In the distance, just before you cross back over into what could loosely be described as Legion territory, you spot a few armoured ATVs and hover vehicles. Whilst they quickly disappear from sight, Mica and Savant are able to ascertain the markings on the vehicles using a mixture of psionics and sensors. To most of you, they mean nothing, but Penny is instantly able to identify the markings as 1st Apocalyptic Cavalry.
A batch of tents was set up outside of town that had not been there when you left several days ago.
Down at the gate, one of the local militia in ill-fitting armour checked them over before waving them through. Ajan the Trimadore engineer had begun further works on the command centre from what Freya and Mica had already begun, and it had been temporarily wired into the local grid and not running off the generator.
Lieutenant Nunez was ready and waiting for you in the command center, uniform all prim and proper, though his cot in the corner looked as if it had been recently vacated.
The map of the area had a few more pins marked on it than you remembered as well.
“Welcome back Governor, 3rd SET and …” he stopped to look at Sula with a raised eyebrow, “another new recruit?”
Assuming Penny tells Nunez to continue, he has his handheld computer ready as he goes through various things that have happened in the meantime.
“I have several reports for you to read and sign; some progress reports and personnel data; nothing that can’t wait until morning.
As you can see, the Command centre is partially completed. A few more weeks and we should have it complete including White Hoof’s office and jail for any troublemakers.
Engineers have chosen the first site – Von showed them the bridge where he first met your squad. Open area for buildings, wood for materials, easy access to the river, a couple of trails for travel and not far from Garnet Town for us to respond to trouble. They thank you for removing the corpses so they didn’t have to.
The people have set up camp just outside town until we can arrange more permanent accommodation for them. Looks like they wish to join the first new settlement.
We have unloaded the weapons and White Hoof is sat on them. Mayor Lithari has lent us the use of the town hall, but we do need somewhere more secure to store them. Likewise, any other weapons are kinda exposed without an armoury.
The inclusion of the Command Center onto the town power grid is stretching resources. Currently it can handle it, but we would need to do some upgrades if we want to add any more buildings or anything else drawing power.
Otherwise, we would need to shut down power to other locations at any given time, especially if we install the rail gun and missile launcher.
The first few settlers have arrived from Castle Refuge with a few materials, ready to start setting up. Our new residents are anxious for something to do and Ajan is awaiting approval to start setting up the new location. Any work you want us to concentrate on?
Adamson the Operator had some kind of argument with Strickland in the market square. No violence, but certainly loud enough to get notice. As a result, Strickland is now asking to meet with Mica.
Langdon’s friend Jasper and the miller Jonas Trent have been working on an extension to the Mill. It appears to be a casino and bar, which they assured me, is all in the best possible taste. They want somebody to come over and check it out.
You asked me to keep an eye on those kids; currently they have not been leaving the Boarding house except to get food. They seem to have really taken to the Widow Mickleson.
"The Juicers ran into a Brodkil whilst out on patrol. Apparently it took them a while to put it down as it was a bit…” Nunez checked his language as he looked at the multitude of women in the squad, “quite difficult to stop from getting back up again. White Hoof thinks they need more target practice as they obviously weren’t hitting anything vital.”
Darius passed on a message for Kidemonas. Apparently he knows of some caves to the north of the Nexus that might be suitable for you to use as a lair. He doesn’t know why he didn’t think of it before.
On the Nexus, there was some minor activity, with a rift forming. Tarn was able to arrest its development, but a rift the size of an apple formed for about three minutes. Nothing came through, though Durak the TW did record a slight drop in temperature.
White Hoof has had no issues to report in town, but he does think that it won’t be long before one of the Juicers steps out of line. He thinks they need some action to burn off some energy.
In three weeks, the summer market will be in place. Currently, we have had word from 7 farmsteads, small communities etc. from the local area, not counting anybody you may have encountered in the last few days.
Most of them haven’t signed up or anything, but are interested in coming to see what we are all about. If nothing else, we might pick up a few trading partners.”