground movement. For this reason our patrols were close to our base. Chronto was also away, gathering men for the scouts. He was due back in two weeks. Upon his return, I could begin training my regiment to be true cavalry. This would extend our radius of operation and allow me to find suitable locations for outposts.

I did find time for a visit to the Ceraunian Congress myself. While I was there, the congressmen were debating how the rural districts would be equally represented if seats were allocated by population. Obviously, a bicameral legislature was the answer, with one chamber having an equal number of representatives from each district. With that settled, they moved on to their next topic of debate.

I returned to the fort to begin preparation for a scouting expedition down the Thyanis canal. My goals were to judge the tenor of the residents in that direction and to gain news of Reytik. I was taking two squads, one of my men and one of the scouts. In addition to the soldiers, Professor Edgren would accompany me along with 5 Martian sutlers and a couple of wagons.

My plan was to advance three days down the canal to see what there was to see in that direction. I was

going to avoid contact with hostiles if at all possible. With the number of wounded we currently had and with the recruits just getting into camp, I could ill-afford any more casualties. Banto, the sergeant of the scouts, and myself were to be mounted on Moa-iti. Professor Edgren was to ride on one of the wagons. The troops would be on foot.

for the defense force began to arrive. I made arrangements for their quartering and basic training. My staff and I spent much time evaluating our recruits to find suitable positions for these men. Their first orders were to scour the town and surroundings for abandoned weapons. This allowed us to arm the men without placing undo hardship on the haggard city.

 I was able to borrow two wagons from those transporting rubble out of town. Our foodstuffs I bought from our usual supplier. Fortunately, the rather short siege caused only a minor interruption in the importation of goods. We had brought our own tentage and other camping equipment, so I was adequately fitted out. I left our supplies and transport at the fort to be loaded and went over to the station to deliver my orders before I departed.

I put Lieutenant Ballard in charge while I was away. I had him police Ceraunius to keep the peace. He was also to send out small patrols to keep a lookout for hostiles from Reytik or curious desert raiders. Finally, he was to repair our telegraph line from the fort to the station and if enough wire was available, he was to run a line to the government office as well.

I arrived back at the fort to find everything set for our departure. Our wagons were loaded and each was hitched to a great Bumatak. This is a large animal, resembling a wooly rhinoceros with a single massive horn on its snout. They are docile creatures that lumber along at a good walking pace for the men. I figured that we could make ten miles a day on this mission.  For the first day’s march, I posted a half-squad of my volunteer cavalry with a half-squad of scout recruits in front of the wagons and the other two half-squads behind. This would allow the men to get to know each other, and the recruits would learn a few tricks about being on the march. I was somewhat concerned about having so few tried men with me, but this was a training mission in friendly territory so I expected few problems.

We marched north from the fort until we came to the Thyanis canal, then followed it in an east
southeasterly direction. The terrain was flat farmland as far as the eye could see. Periodically, we would pass a small village. These housed the local farmers and a small office for the local government officials. These offices were populated by clerks as the “Headman” was in Ceraunius attending the congress.

At the end of our first day’s march, we stopped outside a midsized town called Corax. I ordered our camp pitched to the west of town. I left Sergeant Fish in charge of setting up the camp while Professor Edgren and I went into the town to talk with the headman.