by Chris Hechtl
The Sergeants and enlisted hit the guard and army, shaking them up, then working them over with martial arts training, and then advanced freehand training. It was easier to train the new recruits; they were pliable and raw, many eager for glory but scared. The smarter ones paid close attention and those that looked good were advanced through the new ranking structure.
Ryans caught sight of the noncom training. The Gunny called out some of the biggest brawlers in the recruits and quickly demolished them one by one while hardly breaking a sweat. He even took them on as a group, taking them all down hard. A few were battered and bruised and there was apparently one broken bone but they survived long enough to get out of the ring. He then showed them how he did it. “Well, that's one way to get their attention.” Ryans muttered and then went back to the records.
Max reported his seed had sprung somewhat with some of the smiths. A few were slow or reluctant to change so he focused on those who were interested. The power wheel and power hammer was an apparent hit, no pun intended. Of course only the two smiths near the river could use such a device. It had taken an entire day to get the first set up, but once they did the second was completed the next morning fairly quickly. Each had a small wooden paddle wheel that powered a set of belts that turned a cam that operated the bellows and also the power hammer.
Freeing up the apprentices to do other chores was a mixed blessing apparently. “Apparently they put the kids on the bellows to get them to work out, build up the muscles needed to hammer. Also to build up their endurance and get them used to working with the fire and the hot metal. Having them ringside to see the temperature colors in the metal helps as well,” Max explained to an amused Ryans during his evening report.
“But the two tools are a hit?”
“You could say that,” Max replied with a grin. “Some of the others are a little annoyed at not having them. The third is eager now and he's helping out. Hopefully they'll get his set up soon.”
“Can they have more than one wheel?” Ryans asked.
Max looked thoughtful and shrugged after a moment. “Maybe. These are thrown together boss, not purpose built. If we did it right maybe. We'd have to divert the river, dig a trench, line it, and then build a proper wheel pit and house and gear train. Take a week or two minimum.”
“And they'd be down the entire time,” Ryans said.
“Oh no, they wouldn't but we'd need a lot of money, materials, and manpower to pull it off.”
“Shit. Okay, investment in the future. You realize these smiths and some of the others are our future industrial leaders right? Or at least the future ones here?”
“Boss, I haven't even thought of crap like that. Too far ahead for me. I'm focused on getting the shit out the door.”
“Right,” Ryans replied with a nod. He sat back in the chair. He hated the creaky thing now but it was all he had for now. At least he'd gotten the other Terrans out.
“I saw the GI party. Must be fun,” Max said wrinkling his nose.
“GI party?” Ryans asked.
Max shrugged. “Sue, Paris, and Waters have some of the soldiers and servants cleaning. Sue had me stop what I was doing to make scrapers and stuff to get the crap off the walls and floors. She's got them cleaning the castle. Good discipline Waters said.”
“Yes, it is. Tedious though. It does teach them a zero defect, zero excuse mentality though,” Ryans replied thoughtfully. He'd learned about the approach in school. It was chicken shit but it did get them sorted out. “I take it Waters had a word with you about the rifles?”
“Give me a break boss! Not you too!” Max said shaking his head as he sat down in a chair heavily. “Anyone tell you Rome wasn't built in a day? Well, a rifle wasn't built in a day either! I've got the tracing lathe up, but it's buggy as all hell. Now that we've got the concept across to the artisans it isn't half bad. Some are good in their own way. But we're at least a week away from sorting out the casting and getting a decent rifling bench done. We're still in the build the tools to build the tools stage boss.”
“Right.”
“That blacksmith Roads is a good sort. He's got a good location right next to the river. He's not specialized in any one field and he's got a lot of shop space going unused. A big ass four story brick and cement building. I think I might be able to talk him into becoming a gunsmith. He's young and flexible enough and he's got good hand eye coordination for the fiddly bits. The space can be turned into a small factory to turn out the weapons or assemble them there.”
Ryans nodded. “Good.”
Max wrinkled his nose. “Muskets though?”
