On the Rim, Ch 8: Duct-Tape's Rescue Operation
Story by comidacomida on SoFurry
Welcome to the eighth post of "On the Rim", a short story series based on a game I am playing called "Rim World". Rim World is a really cool indie game that accommodates an amazing array of mods that allow me to create a setting very similar to my story world in which several of my stories take place including "Fathom's Phantoms", "The Farlight Initiative", an "Paid in Kind".
Per reader voting, it seems that Duct-Tape will again be guiding the viewpoint for narration of this post. The survivors split up as some stay back at base while others go to try and save Duct-Tape's friend. With the enemy encampment in sight, how will things go down? Read on to find out! The next post will bring us back to the crash site and cave system. Who will we focus on for that?
a) Sandra Simpson will be taking stock of the raid's salvage and interview the combatants. After that, she deals with back-to-back visitors (the planet is surprisingly full of inhabitants!).
b) Doc puts the finishing touches on the med bay, and, with the return of the raiding party, looks everyone over.
c) Cole focuses on smelting metal and continuing labor chores, but gets a little time to talk with some visiting newcomers to camp that evening.
Voting won't be available long and no, the decision won't change the events of the story, just how they're presented along with who we get to learn more about via their point of view.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy "On the Rim"!
On the Rim, Ch 8: Duct-Tape's Rescue Operation
2019 copyright comidacomida
The morning started out immediately as Ms. Simpson called everyone together in the main room of the cave system. Duct-Tape was already up to say his farewells to Bobbiam and Twill and, after the two reps from Free Market exited he went to join everyone else, right in time to hear the plan. The Overseer spelled it out plainly. "Captain Archie, I want you and the Corporal lead the rescue effort. Ms. Drann, since you've shown yourself to be capable in the wilds I'm hoping you can help them navigate."
Missy smirked self-confidently. "Easy enough. I got the location of the installation from Twill... it's mostly a matter of following a creek after we reach the north side of the mountain."
Ms. Simpson didn't want for any further explanation. "Good. Captain, I want you to take Duct-Tape with you as well."
The statement surprised the Fox. "Me, Ma'am?"
The Overseer turned to him. "I know you're a new addition to our group, but you've proven yourself capable and competent and, based on what Ms. Drunn told me about you helping her on her rounds yesterday, I believe you will be a valuable asset to the rescue team."
Missy winked at him. "Besides-- this 'Claw' guy knows you... better chance of a quick snatch-and-grab if there's someone there he trusts."
Captain Archie interjected. "Ma'am... is this supposed to be a get-in-and-get-out, or are we supposed to engage with intent to destroy?"
The cold, military-like question sent a shiver up Duct-Tape's spine but, at the same time he realized the reasoning since he'd seen it often enough among the pirates; a raiding party 'poking the tiger' so to speak only invited trouble, but killing everyone when raiding left no survivors for a counter-attack. He could imagine the same thoughts running through the Overseer's head and, when she did answer, it was as pragmatic as she expected. "I assume you'll use your best judgment, Captain but, whatever you decide, you have my blessing."
Stealing a line from the Corporal, the Dog simply responded with "Copy that."
Dr. Zimmerman, who was standing beside the Overseer raised a question, but he did so quietly and Duct-Tape missed it due to the commotion of the security detail heading out to form up outside the entrance to the cave system. He was able to figure it out based on Ms. Simpson's answer. "True, but we're not defenseless, and the camp is barely a half day away."
The Doctor spoke a little louder. "It's still ten or twelve hours we'll be without security. I don't think any of us the rest of us even knows how to fire a gun."
Duct-Tape appreciated the concern, but he realized that leaving anyone capable behind would be less chance of success for the rescue. Still, he couldn't deny an opportunity for a slight bit of harmless mischief. Looking to the Stallion, the Fox questioned. "Cole... you have a pistol, right? You know how to use it, don't you?"
The Horse froze, eyes widening in surprise as all attention went to him. Eventually the young Stallion managed to stutter out "I-- uh... I have one. Yes."
Giving in to some long-latent good-natured trickster work, Duct-Tape motioned toward the black-furred laborer while regarding the Doctor. "You see, Doctor Zimmerman? Cole will be here. If you're feeling worried or insecure just find him and he'll help."
The higher octave response that came out of Cole was almost as funny as it was endearing. "I will?"
