Rajiv – Alpha Zone #7,934 Level 1 – 20

It had taken him months.

They’d traveled from Outpost to Outpost like lepers, as they endured on their pilgrimage to a better life. Now however, they were finally in sight of their goal.

Settlement #3, formerly known as Outpost #34,910, yet better known by their wayfaring number as New New Delhi.

Unfortunately Rajiv was on rear guard duty with Lakshmi again today. And given that their procession of people had swollen near to three thousand, it meant a lot of waiting for stragglers as they meandered through the rocky terrain. It was more than a little depressing to think of the amount of people they had lost on the way.

Some not having the heart to continue and others, more gruesomely, falling prey to monsters or predatory groups of bandits. Yet with him with him being a Level 23 Spearman and Lakshmi being a Level 24 Apprentice Knight, they had saved many on their pilgrimage.

Casting his eyes to the side as he casually scanned the rear of their thick column of people, the abrupt woman had grown on him over the past months whilst they made their trek across the zones.

Every so often, they would go into the Beta Zones for a chance to increase their strength while the more battle wary of their number replenished their supplies at the recently reached Outpost. As their levels increased in tandem, so did his trust of her as a person and as a friend.

He admitted to himself that he had grown a little too fond of the woman and her blunt mannerisms, despite looking for his fiancé and family at every chance he got.

Yet as they remained unfound, Rajiv kept finding himself drawn to the potential of building a new life with her. Leaving his old life behind was also made much easier by the world now being filled with magic, blue boxes, monsters and most importantly the ability for him to increase his strength and abilities to superhuman levels.

So as the tail end of their now immense procession broke free of the craggy red rock valley, which doubled as the pathway they were using. Rajiv was feeling unsure of what the end of the day would mean for the direction of his life as a whole.

Looking first to the imposing red rock ridge around the lip of the bowl in which the Settlement sat, he could make out thousands of armed people in small rocky forts. Coming to a halt as Lakshmi kept moving forward with the rest of them, he stood and drank in the vista of his son to be new home.

In the clearing around the Settlement were a multitude of makeshift wooden huts along with canvas and hide tents, where people of all sizes and attire congregated and travelled with as yet unknown purpose.

Eyes roaming the surrounds for a moment more, Rajiv eventually laid eyes on the white walls of the Indian people’s new capital. The settlement itself possessed a wall that was larger than that of the Outpost’s they were used to interacting with and where the unruly shambles of the of the surrounding shelters gave way to it, so did the attire of the people at it’s entrances become more uniform.

At each of the archways in the taller than usual wall, stood a collection of people at the head of the ramp, as they interrogated the motley potential entrants, at the head of the lines they came from. The people who Rajiv assumed where the Settlements guards, all wore leather of orange with red belted accents.

He was about to muse further on the spectacle before him when Lakshmi’s gravelly voice brought him back to his immediate surroundings.

“Rajiv you stubborn mule! What are you standing around for? We have to report to Lieutenant Commander Salman before sundown or we’ll have nowhere to sleep tonight!”

Sighing as it seemed he was still on the clock, he nodded and retorted.

“Alright alright! Can’t a man just have a moment to himself for once, without being badgered by ogres pretending to be woman?”

Laughing her throaty laugh she replied over her shoulder.

“If I see a man about I’ll be sure to ask them about it!”

Glaring at the insufferable woman, he huffed and jogged to catch up before she disappeared into the throng of dispersing people as he replied indignantly.

“Vishnu’s behind woman! Would it kill you to wait for me for a second?!”

Following Lakshmi’s familiar short outline through the ebb and flow of people, they made their way to wherever the hells they were supposed to be going, in a steady if unruly way. It took them several minutes to come upon one of the orange larger tents in the ramshackle city near the Settlements walls, which seemed to be solely occupied by armed and uniformed men.

His guide and friend, went to enter the tent but the bearded guards at the tents wide entrance crossed their spears as one stated.

“No civilians allowed I’m afraid, young miss.”

Smirking at the guard’s form of address to his irritable compatriot, he noted her twitching eye as she snapped back.

“We just got here after months and months of traveling boyo!...I was told we were to report to lieutenant Commander Salman as soon as we arrived by Diplomat Padma. Now do I have to go and bring her here or are you going to get out of my way with your toothpicks you call spears?”

The guards face reddened and he was about to retort when an authoritative voice came from within the tent.

“What’s the matter this time private Gupta? We are in the middle of an important meeting!”

Failing to keep the annoyance from his voice, private Gupta relayed over his shoulder.

“There are two civilians here claiming to have been told to report to you directly by Diplomat Padma sir! I was just about t-”

The owner of the voice came to the tents entrance sporting a frown and he put a hand on the nonplussed guards shoulder, as he added seriously.

“You will do no such thing private.”

As the guards returned their spears to an upright resting position, he focused his attention on himself and Lakshmi before drawing them off to the side of the tents entrance and continuing.

