Nireem's riflemen were about halfway across the grass-covered slope when they saw the brilliant flash from the guard's weapon. Both were startled. The searing light amplified by their night vision glasses blinded them. For a brief time, both were unable to move. Both had hunting rifles, the only weapons they possessed that could hit a target more than 30 paces away.
The man on the lower route was terrified by the blast from the deep grass not far ahead. As his vision and senses gradually returned, he pulled down his night vision binoculars. He knew where his quarry lay. He slowly slid his rifle around until he could aim it. Then, aiming low, he squeezed off two rounds and was rewarded with the sound of a body striking the ground.
Moving forward as fast as he could crawl, he reached blood-smeared ground and saw a trail winding through the bent grass. His target was trying to escape. He fired a third time, sending a bullet through the grass further ahead. Then, slithering forward, he soon found the crumpled form.
The other rifleman sent out by the Commander had crossed to the woods, where he moved from tree to tree, staying low. He knew this part of the wooded ravine from previous patrols. His eyes darted back and forth, searching for the guard who should be nearby. Then, he waded across the stream that flowed down from above. The cold water sharpened his senses. That's when his night vision eyewear detected movement ahead.
Dropping down, he crawled up a leaf-covered slope. Then, raising his head, he saw the thermal shapes again. He pushed up the night lenses and could see the guard's shadow. And then the guard stepped out into the moonlight. He could see the guard looking down the hill.
What Held the Guard's Attention?
In almost slow motion, the rifleman elbowed closer. Last night, the guard had seemed carefree and bored standing there. But tonight, he acted nervous and agitated about something. He walked down the slope periodically, staying close to the tree line and back.
Anger from losing a teammate the previous night made this kill personal. He wished the guard would move into the shadows. If his target remained in the open, it would take a clean shot. The slightest warning sound of any kind could be disastrous. So, he waited for a better opportunity, his heart pounding in anticipation.
Then, the guard pulled a communicator from his belt and started to speak. His gestures made it look like he had nothing to report. After the call ended, the guard walked cautiously down the slope. Each step took him around trees that blocked observation from the hillside above. The opportunity had come.
Rifle in one hand, Nireem's rifleman inched closer between the trees to find the open shot. His query would appear between the thick trunks and then move out of sight. But then the guard moved again and was standing fully visible. He pressed his rifle against his cheek, gently curled his finger to the trigger, and held his breath.
In that instant, he heard the muffled sound of a stun gun and something falling to the ground. He had lost his chance. Then, he saw his partner between the tree trunks, glaring down at the unconscious guard.
Later, with the Commander and the other patrol members, the two described what had transpired. They had recovered two powerful scoped laser weapons and a communicator from Salguodir's guards. The guard downed with the stun gun would survive but would take a few days to recover fully.
It had been a successful night, but how would Salguodir respond? The men were tired, and a decision on their next move could wait for morning.
Watching the Action
Nerolnin's men had watched the take-down and silently cheered the outcome. But they also understood it was just the first skirmish. Regaining control of the settlement would not be easy.
Their leader passed the word to pull back and find a suitable place to camp. He was mulling over what he should do. He needed to update Ecurben.
The patrol spent the night across the shallow river behind a stand of dense brush. Nerolnin was sure he would get a call in the morning ordering his return. He needed a plan. As he lay on the ground looking up at the stars, an idea came to mind. The Commander required reinforcements. A dominant force would leave no doubt about who was in charge and end the coup with minimal bloodshed.
Early the following day, Nerolnin switched his communicator to the channel used by the Commander and called him. It was just after dawn, and an unhappy voice answered.
“Who's calling? Who's this?” His communicator didn’t recognize the incoming frequency.
“This is Patrol Leader Nerolnin from Settlement Two.”
Nireem was shocked. He was speechless, and his first thought was this was a trick. But he vaguely remembered the name. He was hesitant to say anything.
“I will explain everything,” the voice continued. “Our descent vehicle radio picked up this frequency and a few garbled words. So, Ecurben sent me to see if we could locate your settlement. We are close and observed your men last night.”
Nireem was still unsure what to believe. His mind raced, searching for a way to validate this voice.
“OK. What happened last night?” He was sure Salguodir's men didn’t have many details.
“We set a trap and drew fire from the guard hidden in the deep grass,” Nerolnin responded quickly.
The Commander couldn’t believe what he had heard. He knew the guard had fired at something, and that errant shot had saved the mission.
“OK! I believe you. What do you want?”
“Sir. Regaining control will take more than you have. Return with us to our settlement, and we will help you.”
“Let me discuss it with my men. Can you monitor my communicator?”
“Yes, Commander. I’ll wait to hear from you,” Nerolnin replied.
The men in Nireem's small band were collecting around a small fire. The nights were getting cooler, and their second night on the stoney ground took its toll. One was warming a gruel made from ground corn and hot water. The Patrol Leader warmed his hands and then walked over to The Commander.
“I know you are considering our next move. However, you should know we are nearly out of food. We are lucky these men are used to wilderness survival.”
“I know, and I expect Salguodir will reinforce the area today.”
“Sir! Do you think we stand a chance trying to pick off a guard here and there?”
“Right now, we can’t risk a full engagement. The leader of a patrol from Ecurben's settlement contacted me this morning. They are close by and invited us to return with them. They’ll help us regain control here.”
“Sir. That's a better plan,” the patrol leader said, showing relief.
“Don’t say anything yet. I need to coordinate the next steps. Then, I’ll announce the plan after everyone has eaten. But, first, find that kid who told us about the coup -- Elykin; that's his name.”
Nireem stepped slowly away from the group and called Nerolnin.
“Nerolnin!” He waited but heard nothing. “Nerolnin.”
Then he heard the voice, “Nerolnin here.”
“We will go with you. Where should we meet?”
“Stay in the wooded ravine and head down the hillside. Cross a shallow stream in the valley. We’ll find you there mid-morning.”
“We are low on food and will need to forage.”
“No problem. See you soon, Commander.”
For the first time in two days, Nireem didn’t feel like he was desperate. With a superior force, they could retake control.
Standing close to the fire, he spoke loudly, “Men. Can I have your attention? We have a plan!” He paused as they crowded around.
“I have talked with the leader of a patrol from the other settlement. They are nearby and have invited us to return with them. Then, with reinforcements, we will come back and end this revolt. Be ready to leave in 20.”
Elykin made his way over to The Commander. “Sir. You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, Elykin. Do you think you could sneak back in and contact Nevetsin?”
“I think so. I know where the Amilikut women gather to prepare food. I don’t think anyone knows I left.”
“I would like you to give Nevetsin a message. Tell him I will return and deal with the people responsible. Stay safe and be patient. Say nothing more. Now, you must wait until dark. Move far down the hillside and around to the side where the lander crashed. Be very careful.”
“Yes, sir.”
“This area between here and our community will be crawling with guards. Good luck.” The Commander smiled at the young man.