Okay everyone, the weather is gone from this area (finally) however it seems It's left one heck of a warm spot behind it and the humidity ain't helping much. On another note, anyone who lives down here who has relatives who know what I'm talking about but man we've been dealing with a lot of things happening on these roads down here.
Just last week I damn near broke a tie rod in half on my truck when I hit a bad place in the road. Got it fixed and then I hit another hole in the road and bust the suspension on the front left tire.
DOTD says they ain't got the funding to get things fixed and yet the parish wants to introduce a new tax which, though they say it'll help, I'm taking that with a grain of salt. They've played that song before, we danced to it, and the first thing they did when the tax passed was vote a pay raise for the city council, mayor's office, and left us out here on the rural roads hung out to dry.
They say politics is the term used for delaying decisions until they are irrelevant, and the louder we yell, the deafer they become...
But enough of my problems, I'll cross those bridges when elections roll around. For now, onto the story.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING OR ANYONE IN THE SPYRO UNIVERSE. ONLY MY OCS.
Chapter 42: The Talson Express
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OPERATIONS ORDER V1/L01
LAUNCH SITE L1A
PERMISSION TO BEGIN USE OF V1 ROCKET-PROPELLED BOMBS GRANTED.
TARGET CONFIRMED: ROYALIS.
BEGIN CALCULATIONS AND CORRECT AS NECCESSARY.
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The base commander at the old Talson Manor House read the message and turned to his officers assembled and smiled.
"It has begun. Operation Vengeance is authorized. Our target for our weapons is the capital of Syllia: Royalis."
The officers smiled excitedly and left. The commander allowed his smile to fall as he went to the balcony and gazed at the large scaffolds that dotted the large estate that they had occupied. The Talson Manor, home of one of the five families that were vassals of the de Launces, had been abandoned during the attack and, despite some light damage and an attempt by some people to loot the manor, the house was intact. Thanks to the prefab buildings that had been brought in, the manor had been quickly converted into a makeshift base.
Whereas troops had used tents for the first week, they now had barracks, a mess, a rec hall, even a latrine. All of which was set on the small hill around the manor house overlooking the scaffolds that each held one of the V1 Rocket Bombs. There were twenty seven of them.
And he was launching them all at Royalis. He subconsiously pulled the pendant from his neck and held it in his hand. He had become a soldier to defend his country, not kill civilians. Yet his staff were all transfers from the OAC. Soldiers who expressed similar opinions to his own were considered 'problems' and were 'monitered' by the OAC in the event they needed to be relieved and replaced.
Under the eyes of the OAC, religion was a forbidden subject. It was actually a requirement for anyone joining the OAC, which was merely an arm of Mechanos' own Onyx Guard, was to renounce all religion and swear sole and undying loyalty to Mechanos and the state. He could very easily be removed from this post for having this medallion out and praying.
"God help me and save those in harm's way. If I'd had any sense, I would have taken my family and left Gotha when I first learned of the Black Knight's defection."
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Zafra, Caldor and Miles left Lawson and the group to finish working on the aqueduct and returned to the mill and found all sorts of commotion going on. Partisans were arming their weapons and readying for a fight. Zafra turned and saw George coming twards her, his face grim.
"We intercepted a message to the enemy encampment at the old Talson Manor. They have been instructed to launch a strike against Royalis in an attempt to demoralize the people. Probably trying to show that even though the lines are stalled they can still launch a formidable strike." Caldor nodded.
"Is there any way to stop them?" George shrugged.
"It is assumed that the V1 is some sort of flying explosive. Given that, I've ordered Hazard to start work on satchel charges. Thanks to the supply drops, we have enough DEX5 to blow a hole in the wall and drive a convoy through." Zafra looked down at the map and then back to George.
"So how are we going to get to the manor? The mill is here and the manor and enemy encampment is there, almost halfway across the city. That's a lot of ground to cover. How are we going to get our group halfway across the city? Even if it's all farmland, there's no cover, no safehouses. There's no guarantee we can stop their attack." George smiled and then unrolled another map. This one showed the underground canal systems that ran under the entire city.
"While Mr. Lawson works on getting us inside the city, the canals in Outer Launces are still in relatively good condition. Why risk our numbers when we can travel below ground. Here, there's an old service tunnel that runs past the aqueduct and continues on to the manor. What I don't understand is why it's so wide..."
"That's because like most ladies, Launces has her secrets." George turned to see Grant coming in and pointing to the map.
"The underground canals were not the only underground project being worked on. There was also a project to create underground railroads called 'subways' under the city. Your father had an apprentice who developed an electric locomotive. Thanks to Lawson who got the dynamo started, the old lines now have power again. They were supposed to be finished sometime around next year but well, with the occupation, not much work going on. Plus, they were wanting to complete the railway before they started creating openings and stations." Zafra grunted.
