As the various factions created settlements in the Desert of Kharat, various unknown groups came in as well with the migrants and refugees.
These groups created gangs and no go zones within the settlements. The police are powerless against them, as they hide within the populace. They are clueless on what to do with the situation. It is rumored that the Damons really didn't get wiped out in the rivers, they just migrated to the settlements.
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The Peacekeepers, which is trained in the Old ways, proficient in assassination, ambushes, traps and battle tactics using primitive technology. We have killed tyrants, despots, dictators everywhere. We have destroyed countless AI robot cities as well.
Now that I have told you a portion of our history, I'll tell you the rest of the part of my story; my last day on the Planet Praxis.
Here is my story.
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We were traveling above the clouds, in the second heavens, in an eighty-meter airship called Dark Midnight, far from the toxic air below.
The ship floats with lighter-than-air gas and moves by using large propellers, fins, flaps, and rudders. Unlike the old Big Whale designs, our ship resembles a Swordfish, the dangerous and respected ancient fish of old.
The balloon surrounding the ship is of non flammable and tough rubber, and the gondola is constructed from a mix of durable heat resistant wood, ceramic alloy, and a heat-resistant material called Star Clay. The ships' gondola has 2 floors and are divided to different sections, mainly the sleeping quarters, the dining room, the comfort room, the engine room, the meeting room and the training room. Pretty spacious actually for a floating ship.
As Peacekeepers from the West, we use these ships because they don't rely on expensive fuels or delicate solar batteries. They run on coal, natural gas that can be extracted from rotting things, and sheer human will.
Traveling by land or sea is almost impossible nowadays due to the ever evolving AI robots. If you're not within the cities, you're in grave danger. Heck even if your in the cities, your safety is not guaranteed as these AI robots hunt relentlessly, just as we hunt them. First to the base wins.
We carry only the essential supplies: We carry the food we call Mold, compacted bars of dried honey and salted meat mixed with vegetables and fruit bits which are sealed in dried leaves.
We also have lots of purified water and precious medicinal herbs, first aid supplies and bandage kits, remnants from the ancient world.
We ration our food and water strictly and we take turns pedaling the energy generators and adjusting the rudders and flaps. It's hard work, but it keeps us fit, slender, lean and lithe. Everyone is deadly and there has been only 3 times that we had some casualty, mostly dying due to guard missions. If one of us die guarding a client, the members family is guaranteed free food and shelter for life, his or her name placed in the records of remembrance, to be honored for all eternity. It is of great honor to be included in the list.
We have now been hired to go to the desert of Kharat, to investigate the cities and eliminate those we deem threats.
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During my last day, I was in the meeting room with my second in command Tors, discussing some personal matter.
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"Roys, how long will we keep doing this? Me and some of our members are exhausted and drained, we have been fighting for so long that we long for peace. Twenty three years now, isn't it?" Tors said.
"Tors, we cannot back down now as we are bound by a contract. Besides, you are still young, just in your forties. Your actually the strongest in our team. I just am just here because of seniority. You will replace me when I co no longer hold my dagger."
"You, grow weak and feeble? I think you would still fight in your seventies seeing how you train everyday."
"Hahaha, you have a point there Tors. But honestly, what is really the reason why you wish to retire? I asked.
"It's my daughter Sasha, you see. I'm afraid she would die in that blasted desert and our family line disappear from history." I just wish her to be safe and happy and have her own family." Tors reluctantly said.
"I see your point there Tors. Don't worry, I will arrange a meeting with her so we can all talk this out together. Thank you for telling me Tors.
Tors looked at me sadly "Roys, I... Nevermind. Why do I even bother arguing with you Roys, I know I can't out think and out reason you, you old wolf!" Tors smiled.
"Ha!" I slapped Tors in the back lightly. "Hahahahaha!" I slapped him more then held his shoulder firmly. "This is the beauty of our team Tors! We are brothers! Well, not brothers by blood but by duty!
If there is anything else you wish to say now, tell it to me. I won't judge you Tors." I looked in his eyes seriously.
"Nothing. Nothing brother." Tors said silently.
"That's it then! I'm afraid I'll be rowing the oars later my friend. So I'll be taking a quick nap for now. See you again later. For duty and for honor." I hit my chest with right arm and gave him a nod.
"For duty and honor." He said, weakly and went out the meeting room.
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Alone in the meeting room. I was deep in my thoughts.
Even though Roys is smiling a while ago, I can sense something is still wrong with him. I will have to talk to him again later. Make a plan regarding his daughters safety. Perhaps put her on guarding the ship with the others. To ease off his mind. No matter. I will speak with him later. We have plenty of time to discuss before we arrive in the mission area.
I left the meeting room and went back to the sleeping quarters. I went to my room and slept. Three of my best team mates guard the door of my room. You are never too careful in this profession.
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I awoke a little while later with the sound of steel clashing together.
Have air pirates or terrorists boarded us? Impossible! Surely they wouldn't dare!
I opened the door outside slowly in guard form.
I saw Wellings, Tristam and Burns in guard form, weapons drawn. Further down the main hall, I saw Sasha and Moots tied up and gagged in the floor.
Three people; Tors, Kiel, and Winters stood behind them, blades drawn.
"What's going on?" I demanded.
"Sorry Roys. I have talked with Kiel and Winters and they agreed with me to take over the ship, for the safety of our team. We are taking over the mission. We are tired of sacrificing ourselves for a war that never ends."
We're are going to use the Creeping Death gas to kill our potential enemies. A lot of people will be killed, but it is a sacrifice my conscience will bear for the good of the team." Tors said quietly.
"Creeping Gas? Are you insane?!" I bellowed out loud.
"There could be children and women in there! Innocents!" I shouted.
"Collateral damage of war Roys. No one would know as there would be no evidence." says Tors. "We've made up our minds. We're not risking our lives anymore. If people are stupid enough to stay in no go zones, then they are part of the problem, willing hostages. I will not risk the lives of our men for people who do not value their lives." Tors said resolutely.
"Surrender and we will spare your life. We will kill quickly and silently. You know how it is. There would be no trace of our works. We leave no traces behind."
"You can't be serious Tors. I'm a Peacekeeper, and as part of our sworn duty, we protect the innocents."
"Tors Mcgavin, I challenge you to a duel." I said, firmly.
"If I win, you abandon this silly mission of yours and face the High Council's judgment. If you win, resign from my position and you will be the leader instead." I declared. "This I vow."
Tors looked at me directly then looked down and then shook his head. He laughed and then shook his head again.
"I should have known this would happen. You're stubborn and naive as a mule! Well, then, I guess I have no choice but to accept your challenge. A duel then!" He made some quick slashes with his sword, accepting the challenge. "I'll make sure to retire you, old man!"
"Well see who'se going to retire who!" I gave a challenging retort.
Later, those who were tied were freed. No one dared to attack as it is a great insult and great curse to you and your family if you so.
A Circle is then formed in the training hall.
The duel begins.
(To be continued)