“You yourself said we need to crawl before we can walk Max. Work out a prototype, and test it. Not by hand. Use all safety methods and a range Max,” Ryans cautioned, one hand up. He made sure to lock eyes with the engineer. Max nodded.
“Don't have to tell me twice,” Max growled. “No way I want to blow my hand or ass off with this shit. Any word on Wanda?”
“She's still stuck on bleach. She said making black powder is all about getting her a safe place to work and the raw materials. We'll see,” Ryans replied as Max got up.
“Okay, well, I'm going to go eat and then find a bed,” Max said rubbing the small of his back. “The water wheels are a good idea. I'll see if one of the other smiths can make an assembly line and make the parts instead of custom making the shit. Easier that way,” he said gruffly.
“Good idea. Gregory's due in for a report on the food production soon. Doctor Roshenko get with you about the metallurgy yet?” Ryans asked. Doctor Fred Roshenko was a brilliant Canadian metallurgist and geologist. He was overhauling the metal smelting in the city and surrounding area. Perry had assigned the absent minded professor a guard and a LAV to get him around.
Max scowled, half to the door. “I haven't seen him but some of his stuff is starting to get in. I'm not happy about the quality though. Still bad.”
“We'll work on it then. Go, eat. I'll see you tomorrow,” Ryans said waving.
“Right,” Max sighed as he left.
<==={}------------>
Sue and Wanda worked on training Xandor and Senji, the royal healers, and Angie, the head nurse. The quiet, pixy like Angie soaked up the training like a sponge. She was young and eager to please. Senji was more stubborn and set in his ways. Xandor was a few years younger than Senji and more flexible. Tau, a Chinese healer was amused when Sue and Wanda readily accepted acupuncture and some traditional healing potions. Tau was the castle's resident pharmacist. Wanda explained to him that some things, like mint for asthma and stomach bugs, were well known.
The lack of proper materials was a major frustrating handicap for the Terrans. The competition for resources was fierce right now. Sue focused on concepts the healers could understand and absorb, and focused on changes that could be implemented with a minimum amount of materials or intervention and supervision from the Terrans. It was frustratingly slow for her though.
<==={}------------>
The royal court titillated in reaction to Ryans and the gaijin and their actions. Some were scandalized, other amused or dismayed by the changes. Some were not sure what to make of the interlopers but they were impressed with their tech. Commentary about Ryans and Druzilla's head butting was fodder for the rumor mills, the encounter growing in proportion with each retelling.
There was a meeting between Duke Rojer, Baron Muchinson, Earl Pettigrew and Duchess of Rojer Serena. It wasn't too hard to arrange, Rojer and his wife Serena had just arrived and were resting in their quarters. Making sure there were no royal spies had been difficult but not impossible. Fortunately for them her grace had long ago bribed the royal spies assigned to watch over them. So far the King and Queen had not caught on to the double treason.
The Rojer couple had just arrived with their retinue and were settling in. Rojer frowned as Serena dismissed their steward. He was unhappy about the invasion but his older brother's fall could be turned to his advantage. The gaijin were an unknown factor howe
ver, they were a wild card he didn't know and didn't care for. He wanted to get a sense of them before committing to anything. “The question is, how do we turn this situation to our advantage? And what do these interlopers mean to our plans?” the Duke murmured as his wife swirled her drink with a golden stirring stick. It glittered in the fading light of the day. They had just managed to get to the capital before nightfall. He was glad he'd pressed on, though one of his branacks would have to be put down.
“They are strange,” Earl Pettigrew nodded. “And we know so little about them. But they are well versed in many things apparently. Each is an expert in many fields.” He explained a little about Ryans. The Duke and duchess had seen a few of the gaijin and their magical vehicles but had little to go on in understanding such machinery.
“Medicine, weapons, food, they even promise new ways to heat and cool the castles!” the baron scoffed.
“A treasure then,” Serena murmured. That brought the normally reactionary baron up short. He looked thoughtful.