"So then, how do we get down there?" Grant smiled.
"Simple. Here, where the underground canal junction seven crosses almost right beside the subway, we use some DEX5 to blow a hole in the wall, cross into where the out-town station was under construction, and use the service train that should still be parked there to roll down the line to the manor which was going to be the transfer onto the south-bound rail line."
"Won't the enemy know that something is moving under their feet?" Grant shook his head.
"Doubtful, the subway was built deep enough underground as to not disrupt the lives of the people topside. You would need extremely sensitive geological equipment to even detect the train." George nodded and then looked to Grant.
"Any idea if the tunnel is clear or that we can reach the manor before they launch?" Grant nodded.
"The tunnel is fairly new and was rigidly reinforced. It's doubtful that the tunnel is damaged and as for the speed of the train, it should get us to our destination provided that the dynamo at the cistern doesn't shut down. It would be in our best interest to try and see about going outside the wall to divert some power from one of the hydroelectric plants to power the underground systems. It wouldn't be noticable except for a slight increase in the power usage gauges." George thought for a moment and then sighed.
"Only if it doesn't put us in danger and only once we're clear of the threat these weapons pose. For now, let's get a team down there and start making our way to the manor. Caldor, Zafra, I hate to say it but I want the two of you to stay back here or see if you can lend a hand...paw, to Lawson at the Cistern. The sight of dragons overhead might make them panic and launch the weapons before we get there." Caldor snorted and then looked at George.
"And what if those flying bombs actually do launch? How will you shoot them down? You may not need two dragons in the air but you do need one. Me." Zafra gazed at him as if she wanted to say something but Caldor quickly continued.
"Zafra is more experienced with mechanical equipment than I am so she could either help you out in human form or she may help Lawson, however, she does not have a ranged elemental attack like I do and you do not have any type of anti-air weapons. If she goes with you on the ground not only could she get any problems with the underground train working, she may also come up with a way to stop the weapons from being used in the first place." Zafra paused with her maw open but then snapped it shut and nodded to George who frowned.
"I just don't like the idea of putting the two of you in constant danger. To an occupying force, a Resistance cell alone is a nuisance. A Resistance cell with two dragons, is a serious problem." Zafra sighed.
"You just said the answer. We are Resistance, just like you and the others. The only difference is that we fight as dragons. The only human weapons that can harm us are high powered anti armor rifles and explosives. Regular rounds just bounce off our scales. You have us under your command, use us, don't treat us like a valuable comodity."
"What if either of you get hurt or your energy runs out? We don't have any health crystals or mana crystals to help you recover." Caldor snorted.
"I can recover my mana easily enough, as for getting hurt, give me something for the pain or to bite down on and sew me up like you would with a human. Besides, there's a fair number of females in the dragon species that actually are attracted to a male with battle scars." He flinched when Zafra batted him aside his head with her wing and he started chuckling.
"Then again, I've been wrong before. But seriously, I get hurt just sew me up and send me back out there. As for Zafra...uh...I'll do my best to make sure she doesn't come to harm..." Zafra prepared to bat him again when she realized what he said and flushed and backed down. George noticed this and tactfully averted his gaze back to the map.
"Alright, Zafra, you have a choice. Shift and help us on the ground or work with Lawson to get the cistern gates open. Caldor, I want you in the air as soon as we leave but I want you to remain hidden. If you were experienced enough, you could do what other light dragons like Shimmer can do and bend light around yourself to make yourse- Hey, where'd he go?" Caldor chuckled and reappeared right next to Zafra who gave a yelp of surprise and gaped at shock. She'd been studying the map and listening to George and hadn't noticed he'd vanished. Caldor grinned at George who was also amazed at him.
"You were saying?" George shook his head and dismissed them to ready his team and give Zafra time to decide what mission she wanted.
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Zafra sighed as she rested in the lair, getting what rest she could before George gave the order to sortie. She heard a rustle and saw Caldor come up next to her and lay down as well.
"Good idea, getting some rest. It's been a while since you've gotten a decent night's sleep." Zafra looked at him and narrowed her eyes.
"You watch me sleep?" Caldor chuckled and skook his head.
"No. I'm just an extremely light sleeper. The last time you managed to sleep without your tail or wings slapping me was the night after the supply drop. You've been restless. I'm no doctor or anything but it seems like you're worried about something." Zafra recoiled as if she'd been stung and immediately flushed.
"I-I'm so sorry. Why haven't you said anything? Ancestors...you must be twice as tired as I am if I've been keeping you up." Caldor chuckled.
