As an afterthought, he added, “It probably explains why life is so abundant throughout this zone. The propagation of iron oxides must act as anathema to the Horde, and a magnet to everything else. If the spaceport operation goes smoothly, we’ll be able to expand our search to other areas of the planet. Just wait until Selwyn King finds out.”
And Commander Cameron. Aloud, Marcus said, “Please gather your fellow scientists together, Matthew. If you can, I’d like you to complete a preliminary check of the geological features of the plateau by tonight. Include everything you feel Rhomane will want to know. Be sure to add any recommendations you think are necessary as well. I want to ensure our first report secures us the additional resources we’ll need.”
Turning to his camp commander, Marcus said, “Tiberius? Have your optio begin the construction of our defenses. Start with the null-shield emitters. I’d prefer them placed within yards of the timberline. Once they’re erected, I want three separate trenched walls with staggered entrances encircling the encampment. The final one will be the fort. Each tier is to have a moat covered by a collapsible bridge. Remember to factor in the weights of the vehicles that will be involved. Oh, and get Lucius to liaise with Matthew regarding the location of both the foundry and forge within the camp. I suggest you also put the smithy nearby. That way, we can group similar resources together and make them easier to find.
“Once he has his orders, send your Tesserarius back through the forest to mark a route. Again, remind him of the size of the transporters we’ll be using to move the iron. Tell him to choose a path that harmonizes with any natural clearings and so forth. The less felling we have to do the better, as the trees will act as natural cover.”
Finally, Marcus turned to the leaders of the mining crew.
It had been decided that the best man to lead the team was petroleum engineer, Leonard Tam. Leonard possessed over thirty years experience in the business, and was also a qualified geologist, making him perfect for the job. His second was the ex-diamond miner, Joshua Osborne.
“Leonard, Joshua?” Marcus began, “Will you men also cooperate with Matthew and his party, and pick the best site to begin operations? If you don’t mind my saying, as long as the ore is pure enough to do the job, don’t be fussy. Volume and simplicity will be an overriding factor for us to consider. Make your lives as easy as possible. Understood?”
Both men grinned and nodded, before moving off to start work.
Looking around, Marcus discovered the only person left close by was Wilson Smith. Catching the young man’s attention, he said, “Need an assignment?”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to divide my platoon into two sections,” Wilson offered. “I’ll send half out on a roving picket now, while the other half rests. We’ll continue to rotate every hour until the outer walls have been erected. Once they’re up and running, I’ll devise a more suitable rota to ensure we have time to penetrate deeper, and keep a continued presence within the Tar’e-esh itself. Long range patrols are our business. It’ll be nice to know what to expect out there if we have to turn to the forest for refuge.”
“Make it so,” Marcus replied, pleasantly surprised, “and please include the vicinity alongside the highway, too. About half a mile into the trees will do. Look for places that might prove useful as staging areas. Just in case.”
Wilson saluted and trotted off to deploy his men.
What a change. Without Houston’s influence corrupting him, we might make a mature officer out of him yet.
Left to his own devices for a while, Marcus dismounted and ambled across to a safe distance from the precipice. Contented, he stared out into the vast abyss before him. The crisp wind, crystal clear air, and vibrant scenery soon had him forgetting how harsh the glare here actually was.
Perhaps I’d better put those sunglass things on?
Resisting the urge, he shut his eyes, let the sun warm his face, and allowed his thoughts to drift. A poignant notion made him sigh.
Who knows? Perhaps I’ll come to love this place as much as Gaul?
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Command Decisions
“This is turning into a real pain in the ass . . . Sir,” Stuart Williams of 1st Platoon drawled. “Six days in the saddle. And for what?”
Jake Rixton ignored the pregnant pause before the honorific. Both men were newly promoted, and it would take a while for the reality of that fact to sink in. “It certainly is, Sergeant, and while I’m used to lengthy periods in the saddle, I’d prefer them to have some meaning.”
He looked about his men as they rode, and could see they were becoming more and more frustrated with the tedium of mindless patrolling.
All this plotting and scheming isn’t good for those of us who are used to straightforward action.
The first shipment of iron ore from the Shilette Abyss was due to arrive in the city in just over a few weeks’ time. Saul Cameron had expressed confidence in the fact that the mere presence of so much blood metal should act as a huge deterrent against any aggressive move by the Horde. However, he was a man known to hedge his bets. As such, the Commander had devised a strategy whereby a major operation would be put into effect, to coincide with the last stages of the convoy’s journey. Full details of that undertaking weren’t public knowledge yet, but everyone knew the mission involved the starport, had multiple objectives, and was time sensitive.
Jake was initially overjoyed to think he would get an opportunity to be in the thick of things during his first command. Then he’d received his assignment.
Their brief was to recon the major routes north of the city, between the Grisson Gap, Issamun Canyon, and Asterlan Lake, for areas that could be used as staging posts in the unlikely event of the caravan having to divert there in an emergency.
