New Toys!

The next week was a blur of motion, paper, orders, and a myriad of new faces. Nameless felt dizzy from the amount of activity. Shortly after the Professor had revealed his true intentions, the under city connected with the surface. What few pockets of resistance on the surface left were either mercilessly put down by Anna and the guilds or surrendered.

While the city of Oasis recovered ever so slowly, the Gutter prepared. An army was amassing, fighters, mercenaries, bounty hunters, freed people, all flocking to the banner of the Nameless. Overnight the Vagabonds had ascended from wasteland trash to legend. The nickname Vagabonds seemed to be an inside usage, as The Nameless became the term used by outsiders for the army.

Nameless hated the attention; he was never a leader. All of this felt forced, he was supposed to be just a trigger, a blade for hire. Now he stood at the head of an army, about to burn a pathway for the freed people toward the big city. Life certainly was strange.

These thoughts swirled around Nameless’s mind, tumbling like rocks inside a drying machine as he strode up a long, dark metal hallway. Very similar to the thousands of others the undercity used, the only difference being this one led to the surface. As he strolled, the vagabonds trailed behind him, their combat boots stomping and scraping the cement beneath them. Each person walked with a new air about them.

Nameless now moved like a commander, his chest leveled, his shoulders even, no longer slouched, his chin held up, a few days scruff clinging to his cheeks. Julia strutted besides him on the right, her posture proud and haughty, her eyes calculating. Carla and Sammy shuffled behind the two leaders; their short gates doubled to keep up with the taller members.

Captain Spider scuttled to the left of Nameless, his disheveled demeanor replaced by a mischievous manner, his limbs twirling and fidgeting, his face now framed with determined purpose. Hera stalked behind Spider, her face and body framed with lethal purpose, her body bending and moving like a serpent on legs. Aj towered over them all in the rear, his rifle slung over his shoulders, his arms hanging from the rifle on either side. A toothpick stuck from his mouth, his face seeming bored. But his eyes didn’t lie, they seemed to be forged of steel.

As the group emerged from the tunnel, they were met by the factory district. They halted at the tunnels exit, taking in the view. The factories had all nearly burned down, shattered husks of their former industrial shells. Nameless looked over, and saw the very factory he had fallen into, down at the very end of the district, siting neatly beneath the cliffside.

“Never is too soon for seeing this place again,” Hera spat.

“Agreed,” Nameless said softly.

“Which way to the rail yards, Spider?” Julia asked.

Captain Spider pointed to the right, gesturing to the distant dancing lights and muffled sounds of people and machines at the far end of the cavern. Nameless nodded and lead the way, walking alongside the shattered husks of the factories. Every now and again a scavenger would be startled by them and shout a greeting. But for the most part, they walked the entire remaining length of the cavern unaccosted. As they neared the railyards, the thrum of machinery and people became louder and louder.

“No turning back now, I guess,” Sammy mumbled as they drew closer.

As the railyard came into view, it was a sight truly to behold. Dozens of steel behemoths of machines, the trains where more like towns on wheels than vehicles. Each of the train engines where at least two of Captain Spiders special tanks wide, and four long. The train cars that were connected to the engines were giant, like small metal houses on wheels. The Vagabonds gazed in wonder as the army boarded these trains, piling equipment, and cramming people inside.

“Truly a marvelous spectacle, is it not?” a familiar, aged voice called out.

The vagabonds turned to see Professor Zion walking up alongside the Guild Masters and High Priest Hyforian.

“Professor Bullshit!” Aj called out enthusiastically.

Professor Zion beamed. “Hello, my dear boy! And how are you all? I trust you were well accommodated while we prepared for this grand venture?”

“Can’t complain, Professor,” Julia said happily. “Just ready to see the sun again!”

As the two conversed, Hera nudged Nameless. “You apologized, right?” she asked quietly.

“For what?” Nameless asked indignantly.

“For giving the poor old bastard a panic attack!” Hera seethed.

Being taller than Hera, Nameless saw the Professor’s eye dart in their direction for a split second, before going back towards Julia. Zion could hear them. Nameless felt it in his bones.

“Yeah, yeah I fucking did.”

Hera gave him a dark look. “He’s one of us, you said so yourself. Better treat him like it,” she whispered darkly, before huffing away.

If only she knew.

“Fucking Space Merlin,” Nameless grumbled underneath his breath.

