Shadows, стр. 4
“‘Them’ being the J’Stull?”
“Yes, along with their allies, most of whom are raiders and local militias under the rule of the satraps. The J’Stull have a professional military of sorts. The others are amateurs, but there are a helluva lot of them. Our top priority isn’t simply recruiting more men from among the rest of the indigs, although that comes first; it’s turning them into first-class soldiers. Which is where you come in. You’ve studied R’Bak’s topography and what we know of the people?”
“Studied is a pretty generous word for it, but yes, sir, I think I’ve got the big picture.”
“If you don’t, there’s no time to rectify that now. There is a small city that lies along the dividing line between the green area and the hot wastelands. It’s called Imsurmik. Population under normal circumstances is about twenty thousand. Most of the people live in rude stone and adobe hovels separated by narrow alleys and crowded streets. That’s the Outer City. Think of it as…I can’t think of a frame of reference you might understand. The Outer City is a slum. Higher up, on a slight ridge, is a walled area where we assume wealthier citizens live, and above that is another compound dug into the side of a ninety-foot-high rock plateau. The F’ahdn—the satrap’s local governor—rules Imsurmik through fear and intimidation.
“We have intelligence reports that Imsurmik is a refuge during the Sear caused by the approach of the primary star. It is also said to be a gathering spot for those moving north to escape the worst effects of the increasing heat. Major Moorefield plans to insert a human asset into the city—”
“Human asset? Is that like a spy?”
“It is a spy. As the Sear approaches, bringing with it the Harvesters, who come to rob the people of their medicinal plants, we have been told there will be a cache of those plants waiting to be handed over. Hundreds of outlying militia will pour into the city at that time, bringing with them their harvests and causing further overcrowding.
“All this is complicated by another factor: the rock formations in the region are honeycombed with natural caverns cut by millions of years of water erosion. Throughout the wastes, the indigs have expanded those. Imsurmik went further: in addition to housing dug into the plateau, there is likely an extensive tunnel network under the city. A river bypasses its outskirts, and it has both artesian wells and a spring.”
“No wonder people are heading there.”
“When the world becomes an oven, water and shelter mean life.”
“How many men are you giving me?”
“I’m not giving you any. Approximately fifty men from a village west of Imsurmik have volunteered to oppose this F’ahdn, but it’s up to you to convince them to stick around through the training and then to actually risk their lives for the freedom of their people. He has been preying on them for a long time, so there’s a lot of built-up resentment.”
“You can’t want me to seize the city with such a small force.”
“No. As things stand now, Major Moorefield’s job is to seize the ways in and seal off the exits. After he declares it secure enough for you to enter, you’ll lead your elite platoon to round up persons of interest who might have information we can use against the J’Stull and their out-system overlords, the Kulsians.”
“My men are elite?”
“I trust you’ll make them so.”
“And I’m supposed to do that with a platoon? Hell, Colonel, you’d need a battalion for this mission, maybe a regiment.”
Murphy shook his head. “First, the J’Stull presence in the city isn’t great, so there aren’t many regulars for you to deal with. Second, don’t confuse militia with trained soldiers, and third, I just said I don’t expect you to assault Imsurmik.”
“In my experience sir, any headquarters above company didn’t know shit from shinola about what was going on up front. You say one thing, but when it comes down to it—”
“This is the mission, Cutter. I’m already short of officers, so trust me when I say that Major Moorefield will kick open the doors. It will be your job to find the HVTs inside.”
“Colonel, I know you think I understand that jargon, but I don’t. What’s an HVT?”
“High Value Target, one of the persons of interest I mentioned.”
“In other words, a big shot?”
“Possibly, but not necessarily. We believe they have information about enemy security procedures and protocols, as well as potential codes, call signs, and protocols that relate to orbital operations. They may also have knowledge or access to ship designs, weaponry, operating systems, and similar functions. As they all gather in one place, this offers a unique opportunity for an intelligence windfall.”
“How many of these…uh, HVTs…are there?”
“We don’t exactly know how many there are, but not that many. Major Moorefield will be better able to inform you once the operation is underway.”
“Do they wear different uniforms than the others? Maybe have rank badges or something?”
“No, nobody’s in uniform except maybe the F’ahdn’s immediate bodyguards.”
“Is there some way to distinguish them from everybody else?”
“I would imagine their clothing is better-made, cleaner, and their shoes are probably of better quality. They’ll be well fed. If anyone has access to bathing facilities, it will be them. Look for jewelry, necklaces, chains—that sort of thing.