Although disappointed, Jake was well used to the chain of command. Taking the rough with the smooth was part of everyday life for a soldier, and he reminded his men that they would be playing their part by doing their job to the best of their ability.
But that was almost a week ago. They’d already completed one huge circuit of the area and marked the best sites for further scrutiny. The bile of knowing this was as exciting as it was going to get had soured everyone’s mood.
“Sergeant? Will you task Corporal Spencer to take a squad of men and head out along the Issamun riverbed again? Check out that cave where those spooks tried to surprise us. You know, that day when Lieutenant Fox was still with us. The day he . . .”Ah, darn it!
“Yes, Sir.”
Rixton grimaced as Williams trotted off to pass along his orders. Idiot! The last thing I need is to shoot myself in the foot like that. As if we need reminding of what happened the last time we were here.
He was still chomping at the bit when the sergeant came cantering back. Sidling up close to his lieutenant, Williams murmured, “Don’t eat yourself up over it, Sir. It wasn’t your fault. We all knew who was responsible . . . Talking of which, how did that slimy, no good, two-bit rattlesnake take the news of your promotion? You never said.”
Rixton snorted. “Ah, now there’s the thing. He didn’t give a damn. I couldn’t believe it. I’d gotten quite nervous about having to face him and almost didn’t bother. But how would it have looked if someone outside of the regiment had sneaked in to hospital to surprise him? So I did it myself, and . . . and . . .”
“And?”
“It was a complete anticlimax. I know he was heavily medicated. He is still recovering from a nasty injury after all, but . . .”
“Oh, for goodness sake . . . Sir. But what?”
“That’s just it, Williams. You’re going to think I’d been on the whiskey or something, but I got the damndest impression I was talking to someone else. It looked like Houston. It sounded like Houston. But it didn’t act like him. Do you know, he actually congratulated me on my advancement and wished me well?”
“Seriously? The Captain said that?”
“It knocked me for six, I can tell you.”
He’s got a point. This is a terrible waste of energy and resources. If timing is going to be of the essence, my boys can serve better by acting as flying pickets or an emergency reserve on the day. “Williams? Send a runner after Corporal Spencer and his men. They can’t have gotten far. Once they return, have them rendezvous with us here and gather the platoon together. We’re marching for Rhomane.”
In answer to his sergeant’s bemused look, Rixton added, “If the hierarchy went to all that trouble to promote me, they’ve got to expect me to start making command decisions sometime soon. This is my first one, and I don’t intend for it to be my last.”
*
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Mac asked, for the third time. “Because if you do, there’s no going back.”
He skimmed through the details of the latest evaluation report on the man before him one more time. “You’ve attended twice the number of training sessions of any other civilian here. Managed to qualify in not one but two close quarter battle theaters, and have achieved an above average pass for pistols, medium range machine guns, and immediate action drills. What interests me is the fact that your long range marksmanship has been assessed as outstanding. That’s impressive by any standards.”
Bob Neville had the decency to look embarrassed. “I’ve been working hard,” he mumbled, “and although I’ll always be a scientist, first and foremost, I want to be enough of a man to make a difference.”
He stepped forward and placed a set of dog tags on the table between them. Mac knew them well. The words PO988453K COLLINS D. – B POS – C of E were etched into the hard resin of both discs.
Well, well, well. Looks like he’s grown a pair. “So, you think you’re too good to be a soldier, do you?”
“No, not at all,” Bob replied defensively, “I’m just aware of my limitations. Both you and I know I’m no warrior. I never will be, but at least now I can make a valid contribution.”
Mac studied the man before him. Yes, I believe you can. “They say a volunteer is worth ten pressed men. And when that volunteer is properly motivated, he’s worth double. You may regret your decision in the future, especially with what we’ve got coming up. Nevertheless, congratulations. You’re in.”
“Eh? That’s it?”
“Oh yes. Be they military or civilian, I have complete autonomy as to who gets to be on my team. And your ass, dear man, now belongs to me.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Red Gold Rush
Entering his office, Marcus slapped the dust from his breastplate and skirts before removing his cloak. Damned stuff gets everywhere. Still, I shouldn’t complain. We’re fortunate this is the only real problem we face.
The expedition had been on site for just over a week. All fortifications were complete, and the mining operations had begun the previous day. None of the patrols had reported any evidence of Horde activity, and the Ardenese laser cutters were making ore extraction an incredibly swift and easy affair.
It’ll be nice to get the first shipment off. Then I can get back, and catch up with what Decimus has been up to. I can’t wait to see how the Arc of Death looks now it’s finished.
Having shaken out his cape, Marcus hung it up next to his sword belt and strode toward his desk. A handheld computer had been left beside his in-tray pile. A flashing cursor in the top left corner of the screen showed it was active.
Ah, the report Leonard said he’d help me with.
Although Marcus had made an effort to familiarize himself with the newer and more sophisticated tools of his trade, using tablets to write reports was not one of them. Thankfully, he had plenty of willing volunteers to help in that regard.
