00064 --- The Little Prince in the Ossuary----=
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#Seventh California, Camp Roberts (1)
Once the defense of the camp was settled, the battalion commander gathered major officers ranked company commander or higher. There was an exception. In a place filled with captains or above, the mere presence of Gyeo-ul, a mere second lieutenant, was noticeable by rank alone. No one disregarded him for being junior. However, a few were slightly uncomfortable.
The battalion commander's complexion was pale. There was a noticeable hangover. His scent was a bit off-putting, likely from drinking more than usual in celebration of Christmas. Pressing his temple, he asked, "Report."
The officers, standing at ease, exchanged glances. Summoning those in charge amidst ongoing situation resolution was puzzling enough, let alone being asked to report aimlessly without a clear reason. Things were still urgent outside.
In such times, senior members tend to be nudged forward. Captain Markert of Able Company reluctantly inquired, yet obliged, "What are we supposed to report, commander?"
"Everything!"
The battalion commander burst in anger. "The operations officer knows nothing! What's happening here? If you're on duty, you should at least know how the battle transpired! It's almost an hour after the engagement, and he barely got his command abilities back! What is this?"
Then he pointed at Gyeo-ul. "You! I heard you were the first to report the threat, is it true?"
Gyeo-ul lifted his head slightly and answered, "Yes, Sir."
"Then you must know better than this man! Explain the whole situation!"
The operations officer looked pitiful, his face turning red.
The battalion headquarters' communication soldier had been eyeing the battalion commander. As communications restored, higher command must be looking for him. Out of knowledge, the commander hastily assembled his leaders.
In Gyeo-ul's view, the battalion commander was deliberately getting angrier. He aimed to clarify responsibility for all the chaos and damage during the defense, and the catastrophic loss of control.
It wasn't my fault, was the implication.
The intent was too apparent, and the officers didn't look pleased. The battalion commander, therefore, tried even harder. It was a vicious cycle.
Gyeo-ul didn't wish to cooperate with this public execution. Regardless, he answered.
"Yesterday, I and Lieutenant Jeffrey Brown, commander of 3rd Company, 1st Platoon, were dispatched on abnormal transmission response duty. It was essentially reconnaissance, but we were ordered to capture or eliminate if the source of the abnormal transmission were a Trickster."
"I know that much! I heard you captured it alive? Why did you think it was a threat?"
"The mission was too easy. It strongly felt like it was caught on purpose."
"Isn't that a personal feeling?"
"No, Sir. The same type we encountered at Atascadero tested our firepower by sending infected infants ahead or lured us into a trap. But this one moved alone, had no traps, and resisted not at all once caught."
"Right. That sounds strange. Very strange."
The battalion commander raised his voice. After waiting slightly, Gyeo-ul continued.
"These incidents cannot occur at multiple places simultaneously. The multiple helicopter disappearances are the same. So, I reported that a Trickster intentionally infiltrated, and requested an enhanced base defense from the duty officer."
"And your request was denied, correct?"
"... Yes, Sir."
"The operations officer said Charlie Company and part of Able Company responded first, and were on combat standby even before any orders were issued, but he didn't know why. Were you involved in this too?"
"Yes. I privately involved Captain Capston and some Able Company members."
Gyeo-ul emphasized 'privately', strongly hinting to avoid further time-wasting over responsibility. Questioning the boy officer's independent judgment now seemed pointless. The battalion commander remained silent.
Captain Capston seized the opportunity.
"Commander, we should defer these reports. Situation control is urgent."
"Situation control? Isn't the engagement over?"
"Fire is spreading along the riverbank. Urgent measures are needed."
"Between the riverbank and base perimeter lies a barren area. The base shouldn't be at risk, right?"
"There's still risk. If the sightlines aren't secure, there'll be disruptions in utilizing firepower. Close air support, mortar fire will be problematic. We must be prepared for additional assaults."
If one cannot confirm where shells land, long-range firepower beyond mortars becomes useless. The battalion commander asked again, "Do you anticipate more attacks?"
"Throughout the defensive battle, we were under constant jamming. In other words, it suggests the presence of another—or possibly multiple—「Tricksters」 who led the offensive. I don't think we can afford to let our guard down."
A realistic warning. Given their cunning, they might exploit a relaxed guard post-defense success. Thick smoke reduces vigilance and shortens engagement distance.
The commander remained skeptical, still. "Isn't deploying troops in this situation risky?"
This time Bravo Company Commander, Russel Etcher, spoke.
"It's essential for calming internal agitation. The water supply facility across the highway is also at risk. If the fire spreads to the east Salinas River main stream, it will be exceedingly difficult to control. We must hurry."
