Hard Corps by Paul Mannering

Author:Paul Mannering [Mannering, Paul]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Severed Press
Published: 2017-10-26T23:00:00+00:00

v

“First, we should hold and report” Clix was regurgitating the basic training ops procedures that had been drilled into Erik a lifetime ago.

“Clix, you can stand the fuck down or you can shut the fuck up.” Erik mentally scolded himself as soon as he had spoken. A First Trooper should encourage adherence to regs at all times.

“First?” Clix couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice.

“Quiet, Clix. We’re working here.” Silian had earned the respect of other troopers the hard way and Clix remained silent.

Erik stepped out into a domed chamber, dotted with makeshift shelters and the glow of more smokeless fires. Malber stood near the entrance, the rest of his group had gone further into the settlement.

“I would see the faces of those who follow you, Erik,” Malber announced.

Several other men and women moved closer in the gloom. Some carried rifles of a simpler technology than Erik’s Diorite-issued weapon.

“It is against our laws to remove our armor when in battle.”

“There is no battle here,” Malber replied. “We are the dead left behind.”

Erik scanned the gathering figures, looking for signs of hostility and immediate threat.

“First, recommend you advise civilians to back away.” Erik could hear the unease in Clix’s voice.

“Trooper Clix. Head back up the tunnel. If you start shooting in here, we will lose an opportunity to gain valuable intel,” Erik said.

“First, I-”

“Move, trooper,” Erik broke in. He didn’t have to turn to see her heading up the tunnel. Instead he stepped forward into the flickering circle of light.

“See, I am just like you.” Erik spoke into the throat mic on his headset. The helmet picked up the signal, translated it, and his voice spoke in a garbled echo.

“You are nothing like us.” Malber walked through the ranks of the gathered Kursk humans. “You can go deeper, or you can return to your masters.”

The crowd parted to allow Erik through. Silian remained resolute and unmoving at the mouth of the tunnel.

“How many of you down here?”

“Why do you care?” Malber didn’t look back.

“We need to know so we can provide food, medicine, shelter.”

“We have all those things.”

“We can give you back your world,” Erik insisted.

“I told you, it is not yours to give.”

Erik fell silent. There were protocols to gaining the support of native populations, though such things were not part of his training. This was the first time he had spoken with a native of any the war-worlds, and he had run out of standard things to say. “You’re right. I have nothing for you.”

“Come, eat with us.” Malber led the way.

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