"Hardly. Part of the Dracocorps training is endurance training. I've gone a week without sleep when on patrol. Afterwards I sleep like a rock but for the moment, I'm as sharp as a razor. Besides, I could never get a night's sleep growing up. I guess being a traitor's son has some benefits. I was the subject of beatings, hazings, and constant attempts on my life. It all helped strengthen my endurance and help train me to be lucid at all times." Zafra maw dropped.
"You've never gotten a good rest?" Caldor shook his head.
"I probably haven't what you would consider a good rest; but I've gotten enough sleep in the past to help me along. Besides, why are we talking about my sleep? First off, we're in the middle of a war, in occupied territory. A good night's sleep is hardly number one on my list of priorities." Caldor then lifted his head and gazed at her.
"Why do you care anyway?" Zafra sighed and looked away.
"It's just, I've heard of dragons who simply fall asleep in the sky and fall to their deaths. The last thing we, as the Resistance need, is to have one of our best fighters, and the only light dragon in leagues of here, drop from the sky with exhaustion. Besides... I... I'm... uncomfortable without some light nearby..." Caldor went wide-eyed with shock as he realized what she was saying.
"Y-You're afraid of the dark?" Zafra nodded shyly.
"I... I never got over it...once, as a joke, my brothers locked me in the Warfang library for a night. It was during a new moon so no light came in through the windows for my eyes to adjust. Every noise, every creak, sent chilld up my spine. When you sleep, you give off a faint light, not much, but just enough for my eyes to adjust and allow me to relax. As for my fears...well..." Caldor nodded.
"Family?" Zafra nodded.
"My brothers and sister...they must be worried sick for me. When I left Warfang, I promised to send them a message every week. I just...I worry if I'll ever see them again." Caldor sighed and started giving off a slight glow and smiled at her.
"Don't worry, for now, get some rest. You'll need it regardless of what you decide to do. I'll stay here and wake you when George needs us." He watched as she closed her eyes and then started breathing lightly meaning she was asleep. He then sighed and his eyes softened.
"As for you seeing them again, that's why I'm here. I'll make sure you aren't harmed. Anyone tries to harm you, they'll have to go through me."
Caldor allowed himself to fall into the half-doze that had saved his life time and again. When he had told Zafra that he'd never gotten a true sleep, he'd been truthful. These half-dozes allowed him to rest while still maintaining his faculties. However, while he was sharp about what was coming and going, he was oblivious to anything near him.
Had he been attentive, he would have seen Zafra smile and relax a little more and she eased her tail around and lay it over his.
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George came around the entrance to the lair and smiled slightly as he saw Zafra relaxing like such and then saw Caldor open his eyes and gaze at him, anticipating his orders. George nodded.
"It's time." Caldor nodded and extinguished the glow of his scales and then nudged Zafra who woke and yawned tremendously before shaking the sleep from her eyes and gazed at George.
"Give me a moment to shift and I'll be going with you." George nodded.
"I've set aside one of our M7 Hornet carbines and an SP01 silenced pistol for you. Stay near me, Miles, Lee, and Amber. We're taking thirteen of our number. Some have those M7s, others have the PR6M, I and three others have the S12A3, and Miles, being the physically strongest of us, has the RR4C, just in case we run into an armored unit." Zafra nodded and then shifted.
Caldor had to admit to himself, though her human form was different, it lost none of the attractiveness. In the Dracocorps, he'd seen the Dragoons assigned to him become slack-jawed idiots at the sight of an endowed woman. Zafra was indeed attractive by human standards and her curves transferred completely to her dragon form. He noticed he was gazing at her and saw George turning away and prudently illuminated his scales and turned his gaze away as she changed into the clothes that had been dropped with the supplies.
Moments later, he felt a tap on his scales and saw Zafra stand beside him with a smile.
"Let's go." Caldor nodded and rose to walk out of the lair when Zafra turned, a mischievious glint in her eyes.
"Caught you looking." Caldor suddenly went wide-eyed and coughed as she laughed and went down the path that led to the canal system. Once he recovered his wits and got over being flustered so easily, he groaned and sighed.
(How the hell could I let myself slip? I mean, sure, she's a beautiful female...no, more that that, she's a beautiful person...still...she's the type of person who would fall in love with a hero...not someone like me...I believe the human term 'bastard' would apply to me except that I knew my father, and he was a bastard...perhaps it does...the son of a bastard is a bastard himself...I don't deserve someone like her...no.) Caldor felt his heart throb and ache and cursed it for being able to wilt so easily.
(I don't even know why I entertain such thoughts...all they do is hurt.)
Every time he entertained such thoughts as love, peace, or happiness, the image of his mother, or one of the other adults when he was growing up, cursing him and the monster who had sired him, and, in the case of his mother, striking him with her tail blade until she finally decided that there was just no purpose in beating him senseless anymore and just left him alone. Abandoned at six, in a lonely cave near a dragon settlement that had long since seen it's days of glory and was now little more than what the humans would call a 'ghost town'.
