The South Gate

Characters: Joe, Arthur, Darrurz, Mazun
NPC:Thaedznou, Aerrak, Rongon, two scouts (Egz and Oez)
Location: South Gate of the city of Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa
System: Akofitsidano

1202.23.5 - 22:48 IST, 02:45 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

The caravan pulls up to the south gate of the city. It's composed of two massive steel doors, each ten meters high and five meters wide. Closer inspection reveals that the gates are composed of multiple smaller sheets of metal, riveted together. Guard towers rise on either side. The vehicles' headlamps reveal that there are several small openings along the lengths of the towers. In front of each gate is a three-meter statue of an armored vargr standing on a one-meter pedestal and holding a spear.

Thaedznou signals to the convoy to turn off their engines.

There are no guards outside the gate.

"Watch for snipers in those arrow slits," Arthur cautions.

Thaedznou says, "Darrurz, are you seeing anything?"

"Not yet. We were forced to leave the wall as someone had erected a barrier. But we were able to access a nearby building and climb to its roof. Not seeing anything yet."

Joe turn to his companion, Egz. "Who controls these gates? Which clan/group has the territory?"

"This is Daerksagvoets territory. They typically extract a toll from anyone that wants to go through. They make their living as scavengers, but they trade what they find for food."

"Wait here. I'll see if anyone's home."

As Joe switches the clip in his rifle to a flechette magazine, he notifies the group what he's doing. He steps out of the pickup, his rifle slung but ready.

He cautiously proceeds forward, towards the gate. Once he reaches the street that runs parallel to the wall, he looks both ways before crossing. Nothing appears to stir in the darkness, save a couple of flying insects attracted to the vehicles' headlights.

Joe notices a sign hung from a bolt protruding from one of the doors. It says, "LLOEZ". Closed.

Joe starts forward to the door. "It never hurts to knock." He pulls out his pistol and uses the butt to knock on the door three times in succession. He pauses for a few seconds and tries again.

After a third time yields no response, Thaedznou has lost his patience. "I'm not waiting out here all night." He starts to sound the horn.

After a half minute, Darrurz says, "That did it. I'm seeing activity in the guard tower closest to me."

Shortly after that someone yells out, "Hey! Cut that out!"

Thaedznou complies.

The voice continues, "What the hell do you want?"

Thaedznou shouts back, "To enter the city, napping dog! What else could it be?"

"Not until sunrise."

"There are uerroksafuekhskhuez out here!"

"Not my problem!"

Joe heads to the back of the pickup while shouting, "We'll make it worth your while." He pulls out a box of assault rifles and ammo. "Wake up and open these gates else I might feel tempted to use these instead of trading them." He sets the two boxes on the ground 10 meters in front of the gate and takes a step back.

After a few seconds, he gets a reply, "Hold on a second."

Joe hears the sound of steel being moved in front of him and to the right. The group behind him train their weapons on that spot. A manhole cover is lifted and then slid aside. A vargr climbs out of the hole, unarmed save for a dagger. He raises his paws to Joe and slowly walks over.

"I'm here to verify your offering," he says and puts his arms down.

Joe backs a step away to give him room.

He pulls out his dagger and uses it to pry the lid off one of the boxes. He pulls one of assault rifles from the box, turns around to face the guard towers, and holds the weapon over his head. "It's legit!

"The other box has ammo," Joe says.

"Deal!" A voice shouts back from the guard tower.

As the young wolf puts the rifle back in the box, there's the sound of a large bolt being thrown open and slid back. The vargr collects the two boxes with an audible "oof" and starts walking towards the gate.

Joe gets back in the pickup and starts up the engine. The gates slowly swing open, and the convoy drives through.

There's an older male vargr standing by open door. The young vargr disappears inside. The older vargr bows his head slightly. "Thank you. Please come again." He then disappears inside and closes the door.

As soon as all the vehicles have made it inside, the gate shuts.

The convoy then takes its first right to rendezvous with Darrurz and Oez. Oez rides with Thaedznou while Darrurz joins Joe and Egz. The convoy then resumes its trip back to Dhoknan's stronghold.