“All right, everyone, let us find the officers and non-commissions. It’s almost time for Nameless’s big brief!” Zion said hurriedly.

“This’ll be a treat,” Aj teased.

The group walked as one down the train line, immersing themselves into the ocean of people and machines. As the group walked through the train smoke, noises, and hubbub, people began noticing them. At first it was murmurs, then salutes, then whistles. Eventually, the crowd erupted into cheers, and began pressing forward, trying to swarm the group. Already prepared, Guild Members rushed forward, producing batons from their cloaks, and beating men and women back violently.

“The hell are they doing?” Aj asked incredulously.

“Do something!” Julia begged Nameless, her eyes wild and distraught.

“The fuck am I supposed to do?” Nameless asked as his head twisted, reeling from the tide of people crashing down on him.

“Stop these assholes from beating their own people?” Hera snapped.

One time, just one singular time, Nameless wished people could act like adults. Fine.

Nameless spotted a jutting pile of steel proving as a foundation for a support column for the cavern ceiling. He pushed his way in between the guards, gently maneuvering his way through the crowd. Using his newfound speed and agility to dodge hands and greetings. Soon he came to the column, and climbed it, elevating himself a few feet above the heads of everyone around him.

“Friends, friends!” Nameless pleaded loudly.

The crowd ignored him, continuing to push forward, swarming the baton wielding guards and the Vagabonds. Nameless sighed. He pulled his pistol from his belt, cocked it, pointed it into the air and fired a shot. Screams and shouts rang out as the crowd’s momentum was halted, searching for the shooter.

“YO!” Nameless roared, his voice carrying over the ambient machine noises and people.

A sea of eyes and faces focused on him, making his skin crawl.

“Guild members, put your batons away. We don’t beat our comrades, if this keeps up, we’re no better than the Masters!” Nameless barked.

The guild members looked at each other confused, but slowly complied, putting their batons in their belts.

“And as for you all, you know better than this! Did we all not just finish fighting for this city? How does it feel, proving the big city folk right?” Nameless stabbed.

Angry murmurs filtered from the crowd, along with confused whispers.

“What? Am I wrong? I guarantee you, at this very moment, they’re sitting on their comfy seats, drinking whatever tasty bullshit they got, talking shit on all of you. They’re not real soldiers, they’re just a mob!” Nameless shouted. “And know what? Long as you keep acting like this, they’re right!”

The crowd began simmering with angry energy, faces contorted with disbelief and frustration.

“I say you’re real soldiers,” Nameless nodded stoutly, not letting his fear choke his voice. “I say, anyone with the fucking balls to stand up against the masters, and their puppets, are damn fine warriors in my book. Fuck what they say, and what they think. I know you, I bled with all of you, we all have chunks of ourselves lying back there!”

Nameless hopped down and began walking among the crowd.

“But that doesn’t mean you can act like animals!” Nameless barked, pivoting around as he walked. “From this day, until our last together, we march, we fight, we win as an army. You want to keep your freedom?”

Murmurs and raised voices rose from the crowd.

“You want to dictate how your children grow up?” Nameless shouted.

The crowd slowly agreed enthusiastically.

“Do you want a better future?” Nameless roared.

The crowd cheered.

“Then you better start acting like gods damn soldiers! Back the fuck up, get into your formations, report to your non commissions and officers, and wait for orders! We march today. Soon, we will march on the city!”

The crowd cheered loudly and dispersed, returning to their assigned leaders. Nameless felt a huge bubble of relief overtake his beating heart, his hands shaking. Why was he the one doing all this?

“Get me the officers and noncoms, now!” Nameless seethed. One of the closest soldiers nodded frantically, scurrying away to find their commander.

As he stood there, arms crossed with a scowl, Professor Zion walked up to his side slowly. “A bit different brief than what I had in mind, but good show. In the olden days of Earth, they would refer to you as a commander. A captain if you will, all captains and commanders had first sergeants and sergeant majors. The burden of caroling these people cannot lay solely on your shoulders,” Zion advised in a low tone. “Anyone in mind for the task?”

Nameless nodded slowly, turning and studying the Vagabonds. Spider was a good leader, but he was no doubt going to be commanding the mechanized portions of the army. Carla and Sammy where good people, but far too timid. Hera would probably start flogging people. And Julia was too kind.

“Aj!” Nameless barked.

