Assets in the Strait have observed large ndiko convoys traveling by both air and sea to the port of Estu. At a minimum, the observed quantities of aircraft exceed our estimates for ndiko strength by thirty percent, and estimated troop totals are at least ten-thousand.
Initiative Parasol teams shall convene in ergency sessions to discuss the strategic implications of this shift. At minimum, this allocation of forces represents an unprecedented commitnt for a punitive expedition. In the worst case, ndian has mustered a sufficient force to escalate its reasonably-achievable objectives to the seizure and retention of land.
Evacuations from the continent will be halted while this new developnt is analyzed; at minimum, forces on the continent may be needed to execute a holding action to allow the most-valuable assets still present to withdraw in order.
As with all Parasol briefings, these ergency sessions are mandatory. Personnel not making use of the campus dormitories are advised to do so for the duration of these sessions, as the districts between the campus and the Assembly compound have been placed under military control; regular transit north of Versbacherstrasse is not feasible at this ti.
- Institute Circular #3516, 16 Gleaning 693.
Damn them! Sobriquet seethed, storming from her room into the common area of the barracks they had been allocated. Vernon turned to look at her; Charles stayed very still.
Whats wrong? Michael asked.
Sobriquet wheeled on him, her eyes reddened and furious. Everythings gone to shit, thats what, she snapped. We were only gone a few weeks! Now that Im close enough to check on nearby cells, theyve gone completely rogue.
Rogue? Michael said, sitting up straight. What have they done?
Everything! she said. The fighting in Is has destabilized everything. Theyve used weapons caches we were stockpiling, tipped off Ardans and Safid alike to our networks- She balled her hand into a fist, slamming it against the back of Michaels chair. Clair always used to deal with this shit, I have no idea where to start.
Michaels reply was stolen from his throat by the wave of anguish that pulsed off of Sobriquet; her eyes narrowed at the expression on his face.
Dont you dare, she warned him. Thats not what I need. I need to get this resistance in fucking hand, or were not going to be in any position to capitalize on the ndiko offensive.
Michael looked for a mont, then nodded. Okay, he said, rising and turning towards the door. Follow .
Her eyes narrowed further. Follow you where?
Headquarters, he said, beckoning her forward. Co on.
Sobriquet made a discontent noise, but followed him out into the cooling night. Were you going to share more of this plan of yours? she asked.
I had a talk with Luc earlier, Michael replied.
Sobriquet blinked at the non-sequitur. And? she asked. How is he going to help us organize a countrywide resistance effort against two occupying armies?
Hes not, Michael answered. But it helped get so things straight in my head, talking to him. Were not in this fight for our enemies, were in it for our allies.
Pithy, she replied. Again, a countrywide resistance effort-
The ndiko are our allies, Michael said. Theyve been leaving the resistance to you because its yours, so to speak, but that doesnt an they cant help. At the very least, Antolin should have so ideas on how best to coordinate resistance efforts with our movents.
Sobriquets eyes flashed. What do you an, so to speak? Thats- She paused, blinking. Thats a very decent idea.
I have them occasionally, Michael sighed. Try to be kind to Antolin. Hes singlehandedly organizing the ndiko buildup sohow, on top of worrying about Leire-
She can take care of herself, Sobriquet snorted.
Michael shrugged. He still worries. He loves her more than a little.
What, has the Grand Marshal of ndian been going over his romantic woes with you? she asked incredulously. I didnt know you two had grown that close.
He said they were dear friends, Michael retorted. And there may have been so educated guesswork on my part.
Sothing your tutors went over? Sobriquet asked, leering.
Michael rolled his eyes, walking up the headquarters entrance; the two ndiko MPs to either side saluted as he approached. No, he said. Just that I worry about you too.
The door swung wide; Michael walked in.
Hey! Sobriquet sputtered. You- She paused, looking up at Antolin and his command staff, currently clustered around a table strewn with charts and maps.
Good evening, Antolin said mildly. May I assu you have a reason for your visit?
Michael glanced at Sobriquet, the corners of his lips turning up as he noted the flush on her cheeks. We were hoping to coordinate Daressan partisan movents with the ndiko offensive, he said. I dont suppose youve ever coordinated a resistance before?
Antolin straightened up, smoothing his jacket, then looked back at his command staff. One of them said sothing quiet in ndiko that provoked a chorus of low laughter from the group.
I have not, Antolin said, smiling. But I agree with my commanders that it should prove to be a very interesting exercise indeed. What sort of information do you have on their current strength, both in n and materiel?
Sobriquet shook herself, glaring at Michael briefly before stepping forward to address Antolin. I can give you so notes, she said, but it might be simpler if I just- She raised her hand, crooking her fingers, and a relief map of Daressa sprang up across the central table. Markings appeared on it in red, blue and green, roads spidering out to connect cities and traverse countryside.
One of Antolins commanders recovered from his surprise faster than the others, leaning over her impromptu projection. How current is this? he asked.
Within the current week for everything east of Is, she replied. A bit longer, as you go west. I can only reach a few of my contacts in Daressa from here.
Antolin blinked. You can observe them from here? he repeated incredulously. Were nowhere close to Daressa.
And I am Sobriquet, she retorted. You of all people should know not to underestimate one of the Eight.
Another of the commanders began to laugh, high and gleeful; Antolin silenced him with a glare - though the effect was sowhat diminished by the broad smile he wore.
I must revise my estimate, he said. This will not be an interesting exercise at all. This is going to be fun.
Reviews
All reviews (0)