Part 33

Getting inside would be a difficult task sine the warriors would not permit them to enter this fort. Curiosity about the interior was far too high to listen to these warriors. The commando and his companions tried to get in, but the warriors did not allow them. It took several tries yet the warriors would not yield any results. This angered the warriors who pointed their weapons at them. Maurice's old colleagues and countrymen calmed the parties down a little to create some sort of peace and trust between them. Maurice told them about their encounters with the Caligari Goons. Their mood changed immediately as their faces calmed down. Each one lowered their weapons letting their guard down and yielding to the new comers. Not one of them seemed to favor the Caligari Syndicate. Each one spat on the Caligari name. The leading warrior expressed his resentment that he had towards the Caligari. Several more expressed their anger as well while the rest of them remained silent. They unanimously allowed their new allies access to the interior of this fort. In single file the commando and his colleagues entered the fort's interior structure.

Inside this structure were various technologies the Gantronese used. He came across such technologies while in the Sarcagos and in outposts near the northern base of the mountains. Two desks flanked the entry way with consoles, and places where guards would stand. He ignored the first portion and proceeded down a hallway to the left. Maurice could have gone to the right or straight however going left felt more appealing. Down this hall he found the barracks section, which were two rooms on opposite sides. At the end of this hall stood the armory of this fort. The hall then took him to the right to the officer quarters and came to another hall that was connected to other rooms and to the stairs. Nearby he found the radio room next to a radar station. For nearly an hour he and his companions explored the upper floors finding the command center, other radio rooms, and a war room that was left half destroyed, and dirty with muck and some over growth.

They went to the third level where multiple machine gun positions lay around the third level. Three posts on each side of the triangular fort. In the center of the third level was a reinforced room where a radio and radar were set up. Maurice was impressed by the way his countrymen kept the essential portions in good condition. First order of business was who was going to sleep where. One of the Vestrisians suggested for Maurice and his men to sleep in barracks section. His companions agreed to this more quickly than he expected. There was no point in arguing since most of the inhabitants already had small individual dwellings outside the main central structure within the fort's walls.

No time was wasted in choosing beds or bunks. As an officer Maurice chose the bed that was in the best condition compared to the rest. His companions and the Vestrisians who came with them made due with what was available. After putting everything away they exited the structure to explore a little more. The rest of the fort was transformed into a settlement yet it was still defend able with a squad or two of men. Among these warriors and soldiers lived a few exiled families, and outcasts who sought shelter same as the Vestrisiasn died. These outcasts included a couple of families of Dark Elves, a few families from other tribes, and city-states. Among these families were individual outcasts, and exiles who either committed a small crime, forced out due to the cruel laws of a tribe that weeded out those deemed weak, or left to die after being attacked. Most of them were amazed they were still alive this long. Each one thanked the Vestrisians who saved them and allowed them in.

The commando consulted his companions about staying here and gather the rest of the missing Vestrisians. Several of them disliked this idea even though they chose to join him in the first place. Whatever his companions wanted it would have to be set aside. Amonif spoke up suggesting they use the radio to get in contact with Colonel Bryce and Mercenary Leader Maphai. The suggestion almost felt like a slap across the face. It had been some time since he saw the Colonel and their allies. Only with the allies it had been a few days. Getting in contact with the Colonel would be easier now that there was a stationary radio to communicate with. He got onto his feet and raced to the radio room with his companions following him.

He sat in front of the radio and switched it on. Although it was a Gantronese technology he still attempted to use it to contact head quarters in the sarcagos. Turning dials, knobs and searching for a signal resulted in static or nothing. Maurice tried several more times receiving no results other than static and silence. They sat in the radio room staring at the radio for several minutes before Willumson, and Dubius made the attempt to no avail. Fritz walked in with a hopeful gin that disappeared when he saw the radio wasn't working. He had been praying for someone with skills and knowledge to get this radio working. Disappointed he left the room. One by one Maurice's companions and countrymen left them room. It was emptied save for Maurice, Brittany, and the two Unseen Bears.

Without the use of this radio the commando lost it for a few moments. In rage he jolted up ready to smash the radio. Anger, Despair, Frustration, and a sense of loss swelled over him. So much of these emotions engulfed the he stood paralyzed with Brittany, Amonif, and Hilastes grabbing hold. Grappling him wasn't easy as he struggled to free himself. Blind with rage over the radio not working Maurice fought to get out of their hold. Despite his rage and strength he was still over powered when more came inside to subdue him.

They were forced to bind him up in belts, ropes, and wires that were laying around. His own countrymen and companions had to restrain him further. Six of them drug him to the barracks where they strapped him to his own bed. He was left there for the rest of the day. Maurice Viyamor tried to get free for an hour but gave up. As it grew darker Vincent, and his companions entered the room to check on him. It took all of his strength not to cry and hold it in. Even though they came to this fort with hope there was still no way to contacting the sarcagos.

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