Aj spat a bit of his drink from his canteen as he heard his name called. He wiped his chin hurriedly, smiled, and strolled nonchalantly over to Nameless. As Aj got closer, Nameless beckoned with his finger, leaning forward. Aj smiled and leaned forward as he neared Nameless. The young Bounty Hunter snatched the canteen immediately, turned, and poured the strong-smelling contents onto the metal ground.

“Hey! The fuck!” Aj growled angrily.

Nameless whipped back around and grabbed a fist full of Aj’s shirt, wrenching him into his personal space. He could smell the Mars shine on Aj’s breathe.

“I make the plans, you always back me up. Right?” Nameless said in a low tone so only they could hear him.

“Y-yeah,” Aj said, startled.

“Okay. I’m in charge of this army, it’s my job to make the plan, and get them to the city. Now it’s your job to make sure everyone else does their jobs, okay?” Nameless growled.

Aj nodded, a bead of sweat running down his face, his mouth twitching.

“How many times have you and I grabbed a gaggle fuck of random people and turned them into killers?” Nameless whispered angrily.

“A-a lot. A lot of times,” Aj muttered.

“Yeah, since we were kids, right?” Nameless asked.

“Yeah, since we were kids, man.”

“Well, now there’s an entire mob of random people we need ensure to make it and fucking win. That’s your job now. Do it, do it right, or I’ll put Hera in charge of these people. Stop drinking and step the fuck up. Right here, right now.”

Aj sputtered, his eyes darting back and forth from Nameless’s. Then, he slowly nodded, clenching his trembling jaw. “Slap me,” Aj muttered.

“Huh?” Nameless asked startled.

“Slap me,” Aj growled.

Nameless sighed, cocked his right hand back, winding up all his strength. “You sure, brother?” Nameless asked.

Aj nodded.

Nameless let the strike lose, his open palm smashing against Aj’s right cheek bone, the strike ringing out. Aj stumbled, regained his balance, and wiped the blood from his nose on his sleeve. Aj groaned, rolled his shoulder, and gave a manic grin, his eyes bulging. “Hooooo. Okay, okay, yeaaaaah, whew. Aight bet. Where the fuck are the noncoms and officers?” Aj roared.

Nameless jumped out of the way of the giant as Aj barreled into the crowd. He watched in amazement as Aj rallied the leaders, bringing them into a circle and proceeded to verbally decimate them for letting their people act like animals.

“A wise choice, it would seem,” Zion nodded, smiling.

“Long as that fucking canteen stays empty, he’ll be good,” Nameless muttered.

“Certain precautions may be necessary? Like a dry train perhaps,” Zion offered.

Nameless shook his head. “He can drink all he wants when there’s no fighting. But that’s still a good point. Sammy, a word please?” Nameless yelled.

Sammy nodded and ran up to their side.

“Is he okay?” she asked concerned, watching Aj continue to form the backbone of the army.

“Him, shit yeah, he’s fine. Hey, listen, you guys are pretty close, right?” Nameless asked.

Sammy blushed.

“Okay, perfect. Make sure his canteen only has water in it before a fight, can you do that for me?”

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Sammy’s eyes glinted, her mouth downturned, her eyebrows arched, but slowly nodded.

“If he gives you any problems—” Nameless started.

Sammy chortled. “Nah, he won’t,” she giggled.

Nameless nodded. “I know, but if he’s fucked up, just come get me and I’ll handle it, okay?”

Sammy looked at the ground before nodding.

Nameless sighed with relief. At least he wouldn’t be the only barrier to Aj’s recklessness like he was used to. Besides, it was time for him to step up. As Nameless pondered this, he noticed Sammy had gotten quiet.

“What is it?” Nameless asked.

Sammy hesitated, then slowly spoke. “It’s just, well uh, he hasn’t really been dry the whole time we’ve known each other. What if he doesn’t like me sober?” Sammy asked slowly, her eyes bright and concerned.

“You’re a cute, smart, kind girl, he’d be crazy not to like you sober,” Nameless said kindly.

“You mean that?” Sammy asked surprised.

“Of course! C’mon, you’re fucking Sammy! He’s your man, better start acting like it,” Nameless teased.

Sammy beamed, leaned in, and kissed Nameless on the cheek before darting away.

“Thank you,” she called gleefully over her shoulder.

Nameless stood there shocked.

“Better hope he didn’t see that,” Zion teased.

Nameless nodded wordlessly.

“Yo! Nameless, come meet these fuck faces!” Aj barked from the distance.