Darrurz asks Egz, "Who was the Old Pup standing by the door who nodded when you went past?"

"That was Ghatson. He's one of the top wolves in their pack."

To Joe he says, "I know you needed to get through the gate quickly, but one assault rifle would have done."

Joe quips back, "Probably. If I was worried by the bottom line I'd have let you take care of the dickering. Anyway, this gives them something to fight the Vakh with when the time comes! Or at least a reason to stay quiet when the guys we left behind come knocking and asking questions."

Darrurz smiles. "It does. Problem is next time they are going to want a grav tank," after which Darrurz falls into howls of laughter.

Joe looks totally serious when he calmly replies, "Well, let's go find a grav tank!"

Darrurz laughs so hard that Joe thinks the old wolf is going to rupture his scar.

Back at Dhoknan's Stronghold

Characters: Joe, Arthur, Darrurz, Mazun
NPC: Thaedznou, Mazun, Aerrak, two scouts (Egz and Oez)
Location: Dhoknan's Stronghold in the city of Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa
System: Akofitsidano

1202.23.6 - 5:03 IST, 10:00 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

The rest of the journey from the south gate back to Dhoknan's Stronghold went without incident. Knackered from such a long day and busy night, the group sacked out for some shuteye.

The next morning, after a breakfast of fish paste smeared on some type of bread, the group has convened around the trucks with Dhoknan and his primary officers.

Thaedznou sniffs the air. "Rongon hasn't returned."

"No," Dhoknan replies. "We expect him near day's end." He gestures towards the vehicles. "I haven't seen machines such as these that actually worked since I was a small pup."

"Not even driven by the raiders?"

"The raiders don't enter the city walls with them." He puts his paws on his hips. "It would be too easy to trap them within. They are too valuable to them to risk." He approaches the pickup truck and runs a paw along a fender. "And these are such good shape that they're priceless." He turns to face the group. "How is it that the case? Is there some part of our world that still functions? That can still make parts for these machines? That there are people that still possess the knowledge to build and repair them?"

Thaedznou says, "Our scans from when we first arrived at your world didn't reveal any signs of large scale manufacturing. However, it is possible that some limited means of production still exists. I think a more likely explanation is that these vehicles were made offworld and brought here."

"By the Star People."

"Possibly. I'm not sure what their motive would be that they would stoop to working with raiders. There could also be a corsair pack running criminal syndicates on various worlds with survivors."

Dhoknan puffs up his chest. "I'd rather believe that our people were still capable."

Thaedznou nods. "I'd prefer that actually. It makes our lives less complicated."

Dhoknan claps his paws together. "We can talk more about this later. Please show me this trove you've captured from the raiders' warehouse."

Thaedznou goes from vehicle to vehicle, revealing the crates of assault rifles, ammunition, grenades, medkits and basic communicators.

There are many howls of delight at the treasures that Thaedznou reveals, save for Dhoknan.

"What troubles you, Dhoknan," Thaedznou asks.

"These did not come from our world. I am certain of it. And that means we face a greater foe than the raiders."

Thaedznou nods. "As I suspected."

Dhoknan sighs, then lifts his head high. "You will train us in the ways of these weapons so that we may purge our city of these invaders and unite our packs against them."

Thaedznou nods. "Of course."

"Then we will help you in any way possible to return to the stars."

Training Days, Fighting Nights

Characters: Joe, Arthur, Darrurz, Mazun
NPC: Thaedznou, Aerrak, Dhoknan
Location: Dhoknan's Stronghold in the city of Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa
System: Akofitsidano

1202.23.6 - 5:33 IST, 10:30 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

The groups sets to teaching Dhoknan's army how to use the weapons and equipment. When Rongon and his warriors show up, they join in the education.

That evening over dinner, Dhoknan wants to know when the group thinks that his army will be good enough to take on the packs that have been giving them trouble. He would like to move sooner rather than later in order to maintain the element of surprise.

Arthur and Joe both believe that the army will ready in just a couple of days. They already possess the discipline of a fighting force. The hardest part is learning how to handle the new weapons.

Arthur and Joe also put their knowledge of ground tactics to use in advising Dhoknan how best to route their opponents. As the battle plan takes shape, they look for the best place to put their skills as well as those of their compatriots.