The Salinas River, stretching long from the north, splits east-west about 3 kilometers north of Camp Roberts. The western tributary is the Nacimiento River where the fire started, and the eastern part corresponds to the Salinas main stream.
The issue is California's drought persisting over a decade. The Nacimiento River survived, but the eastern main stream dried up to its base. Recent rains have allowed some quantifiable water, though only at the level of a local ford. Hardly enough to tackle widespread wooded areas formed when the river was healthy. Even with people deployed, it'd be tough to cease if delayed.
Repeated requests led the battalion commander to firm up his resolve. Diverting the topic proved worthwhile, with previous agitation somewhat subsiding. Once decided, orders poured in swiftly. Gyeo-ul was witnessing this side for the first time.
"Alright. We'll deploy the refugees. Able and Charlie take charge. Able heads west, Charlie east. Company commanders decide human resources, deploying troops for field protection and perimeter guard. Use vehicles as needed. Didn't we recover a fire truck earlier?"
"Yes, Sir. Secured one in San Miguel."
"Which side should it be sent to?"
"To the west, Sir."
Captain Capston instantly responded, uninterested in sparking tension with Captain Markert over this. The commander nodded.
"Good. Bravo and Delta handle camp defense and refugee control. The logistics department prepares EMP countermeasures and swiftly restores facilities! Get started immediately!"
"Commander, I have a suggestion."
The boy officer's mere suggestion halted everyone. Including the commander. Even at the height of his voice earlier, he didn't confront Gyeo-ul strongly. It was due to a psychological sense of indebtedness.
Wanting to save time, Gyeo-ul spoke before permission was granted.
"We didn't just capture a Trickster here. As hinted, there must've been attacks at other garrisons as well. Shouldn't we prepare to dispatch a rescue team for any eventuality?"
It was a matter overlooked while addressing the immediate situation. Either that, or deliberately ignored due to current difficulties.
"Company commanders, step out for a moment."
The commander gestured. They saluted and rushed out. In the midst of it, Captain Capston momentarily made eye contact. Concern was written all over for Gyeo-ul.
With everyone out, the commander asked the operations officer.
"Any news from places other than the headquarters?"
"Fort Hunter Ligett, Sierra Depot, Barstow Depot, Marine Mountain Warfare Camp, and Vandenberg Air Force Base reported safe. No info on other places."
"San Luis Obispo?"
"Contact lost."
San Luis Obispo's camp was closer to the city, but housed a larger refugee and civilian protection area than Camp Roberts. As such, it stationed a significant force, including the 1st Battalion of the Seventh California. The commander would have a special regard for regiment comrades.
Despite being dozens of kilometers apart, Camp Roberts was San Luis Obispo's nearest U. S. military presence. If something occurred there, support should originate from the Seventh California's 3rd Battalion stationed here.
The commander shook his head.
"Perhaps, it's just the communication network yet to be restored. It housed the regimental combat team. No way they were swept so easily."
Gyeo-ul reiterated.
"If it was a surprise attack, we cannot be sure."
The commander sighed.
"Even if so, we're strapped. Reinforcements were insufficient against accumulated losses. Considering camp safety, sparing deployable forces is shortly one company. What could one company do against an enemy even a regimental combat unit couldn't handle?"
"It would be better than nothing."
"Mm..."
After a moment, the commander gestured for Gyeo-ul to leave.
"I'll review your input. For now, assist Charlie Company. Markert is familiar with the Chinese, so resource mobilization won't be a problem, but Capston isn't. Your presence will be needed. You'll be called if necessary."
Should support forces be configured later, Gyeo-ul's involvement was assured. Whatever the case, it hardly mattered to him, so he saluted and exited.
Reflecting on the commander's words earlier revealed he was aware of the power dynamics within the camp despite appearing lax.
'Ability and will don't always correspond.'
Along the way, logistics soldiers' strenuous work came into view. Repairing electronic devices, insulating wires, and wrapping them in aluminum foil.
Upon arrival at the refugee zone, efforts from a few Charlie Company members struggling were observed. Staff Sergeant Moselle, not particularly close to Gyeo-ul, seemed quite relieved upon sight. The night's impact and prevailing circumstances likely took their toll.
"Lieutenant, good to see you."
"Still struggling to secure manpower?"
"No, that's been resolved. The officers here were quite cooperative. It's just that the atmosphere feels off, but they won't give me a straight answer when I ask why. The company commander left me behind because it didn't sit right with him. I mean, if a riot were to break out, that'd be a serious problem, wouldn't it? I was just starting to wonder if we might need to search every single tent."
All shared the silence, indicating they inquired from those communicative enough but found no answers. Communication itself was a barrier. Gyeo-ul responded.
"It'll be fine with me here. I'll find out. You go ahead."