“It’s only been a few minutes, man,” Nameless sighed, his head already reeling from the events of today.

“Miracles seem to happen quickly sometimes,” Zion chuckled. “Go tend to the fruit of your labor, I need to go prepare the train for boarding. We leave in an hour, okay?”

Nameless nodded and separated from the Professor, each going their own way. He headed over to Aj, who had caroled all the leaders into organized lines. Aj was grinning, clearly having missed the little smooch Sammy gave Nameless.

“What we got over here?” Nameless asked as he approached.

“This is Bear company. Commander Tylon, sergeants Havier, Chilung, and Jacobs. They’re the heavy hitters, big guns, big dudes,” Aj said, beckoning to the heavy weapons guys. Stout, giant men, they were a mixture of factory freedmen and Heavy Spiders whose augments were dedicated to lifting heavy objects.

“Awesome,” Nameless beamed.

“This is Eagle company, my people, snipers and long-range boys. And, uh, girls, sorry. But they know their shit, they covered us when we rescued your sorry ass. That’s commander Heather, sergeants Jhoffyorn, Barkly, and Yue,” Aj said, gesturing to the spindly marksmen. They all had hand me down camouflage, long rifles, and were skinny yet with an agile built.

As Nameless surveyed the leaders, he noticed the right half of the people, who seemed similar. A large band of African Earth decent, bald heads, fish tattoos, and grimaces.

“And that’s Wolf Company—” AJ started.

“We heard Hera fights for you, is this true?” the leader barked. He was just as big as Aj, but far more intimidating. It wasn’t the tattoos, or the scars, or amalgamation of knives and the smg on his body. It was his body language, his face. He had the look of a man who had been killing human beings with a knife since he had been a boy.

“Who the fuck wants to know?” a familiar voice shrieked.

Nameless groaned.

Hera burst in between Aj and Nameless, squaring up with the leader. The two stared each other down for a long, suspense filled second. The leader chuckled.

“So, the rumors are true. The prodigal bitch really has returned,” the wolf leader laughed.

“This prodigal foot is about to go up your ass, Zyfor,” Hera spat.

Captain Zyfor grimaced. The two stared each other down. The crowd held its breath.

“The wolf pack stands together. No one speaks for us. But if Hera fights with you, then we shall too,” Zyfor said finally.

“’Bout fucking time you did something worthwhile, cousin,” Hera spat.

The two laughed and embraced.

“This makes so much more sense now,” Aj whispered.

It took every ounce of Nameless ’s strength not to burst out laughing as he saw the similarities.

“So, Eagle, Bear, and Wolf companies? Heavy, long range, and assault elements?” Nameless asked.

Aj nodded. “These are our specialized folk. Figured it’d be best they spear head any future battles.”

“Great, what about the rest of the army.” Aj shook his head disapprovingly. “It’s a mob, man, barely armed militia at best. Give me a few months and some of these specialized guys and I could make something out of the army.”

Nameless shook his head. “We ain’t got that kind of time,” he sighed. “Disseminate command to the guilds, it’s their people anyway. They can lead them best in the rear while we do all the heavy lifting.”

“As per fucking usual,” Aj sighed.

“Make it happen, Councilman,” Nameless jabbed.

Aj nodded grimly, clapped his hands, and beckoned for the leaders to follow him as Nameless walked away. He followed the train, as Hera caught up with him.

“The wolves will serve you well, I can promise you that,” Hera offered.

“What did they do to you guys growing up? Like before Jockus bought you?” Nameless asked genuinely.

Hera laughed. “Same shit they did to you, born killers. Just different rules and environment. We’re not so different, ya know?” Hera asked, a glint in her eye as she looked up at Nameless.

Nameless choked back his retort, seeing the fairness in the statement.

“C’mon, gotta see what the professor has cooked up for us,” Nameless said hurriedly.

“You got it, hot stuff,” Hera teased.

Nameless gave her a dark look.

“Oh please, I am a grown ass woman. I’ll say what I like to, thank you very much. Fucking virgin,” Hera scoffed.

“Hey!” Nameless retorted angrily.

“You didn’t touch a single camp girl the entire time I grew up there! What, is Julia getting all that sweet Martian Hero d—” Hera cackled.

“Drop it!” Nameless growled.

“Oooooooooo! So she is, hey, man, I get it, if she liked girls too, I would totally just grab those big juicy—”

“Drop it. Now,” Nameless barked.