Retrieving the pad, he sat back in his chair and activated the message.
Let’s see if a scientist can write anything near to what I recommended, in plain language.
To: Commander Saul Cameron
From: Praefectus Marcus Galerius Brutus
Initial Report: Shilette Abyss Mining Expedition
Saul,
I hope this opening summary finds you well.
You will be pleased to learn that events are proceeding apace. The fort and surrounding defenses are now complete. Patrols of the nearby forest and adjacent highway are undertaken at all times of the day and night by joint squads of Legion Equitata and U.S. Cavalry. At the time I write this testimony, we have been on site for eight days, and Horde sightings remain at zero.
Now that the shield wall is in place, our operations here will be masked from sight. We have remained undetected so far, and due to the stringent security protocols I have initiated, I am confident this will remain so.
Now to business.
Iron Ore Extraction
The deposits found within the Shilette Abyss canyon show unique characteristics. Iron is usually found at locations where there has been a steady aquatic flow over thousands of years, or where there is a proliferation of mineral hot springs. Lower grade accretions can precipitate out of purer water sources, where they collect in layers at the bottom of lakes or streams.
However, the features of this entire region display advanced geological block modeling, with a blending of chemical variables. We have established the grade distribution of Fe, and SiO2 as bimodal, due to a consequence of both mineralization and extreme weathering. Distribution of suitable contaminants is low.
Because of this, we have made a remarkable discovery. Huge quantities of naturally occurring bedded ore, arranged in geological sequence, are available to us. The cliff face of the plateau has partially collapsed and opened the sedimentary layers to the elements. As such, we have incorporated an ‘open shaft’ approach to extract the banded magnetite and hematite found here. These particular examples alone have been assessed at 92% to 94% pure, and will be the first minerals extracted.
We are also blessed with an abundant smattering of both goethite and limonite. Although of a more inferior quality (60% – 65%), this will still provide a valuable and additional source of low grade material if stocks ever become depleted.
Patrols have established the presence of nearby outflows from the inland Esteban Sea. Although shallow, the creeks are saturated with chalk, clay, and peat deposits. From what we have ascertained so far, those locations will be an excellent source of granular ‘bog-ore’, which we may be able to exploit in future, should the need ever arise.
Personnel
So far, everyone has buckled down to the task at hand, and appears to be working well together.
My chosen centurion, Tiberius Tacitus of the 2nd Cohort, will make a reliable camp commander. His optio—or lieutenant as you would call him—Lucius Scipio, is a career officer with a sound tactical mind. Between them, this expedition is in safe hands.
Any disciplinary or security issues arising will likewise be handled decisively by the appointed tesserarius, Staff Sergeant Tiberius Cenus. Tiberius is a twenty year veteran of the legion and a man who exacts high standards from those he serves with.
I must confess, his job is being made all the easier by the efforts of the young cavalry officer, Second-Lieutenant Wilson Smith. Free of the influence of Captain Houston, he has proven an energetic, willing and exemplary soldier, who has taken the lead in providing long range patrols. Both he and his men are to be commended.
Once their disciplinary tenure is completed, I know Lucius would be happy for them to remain in post, as they have bonded to the rest of the family here remarkably well.
The combined mining operations and geological survey crews are a wonder to behold. Because of their professional standing, each department under Leonard Tam and J
oshua Osborne take pride in achieving results. And results are exactly what they’ve been producing.
The drillers, led by Oliver Prince and Gerry Hunt, have adapted to the Ardenese equipment with amazing proficiency. Because of this, we cleared nearly half a ton of refined ore on our first day. Were it not for our security measures, this would have been a much higher figure, but I am determined to ensure our undertakings here remain undiscovered by the Horde.
(See my addendum—appendix A—at the end of this report regarding absence of enemy activity in the Tar’e-esh area—and proposed response).
Alexander Du’pre, the former terrorist and biochemist, has proven himself an absolute godsend to Matthew Keegan and his experts. It was Alexander’s analysis of nearby streams that established the existence of iron oxides within each of the outlets.
Likewise, the former leader of their organization, Sebbi Farah, has devised a most ingenious splicing of Ardenese and remaining Earth technologies. Her knowledge of computers has not only improved the security coverage of our surrounding area, but has also boosted the range of our covert transmitters to fifty miles. She is currently working on several backup flyers. It is our hope that she will be able to incorporate a relay system through their software that will provide a live-time audiovisual link back to Rhomane within a week or two.
Transportation
We are on target to fulfill the first shipment fifteen days from now.
Because of this, I will be dispatching Lieutenant Smith and a section of his men back along the main Tar’e-esh to Rhomane freeway in just over a week’s time. They will be dropping off a section of riders at three strategic points along the route, to establish covert staging posts. It is envisaged the advance party will liaise with the incoming supplies somewhere in the region south of Arden’s main spaceport. Once they meet up, please advise the drivers to follow their guidelines exactly. Suitable concealed paths have been fashioned through the forest, to facilitate speedy ingress and maintain secrecy.
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