22:19 IST, 6:00 Local Time

The next day is spent with a mix of weapon training and instructing the troops on the plan. As soon as it's dark, the fighting force gets some shuteye as the raid is to take place in the pre-dawn hours.

23.7 - 17:35 IST, 4:00 Local Time

The battle begins. Dhoknan's army catches his enemies asleep. Most of the night watch sentries are eliminated quickly, enabling Dhoknan's army to close ranks before the bulk of the enemy's forces can get mobilized. It quickly turns to a rout, and fortunately for many of these soldiers, surrender is an option that saves them from a decisive death.

With Darrurz and Mazun providing cover as snipers, Joe, Arthur, Thaedznou, and Aerrak are able to lead their respective squads through the compounds and achieved their mission goals without casualties.

As the sun rises, the battle ends. The chiefs of the Uegvozodh and Aeksakughu packs have lost face in a humiliating defeat. With no one to rally to their defense they surrender.

Interrogation of the Chiefs

Characters: Joe, Arthur, Darrurz, Mazun
NPC: Thaedznou, Aerrak, Dhoknan
Location: Dhoknan's Stronghold in the city of Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa
System: Akofitsidano

1202.24.1 - 6:33 IST, 11:00 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

The group has returned with Dhoknan and about half his forces to his stronghold, the captured chiefs in tow. After washing up, some rest, and grabbing a meal, Dhoknan invites the group to witness the interrogation of the chiefs.

They are taken below the stadium into what might have been offices, back when sports were still played above. The rooms are concrete blocks on three walls. Each room has a clear glass window looking out onto the corridor set next to a wooden door. A single lantern lights each room, a trace of smoke climbing up through a vent that was part of the now defunct HVAC system.

Four guards are in each room, along with an interrogator. Dhoknan hangs in the corridor with the group. Each chief sits alone in the center of the room on a chair. There is no other furniture in either room.

Neither chief is defiant. Ears are flat. Eyes downcast.

The interrogations are conducted in parallel, simultaneously. Questions were the same, and most of the time their answers were too.

When asked who their weapon and equipment supplier is, they both answer, "The raiders."

"What was the plan?"

"We were to unite and overthrow Dhoknan. Once we were successful, the raiders said that the other factions would submit. Those that didn't could be wiped out."

"Then what?"

"The raiders said that the city would be ours."

"There were no conditions?"

"We could rule it as we saw fit, but we had the leave the big starship wreck alone. And if they came to us with a request for things, we had to give them to us."

"Like what?"

"Old things. From before. Certain metals. Whatever they asked for."

"And if you didn't."

"They'd find someone else to do it."

"The weapons you used clearly weren't made on Akofotsidano," the interrogators say. "Where did the raiders get the weapons?"

"The Star People."

"Where is the raiders' base?"

Chief Uegvozodh replies, "They have a local base outside the city walls to the south. Our scouts spotted them in a warehouse. They often left it alone, but locked."

Chief Aeksakughu replies, "I don't know. They always contacted us on the radio. We know that they came from outside the city walls, but they didn't tell us where. We always saw them come from the south though."

"Weren't you curious?"

"Sure. But we did not wish to make them angry."

Aeksakughu's interrogator says, "We found it, but it was just an outpost. We want to know where their stronghold is."

Aeksakughu shrugs. "I don't know."

Uegvozodh's interrogator says, "Yes, we found it. That's just an outpost. We want to know where their stronghold is."

Uegvozodh says, "I don't know for sure, but we've seen them on the Great Road and Starport Road."

To both: "Have you ever seen or heard them communicate with the Star People?"

Uegvozodh shakes his head. "No, they just talk about how the Star People have chosen them to rule Akofotsidano. So if we work for the raiders, the Star People will look kindly upon us."

Aeksakughu nods. "Once. We heard them on the radio. They summoned the raiders to meet them."

"Where?"

"The starport."

"When?"

"A long time ago. Maybe a hundred nights. We saw their lights in the night sky."

Darrurz whispers to Dhoknan, "I think they should ask about call signs and radio procedures."