Hera groaned, laying her head on the back of her neck as she forcefully exhaled, imitating a toddler’s tantrum. “You are so fucking boring!” Hera moaned. “Everyone knows you never have fun; gods forbid you at least say some spicy shit.”

“Hera, if I said half the stuff that leaves your mouth, I wouldn’t even be in this mess,” Nameless sighed.

Hera mockingly saluted him as they neared the middle of the train.

“Yes, sir! Mister Commander, sir! High council mighty stick of royal ass, sir!” Hera mockingly said.

“Hey, you’re on the council too, ya know,” Nameless said.

Hera chortled. “No, I’m not,” She laughed. Her face lost the mirth as she saw Nameless wasn’t chuckleing.

“Oh fuck, you’re serious aren’t you. Listen, man, I was just in there cuz I was hungover. And you guys were bullying the old man,” Hera said defensively.

“You’re a vagabond, you sat at the table, you’re on the council. Those are your people, it’s gonna be on you to lead them,” Nameless insisted.

Hera suddenly halted. Her face was dead serious. “What are you saying?” she asked faintly.

“I’m saying you’re it, commander,” Nameless said gently.

Hera stifled a cry, tears running down her cheek she covered her face with an arm, turning away from him.

“Hey, hey look, I’m sorry, was it something I said?” Nameless asked horrified.

Hera shook her head. She blew her nose into her cuffed elbow.

“When I was really little,” Hera choked, “my dad, the fucking chief, sent me away for school. I was gonna be a big, famous bounty hunter, like your dumbass. But they ambushed us and turned me into a fucking camp girl.”

“I’m so sorry,” Nameless offered meekly.

“They fucking killed him! The clans killed my dad, took our chief. I can’t fucking lead them; I barely know them,” Hera cried.

“Yes, you can! Hera, I watched you take out half the damn jail.”

“That was with a stupid slicer!”

“But it was your slicer. Hera, who’s the crazy fuck always starting fights, always jumping into fire? You’re perfect for leading them. I can’t think of anyone else who could handle those psychopaths.”

Hera looked at Nameless, her eyes red, snot dribbling from her nose. “You mean that?” she whimpered.

“Yeah, yeah I do!” Nameless chuckled. He leaned in, concealing Hera from view. He pulled his old gun cleaning cloth from his pocket, kind of used but recently washed, and offered it to Hera. She thanked him silently, and blew her nose, wiping her tears.

“Fucking feelings, they suck!” Hera groaned angrily.

“Yeah, yeah they do,” Nameless laughed.

Hera nodded. She calmed herself and sighed. She pulled her arm back rapidly and rocked Nameless in his shoulder. He was sent back a step or two.

“Hey!” Nameless exclaimed angrily.

“That’s so you don’t think I’m getting soft or some shit,” Hera said simply.

“Fuck you, Hera,” Nameless shook his head.

“Ha!” Hera cackled.

“Everything okay out here?” The two looked up, to see that Julia was hanging out of the train car’s doorway, peering down at them.

“Yeah, fucking mint out here,” Nameless grumbled. Hera smiled, showing her teeth.

“Right,” Julia smiled slowly. “C’mon, I sent a runner for Aj, Professor Bullshit has something to show us.”

“Gods, I love that nick name,” Hera cackled.

Nameless grumbled as he went over to the ladder that led up to the metal doorway.

“Ladies first,” Hera giggled.

“I swear to the gods, Hera one more—” Nameless began hotly.

“Let’s go, you two.” Julia chuckled.

“Yes, mother! Hurry up, Nameless!” Commander Hera cackled.

“Fuck getting paid. I just hope I get a quick death. That’s all I want at this point, a quick, clean death,” Nameless groaned.

He climbed the ladder, Hera hot on his feet cackling like a gremlin. Inside the train car, the rest of the leaders where gathered. Inside was massive, easily as big as Auntie Mai’s shop regarding floor space. Weapons were mounted to the walls, lights hung from above, rows of bunk beds lined the rear, and a massive command console sat in the center of the train car.

“Why hello there, children,” Commander Mai chimed.

“Hello, commander, Masters, Professor,” Nameless nodded respectfully.

“Ah! My boy, yes come, come, let us give you the tour of your new home, albeit temporary,” Zion chuckled. He led the vagabonds around the room as Aj huffed up the ladder and grumbling. Professor Zion pointed out all the maps, gadgets, command gear, holographic interfaces, and switches.

