The Security Chief writes a story Part 2

Posted on Sun May 15th, 2022 @ 2:27am by Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: The Taylors Cabin
Timeline: A little after Part 1
825 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

ON

As she read her story, Lia wanted to add to it. But she wasn't sure how, *Do I kill them off? Or do I rescue them?* she thought. Beginning to write she allowed her imagination to follow a thread:-

As the arrows rose above him, Marcus Quintus Flavia prayed to his Gods. His twenty men stood shoulder to shoulder, resolute in the face of certain death. The sounds of arrows hitting the earth around him made Marcus look up and past the barbarians, there stood his legion. It was ragged and bloody, and many good men had been lost but there they stood ready to fight. "Legion Advance!!" The Pro Consol pointed with his Gladius and the lines of legionaries moved as one, the barbarians had been surprised by the sudden arrival of these Roman troops. The eighty or so Barbarians attacking Marcus now broke and ran in all directions, Marcus looked at his men and spoke. "You heard the order, advance and crush these sons of whores." Stepping off, the twenty legionaries with their Centurion advanced towards their comrades. Any barbarian caught between them met a swift and bloody death, the small group now met with and then turned to join the advance. As the Legion continued forwards, more and more barbarians broke and fled the field. "Legion Halt! Stand ready to give battle, Marcus Quintus Flavia stand before your Commander and report." Marcus sheathed his Gladius and made his way to the Pro Consol, saluting he bowed his head. The Pro Consol tapped his shield and Marcus raised his head, "Consol, we were ambushed by the barbarians. They outnumbered my cohort, but we stood fast and held them for a short while." The Consol looked at the battlefield, "And so Centurion, how did you manage to lose two thirds of your cohort?" Marcus took a deep breath and replied, "We were betrayed by our guide, he led the enemy behind our lines and joined their attack upon us."

The Consol shook his head, "Have you not learned you never trust any native guide in this place? You are Roman! Once battle was joined, you should have killed the guide." Marcus lowered his eyes, "Consol Severus, the guide has been with this legion for two years. I had no reason to doubt the man, he had expressed a wish to join the legion and my cohort." Moving closer to Marcus, the Consol continued. "Then explain why you stand before me with only twenty Legionaries?" Marcus now faced Pro Consol Severus, "The enemy outnumbered us and outflanked us, but my cohort fought with honour and bravery. I made the mistake of trusting the guide, I am the reason I stand here with only twenty men." Severus nodded, "But here you stand Marcus Quintus Flavia, with twenty men and a hard lesson learned. I could have you killed for that mistake, but I would lose a valuable Centurion and his loyal Legionaries. Something which I can ill afford in this place and at this time, a good Commander always takes responsibility for the loss of his men. Even I must take responsibility for the losses we have suffered today, had you not admitted your responsibility I would have had you executed." Marcus now nodded, "I ask for clemency Consol Severus." Severus waved his hand, "You need no clemency, you fought the barbarian and did your duty by returning with twenty Legionaries and knowledge of the enemy. Now return to your men and make ready to march back to camp." Marcus saluted and turned back to his twenty legionaries, those men would be the foundation on which he would rebuild his cohort. As he got back to his men the Legion started to move off, each of the other cohorts moving into marching order. "Move into marching order, we are returning to camp." His men moved slowly and looked about, "Move those arses!! Or do you wish to face the Barbarians alone??" Those words had the desired affect, the men now moved quickly and caught up the rear of the now marching column falling into step as they did so. A grim smile now passed over Marcus's lips, yes they were tired but they were legionaries of his cohort and he had taught them well.

Putting her pen down, Lia read the next part of her story. Did Marcus sound right? Did the Consol react right? Most importantly, did this next part of the story keep the reader interested in the characters and retain the feel of the first part? She knew she was no writer and perhaps it would be better if she just stopped now before anyone actually read this, even Gary would find this story hard going. But she had to admit one thing, she felt better for trying. Her frustration with the way things were right now seemed to drop away, so for that fact alone this experiment had worked.

OFF

 

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