Wasteland Rules: A New Dawn (The World After Book 3) by J.G. Martin Page B

wrecked. If I don’t give it to them I look weak. I cannot look
weak. So some of you will have to be executed publicly to send a message.  I am
giving one of you a chance to save yourself. Whichever one of you talks first
lives, and the others will be executed.”
       The last statement was
delivered with finality and Rora glanced at the others to see their reactions.
Anna of course was still a virtual zombie. The commander looked angry and
didn’t seem inclined to talk. But the colonel, he looked afraid and about to
crack. He was going to talk if she didn’t talk first. She couldn’t let her
mission end here and she prepared to step forward and talk.
       Before she could open her
mouth an aide appeared from behind her and rushed to the Imperator’s side. He
looked irritated but he listened to what the aide had to tell him. The aide
finished and stepped back, a terrified look on his face. It wouldn’t surprise
Rora if the gang leader had a tendency to shoot the messenger. He didn’t do
that and instead got a contemplative look on his face. He returned to his chair
and composed himself.
       “Bring him in.” He ordered
imperiously.
       They all turned instinctively
as another person entered the room.  An older man in a New Republic of Texas
military uniform strode confidently into the room. He winked at Rora as he
passed and she realized with great shock that it was Augie. What the heck was
he doing here in an N.R.T. uniform? He came to a stop a respectful distance
from the dais and bowed at the waist.
       “Imperator.” Augie
intoned.
       “What do you want General
Killian?” The Imperator asked in an irritated tone.
       “I wanted to thank you for
capturing these fugitives for us.” Augie responded calmly.
       “What are you talking
about?” The gang leader snapped.
       “These four are wanted
fugitives from the N.R.T. They stole a space shuttle with the intent to sell it
to a private bidder. Fifteen soldiers were killed during their heist. I will
take them back with me to face a firing squad.” Augie explained.
       “What about my men that
were killed and my damages?” The Imperator asked.
       “As part of our
non-aggression pact you are required to return any fugitives to us unharmed.”
Augie pointed out. “But we understand that you went through some trouble to
capture them for us, so we are prepared to pay you a bounty of five hundred
thousand in gold. How does that sound?”
       “That would be
acceptable.” The gang leader replied, slightly mollified. “Do you have it with
you?”
       “No, but we can have it
shipped over in three days.”
       “Very well. You may take
your fugitives but I want the gold in two days and I want you to throw in a
couple of fully armed MRAPs.”
       “I’m not sure I can do
that.” Augie replied with concern.
       “No MRAPs, no prisoners.”
The Imperator said smugly.
       “Fine.” Augie agreed
reluctantly. “I will have the gold delivered with the MRAPs in two days. Now
let me have my prisoners.”
       “Escort them to the
General’s plane.” The Imperator ordered with a wave. “And General, you are
trying my patience. Next time alert me in advance when someone is going to
intrude on my territory.”
       “Of course Imperator, my
apologies.” Augie replied obsequiously and backed away.
       He turned and walked to
the elevator. As he passed by Rora he gave a slight shake of his head to
forestall the question she was about to ask. The Praetorians grabbed the
astronauts and Rora and dragged them into the elevator after him. They rode
down in silence and then were dragged out of the building and thrown into a
large black Ford Expedition. Augie climbed in after them.
       “Wait until we get to the
plane.” He instructed quietly with a slight nod towards the front seat.
       Two Praetorians drove them
to LAX with an escort of two armored cars. No one spoke, but Rora could tell
the others were very curious at