“The command staff and I shall be residing inside this train car during most of the fighting. We’ll leave the nitty gritty to you young folk,” Professor Zion laughed.

Guild Master Ardo nodded. “We shall be your eyes and ears on ground,” he spoke. “We will relay your commands and organize the army to support your endeavors. High Priest Hyforian has kindly offered to head the logistical side of this operation.”

Hyforain looked at them all, his chin tucked upward, looking down his nose. His hand sleeved inside his cloak, the other hand behind his back.

“Now, if you will all kindly follow me,” Professor Zion laughed.

He led the way down the train car, to the far side door that connected to the next train car up ahead. He heaved the lever, and the air lock opened, revealing a causeway. The professor gestured, and the Vagabonds slowly climbed into the next car.

The next car up looked like a mechanic’s garage; Captains Spider’s face lit up.

“C-c-c-can w-we stay in-n-n h-here?” He giggled.

“Well now, you just happen to have your own personal train car, but you can sleep here if you wish,” Zion said kindly.

Captain Spider looked up confused and sad. “I’m-I’m not s-s-s-staying w-with them?” he asked sorrowfully.

“Hey, it’s okay, buddy, let’s see your car first, if you don’t like it you can sleep with us. How does that sounds?” Julia said kindly.

“Ain’t he like a grown ass man in a kid’s body? Why does he care?” Aj laughed.

Aj immediately began howling, limping away after Hera’s foot rocketed straight into his shin.

“S-s-s-stunted m-m-maturity t-too, a-s-s-s-s-s-shole,” Spider giggled.

“Right, well here is your patrol vehicle!” Zion laughed nervously.

The vagabonds gathered around the four wheeled, lightly armored motorized buggy. It was equipped with bulletproof sand tires, high Ileum lights, impact bar, radar and night vision screens, and had several light machine guns on pivots on top and the passenger sides of the buggy.

Julia whistled.

“Um, dibs, girls,” Hera laughed.

“Yes, well we were thinking Julia, Hera and Sammy inside the buggy. Carla shall man the radio,” Zion offered.

“Works for me, I got dibs on driving bitches!” Hera cackled.

“I’ll take the passenger side then,” Julia sighed.

“Just don’t roll over and get us killed,” Carla grumbled.

“Can I fit a litter onto this?” Sammy asked curiously.

“It’s your vehicle, we are here to facilitate any requirements you have of it,” Forge Master Johnathan said.

Hera cackled as she jumped behind the steering wheel, jerking it, and making car noises. The rest of the vagabonds moved on, further down the train car.

“And for the gentlemen, new bikes!” Zion announced.

“Ugh, c’mon! Dirt bikes?” Aj groaned. “Why do they get the good stuff, man?”

He stopped when he noticed his dirt bike didn’t have wheels, but boosters.

“Is that a—?” Aj called wistfully, his eyes popping with wonder with his hands outstretched.

“Specifically modified hover bike,” Zion said proudly.

“Oh man!” AJ said with glee, sitting on his bike and thumbing the controls.

“In the next car is a custom-built hover craft. It can carry the team and retract it’s wings to fit inside our train,” Ardo said.

Aj burst with joy; his hands held over his head.

Nameless looked over and saw a plain old dirt bike. Sure, the frame was reinforced, engine tuned and turboed, extra stability boosters, but it was still just a bike. Perfect for him. He grinned. He looked outward, noticing built-in retractable doors to the train car, perfect for vehicle deployment.

“Now, Master Spider, if you would kindly follow us. We would like to show you your own train car,” Professor Zion grinned.

“Let us show him his vehicle first perhaps,” the Forge Master said.

Captain Spider looked up at Nameless with a searching look. Nameless shrugged, no clue what was next. The group all climbed out of the train car via ladder. Once on the ground, they walked back over to the command car. It was now that Nameless noticed a massive flatbed train car, with its very own reinforced crane car behind that. The flat bed had four gyro support legs, and reinforced joints for massive cargo.

“T-that’s a h-h-h-heavy c-cargo b-bed,” Spider said with suspicion and wonder. “O-only big-big v-vics g-g-g-o o-n there.”

“Follow us please,” the Forge Master commanded.

As the group trotted across the rail yard, a giant hanger came into view, carved into the side of the cavern wall. It’s massive metal doors guarding what lay inside. As they walked, Nameless caught up with Guild Master Ardo.

