out.”
Tina nodded and conceded that it looked like the final siege against the Stronghold was coming, the day everyone had been dreading. Kenneth was more optimistic than most. All the outposts were still operational, and with land-based comms still intact, Tina would be able to direct the troops to wherever they were most needed. Ben and his team would be especially useful, with their speed and raw force. It left a bad taste in his mouth, using these kids in such a manner. Nevertheless, if that helped them repel the attack, and eventually win the war, that was more important than his own principles and morals. After all, what would happen to them if Havelar won?
“They are moving closer to outpost four,” Dean said, one ear pressed to the headphones. Tina paced, and Kenneth knew she struggled with one major decision above all others. Stay and fight, or run north to the sea? They had time to pack up, and to the north lay the coast, where their ships were moored, waiting for them. If the situation turned really bad, they could set sail and put some real distance between themselves and Havelar’s colony. Dean amongst others had advocated this, while Thomas stubbornly argued that they needed to end this now. He had fought this war covertly for years; of course he was impatient. But the more Kenneth mulled over the decision, he realized he agreed with Thomas. He looked at Tina, who stopped her pacing and cocked her head at him.
“We cannot run any more,” Kenneth said. “You’ve said it yourself; this is an ideal defensive location for a land-based war. This, the ability to move troops quickly across the front, will not be possible anywhere else.” Tina nodded, and Kenneth pressed on.
“Besides, we may be able to…” He looked around and lowered his voice. “If we should be so fortunate to end the war, we might stand a chance at survival. If the war drags on, though, come winter, we’ll starve. All of us, even those back in Andrews. Whether we go north or stay, we don’t have the stocks that Fort Andrews does, so many of us won’t last through the next winter.” He looked to Tina and when she spoke, it was the decisive war commander speaking, the one with a clear mission and the intention of carrying out a difficult task, no matter the cost.
“All right then, so that’s decided. Now, let’s prepare our defenses in the mountain passes. Let’s make it difficult for them. Ben and his team will form the reserve, and Thomas, you go take your team around to the west. You know the drill. You take out their supply lines, and then attack them from the rear. Bring Alan’s and Jocelyn’s teams, as well.”
“Are you sure this is wise,” a voice said from the back of the room. Rajiv Singh took a step forward, a concerned look on his face. Kenneth thought he knew what he was thinking. Even though the Indira Federation had chosen a path of neutrality, as in refusing to take sides in the Auroran conflict, he knew Rajiv was invested in their fate. Dehlia would deal with whoever came out on top, although Kenneth had a feeling Rajiv hoped it would be them.
“You know how dangerous this is. If the population decreases much further, it will no longer be sustainable. You’ve already lost so many.” Kenneth nodded. Even if the Indira ambassador tried to seem analytical and impersonal about it, he was clearly affected by the situation. To see another human outpost descend into a darkness it might never be able to climb out of had to be difficult. Especially when forced to stand by, to keep neutral, while your sympathies for one side were strong and growing. Kenneth smiled at the Dehlian ambassador, who smiled wanly back. They both knew the odds weren’t in their favor.
Chapter 6
george Havelar
The line of refugees stretched all the way back to the crossing, where the final stragglers were being helped ashore. A pregnant woman lost her balance and almost fell, but one of the soldiers caught her before she
Tina nodded and conceded that it looked like the final siege against the Stronghold was coming, the day everyone had been dreading. Kenneth was more optimistic than most. All the outposts were still operational, and with land-based comms still intact, Tina would be able to direct the troops to wherever they were most needed. Ben and his team would be especially useful, with their speed and raw force. It left a bad taste in his mouth, using these kids in such a manner. Nevertheless, if that helped them repel the attack, and eventually win the war, that was more important than his own principles and morals. After all, what would happen to them if Havelar won?
“They are moving closer to outpost four,” Dean said, one ear pressed to the headphones. Tina paced, and Kenneth knew she struggled with one major decision above all others. Stay and fight, or run north to the sea? They had time to pack up, and to the north lay the coast, where their ships were moored, waiting for them. If the situation turned really bad, they could set sail and put some real distance between themselves and Havelar’s colony. Dean amongst others had advocated this, while Thomas stubbornly argued that they needed to end this now. He had fought this war covertly for years; of course he was impatient. But the more Kenneth mulled over the decision, he realized he agreed with Thomas. He looked at Tina, who stopped her pacing and cocked her head at him.
“We cannot run any more,” Kenneth said. “You’ve said it yourself; this is an ideal defensive location for a land-based war. This, the ability to move troops quickly across the front, will not be possible anywhere else.” Tina nodded, and Kenneth pressed on.
“Besides, we may be able to…” He looked around and lowered his voice. “If we should be so fortunate to end the war, we might stand a chance at survival. If the war drags on, though, come winter, we’ll starve. All of us, even those back in Andrews. Whether we go north or stay, we don’t have the stocks that Fort Andrews does, so many of us won’t last through the next winter.” He looked to Tina and when she spoke, it was the decisive war commander speaking, the one with a clear mission and the intention of carrying out a difficult task, no matter the cost.
“All right then, so that’s decided. Now, let’s prepare our defenses in the mountain passes. Let’s make it difficult for them. Ben and his team will form the reserve, and Thomas, you go take your team around to the west. You know the drill. You take out their supply lines, and then attack them from the rear. Bring Alan’s and Jocelyn’s teams, as well.”
“Are you sure this is wise,” a voice said from the back of the room. Rajiv Singh took a step forward, a concerned look on his face. Kenneth thought he knew what he was thinking. Even though the Indira Federation had chosen a path of neutrality, as in refusing to take sides in the Auroran conflict, he knew Rajiv was invested in their fate. Dehlia would deal with whoever came out on top, although Kenneth had a feeling Rajiv hoped it would be them.
“You know how dangerous this is. If the population decreases much further, it will no longer be sustainable. You’ve already lost so many.” Kenneth nodded. Even if the Indira ambassador tried to seem analytical and impersonal about it, he was clearly affected by the situation. To see another human outpost descend into a darkness it might never be able to climb out of had to be difficult. Especially when forced to stand by, to keep neutral, while your sympathies for one side were strong and growing. Kenneth smiled at the Dehlian ambassador, who smiled wanly back. They both knew the odds weren’t in their favor.
Chapter 6
george Havelar
The line of refugees stretched all the way back to the crossing, where the final stragglers were being helped ashore. A pregnant woman lost her balance and almost fell, but one of the soldiers caught her before she
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