“You must be the level twenties we have been expecting! I have heard good things about the pair of you!”

Rajiv noted the guards stiffen their posture at his pronouncement as he nodded and Lakshmi supplied.

“That would be us Lieutenant Commander. Now I’m sure you understand that we wish to rest our legs for a bit after our long journey, before we enlist in the army that is... But Diplomat Padma said it was extremely urgent that we come here straight away.”

Nodding seriously the lieutenant commander rejoined.

“I wish we had the luxury of time young lady, but I’m sure you noticed how crowded things have become here.”

Barely keeping the laughter from escaping his throat, Rajiv looked on with concealed glee at the exchange. Salman however, was completely oblivious to Lakshmi’s twitching eye and sour expression as he continued his address unhindered.

“On that note, General Rajesh has moved up the timetable on the remaining two holdout Outposts nearby. Which is where you two come in…Now normally we would let the newly arrived get up to speed with how things are done around here, but seeing as both your levels are above the norm, you will be required to spearhead the capture of the Outposts…Any questions?”

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Frowning as he thought about what the Lieutenant Commander was asking of them, he saw Lakshmi was also far from thrilled as she crossed her arms and fixed him with an expression that said she was far from interested in his week old fish, whilst asking in a measured tone.

“Of course there are questions Commander. Firstly, who is already inhabiting these Outposts that they must be captured?”

Salman sighed exasperatedly as he replied in a candid tone.

“Look, I’m not thrilled about the prospect of taking them off people either, but they won’t let any of our people enter and have guards stationed at all their entrances…Frankly I’m astonished at the fighting force they have managed to cobble together…To your question though, they appear to be just average people, no one force or binding ideology behind them.”

Nodding slowly Lakshmi followed up.

“Secondly, how do you wish us to ‘capture’ these Outposts and why us?”

He fixed her with a deadpan expression as he responded.

“My orders are to use any means necessary. It would be nice if we could simply ignore them altogether but given their proximity that would be leave our citizens needlessly exposed to danger. What is more frustrating is that from the intelligence we have, they have at a minimum 50% of their dwellings uninhabited which is at least eighty thousand Habitation Unit’s combined, just sitting there gathering damned dust!”

Re-schooling his facade to remove the traces of annoyance that had crept in, he looked to Rajiv’s unperturbed expression then back at Lakshmi’s displeasure as he sighed and continued.

“I would have given this task to more military minded individuals but they are currently deployed to defend and maintain order in the other satellite Outposts. Given that the Outposts in question have also refused all attempts at negotiating some sort of arrangement, and in some instances have even resorted to force…I’m afraid it means we are left with little choice other than to respond in kind and take them by force.”

Rajiv saw Lakshmi’s face contort in rage and she opened her mouth to disabuse him of his brutal notions, but the lieutenant commander cut her off as he furthered.

“Diplomat Padma told me this would be your reaction, and if it was such, that I should remind you that ‘Your great grandfather Mo’hinder would have done whatever his country asked of him.’”

Emotions warred over his companion’s face as some sort of internal struggle took place for a moment, before she ground out.

“Damn that traitorous manipulative old bat! Ugh…fine!...I will do as you ask, though you can’t make me like it.”

Then she glanced sideways at Rajiv and added whilst indicating with her head.

“Though you will have to ask this dimwit for his own opinion on this.”

At her statement the weathered face of Salman turned his way as he elicited.

“Well boy, what is your answer?”

Scowling to Lakshmi’s now impassive face then back to the lieutenant commander, Rajiv had come to the realization over the past months that he was able to fight and if necessary, kill his fellow man.

The pilgrimage had also made him reassess what exactly he wanted when he arrived here. Being that he was already going to agree because of what Lakshmi had said, Rajiv decided to see if he could make it clear he was nobodies yes man and turn the situation to his benefit all at once, as he stated in a level tone.

“Seeing as the task is an important one and I would be required to be ‘the head of the spear’ as you call it… I think it would only be natural to receive a rank and compensation equal to my contribution to the task at hand.”

Apparently unimpressed with his answer Salman stared at him quietly for a long moment.

Yet despite the rising tension from the silence that dragged, Rajiv held his ground until the Commander finally huffed and retorted.

“In my day, we used to do things without expecting reward...but…if you can be of help to the Shakti’s citizens, I will see to it that you are given an officers rank proportionate to your contribution, and a Habitation Unit of your own in whichever Outpost you are stationed. Acceptable?”

Smiling he replied with a mocking salute.

“It would be my honor to be of service Lieutenant Commander Salman!”

Snorting derisively he snapped.

“For now you will find accommodations in the eastern quarter of the outskirts at the blue tent, ask for Arjun. Be sure to use the pass phrase ‘The elephant is as cunning as it is quiet’ and he will allot you some temporary quarters for the night…Now get out of my sight and report here before dawn to receive your equipment and deployment orders!”

