Sergeant Meandel watched as the men in robes who called themselves scribes dutifully scampered around the room. Checking on the many injured militiamen resting in beds.
One of the scribes had even come to check on him. The assessment was quick and concise, speaking well of their ability. The pain in his arm had indeed turned out to be a break, after a short disappearance the scribe came back with an arm brace for him.
All throughout, the scribe had been asking him questions. He was confused until he remembered his talk with Lukas about their inexperience with aliens. Meandel had still been sceptical of his claims but they seemed to be gaining more and more credence.
Assuring the scribe that twi'lek biology was similar enough to a human's that most medicines worked just the same, the scribe gave an injection for his pain.
After that, the scribes left him alone and turned their attention to the more wounded. Whatever the scribe had given him worked as the pain had vanished. Between that and coming down from the day's many adrenaline highs, the sergeant had to actively fight off sleep.
He needed to stay awake to keep an eye on his comrades. It wasn't that he didn't trust the Brotherhood, far from it, if they had wanted them dead they would've been dead by now. No, he needed to keep watch because that's what a good soldier did for their comrades.
A curtain rustled from his side, and he watched as a scribe with a bloody medical robe came out. Immediately his attention went to him, that was the area they had been operating on Commander Hesp.
"Is everything alright? Is the commander ok?" The scribe said nothing as he walked away. Worry set in and Meandel approached the curtained-off area to get an answer.
He stopped as another figure exited the curtain. It wasn't a human but instead a droid, a round metal ball floating using a small thruster with three long appendages, two with claws and a third with a needle attached.
"I'm sorry sir, but I can't let you enter." the droid spoke with an accent that he didn't reconcile.
"Is she alive?" he pleaded.
"That's exactly why I can't let you in. The patient has severe blood loss and is incredibly weak and needs rest." Meandel's shoulders sagged in relief. "Now if you'll excuse me, sir, I must be going."
The droid floated away as Meandel weakly made his way back to his seat. Sitting back down he placed his head in his good hand. Somehow sleep seemed all the more enticing yet more imperative that he stay awake.
It was a few minutes later that he heard someone approach. Looking up he saw the scribe from earlier now without any surgical gear and clean clothes. He had a hand extended offering something to him.
"Sorry about that earlier, I needed to get disinfected." Taking the item offered he inspected it. A cylindrical metal can with writing he didn't recognize printed in it. "You wanted to know the patient?"
Meandel shook himself out of his stupor. "Yes, yes… the droid said she was alive."
The scribe took a seat next to him. "She's very lucky, to say the least. Most of the damage around her head wasn't too deep and although it may scar, she'll likely come away with only a concussion. The real difficulty came with the shrapnel we had to remove." The scribe paused, taking a cylinder similar to his own and with a tug peeling it away to reveal water inside.
"We have managed to stabilise her condition but the damage to her abdominal area was heavy. Ideally, she'd get a prosthetic implant but we don't possess the resources for that" The scribe took a long swig from his drink. "All that coupled with her blood loss, and our unfamiliarity with alien biology means that the next few days are going to be precarious."
Meandel bleakly began to digest the information. Peeling the lid of the can in his hand he brought the water to his mouth and drank. The sterile water seemed to perfectly mirror his feelings, empty. In the span of two days, they had gone from planetary defenders to a band of survivors now on the run.
"I'll tell you something though." Meandel let his dull eyes drift to the scribe. "She's a real fighter. I didn't catch the whole story only bits, but if it's true then she's one tough nut."
The thought bounced around in his head for a moment before Meandel found himself agreeing with the scribe. In all the time he'd known the commander she'd been nothing if not determined and he had little doubt if she were standing before him the first words out of her mouth would be to button up and get a move on.
He let himself chuckle for a moment, the dark thoughts in his head pushed away for a moment. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he turned to the scribe. "Thank you, I needed that."
The scribe pushed himself up and let out a yawn. "Well if you don't mind I have a report to fill in and…" He trailed off looking at a knight that was approaching them. "I believe you're being called away too."
The knight stopped before the two before standing to attention. "Star Paladin Cross requests your presence." Meandel sighed before standing to follow the knight.
"Don't worry… she's in good hands and we'll be keeping a close eye on her." Meandel nodded to the doctor before following the knight out of the room.
—
Learning about the situation in the capital city was a fresh reminder for Paladin Hardin that for all that this world was an improvement over the capital wasteland it did still share some macabre similarities.
When Lukas had laid out what he had learned of the situation, Cross had him stop before bringing in more of the senior Brotherhood members. Hardin stood next to Paladin Vargas and Knight Captain Gallows as Lukas again went over the events of the past day.