Dhoknan nods. "Agreed." He motions the interrogators over and instructs them to ask about call signs and procedures.

Joe pipes in. "I have a few questions, too."

Dhoknan gestures for him to proceed.

"Any idea how far the raiders were out of town? For example, were they quick able to respond to questions/meetings? Did they have any regular schedule of contact? Any communication with the raiders in the last week? I'm trying to understand if they knew of the shipment we intercepted or if the raiders had revealed that we'd hit the warehouse. Did they alert them about Dhokan's attack?"

"Good questions," Dhoknan replies.

The interrogators get back to work.

The raiders did all of the regular contacts. They would contact the chiefs every ten nights, even if it was just to say that there was no change. If there was to be contact outside of the ten-night cycle, they would give a heads-up on a regularly scheduled call. The chiefs were forbidden to call, being told that "the Star People see all."

The main call sign the raiders would use to identify themselves, or be addressed as, was "Akofotsidano Rising."

They last called seven nights ago to say that supplies for the assault on Dhoknan's stronghold were coming and that they should be expected two nights ago. The chiefs said that they were concerned about the delay, but it was best to assume that the raiders were just running late. Packs of uerroksafuekhskuez could cause delays. They did not call to find out what the delay was with his shipment, nor did they call when the attack began for if the Star People saw all, as they were told, then they would surely come to their defense.

Darrurz suggests asking how were they planning to get the supplies into the city? Remembering that they had to trade with Ghatson to get through the gate. And he also suggests asking about their relationship with Daerksagvoets.

Aeksakughu replies, "Daerksagvoets, those bastards. We hate paying their damned tolls to use that gate. It should be free for all to use. Well, we've made our own doorway through the wall. They're only big enough for vargr to walk through, so supplies have to be handled via a relay chain, but it beats paying the damned toll. I wanted to attack them first, but the raiders felt they would make a better ally."

Uegvozodh's reply is similar, but left out the part about attacking them first.

The Next Step

Characters: Joe, Arthur, Darrurz, Mazun
NPC: Thaedznou, Aerrak, Dhoknan
Location: Dhoknan's Stronghold in the city of Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa
System: Akofitsidano

1202.24.1 - 9:33 IST, 14:00 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

With the conclusion of the interrogation the group has gathered around to ponder their next move. Rongon is there, too.

"I have learned much today," he says. "I thought that the raiders were just...raiders. Their relationship with the Star People...it is like the sun has lit up a shadowy alcove, revealing uerros are actually just vaes."

Thaedznou pats him on the shoulder without saying anything.

"What will you do now?" Rongon asks.

"Yeah, we need to discuss that."

"You could stay here. Help unite the packs against the raiders and rebuild the city. Maybe the world."

Thaedznou nods. "We could..."

Rongon looks to him expectedly for an answer.

"But our path leads us elsewhere."

Rongon's ears droop. "I understand."

"We," Thaedznou indicates the group, "have to return to our den to inform our people of what's out here. That was our hunt. Just before we met you, we'd decided that we couldn't abandon it. And now after learning about these Star People, it's more important than ever. Our people need to know about them so that we can be prepared to fight them."

Rongon perks up after hearing this.

Thaedznou looks around the group. "I believe that the next step on this path is to journey to the starport. From the evidence we've gathered so far, it would seem the raiders are holed up there. At the very least, we'll recon the place and go from there." A big toothy smile emerges on his face. "If it means smashing some raiders along the way, so be it.

"Agreed?"

Most of the group seem lost in thought, but Mazun chirps up. "Yes, we are definitely ready to move on and recon the starport for raiders."

Thaedznou says, "Good. I know some of you wanted to revisit the wreck of that Foghoks cruiser, but it isn't going anywhere, and I doubt that we could get it to fly without parts. So, we'll recon the starport. With any luck, we'll have sharper eyes and teeth than them. Now, we'd discussed leaving the boat under wraps until we absolutely need to move it. I think we've done enough for these wolves that they'll let us have a set of wheels for this trip. So for now, I say we leave the boat where it's at. Agreed?"

Joe and Arthur nod in agreement.

Darrurz replies, "Absolutely."

