Do you take bribes?
I drove on for hours, before reaching a safe port neighbourhood. Though it shouldn't really take me hours, i was being careful, taking detours whenever i could to avoid the enemy. Stepping out of the car, i took a look around the port. Civilians were all huddled together, being herded like sheep onto ships. Everyone was escaping from the mainland. There were very little military personals here, probably two battalions of troops. Not even a tank was present. A soldier approached me, apparently unsure if i was a friend or foe since he had his gun aimed at me.
"State your name, and whether you are Sangarian."
A sergeant. Oh great, another one.
"I'm Leo Rodrein from the Sangarian daily news."
The soldier's eyes perked up at my name. Apparently, i'm quite famous. He placed his gun down, smiling.
"I've read your article, it was truly magnificent!"
"Yeah... I get told that a lot. Listen, can you tell me what is going on?"
The sergeant looked unsure for a moment, just like sergeant Lin. I still can't get that poor soul's image off my mind. My guilt was tormenting me like hell about it.
"I'm sorry sir, but i can't disclose anything unless- hey, isn't that a military press pass?"
The sergeant pointed to the tag that was around my neck. I had gotten this when i first went to the Grenton base. They handed that to me to prevent me from getting arrested for trespassing. If i remembered correctly, the person at the reception said they ran out of normal passes, so she handed this to me. Who knew it was so important? Guess the receptionist thought it wouldn't hurt since i was expected to hand this back when i left the Grenton base, but it came with me for my little joy ride.
"Yeah, i got this from the commander of the Grenton base."
I lied, but hey, this can work to my advantage. I hate to be herded in like those guys. They look miserable. The sergeant snapped a salute.
"Sir! Please follow me to see the captain!"
Well, this is interesting. Walking through the crowds, we made our way to a tent, where upon stepping inside, i was greeted by a rather scowling face.
"Captain! This is mister Rodrein, he has been granted a level five security pass by General Koulesh!"
The sergeant barked, more than spoke. The captain eyed me for a moment, then nodded to the sergeant, who snapped his heels, and left the tent. The captain looked at me like i was a caged animal at the zoo, but maybe i was looking more like dinner. Speaking of dinner.... i'm still hungry.
"So, you're Redrein, the famous reporter who cracked that fraud organization."
Is that the only thing i'm known for? And it's Rodrein, not... whatever you just called me.
"Yes, though it was more of luck that landed me that story."
"Hmph, luck."
The captain snorted at my answer. He walked over to the map laid out on the table, showing the entire Sangarin republic.
"We need more than luck now. Since the general has given you a level five pass, i guess you would have some questions."
The captain looked at me with great disapproval.
"Certainly, i have questions. For one, where are you taking the civilians?"
"Off this god-forsaken land, that's where. We don't have proper equipment to contact anyone from the military, since our radios took a hit when the enemy ambushed us only an hour ago. Lost our commanding officers in that attack, leaving me in-charge."
Obviously this captain isn't too happy about it.
"I believe i can be of some assistance."
I take out from my bag a few things. Among them, was a large military radio, which i had snagged from the sergeant before i abandoned him underground. Why does that sound like i'm in the wrong? I initially used it to track the movements of the soldiers moving in the city, so that i can move to get better pictures. Who knew i could use it to win the heart of this angry captain. And sure enough, the captain's face lit up like a chrismas tree.
"I also managed to get hold of an order issued about half and hour ago. It detailed the retreat of every Sangarin force to Jourang."
I play back the recording i took from that very same order i heard. The captain nodded his head in approval, before smiling.
"Sir, i believe that your luck, has truely saved our hides. Right, we move to Jourang. I'll be sure to put in a good word for you."
The captain seemed to laugh as he exited the tent. A good word? Like that would ever help my situation now. I peer outside the tent, seeing that the civillians were now rushed onto the ships, which i might add, are not military ships. Fishing ships, and speed boats. I guess this is the best we can do for now. Dammit, i'm hungry, and i want a light.