War of the Exiles

by Michael G. Thomas

  The General was right months ago. Without control of the sky, you are dead on this planet. If it hadn't been for that little operation, they'd have been in chains a long time ago.

  After what seemed like an age the brief was over, and Spartan, Khan, and Kanjana moved around the final display that showed a map of five kilometres in diameter. At the centre of the map were the Stone Teeth Hills.

  Governor Nak Sekieki placed his large armoured hand onto the display.

  "General Makos negotiated for your assistance to help us. Tell me, what have you brought?"

  Spartan didn't answer but instead turned to present his guest.

  "I have brought Tenskwatawa, and his five thousand Exiles. Every one of them aches to return to this Quadrant, a place they called home long ago. We also have two companies of assorted mercenaries as requested."

  "And her?"

  The tone sounded harsh, but when Kanjana translated she managed to keep the tone flat and neutral, much to Spartan's amusement. Syala waited patiently as the Byotai leader pointed to her again.

  "What is her role? Our benefactors in the Empire have paid for professional mercenaries. Not some..."

  Spartan seemed to find that particularly amusing, and when Governor Nak Sekieki spotted his expression, he stopped and waited for the female warrior to speak for herself.

  "This is Syala, and she is one of the two commanders of the Black Widows."

  As Kanjana finished translating, the expression on the Governor's face changed. He moved off to the left to examine Syala and even extended a hand to touch her. She pushed him away before he could make contact.

  "I don't think so, pal. That's not why we're here."

  Spartan contemplated intervening, but with Syala there was absolutely no point. She was perfectly capable of looking after herself, and from previous experience Spartan knew he was just as likely to anger her, or to elicit an angry response by doing something. She gave him a look he knew meant to stay away, and then turned her gaze to the Byotai.

  "We run the Black Widows, the highest paid and most sought after outfit in the Alliance. There is no job we cannot do..."

  She then looked to Spartan.

  "And no fee too great."

  Spartan had to say something, or else be might burst into laughter.

  "The Widows provide a level of skill and firepower beyond anything you have here. Plus they have something not even I can provide. The Widows have a unique mobility element that we are going to need to survive out here."

  The Byotai looked to each other and spoke for almost a minute. It seemed as though there might be an argument, so Spartan and the others used it as an opportunity to speak amongst themselves. Tenskwatawa surprised them by speaking first.

  "I have brought artisans, engineers, factory workers, and craftsmen. Tell me what you need, and where, and it will be so."

  Syala spoke while keeping an eye on the Byotai at the centre of the command centre.

  "No wonder this is all that's left. They need to do more than talk."

  Khan was clearly in agreement.

  "Who put this Governor in charge? Maybe it's time..."

  Kanjana spoke loudly, but in a slow, monotone voice.

  "Governor Nak Sekieki wishes to apologise for his previous comments. Major Spartan. You and your forces came with the recommendation of both General Makos and our contacts in Alliance High Command. We know your reputation, and that you will do whatever it takes to succeed here on Karnak."

  Spartan knew when to be gracious and bent down slightly before the Governor, even though Khan seemed more interested in grumbling as he did it.

  "I understand. You appreciate that three of us are from the Alliance military, and here for the express purpose of helping to restore your medical capabilities and logistical apparatus. That is what we have been paid to do."

  Tarnas made an odd sound and took over speaking from his commander. He turned around the screen so that all could see. The imagery showed a detailed view of the defences and settlements that covered the Stone Teeth area. Different colours designated where the defences were fully or partially functional, and based on the mount of red, the site was in a very poor state. Tarnas pointed areas far off to the South.

  "Our forward reconnaissance units confirm your data. Nakoma is preparing her forces for battle. It is not just her forces, though, there is the fortified forward base used by the Zuni and Kolchan clans. They are only three days drive. We have scouts monitoring them, but it seems they are making preparations to leave at any moment, and we are far from ready. "

  He moved his eyes from Khan and Syala, past Tenskwatawa, and back to Spartan.

  "If they leave today, we could expect the first of their forces to strike in three more days. What do you suggest we do to win this battle?"

  Spartan rubbed his forehead as he listened.

  "You've already done what needs to be done."

  Spartan turned around and beckoned towards his comrades. When he had their attention, he glanced back to the Byotai.

  "You've called in professionals. Now, will you give us authority to command your forces? If you will, I can guarantee this settlement will not fall."

  Neither Governor Nak Sekieki nor Tarnas needed to check, and both lowered their heads in subservience. The Governor lifted his arms and pointed to the displays throughout the command centre.

  "All our resources are at your disposal. What would you have us do with them?"

  Spartan looked to the right where Tenskwatawa was waiting.

  "I want all available labour divided up into work groups, each led by an experienced leader. I don't care where they are from, just whoever is best for the role."

  He then pointed to the second display with the imagery showing an overhead view of the entire region.

  "We need the defences restored quickly."

  Tenskwatawa nodded slowly.

  "Yes, I can do this. With fifty work gangs, each containing a minimum of twenty people, we can have them working in shifts. Each group will compete against the next to get the work done."

