Time: 1300
Weather: 84 F; Hot and Humid; clear skies
Location: Castle Refuge
The members of the newly formed 101st SET, nicknamed the Trailblazers, were called into one of the briefing rooms inside Legion SET headquarters after lunch. Cold ice water was provided, since the day was sweltering. After the legionnaires sat chatting and sweating for half an hour, the door to the room opened and a tall, bronze-skinned D-Bee with a high forehead covered in rough ridges entered. His long black hair was tied back. He wore black combat armor with a kind of chainmail baldric across his chest with some kind of emblem attached to it. He carried some kind of crescent shaped curved vibro-sword on his back.
His black boots clomped heavily on the cement floor as he came to stand in front of the room. He put down a small holoprojector on the front table and then stood studying the members of the 101st with dark eyes from beneath a looming brow.
“Qapla’!” He struck his chest with his fist. “My name as Captain Kahless Nestor,” he said in a deep, sonorous bass voice rumbling from his chest. “And you, lady and gentlemen, have been chosen for a very special assignment.”
The captain began to pace in front of them. “The recent influx of refugees from Tolkeen has left the resources of Castle Refuge a bit strained. And reports from the arrivals indicate that the journey is particularly treacherous. The main refugee corridor runs between Coalition territory and territory patrolled by the 1st Apocalyptic Cavalry. Many refugees do not make it.”
He paused to activate the holo-projector, showing them a map of the Missouri River Valley to the north. “We contacted one of the platoons we had out gathering refugees and instructed them to establish a foothold in this corridor.” He indicated the west side of the river where it formed the border of Coalition Iowa. “It’s the most direct route from Tolkeen to Castle Refuge that doesn’t violate Coalition territory. We don’t wish to antagonize them further. They have to either come down this corridor, braving Coalition and 1st Apocalypse patrols, or head west to the Colorado Baronies, a journey equally fraught with danger.”
Captain Nestor stepped in front of the map. “The Council of Hope has determined that a permanent Tomorrow Legion presence in the corridor is advisable to both provide protection for the refugees and to act as a bit of a valve for the flow of refugees to the Castle. It could be a waypoint to provide them safety if we need to restrict migration until resources catch up with demand.
“And that is your mission, Legionnaires. Plant the flag of the Tomorrow Legion and establish this new outpost of hope, this new Fort Hope.”
The Legion officer turned off the holo-projector. “You will be given some resources to take with you to reinforce the garrison that has already established a foothold. When you get there, assess the situation and let us know your needs so we can send further shipments up the river. Make a threat assessment. Make nice with the locals. And try not to start a damn war.
“All of you had lives before you joined the Legion, people that could perhaps help in your mission. You have two weeks before you leave for Fort Hope. Reach out to your contacts. Beg, borrow, or blackmail for help. As I said, resources are strained, and you will be on your own for much of your needs. We will send what we can. Do you have any questions? If not, Qapl’a! Today is a good day to die!”
***