Once he had finished, they all began to speculate on what it all meant, mostly for the Brotherhood. Hardin came to the conclusion that they really only knew three things. The situation was complicated, it was, at least in small part, politically motivated and they clearly did not have all the pieces of the puzzle.
So when he suggested bringing in one of the militiamen to give context and fill in those missing pieces, Cross had agreed.
When Meandel had entered the room he looked surprised to see so many people.
"I was told that my presence was requested."
"That is correct," Cross replied, with a stern face. "While we are aware of the situation developing in the capital, as outsiders to this place we require more information about things prior to our arrival."
The Twi'lek nodded. "What do you want to know?"
"The planetary governor… What can you tell us about him."
Meandel glances between the Brotherhood soldiers in the room. "Well, he came into power two years ago after Governor Reek stepped down. He hasn't done anything remarkable in that time, just made a few speeches, shook a few hands, a typical Coruscanti politician."
"You don't sound particularly fond of the man." One of the scribes present pointed out.
"No I don't," he spat. "He's had it out for the militia from the get-go. He's been more than buddy-buddy with the police commissioner and the corporate representatives in the city but with us, it's nothing but budget cuts and empty promises," Meandel huffed, his anger dissipating. "It's hard to be planetary defenders when the governor is always stepping on our toes."
That brought a round of muffled discussion from those gathered. The questioning continued for a while, some of the scribes writing fervently on their notepads. When most of the questions had been asked one of the scribes raised their hand.
"Just one thing, it was mentioned that Pomst made Commander Hesp step down. What led up to that?"
Meandel sighed. "The Governor told us that he wanted us to schedule a training exercise last week, during which time we're supposed to be on call in case of emergency."
"During this time there was a wave of pirate raids throughout the outer settlements." beneath his words a cold fury burned. "The message from the governor to muster ourselves was 'delayed''."
"Commander Hesp sent out a relief force headed by Lieutenant Commander Tsu. but the reports we'd received said it was mostly too little too late."
Hardin dipped his head in solidarity. During his time as a knight, he was no stranger to being too late to help the settlements and caravans around the DC ruins.
"How many raids were there?" Again, the scribe inquired.
"I believe it was somewhere in the range of nine raid alerts."
The scribe held his chin in a thoughtful expression. Cross looked at the scribe curiously. "Something you have to say, scribe?"
"Maybe… nine separate attacks all in the span of the militia training session. That sounds to me like someone leaked that information."
"The commander came to the same conclusion," Meandel added. "She informed those of us close to her of the possibility. We were going to begin an investigation after the lieutenant commander returned. We thought the leak might be internal but…" He trailed off.
"The leak combined with the delay in the call to action certainly doesn't cast a positive light on the governor or his office." The scribe finished, letting his word hang in the air.
"Sounds to me like the governor doesn't want the militia in the city." Hardin threw in his own two cents.
The silence was broken when a knight entered the room and spoke with urgency in his voice. "Sorry to interrupt ma'am, but the guards at the main gate just picked up three individuals identifying themselves as militia."
The news drew an alarmed look from Meandel and a frown from Cross. "Disarm them and bring them here." She then glowered at the sergeant.
"It might be Captain Breel… he said he'd come for the commander." Seeing the surprise on his face, Cross' frown lessened before she nodded.
Some waited in silence while others engaged in hushed mumbles. Looking to Lukas, Hardin saw the exhaustion coming over the man. "You alright there Lukas?"
"Fine, sir…" the older man smiled at him. "Though I'd kill for a coffee right about now." The two chuckled but their attention went to the door as the three militia men entered.
Meandel looked between the three of them. They had all been part of the group that had followed Breel. "Drorn… Merinq?"
The leading Pantoran had a solemn look on his face. "Sergeant." behind him. a human female nodded to him.
"Where's Captain Breel? Is everyone…" Meandel trailed off, seeing Drorn's eyes darken. "What happened?"
Those present in the room waited silently for the answer. "We made our way to Domo Reek's house. We'd set up, intending to stay the night while the captain and Mr Reek spoke but…" Taking in a long breath he continued. "The police raided the house. We fought them off best we could but it all just happened so fast. Breel was hit with a stun bolt, they cut us off from the rest and we dragged him into the kitchen…" he trailed off.
Behind him, Merinq spoke. "Breel and Domo had a way out through the sewers. When he finally recovered he knew he wouldn't be able to come with us."
