On an impulse, Tenzin decided to join the conversation. He did a quick about-face, startling the group of whisperers. Tenzin didn’t need the readouts from Jane on his HUD measuring Marcus’ pulse and temperature to know that he was embarrassed – Tenzin could see the blush on his face.
“We are the best, Marcus,” he said, “because of our dedication and hard work, not because of any high tech gadgets. So instead of envying me for the latter, focus on the former.”
By the look on the men’s faces, Tenzin could tell he had said something wrong again. He had wanted to say something inspiring to help Marcus become a better soldier, but instead he just seemed ashamed and uncomfortable. “Now quiet down before some sniper hears you,” Tenzin joked, but that too fell flat. Frustrated at yet another example of his inability to communicate effectively and connect with his men, Tenzin turned abruptly and continued walking.
Behind him, Tenzin could hear Jorge and Cowboy laughing. “I told you,” he heard Viktor say, “The lady in his suit, she helps him hear us.”
Jane giggled in Tenzin’s ear. “Lady in his suit!” She giggled some more, increasing Tenzin’s annoyance. “How come you can’t be funny like Viktor?”
That hit a little too close to home. “Shut up, Jane,” he said. She started snickering again, obviously gleeful at having got under Tenzin’s skin. Tenzin sighed in relief when he saw the com tower plaza up ahead. “We’re here.”
Sitting at the rear edge of town, the communications tower rose high above the city, its synthsteel walls shining brightly in the sun, making the other simple plascrete buildings look dull and dirty in comparison. Minerva’s emblem – an owl holding a shield in its claws with a large eye in the center – was clearly visible near the top of the tower. Beyond the back wall, Tenzin could see the fields of corn and the bio-solar farms planted on the sides of the valley.
None of these had been present during Tenzin’s first visit to Arkjut. It had been little more than a village at the time, struggling to survive in the relative safety of mountains. As Minerva had expanded its borders, Oculus had invited Arkjut to join its alliance of cities, trading protection for people and land. They politely refused, until the bandits set up camp a valley over. A couple of raids later the headman of Arkjut accepted Oculus’ proposal. The Keleres were dispatched immediately, and Arkjut was secure by nightfall. Now, Minerva’s emblem looked over the valley, proudly stating to the world that this city was under the protection of Minerva.
Tenzin eyed the plaza surrounding the com tower. It was fairly empty, with just a few benches and shaded areas. It created great visibility for anyone sheltered in the bunker at the base of the tower, but meant that the Keleres would have practically no cover. They’d be completely exposed in front of the tower. Tenzin made a mental note to talk to HQ about the design. It made for great defense, but the conditions were terrible for a rescue operation.
Tenzin waved Viktor, Jorge and Cowboy over. They clapped Marcus on the shoulder as they passed, making Tenzin feel a bit better about his blunder earlier. At least his lieutenants were making friends with the new recruit. Silently, Tenzin communicated his plan to the three men, signaling Jorge to cover them with his snipers while Viktor and Cowboy established a perimeter. The three saluted and hurried to convey their orders to their pentads. As they began to move out, Tenzin signaled his pentad to follow him a few dozen meters into the plaza.
Halfway across, Jane spoke into Tenzin’s ear. “Pentads Beta, Gamma and Delta report all clear.”
“Acknowledged,” Tenzin whispered. “Hold position.”
Switching his com to active, Tenzin addressed his men. “Alpha, follow me in.”
Slowly and carefully, but trusting his lieutenants to cover him, Tenzin crossed the rest of the empty area in front of the tower. The blasteel bunker at its base seemed to absorb the sunlight, instead of reflecting it brightly like the rest of the synthsteel tower. Whereas the tower’s purpose was to announce to the world Minerva’s claim over the valley, the bunker at its base was designed to be a sanctuary for the townspeople in case of raids until one of Aegis’ squads could arrive.