He squared his shoulders, reaffirmed his resolve, and set off after Zafra. He caught up with her as Hazard was setting the small charge where Grant had indicated while George looked on. Knowing that in public, he was to be called Nick, he addressed him so.
"Nick, when do you want me to take off?" George/Nick, turned to him.
"I want you in the air as soon as we find out whether or not the train is down here and if it runs or not. I trust you've had enough time to recover your mana and can hide yourself in the sky until we arrive and start disrupting their plans. Your orders are to assist us if nessessary but your primary objective is to stop any of these weapons from taking off."
As Caldor nodded, Hazard yelled 'Fire in the hole!' and detonated the charge, showering the group with dust and some small fragments of stone. As the smoke cleared, Hazard peeped through the hole and whistled.
"Well look here everyone, I see a train here, and it sure does look nice." As George came up to him and gazed through the hole and saw the train, he caught a whiff of smoke and turned to Hazard and noticed something that made him start.
"Hazard! Your ass is on fire!" Hazard over his shoulder and started.
"Holy shit!"
Hazard took a running start and jumped into a barrel of fetid water near the track. When he finally pulled himself out of the barrel he gazed at his pants and huffed.
"Well, my old man always did say it took someone or something lighting a fire under my ass to get me to actually do something. I guess this time it was literal!"
The group had a good laugh while Zafra and Grant inspected the train and the track. After a moment, Zafra turned to George and nodded.
"I think I've got the gist of it. The power generated from the dynamo is channeled into this line that is fixed to the roof. The train deploys a type of 'anchor' to the line and draws power from it, charging the batteries and thus allowing the train to move." George nodded that he understood.
"Can you get it working?" Zafra nodded.
"It's all too simple really. Get everyone on board and I'll start the train." George nodded and turned to the group behind him.
"Alright, you heard her, all aboard!" He turned to Zafra and lowered his voice to a whisper.
"I've always wanted to say that. Anyway, is it really that simple?" Zafra nodded.
"Like Grant said, as long as the dynamo doesn't go out, we'll be able to move the train. Even if the dynamo does die, the batteries will keep the train going for a little while longer." George climbed aboard the train cab and looked it over.
"Alright. This here disengages the brakes. This wheel is the throttle. This pushes the anchor up to the rail, and I guess these are the brakes." Zafra looked at them and nodded.
"There are to types of brakes. The Dynamic brakes which use power, and the Manual brakes which require a firm and constant hand on the brake levers. Alright, if I'm reading this properly, the first step is to hoist anchor."
There was a wheel on the roof that Zafra turned clockwise and the gear pushed the anchor upwards until she felt it give resistance and saw sparks shoot from the top. Moments later, the panels in the cab and lights in the single car behind came on.
"Okay, anchor is deployed. Batteries charging. Lights are on. Okay, next step is disengaging the brakes." George reached over to the brake lever and released the block holding it in the 'secure' position and nodded to Zafra.
"Next is to start the engine and then push the throttle to the desired power setting."
George gazed around for an starter and stopped when Zafra whistled and pointed to a hand crank sticking out from the wall.
"Makes since that the train would have a crank-start engine like the dynamo. It has to have an alternator that puts power back into the battery when they are used. Give that engine a few cranks and I'll set the throttle to ten percent to get it rolling." George nodded and leaned his head out of the window.
"Caldor! We're good to go, get in the air and fly a patrol over the site! If they launch before we get there, you have permission to engage and destroy." Caldor nodded and quick as a whip vanished into the tunnels heading back to the lair.
George turned back to Zafra who was just pushing the throttle up to ten percent. The engine gave a slight hum as it worked and the wheels groaned and protested as they were forced to turn. They squeaked and squealed, the suspension started clanging and clattering. George turned to Grant with a flat expression.
" The enemy would need 'sensative geological equipment' to detect us, huh? All someone needs to do is put their ear to the ground to hear us." Grant gave a half smile an shrugged.
"Well if you hadn't moved in over a decade you'd be creaking and making noises to."
Finally, the train started forward and Zafra gazed at the speedometer.
"Current speed is ten miles per hour. Looks like the top speed of the train is fifty. What'sthis red line on the thirty-five mark for?" Grant came forward and explained.
"That's the mark that indicates the speed limit for the underground tunnel. Though the train can easily do fifty, the track and tunnels are only safely guaranteed for thirty-five miles per hour. Any faster than that risks derailment." George and Zafra nodded and lsitened as the noises gave way to a slow clickity-clack as the train left the station and started down the line.
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Alright everyone, whew. Three chapters at once, huh? That's a new record I believe. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy.
Plus, for any of my readers in the Orlando, Florida area, my prayers are with you.
Next Chapter: Countdown.