  Governor Nak Sekieki listened to the half-blood, and this time he managed to not flinch or mutter as Tenskwatawa spoke. Kanjana translated his words so that Spartan and the others might know what they were saying. Tenskwatawa paused for a moment and then continued.

  "Based on what I have seen, I believe it is possible to have the defences fully restored within seven days. If skilled workers are brought in from the settler population, it could be dropped to something closer to five. The wall is mainly intact, but the breaches will require care for a usable restoration. I have people that can do this kind of work, but it is time intensive, and I will need to work unobstructed."

  He turned his attention now to the Spartan.

  "When the Zuni and Kolchan clans arrive, I will be unable to continue preparations. It is imperative that you keep them away. Assuming the first of the clans arrive on foot in three days, you will need to keep them away for two more days, longer if possible."

  "I can handle that."

  He then turned his attention to Governor Nak Sekieki who seemed to be stunned at Spartan’s confidence.

  "Major. The two clans have been preparing heavy weapons for weeks now. I've sent in units to harass them, but we lack the mobility and the firepower to do anything useful. Every few days they send raiding parties to our outer watch posts and weather stations. If they start an attack, you will not be able to stop them."

  Spartan smiled.

  "Don't worry about that. Now, tell me, how many settlers can you spare for physical labour?"

  Before the Governor could speak, Tenskwatawa interrupted him.

  "I cannot use unskilled labour, no matter how keen they are to help. The stonework is a skill that takes decades to learn. I have people that can do the work of ten, if given the space and resources."

  Governor Nak Sekieki checked something on a display screen before answering; clearly he had not heard the last few words.

&nbs
p; "All of our settlers are ready for duty, including my own officers. The wounded and the lame were sent away weeks ago with the evacuation, as many again are in hiding in the abandoned settlements and weather stations. That is why we are now just thirty thousand souls. Few want to stay here and wait for the last battle."

  Khan snarled.

  "No, now you have another five thousand. And when we've won this battle, you'll find twice as many will come in from the wastelands to join you."

  "Yes," Spartan added, "I can use them all to give Tenskwatawa the time he needs. Your people need a project to keep them occupied, to boost morale, and to help this facility. While Tenskwatawa assists your own experts on the defences, we will add another layer, one that will be ready within twenty hours and can keep the Zuni and Kolchan clans away from our work details."

  "What do you propose, Major?"

  Spartan moved his hand along the schematic and traced out a line in front of the wall.

  "We will use a trick well known to my comrades in the military. Right now your defences are based on a principle known as perimeter defence. You have everything out on the periphery."

  "Yes," said Tarnas, "This is the strongest and best way to use the numbers at our disposal. This has worked for us in the past, and I see no reason why it..."

  Khan snarled.

  "That is not a reason to continue doing it. Two hundred raiders nearly overran your positions. What happens when fifty thousand clansmen from the Zuni and Kolchan clans are at your walls? Will you stand against them, when two hundred nearly bested you before?"

  Spartan reached up and placed his hand on Khan's arm, encouraging him to stop.

  "Khan is not wrong. The defences here are strong, but not in the way they are being used. What is required is a system known as defence in depth. This is exactly as it sounds, and will protect us against minor breaches or any mistakes we might make."

  Khan seemed desperate to join in with the explanation and started speaking while Spartan was still talking.

  "...the problem with the wall is a single breach will end the wall. We will change that so that any breaches in the defences will just move you on to yet another chain of defences."

  The Byotai looked to each other in surprise, but Tarnas said what they were all thinking.

  "The wall is tall and strong. We have no other natural defences, no walls or towers. How can we do what you propose?"

  Spartan knelt down and used his hands to drag small quantities of dust from the floor to make a low wall or ridge. Like everywhere on Karnak, the command centre had its own limitless supply of sand like dust, even this far from the surface.

  "I have something to keep your people busy. Tenskwatawa will use his professionals and yours to prepare the existing defences."

  He then pointed at the dirt wall he had built.

  "At the same time, I will use every set of available hands you can spare me, and build a new line one hundred metres out from the main wall. We will dig a single long, three-metre deep trench that will run the length of the main wall. The spoil will be used at the front to create a ridge in front of the trench. This will provide cover from small arms fire and also stop any ground vehicles rushing to the wall. It can be built in less than a day, with enough people and your mining equipment."

  Spartan used his foot to knock down the dust and bent down to push it back into a new shape. At first it seemed he was constructing a simple mound, but he scooped out the middle to create a fully enclosed space, like a miniature fort.

  "We will construct two of these bastions, separated by three thousand metres and another hundred metres out from the wall. These will be our two bastions, each garrisoned by company strength numbers of warriors. This will be the first line of defence. We will station sentries and mobile air defences inside them."

  Governor Nak Sekieki looked at the shape on the floor and shook his head in the Human fashion, before launching into a long stream of words. Kanjana listened for a while before summarising it in just a few words.

  "The Governor does not see how constructing small bastions and yet another wall will help us, not if the Zuni and Kolchan clans will be here in three days. What is stopping Nakoma from launching an assault by air later today? All of these workers will get caught out in the open and be overrun. Would our time not be better spent on the main wall?"