“This all must have cost a fortune,” Nameless whispered.

“Aye,” Ardo nodded. “But this is war. Besides, this is all the guild’s assets mustered as one. For Mars and her future. Everything now rides on you.”

Nameless gulped as they continued. Soon they came to the metal doors.

The Forge Master clicked a button on his left metal arm. A signal went out, and the doors began to grind open. As they slowly rose, their metal joints screeching and grinding, Nameless and Julia stood by Spider. They were joined by the rest of the Vagabonds.

The doors fully rose, and thirty mechanic Spiders scurried out from the gaping darkness. They wore blood red overalls, their eyes squinting, their steel limbs twirling, many metallic hands switched out for all kinds of tools and leverage devices. They were all stuntlings, just like Captain Spider.

“Your maintenance crew,” the Forge Master said firmly.

Spider looked at him indignantly.

“T-this is-is a b-bad j-joke, right? Y-y-y-you t-think it’s funny, c-cramming all-all the s-s-s-stuntlings in-into a b-big v-v-vic!?” Spider shouted; his fists balled.

“I believed it was appropriate for the stuntlings to maintain and repair the greatest land vehicle ever commanded by a stuntling Forge Master,” Johnathan said firmly.

Spider spat on the ground. “W-well lets s-s-s-see this f-f-f-f-f-fucking thing!” Spider seethed angrily. He whipped around, his shoulders squared, his chest heaving, his eyes darting red as he gritted his teeth like an angry animal.

Julia gave Nameless a concerned look, but he shook his head. Better to see how this turns out.

The Forge master gestured, and one of the mechanics nodded, scurrying away. They ran inside the garage, and then was a moment’s pause as small metal clatters and motion could be heard. Spider angrily fidgeted waiting.

Suddenly, the most guttural, gut clenching, bowel shifting engine roar they had ever heard before assaulted their ears. Everyone aside from the spiders took a big step back as the vehicle slowly crawled into the light.

Four massive treads were on each side, supported by six coaxial. In the front, a razor-sharp anti mine and razor wire plow was welding to the front, an easy ten feet wide and a foot thick. Above the grinning mow of a anti mine plow, dual machine guns rested besides the front highly armored driver’s hatch. The entire front of the tank was littered with smoke and anti-explosives launchers.

Resting in the middle of the heaving behemoth of a tank, was a giant, circular turret with sloped armor. A massive main gun protruded from the turret, easily twenty feet long, and eight inches wide. Besides the main gun was a much shorter metal barrel. It had a shark’s mouth painted on the end of it, a nightmarish flame thrower.

Behind the turret was three rows of mini short range rocket launchers. They sat on top of the engine, several thick inches of extra steel armor, with quad exhaust pipes belching long columns of black smoke already. This thing wasn’t a tank, it was a fortress on treads as it slowly ground toward its new captain. The tank halted, and a train horn of all things roared as the driver let it rip.

“Every new Forge Master needs his own personal vehicle. Treat her well, and she will never betray you in battle,” the Forge Master declared after the engines turned off. “Do you accept this new role? It shall be my honor to forge the final personal augments.”

Spider stood there silently. He said nothing.

“Captain?” Julia asked nervously.

Spider slowly turned around. His mouth was unhinged, nearly touching each ear lobe, his eyes popping.

“You okay, buddy?” Nameless asked quietly.

Spider’s voice faintly began cracking.

“I think we broke him,” Hera giggled.

“YES!”

The group jumped as Spider roared, bounced up and down, swinging his limbs rapidly.

“YES-YES-YES-YES-YES!” The little captain danced.

“Follow me to the medical car, we will start right away,” Forge Master Johnathan smiled.

“T-t-t-t-t-t-t-that’s t-t-t-t-he new Magnolia!” Spider screeched with glee as he sprinted toward the medical car.

“It sure is, buddy!” Nameless called after him, laughing.

Julia and Nameless both laughed, their laughter faintly breaking off as they drifted back toward the Command train car.

“New toys, new gear. We’re really in it this time, huh?” Julia chuckled.

“Judging how the gifts keep getting better, and the missions worse, yeah I say we’re fucked,” Nameless laughed.

The two softly drifted into silence as they walked.

“You ready for this?” Julia asked softly.

Nameless sighed as he put his hands in his pockets. “Long as I got you guys, sure,” he spoke.

“I feel the same.” Julia nodded.

They locked eyes, chuckled, then continued toward the command car.