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On the Rim, Ch 12: Captain Archie's Frustrations

2020 copyright comidacomida

Captain Archibald had one been told as a cadet that security forces and civilian leadership rarely saw eye to eye. The first few weeks working beside Sandra Simpson had challenged that tidbit of information but, as with almost everything the Dog had learned during his training, it was more a matter of perspective and time. As the group's stay on Planet A stretched on and their crash site started to gain more of a feel of a settlement, the amount of friction between the Overseer and himself had started to grow.

It was frustrating for the Captain to think that the civilians were starting to let their guard down; if anything, the longer they stayed the more concerned they should be and the increased foot traffic in and around the crash site only further reinforced his impression that the group was woefully unprepared for what could come if the pirates took a real interest. To make matters worse, there was little he could do to convince the Overseer that it was getting increasingly important to be concerned for their safety; just because basic survival needs were being handled didn't mean they could rest easy-- the more they had the more others would want it from them.

One of the few things the two had agreed in the past few days was the need to increase the power supply to the base. Thanks to the ingenuity and know-how of Cole the cave system had the benefit of electricity but the shuttle's engine could only supply so much. The civilians were thankful for the lighting, and electronic tool systems, an easy way to cook meals and repair clothing, but absolutely nothing had been done to divert power to defense systems; Captain Archie didn't rightfully know of the meager weapons systems on the shuttle could be repurposed to protect the settlement, but the Overseer wouldn't even consider the thought since, in her mind, hydroponics was more important.

Their recent disagreement left him frustrated but he didn't let it get in the way of his mission parameters; he took first watch and monitored the outskirts of the valley not just to keep an eye out, but to also distance himself from the chaos of the civilian run camp and collect his thoughts. As usual, he couldn't escape everyone, and he was hardly surprised when Missy emerged from the jungle to join him. "Everyone's started construction on the geothermal plant."

Captain Archibald took a moment to inspect his weapon; it was in perfect condition, as always. "Yeah... I figured. What about you?"

She leaned against a nearby tree. "Spent the morning with Grizz; he's napping now before his watch so I'm keeping an eye out... as usual."

He glanced her way. "Seen anything?"

The Lynx nodded calmly. "Group of tribes folk... headed this way."

The security officer looked more fully at her to figure out whether or not she was just yanking his chain; her expression suggested no attempt at humor. Standing up a little straighter he went immediately into tactical planning, cursing her silently for being so unconcerned about giving a suitable report. "How many? How far out? Armaments?"

Missy held up a paw to forestall the questions. "Hey-- Cap'n, chill. First of all, if there was trouble I woulda said so. Second, they already said hi when they saw me, so I'm pretty sure they're friendly... and as far as weapons--" she leaned forward and rapped his plastisteel breast plate with her knuckle "Nothing that could get through that... so double-chill."

He scowled. "It's my job to keep the people here safe, but, you're right; you're not under my command, so I apologize if I overstepped common courtesy, but details are important in my line of work and I--"

She interrupted him again, smiling, just a little. "I get it-- really. I just don't want you taking it out on me when you and the Overseer have your little spats."

Archie felt his ears warm in embarrassment: not only was she right but, he realized, she had identified it exactly; he was taking it out on her without even realizing it. Clearing his throat, he glanced off toward the trees. "I... hadn't realized it was that obvious."

Missy stepped closer and reached out a paw with a finger extended. She booped him on the nose, stating "You're kinda cute when you're blushing-- but don't sweat it... I don't really think anyone else DID notice... one of the blessings and curses of growing up in a home with two passive aggressive type A personality parents is learning how to read things in people that they don't want to be obvious."

The security officer reached up and brushed the end of his snout, scowling. He took a moment to take control of his emotions and outlooks and started fresh. "Any idea how long until the tribals arrive?"

Missy reached down and patted Roscoe on his head, answering his much earlier question with surprising precision. "Three men, one woman. They were two hundred yards when I spotted them; probably fifty yards now. One staff, one spear, and one short bow." Then, after a short pause she answered his most recent one. "They'll be coming through the trees in ten seconds... or maybe twenty."

They did, in fact, come through the trees after about fifteen. The tribal folk, thankfully, were friendly, and came to greet the group from Relegra and thank them for defeating the slaver camp. Although the Captain could have spoken directly on the topic considering his involvement, he chose instead to invite them to the outskirts of the camp and requested for Missy to get the Overseer; he might not have seen eye to eye with Ms. Simpson on all of the details around the camp but that was no excuse for him to circumvent the chain of command and technically she was the executive.

He oversaw the handoff of the guests to the Overseer and took a step back to watch the discussions from off to the side. The friendly exchange of pleasantries was the normal diplomatic 'dance' among any business dealings but, once they got down to details, it was obvious that the tribesmen had a reason for coming. After some further discussion they even revealed it without too much probing.

The tribes folk were all Human: a dark skinned man and woman, and an almost black-skinned man. It was the third, who had introduced himself as Auni who got down to business. "We heard that your people defeated the hunters from Bidueiro and have come to ask for your aid."

Out of the few times Archibald had sat in on negotiations he had never heard so direct a plea for assistance; it was, honestly, a breath of fresh air. It made sense, of course, considering the tribesmen weren't an interstellar corporation in the middle of a business deal. The Overseer, however, treated it as if it were. "What do you propose?"

Auni leaned forward, looking surprisingly like many of the corporate negotiators who were called on to respond to the question. "Pirates from off-worlders who call themselves The Horseshoe Team have set up an outpost nearby. This outpost is a threat to our village and to yours."

The Overseer's shrewd negotiations continued without missing a beat. "Are you requesting a coordinated military strike?"

The man shook his head. "No. My people are peaceful... we have few weapons, and none of them will do much to off-worlders who are ready for war."

Captain Archie watched Ms. Simpson's posture straighten up a little; not only did she have the upper-hand in negotiations, she had all the cards. "So... you want us to come to your rescue."

The look all three of the tribesmen shared at her statement told the Dog all he needed to know; the negotiations were as good as done, which meant that the Overseer would be able to name her price. Despite having the tribe figuratively bent over a barrel, she was surprisingly generous with the offer. He was able to appreciate her altruism, except her generosity meant that Archie would be the one doing the work.

In the end, the deal was made and Ms. Simpson directed the Captain to put together a strike squad; she asked that he pick four members and so he went for the obvious choices: he himself, Grizz, Claw, and Leo were all members of the security detail and, unlike the prior outing, Missy and Roscoe, who had proven himself as a MWD, would be able to stay behind to help protect the base. The four of them left that night, and he was relieved that, for once, there would be no civilians with him, which meant that he would be in charge without exception.

He expected to get things done.