Drorn cut her off to finish the story. "He shoved a data-slate into my arms and told us to find you and Salant. Domo showed us the way out but he turned back to help Breel. They bought us enough time to run… so we did and spent the night avoiding patrols to get here."
Before Meandel could speak Cross cut him off. "You say the police raided the house." Drorn nodded and Cross turned to Vargas and began to talk quietly with them.
Meandel processed that information. "That means…"
Drorn nodded. "Yes…" he held up the data slate now with one jagged crack on its screen. "I've only glanced at it but it's not good… he's a damned crook if there ever was one."
Meandel simply stared with hollow eyes. In a matter of a day he had experienced so many turns and twists, this was the final nail in the coffin. He wanted to go to sleep and wake up from this awful dream.
"That's all I need to hear." Star Paladin Cross spoke aloud. "Paladin Vargas, pull a squad together and move ahead to secure the waystation." She turned to the other knights, paladins and scribes in the room. "We've already discussed our plans but I want everything ready by the morning, we are pulling out."
Meandels attention snapped to her. "You're leaving?" He asked with urgency.
"Yes," she spoke with certainty in her voice. "Rest assured you and those in the militia will be taken with us. I won't see you left behind."
"You can't leave, I've seen this place, you're armed to the teeth. We have no idea what Pomst is planning the sooner we strike-"
*Bang
Cross' armoured fist crashed down onto the table in front of her breaking both it and Meandel from his rant. "I have neither the desire nor the authority to declare war right now and while we are well armed and trained it would be tactically unsound to stand alone against a city."
The commanding tone in her voice shut down any further argument, Cross' glare digging into the sergeant making him stand down.
"That tablet." She gestured to the data slate in Drorn's hands. "That contains information on the governor's crimes." Drorn nodded urgently. "I'd like for our scribes to transcribe it."
"Err yeah sure." He handed over the tablet to a nearby scribe.
"Thank you," Cross spoke, anger dissipating from her voice. "You three are also welcome to come with us. I've no doubt your commander will be glad to see you when she wakes."
Two of the militiamen nodded but Drorn didn't. "I-I'm sorry but I can't leave the capital, my family is here…"
As he trailed off Cross cut him off. "No need to say more. Do as you must." With her peace spoken she turned back to the others and began planning their tactical retreat.
—
When dawn broke the following day the warehouse was buzzing with movement. Anything that equipment that could be carried was getting prepared and anything that couldn't was being moved to a secure place.
Paladin Vargas had left with a squad of knights to scout and secure their exit. As the day progressed more and more Brotherhood personnel began to trickle out of the base.
Among the first to leave were the scribes and at Hardin's request the villager caravan had gone with them, all under knight escort. This left the few remaining knights and paladins as the last to leave.
Stepping into the small guard post at the north gate Knight Captain Morgan watched his fellow knight playing cards. "You know if I were anyone else I'd chew your ass out for not being on post."
"Ahhh come on captain, you know us, we can multitask." Morgan simply rolled his eyes at the sass he'd come to expect from his squad. "What's the good word then, Sir."
"Look sharp and be ready, we'll be pulling out in about an hour."
"Yes, sir" Both knights gave him a small salute before turning back to their game. "Got any tens."
Again he rolled his eyes. Before he turned to leave, however, movement down the road caught his eye. Morgan stopped in place and squinted, trying to make out the dark object.
The two knights seeing their captain's object similarly stopped their game and stood to look. One grabbed a pair of binoculars and pointed them down the road.
"What is it? What do you see?".
"Two transports coming directly towards us!" The knight handed Morgan the binoculars, he saw for himself the blocky, well-armoured hovercraft.
"Calvon, radio this in. Jordan, you're with me." The two rushed out of the guard post. "Get ready we've got an unknown approaching!" Morgan shouted at the other Knight around the gate, who all proceeded to take positions.
The knights stood ready with their laser rifles raised and they watched as the vehicle drove closer and closer. It stopped thirty metres short of the gate and doors opened on both craft disgorging heavily armed people.
"Attention, this is the Eulea planetary police!" A loudspeaker on one of the vehicles boomed. "By order of the governor and the commander of the planetary militia, you are to lay down your weapons and surrender. You have thirty seconds to comply!"
The brotherhood knights tensed, reading themselves. They were not going to surrender. Knight Calvon exited the guard post and moved slowly towards Morgan. "Cross is sending backup, her orders are to hold."
"Ten seconds."
Morgan took a moment to think before settling on a course of action. Taking in a deep breath he shouted. "Open fire!"
In unison, red lances of red-focused light burst from each of the knight's rifles. The few officers standing in the open were immediately wasted by the opening burst. Soon enough the surviving officers began shooting back from behind the open armoured doors, while other officers moved off the road to find cover in the forest.