Duct-Tape offered the Horse a wink, and then left to join the security team as they readied for their expedition. Missy came after him a moment later, having returned from the supply room with a fistful of medical supplies. She gave the Fox a light slap on the shoulder as she padded past with Roscoe in pursuit. "Match-maker much?"
The Fox only smiled in response.
* * * * *
The trip to the base where Claw was several hours in length. It was irregular terrain with some stiff slopes and lots of overgrowth, tiring them all out far more than the distance should have were the way more passible. Regardless, they kept a decent pace thanks to Missy's path finding and by the time the sun was at its peak they were in position, peering down a long, tree-covered slope to a clearing where several wooden huts had been constructed. Duct-Tape didn't have to comment on it because Grizz did first. "Those aren't pirates..."
Captain Archie nodded, pulling out his rifle and lowering himself to the ground, carefully attaching a scope to it so he could peer down at the camp. "Looks like more tribals. Humans from what I can see."
Grizz went down to one knee and affixed his own scope, joining the Dog in scouting with the magnified vision. "You think the objective is the large structure in the center? It's the only one with solid doors... rest of em look like they have hides hanging down."
Rather than answer the question, Captain Archie simply responded with "I count eight. You?"
Missy stood back with Duct-Tape, musing to herself before asking of Duct-Tape "Hmm... why would these tribals capture your friend?"
The Fox shrugged. "Makes sense. From what I understand, the LLC has some dealings with certain tribes, but, again, most of the inhabitants of this planet think outsiders are invaders so it doesn't really surprise me."
The conversation came to a close when Captain Archie issued a simple order. "Engage."
Grizz fired first and, even though there was some distance between their firing position and the camp, Duct-Tape saw that his aim was right-on; the armed tribesman closest to the slope took the burst right in the chest and dropped where he was. A shout arose from further in the settlement and several more of them came running in the group's direction... much to the misfortune of those tribesmen.
Cap'n and Grizz took turns squeezing off slow, meticulous bursts of gunfire and, despite the low tech settlers getting gunned down, they continued rushing the hill, falling one after another. One of them slowed long enough to pull a bow, but Captain Archie picked him off before he could knock an arrow; by then only two remained and each security officer finished one off with one burst each.
The Dog slowly stood up, announcing "Clear."
Grizz looked around and confirmed. "Clear."
Captain Archie turned to the two of them. "Missy... we'll cover from up here. You take Duct-Tape down to see if you can locate his friend. If you hear firing then that means there's more tribals; take cover and make your way back to us when it's safe."
The Lynx led the Fox down the slope and they slowly entered into the small settlement. Duct-Tape took notice as they passed by the tribesmen. "All male."
As expected, Missy picked right up on his point. "This isn't a village-- they're hunters... or maybe a raiding party."
The older Gen nodded, "Right... so let's get done here. There's a good chance that there'll be more of em in the area."
The search, thankfully, did not take long. Just as Grizz had suggested, only one of the buildings had a closing door and, the Fox noticed, it was barred from the outside. Removing the 'lock', he opened it slowly. Several baskets with dried meat were the first thing to catch his attention but, at the first sign of movement, Duct-Tape looked to the corner where he saw a familiar face. "Claw!"
The Badger's neutral expression turned of one to surprise and joy. "Mr. Balboa!"
Missy, in her usual unfazed manner, followed the Fox in, stating blandly "He prefers Duct-Tape, just so you know."
The Fox and Badger shared a quick embrace; it had been some time since Duct-Tape had seen Claw, and even longer since they'd had any interaction aside from a met glance. He'd always thought positively of the young private back when they served on the same ship; the fact that they were likely the only two survivors of that expedition meant that they shared something that no other did. It almost felt like another part of the Fox had been saved.
Disengaging, Duct-Tape placed a paw on both of Claw's shoulders, and, only then did he notice that the Badger was missing his bionic arm. "Your arm!"
Claw seemed unconcerned. "They took it when they brought me here..."
Missy chuckled from the doorway. "Roscoe found it."
Turning around, Duct-Tape saw that the wolf was standing just outside the hut, a plastisteel prosthetic in his muzzle. It was an odd way to conclude the rescue but, nevertheless, in the Fox's mind, considering nobody was hurt and Claw was safe, it was an unmitigated success.