“A treasure but one that doesn't know when to keep its mouth shut,” the baron replied after a long moment.
“True but the one known as Ryans was wise. If any of these tales of his encounter are even half true he has some experience with moving in rarefied circles. We must be wary and take his measure carefully,” the Duke replied. He looked to his wife who nodded. They had already heard from their spies in the palace. It would be interesting to compare their spy’s reports to what the other nobles said of these gaijin and the events surrounding their arrival.
“We need their help. After the war it will be a different story,” Earl Pettigrew agreed with a malicious smile. The Baron was more reluctant to agree. “After all, treaties are meant to be broken,” the earl said. This elicited a wicked chuckle and knowing nod from the baron.
“You do have to admit they're doing our work for us,” the Duke said, sitting back with a smile. One finger smoothed his mustache. “After all we couldn't have undermined her majesty any better than this gaijin Ryans did. And so handily too! They're driving a wedge betwixt themselves and don't even know it! Let the split widen some more.” Grudgingly the Baron agreed to wait.
“In the meantime why don't you fill us in on my niece’s adventures? And of course all that has transpired since the gaijin have arrived. I need to know the battlefield and the players after all,” the Duke said with a nod to the other nobles. Pettigrew nodded. Muchinson smiled nastily and started in with what he had heard about their travels.
“I think perhaps we will lay low. But if you my dear Baron wish to test the waters to stir them and see where things may lead, feel free. But do have a care in how much you stir.”
“There's no pleasure in rocking the boat and knocking us all out,” the earl growled.
“True,” Serena murmured smiling. “Be impetuous but be ready to back down if you are cornered or if we indicate it. We shall see what this trouble brews.”
<==={}------------>
Max, Ryans, Sue, and Perry reported to the Queen and royal court the following afternoon. The Queen was dressed in rich red flowing robes, trimmed in gold. Her neck ruff was trimmed in gold and was high backed and stiff, forming a circle behind her head. Her face was painted white, even her eye shadow and lips. She had on a snow white wig done up in a classic Asian style and wore white gloves. Her red petticoat had a white laced frilly under dress that peeked out of the sleeves. She was a piece of work, Ryans had to admit privately to himself, she reminded him of that queen from the Star Wars movies.
Deidra was there as well, she was dressed in rich purple, trimmed in silver. Her face was also paper white, and she had a snow white wig on. Unlike her mother though she had black eyeliner on and black lipstick, lending her a goth look. Her bosom seemed to be supported by strands of black rope, an interesting addition to her wardrobe in Ryans opinion. Her belt sash was more of a gun belt, wide, black with silver fittings. She wore a jeweled dagger on her hip, something the guards seemed unhappy but resigned to see.
Zara was absent, one of the royal family was watching over his majesty at all times apparently.
Duke Rojer had just arrived the day before and apparently the formal court was for his benefit. He made a show of bowing politely to the Queen and was introduced to the gaijin with a sweeping hand from her majesty on her throne. Rojer turned back to them. He was a younger version of his brother, with black hair wavy, a faint scar on one cheek and a handlebar mustache and goatee. His sideburns were slightly silver giving him an elder distinguished look. He was dressed in rich red robes of the royal house. The robes did a good job of hiding his bulk. Well, his gut at least. Ryans could see the double chin and jowls easily.
That robe and lack of a wig had actually surprised Ryans, he had noted the people had their own style but it normally trended to some form of medieval fashion. Rojer bucked the system, either going to a throw back of their ancient Roman and Greek ancestors or he just wanted to look different, stand out from the crowd. The glittering gold badge of his office was on his shoulder, pinning his cape on. Apparently that was all the ostentation he desired.
Duke Rojer in turn quietly sized the gaijin up. Ryans was amused when Rojer gave him a look of amused disdain and commented slyly about his odd clothing. Ryans shot the Queen an amused look. “Actually we've already been over that. I prefer my own clothing thank you,” Ryans replied. He turned his attention to the Queen, who frowned but didn't rise to the bait.