  Spartan finally understood their apprehension.

  "We've brought a few weapons of our own, and I promise you this. If we establish our defences quickly, not be a single aircraft will come within a hundred klicks of this wall."

  He pointed to the screen.

  "The bastions will be able to engage the enemy well before they can reach the main defences. More important, they are quick and easy to build. The trench will allow hundreds of warriors to move to safety if attacked, and to help in the defence of the wall."

  He tried to be positive as he imagined what the defences would look like. They were a far cry from the heavy defences he'd expected to find, but they would be more than serviceable. Tarnas moved his fingers about at one of the displays and added the proposed plan to the schematic of the settlement. It was rough and showed the trench as a long curve, with a pair of small squares out in front, like a pair of eyes. The Byotai opened his mouth and released air but said nothing.

  He doesn't see the merit, the fool.

  Spartan started to speak, but Khan was already past caring about their feelings.

  "Listen, all of you."

  Even Governor Nak Sekieki appeared surprised at his outburst.

  "It is better to have second best today, than the best a day late. Do as Spartan suggests, and you will have workable defences before the sun goes down today. We can win this, but only if you trust us."

  Tarnas and the Governor spoke quietly. The Governor then approached the two with his hands extended. Kanjana moved to his flank, ready to translate. Before she started, it was clear the Byotai leader was acting in a conciliatory manner.

  "Thank you. I, and all of my kin place our lives in your hands. Until this crisis is over, I place the defence of the Constans settlements to you, Major Spartan and Captain Khan of the Alliance."

  Khan extended his right arm and grasped the Byotai. The disparity in size gave the impression that one was a tall adult; the other was little bigger than a Human child. Khan's grip was tight while Governor Nak Sekieki struggled to do the same in return.

  "Do not worry, Governor. We know what we're doing."

  The Byotai returned to their displays and left the newly arrived group to themselves. Kanjana, who until now had been forced to do little more than translate took the centre position.

  "They say what you want to hear, but Tarnas has doubts about the defences. I heard him discussing a withdrawal plan if the wall is breached again."

  Spartan closed his eyes, and Khan began to grumble. Tenskwatawa lifted one arm, and Khan looked to him, curious to see what the quiet half-blood had to say.

  "Spartan is correct, but not for reasons of defence. The Byotai will fight, and they will fight well, but if they are left to worry and wonder, they will break and run. I have seen this before."

  He turned around and looked over to the settlers, all were busy using their computer systems.

  "They must be kept occupied, even if their roles are to have no other purpose that to keep them busy."

  Kanjana seemed to be quite taken by that suggestion.

  "Yes. I get the impression that morale is the single biggest issue here. Since the Zuni and Kolchan clans arrived, there has been a drain on the settlers as many have left. We need to turn this place into a hub, to draw them all back, to rebuild."

  Spartan nodded in complete agreement.

  "Exactly."

  As he moved to look at Khan, there was an exchange of looks with Tenskwatawa. Spartan wasn't sure what it meant, but there was something more to the man, but what he had no idea.

  "Khan. You and the Blood Pack have one job from today, until the end of this fight.
"

  The wizened warrior crunched his fists together.

  "This had better not be construction work, Spartan."

  Spartan ignored him and continued to explain.

  "I need you to work with Tenskwatawa to get the Byotai ready. Tenskwatawa will manage the work teams alongside the Governor. I will leave Kanjana to assist."

  The female Anicinàbe opened her mouth to object, but Spartan shook his head as he spoke.

  "You have a skill at finding common ground. For all of Tenskwatawa's skills, the Byotai here does still not trust him. Make sure they focus on the real enemy."

  "Nakoma," said Kanjana.

  "Precisely."

  Spartan then turned to Syala and found he was looking at an equally annoyed woman.

  "Well, what are we going to do while this is going on? My Widows are not exactly cut out for digging and construction."

  Spartan's mouth widened into a ridiculous grin.

  "Oh, don't worry. I have plans for the Widows and the rest of our mercs, very interesting plans. Tell me you brought your scout vehicles, as I requested?"

  Syala gave him a wicked smile.

  "I brought everything you asked."

  She then moved closer so he could almost taste her, all to Khan's amusement.

  "And much more besides."

  Spartan lifted his left eyebrow in mock surprise.

  "Good. Meet me outside in thirty minutes, and have your people ready. I'll get the others and meet you."

  She turned to walk away, leaving Spartan with Khan and the others.

  "Well, what are you going to do?" Khan asked.

  Spartan sighed, now knowing the magnitude of what needed to be done.

  "My friend, I am going to buy you the hours you need. I'll be taking all but the Blood Pack and the Exiles."

  "The Helion 5 and Dynax Corporation units as well?"

  Spartan nodded.

  "Like I said, all but your monstrous friends."

  He then moved close to Khan and signalled for Kanjana and Syala to come closer as well.

  "We'll do what we can. Just make sure this place is ready for a fight. When Nakoma arrives, it will not be in dribs and drabs. It will be an all or nothing assault. Anything short of that will cost her a fortune in resources. We're a long way from Montu this far North."