Grinning he nodded before he followed the rapidly departing back of Lakshmi as she stomped away, having to run again, to catch his irascible partner. As the pair traveled through the ramshackle maze of unmatched structures, she bluntly queried whilst failing to keep her ire from her voice.

“When we first met, I had not taken you for an exploiter of opportunities Rajiv?

To which he replied a little more defensively than intended.

“And I had not taken you for somebodies blind lap dog oh great apprentice knight!”

Coming to a halt she rounded of him, completely uncaring of the annoyed utterances of those nearby she clearly inconvenienced, whilst she demanded.

“This isn’t a joking matter Raj! We are going up against real people!”

Surprising himself, Rajiv shrugged as he rejoined.

“It’s not like we haven’t fought people before Lakshmi, It was only last week th-“

But she cut him off as she hissed.

“This is not that you fool! We will be going to their homes and killing them until they retreat or surrender! It’s going to be war Raj…Not some disorganized thugs…If that wasn’t bad enough, you want to do it for fucking MONEY!”

Taken aback by the uncharacteristic concern that had entered her voice, he was also conscious that they were attracting attention and drew her to between two shacks as he countered.

“What would you have me do then? Let you go by yourself to die like a fool? NO! The money was just an excuse so the pompous asshole wouldn’t push me around…This is your fault you know, at first I was going to just make it here and find some safety while I searched for even a whisper of anyone I once knew! But then some stupid, idiotic, stubborn dwarf of a woman, got it into my head that I can steer my life with my own strength whilst trying to protect what I care about!”

She blushed slightly and for the first time since he had met her Lakshmi seemed lost for words, before she replied in a defeated whisper.

“I-I never realized you felt….I’m sorry Raj…I didn’t mean to drag you into this mess…”

Shaking his head bemusedly, he replied far more gently.

“Don’t go developing things like feelings now, you intolerable tigress…”

She blushed deeper still, before coughing into her hand awkwardly and turning to march back to the footpath while her shield and sword clanked in the uncomfortable lull of the alleyway, before calling casually over her shoulder.

“Come on then boyo, if you stand around with your panties in a bunch too long, you won’t be getting laid tonight!”

Mind eventually processing what she had just said, Rajiv failed to find a suitable reply as he half sprinted to catch the indecipherable creature that was according to her admission, willing to be his bunkmate for the night.

So as the two found lodgings as instructed and participated in purely extracurricular activities till the early morn. Rajiv found himself standing in front of the lieutenant commanders tent with an entirely inappropriate smile of satisfaction donning his face

In spite of the seed of guilt he felt at having betrayed his long absent betrothed, Rajiv’s jubilant smile was unwavering as he evaded Lakshmi’s attempted shin kicking to disperse it.

Another welcome development this morning was the fact that a far more respectful private Gupta announced their arrival.

When they had received their uniforms, weapons and even potions, what followed was a brief rundown from one Captain Hajir on what their role was to be in the day’s deployment as apparently the lieutenant commander was current indisposed.

He and Lakshmi were to travel to the staging area for the Fifth Armed Corps of The Shakti and report to a Major Kumar, where they would in all likelihood, commence the besiegement of Outpost #34,912.

Head still in the cloud like images of last night, Rajiv seemed to float through the morning as he and his companion who recently seemed prone to bouts of petty violence, made their journey though the decidedly bland red and rocky terrain until they found their destination.

Finally managing to put thoughts of last night’s delights from his mind, he and Lakshmi surveyed the gathered troops with more than a little admiration.

The gathered forces all bore the same uniform of orange and red leathers as they stood to attention in clearly defined rows upon the flat of the red rock that warmed to the morning sun. Their total number was easily above five thousand and at their head stood three individuals in identical leathers as they overlooked Outpost #34,912 and its bowl, at a safe remove of some two kilometers.

Seeing no point to remain onlookers Rajiv and Lakshmi headed to the three whilst ignoring the curious whispers and glances of the regimented soldiers, before they announced the purpose of their presence.

It seemed they were the last ones to arrive because no sooner had the bearded and weathered face of Major Kumar finished addressing them, then he had spun and yelled to the arrayed soldiers.

“FIFTH ARMED CORPS OF THE SHAKTI!”

A reverberating snap of leather boots on solid stone resounded before he continued.

“RANGED SIEGE ASSAULT FORMATION A!”

As one their neat lines shifted to make four deep rows, which fanned out until it equaled near an eight of the Outpost wall’s circumference. This done, the Major subsequently bellowed to their neatly organized number.

“FORWARD MARCH!”

Thus the troops moved in orderly lockstep as they descended the steady slope whilst Major Kumar faced him and his companion, stating.

“I ask not that you take pleasure in what is to come, only that you be steadfast in your resolve to fight for mother India and her people.”

Before turning and trotting in a relaxed jog after his advancing troops. Sharing a look with Lakshmi that said far more than simple words could convey, they nodded to each other before following after the Major so they could be best positioned to engage in the bloody battle that was to come.