Leaving the City

Characters: Joe, Arthur, Darrurz, Mazun
NPC: Thaedznou, Aerrak
Location: The city of Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa
System: Akofitsidano

1202.24.1 - 22:49 IST, 6:00 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

The rest of the previous day was spent preparing for the trip to the starport. Dhoknan had no qualms about giving the group a vehicle. He considered it a thank you gift for the group's efforts to foil his enemies' plans. The group has chosen the pickup truck due to it being the right balance between size, speed, and fuel range.

An old map of the region is found and given to the group to supplement the scans that were taken from orbit. The highway out of the city runs south until it meets up with the Great Road, which runs east-west. The group will take it east for 175 km (105 miles) where it splits. One heads north to continue on the Great Road to the next city, but the group will instead go south to head to the starport. There's a small settlement at this T junction. From there, it's another 258 km (155 miles) to the starport.

As the starport is 433 km (260 miles), the group will need to refuel at some point. Old fueling stations are marked. Whether or not the fuel is any good, whether it's stored above or below ground, or even if the stations are still intact is unknown. But since the raiders have been using the route for some time, there has to be fuel somewhere along the route.

In the evening there was a feast to celebrate the victory, followed a little bit of revelry to further celebrate the victory. With a long day ahead, the group didn't stay up late.

After a decent breakfast, the group say their goodbyes to their new friends and heads to the south gate. Aerrak is driving.

A pack of eight vargr are there guarding the gate. As one approaches the vehicle to demand payment, the "old pup" identified as Ghatson comes trotting over.

"Let them through. No toll for these wolves."

As the gate is slowly opened, Ghatson says, "What you paid last time is enough for a free pass."

Darrurz climbs out of the pickup's bed and replies, “Thanks. It's Ghatson, is it not?"

"It is."

"One of Dhoknan's pups said it was." Darrurz offers his paw and sniffs, taking in in Ghatson's scent in greeting. "I'm Darrurz."

Ghatson reciprocates the gesture. "Well met, Darrurz."

"You've probably heard by now that Dhoknan and Rongon stopped the raiders taking over Uegvozodh and Aeksakughu. And that they are now talking to those who are left working out how they can work together."

"Oh yes. We heard the battle."

"Might it be worth you talking to Dhoknan and Rongon to see how you can work together as well?"

Ghatson nods, then sniffs the air. "Yeah, the scent on the wind indicates the trail leads in that direction." He gives a quick tilt of his head in the direction of the vehicle. "Considering the wolves he's running with now, it would be prudent to get on the side of the winning pack."

Darrurz barks a short laugh. “Ha! We just helped them along. Dhoknan knew what he had to. We've got to go. Until our paths cross again, Ghatson, may Llallaeknuez be with you.” And he jumps into the back of the pickup.

Ghatson pants a bit and wags his tail. "And with you."

Once the gate is opened, Ghatson taps the vehicle. "You're all set. Head on through."

Mazun nods and thanks Ghatson as they pass. Darrurz raises a paw in farewell.

After clearing the gate, Thaedznou turns to the others, riding in the back, and says, "I'm thinking we should drop by the raiders' warehouse to see if they have any fuel there. And there was that lookout nest across the street where Darrurz sniped one of them. That might be worth checking out, too."

Mazun says, "Sounds like a good idea to check for fuel, maybe other supplies as well." He scratches his chin, "But what would you expect to find at the lookout nest?"

Thaedznou replies, "It's so high up that I thought it might be a communications relay. The view might also provide a fresh perspective on the city, much like the apartment building that Rongon took us up to get a view of the western side of the city and the outskirts." He doesn't mention the wreck of the Orruengoerr, but everyone is thinking it.

Mazun agrees. "Tower might be worth a look.

Darrurz says, "If Uegvozodh and Aeksakughu were telling the truth, then the raiders haven't made their regular call yet, however we did leave a bunch of them tied up, even if we were run off by uerroksafuekhskhuez."

"Right." Thaedznou says. "We'll park a block or two away and advance on foot to recon the site. If it looks good, we'll advance and see if there's anything we can learn."

Next: Checking Out the Local Raider Outpost