Morgan ducked back into cover as a blaster bolt landed next to his head. He leaned out again and took fire twice at an officer in the woods, watching satisfied as the man dropped to the floor.
"Ahh." Behind him, he heard a cry of pain. Turning he saw Calvon clutching his armoured shoulder plate, blacked from the heat of a blaster bolt.
"You alright Cal!"
The knight nodded and through gritted teeth he spoke. "Yeah… it caught my armour but it still burns."
Morgan nodded and turned to continue firing. After a few more shots he saw an officer pull out a cylinder and throw it towards them. "Grenade!" he shouted prompting the knights to take cover. The device didn't explode into shrapnel but instead started to release a white smoke.
Morgan remained confused only for a second until the smell of the smoke hit him and he began to cough. "Tear *cough Tear gas!"
Covering his mouth he began to back away from the gas, watching as other knights did the same. He turned to see Calvon following him only for him to fall as another bolt hit him. "*cough Cal *cough *cough"
His eyes stung something fierce and despite all his other senses screaming in pain, he pushed forward to grab his squadmate. It took some time but through the gas, he was able to drag both himself and Calvon out.
Behind him, he could hear heavy footsteps and through bleary, tear-filled eyes he saw the imposing figure of power armour standing before him. Hearing two blasts of a laser rifle he saw another paladin gun down an officer emerging from the gas.
"Escort these two back to warehouse one and treat their injuries." the Paladin spoke to the other reinforcements. "Anyone not in power armour, hang back… the rest of you, with me."
—
Inside the armoured hover transport, an officer smiled as the tear gas engulfed the guard post. "This is striker 1 to command, we've secured the entrance. I repeat we've secured the entrance."
"Copy that striker… additional units are in their way."
He watched with a smirk on his face, already imagining the promotion waiting for him at the end of this. If this was how effectively Mandalorians fought then it was a wonder to him how they could be feared warriors. Looking at the white smoke he could see the rapid flashes of red light begin to slow down no doubt the fighting had gone past the smoke already.
"Any word from our boys in there."
"Nothing sir."
"Damn glory hounds probably don't want backup." He chuckled for a second before reaching for his radio. "Striker 2, prepare to move your guys in."
"Copy that." The affirmation came over the radio and he watched as more officers moved past his hovercraft and towards the gas.
"Sir." A call from the vehicle's driver caught his attention.
"What is it?"
"There is something coming through the smoke." He frowned and looked to see a dark silhouette in the gas cloud.
"Striker 2 halt." He huffed down the radio. The officers stopped in place, all of them watching the smoke.
Of all the things he expected to come out, it was not one of his fellow officers being thrown backwards followed shortly by a giant metal man. The first thing he noticed was how big the metal man was, standing almost as tall as the hovercraft was. The next thing he noticed was the large weapon it was holding at the ready.
"Striker 2, get down!" He shouted only to watch as the weapons spat out a withering amount of red beams cutting down the officers who were too slow to react.
More armoured men began emerging from the tear gas. The few officers brave and lucky enough to get a shot off found their blaster bolts simply absorbed by the armour.
Busy shouting orders down his radio, the officers in the front most hovercraft failed to notice an armoured soldier with a shoulder-mounted rocket launcher. Bringing the weapon to bear on them, they had scant enough time to react before the ordinance was launched and travelled the distance to meet them, tearing the vehicle's front end to pieces.
—
Paladin Rosa gave a satisfied smile at the sight of the now burning wreck of the hover vehicle. She watched as the will to fight rapidly left the officers who began to flee from them, including the second hovercraft that was now rapidly backing away.
She let her Gatling laser spin to a stop, deciding not to waste any more ammo on retreating foes. "Bastards." She turned to her left to see one of her squad mates kneeling down to check a fallen knight.
"Eyes up team, this ain't over." Hearing her commander's words she looked up to the sky. Approaching them were a group of flying vehicles, she had no idea how they were flying without rotor blades, but this place had lots of weird things.
Over the radio, she could hear her squad leader speak. "This is Paladin Rork, gate area is secure but we've got incoming"
AN: thanks for reading. hope you are enjoying :)
About Vacuum tubes vs Transistors. I'll be honest and say I don't know enough about either to say if one is better than the other but after a quick read while a Vacuum tube may not be easily fixable it may be easily replaceable. And I suppose with the amount of time vacuum tubes were used by America in the fallout verse they might have made advancements to them. All stuff that I'll consider going forwards anyway. :)