"Yes, Sir."
Once the sergeant departed, Yun-cheol approached.
"Welcome, Sir."
Gyeo-ul recognized anxiety in his face.
"Was it okay last night?"
"Ah, yes. Thanks to your warning in advance... I let all reachable organizations know, and hostile ones dealt with it themselves without notice. Deputy Min discussed discovering several others from planted figures in rival organizations due to this."
A fortuitous discovery, indeed. Yet, the root of his anxiety wasn't unveiled. Gyeo-ul pressed again.
"What's the matter?"
Yun-cheol hesitated, then sighed.
"We aimed to handle this before you found out, but..."
"It's already late. Tell me."
"... It's better if you see for yourself."
He guided Gyeo-ul to a tent within the alliance's domain. Faint groans emanated. That alone allowed him to guess.
The inhabitants were startled upon seeing Gyeo-ul. A woman wielding a weapon amidst them was no exception. Swinging it, forcing others back, and when seeing Gyeo-ul, turned rigid like a statue.
"Leader?"
Behind her, Gyeo-ul saw the boy laid down. Limbs bound firm, mouth gagged. Skin darkening, blue-black. Bite marks across his face visibly pronounced.
Gyeo-ul drew his pistol.
"Don't!"
She lunged, brandishing her knife. Gyeo-ul leveled his aim at her. The blade end halted at arm's length. The onlooking crowd let out delayed screams.
Gyeo-ul, observing her composed, lowered his weapon.
"Is he your son?"
Voice choked on this simple question, she only nodded. Avant-garde whimper. Stifled roar of an infected mutant overlapping. Gyeo-ul scanned the surroundings. Many burly men present. Some with batons or similar in hand. Appearing to have attempted coercion, shallow wounds bled on some people. None severely hurt.
Mothers are mighty indeed. Against many men, holding on this long. Certainly not a brief period.
Gyeo-ul spoke.
"He's no longer your son. Something else resides in his body."
Strength tightened in her grip. Gyeo-ul continued.
"You know what I must do."
"No... I won't let you. No one harms my child! Harm him, and you die!"
Her eyes slightly detached. Gyeo-ul nodded.
"Go ahead."
"What?"
"Stab me if you must."
Survival Sense vehemently warned Gyeo-ul through all means. Jarring spinal tingling, vividly red augmented reality alerts, attack forecasts. Fifty-fifty odds. Half chance of dying.
Objectively, subduing her seemed sensible. Yet, the weight within was too hefty. While acknowledging it appeared absurd addressing a virtual persona, considering the other side's oblivion, but thinking of his rose, Gyeo-ul followed his heart.
What remains for the boy if not his heart?
This wasn't an act. An earnest, gentle utterance for a long time.
"No resentment if I die. I understand. But I must ascribe to my duty. When I became leader of the Gyeo-ul Alliance, I vowed to protect the people."
"..."
"As I said, I think it's a mother's duty, but since you're unable, it falls on me. Someone needs to ensure he rests peacefully."
Sheathed in a resonating sadness engulfing the mother and child, Gyeo-ul advanced. The knife met his skin softly, leaving a nick, the droplet trembling in unison as if disrupted by the wind.
Kneeling before the infected child, she couldn't go through with it. Clinging and sobbing, pulling helplessly, Gyeo-ul's balance remained unstirred.
Gyeo-ul brought his pistol's muzzle close to the mutant child's temple. The blade lingered upon his nape, tousled branches swaying in the breeze, the trembling hand and blade cutting through air; a stinging reminder. Having waited, Gyeo-ul calmly granted her consent.
"I told you. You may stab me."
The mother collapsed.
Gyeo-ul pulled the trigger.
---------------------------= Author's Note ---------------------------=
1. Thank you for your efforts, akku. You suffered due to the author's poor humor.
2. For those wanting serial releases, here's how: Find the stockpiles stolen by Blood Raven.
3. Many asked if I signed a publishing contract after changing the cover. No, it's a fanart made by Mountain Dew with heart. It was posted on July 9th in the author's garden, but as I didn't visit, I was unaware... Sorry, Mountain Dew.
The contract is still in the air. Today's meeting provided numerous valuable insights.
4.
Q. King Sea Otter: @By the way, can't one make a physical body even in a floating brain state if they have the money? It seems possible like the chairman's doing.
A. Technically possible, legally unavailable. The chairman acquired all rights. Related content will feature in an intermission.
Q. qoewh: Author! Don't torment Gyeo-ul! Don't cultivate strange aberrations! Stop subtly embedding dark content!
A. Dear reader! I haven't tormented! I haven't cultivated! No dark content included!
---------------------------= Clacky's Corner ---------------------------=
That ending was depressing to say the least.