Ryans had heard that Druzilla had retired for the time being, attending to other business. She hadn't been out and out dismissed but she was apparently in the doghouse over their little misunderstanding. He knew she was a partial scapegoat but it didn't bother him. If she was the one who came up with these designs she should be out on her ass. He for one wouldn't be caught dead in such get up.
Perry reported that the weapons programs and other projects were going well. Once they had working prototypes and trained workers they would hopefully be able to turn out a dozen a day. Hopefully they would have the first prototypes or even mock ups in the trainers' hands by the end of the week.
“One of our problems is that it's the start of spring and the men are out planting. If we pull them to train then there will be no food later. The usual campaign time is after planting,” Ryans mused. The Queen nodded regally. “Which is why the defenses were caught so flat footed. No one expected the attack so soon apparently. You do have to admire their chutzpa.”
The Queen blinked at the unusual word. Ryans shrugged. “The good news is once we've got some of the farm tech in the fields we should free up additional manpower for the army. Max is focusing on the tech that's attainable right now and attempting to leverage as much out of all of it as he can.”
“And that means?”
“It means with our technology one man can do the work of ten,” Ryans replied with a shrug. There was a murmur from the courtiers over that. “More if we can get more tech in. Harvest time will be very interesting but that is a ways away and we will lay the ground work for that in a month.”
“Indeed?”
“Well, a John Deere tractor is out but I think we can do a couple of animal drawn combines and threshers,” Ryans mused. “Which should help with the logistics for the population and the military,” he said turning to Perry. The lieutenant nodded, taking up the report.
Perry reported that the military training was going okay, but it is still in its early stages. “It'll be weeks before we're sure of a proper crop,” he finished. This seemed to amuse Rojer. “We're training them to a hybrid standard, partly ours, well okay mostly ours, but with some of your traditions as well. At least those that transfer over to the new weapons, tactics, and strategies.”
“These wonder weapons have changed the field of battle that much?” the Duke asked with a polite smile.
“You have no idea what kind of a can of whoop ass we're talking about. Let me know if you want a demonstration. I'll set it up for you and any other interested lords
by the end of the week,” Perry replied.
“I look forward to it,” the Duke said with a polite nod. Perry's eyes cut to the doctor.
Sue reported that the King was resting comfortably. She had him exercising a little to regain some of his muscle tone and he had lost some weight. The water pills had reduced the swelling and puffiness and helped reduce his blood pressure and stress on his heart. The blood pressure medication had helped prevent blood clots from resting for so long. Her training program was going better.
“It's hard un-training a lifetime of bad habits in a short period of time. With time and patience I think they'll get it as long as they don't backslide. I'd like to get some of the basic medical texts translated though,” she said looking at Ryans.
“I'd ask Sydney to do it but he's busy Doc. I'm not sure how well the translation program will work on its own.”
When the meeting concluded the Queen insisted Deidra leave for a walk with Ryans. Deidra took the order gracefully in front of her uncle the Duke. Rojer eyed her so she took Ryans arm and sweetly asked him to accompany her for the walk. Ryans decided the better part of valor meant keeping peace with the royals so went along with the charade.
“Listen to me gaijin, my uncle Rojer is a schemer,” Deidra warned him. “He is powerful, one of the six Dukes in the Kingdom and by far the most powerful. He is here more to find an opening to drag father and mother from the throne than to help in the Imperium's desperate hour.”
Visions of a wolf pack or lion pride fighting for dominance flashed through his mind. “Mufassa and Scar,” he said. She blinked at him in confusion. “Sorry, never mind.”
Their arms disengaged as he thought about the situation. “Lovely,” Ryans replied when the silence grew. She looked at him. “Sorry, understated annoyed sarcasm over the situation. “No, I'm not happy about it. I did expect it, but the idea of a sibling... well no, sibling rivalry and all...” he shook his head and then rubbed the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes. “Yeah, I can see it now. Sometimes we wear blinders,” he finally said.