Infrastructure: Part One Hundred and Fifteen

Sven Smedth looked down at the Helmet that Drive had placed before him and knew what it meant. He had his suspicions about this appointment and was not at all shocked to find out what it was. He had heard the news about the Drow Attacks on the convoy and knew what that would entail for him.

"We have reason to believe that Drow forces might attempt an invasion on Infrastructure's coastline in the next month. You have been reactivated and will take command of a mobile reserve force to help protect our shorelines against enemy assault."

He expected as much, but he was not happy with that decision. It was explained that he might be reactivated at some future time if their was a crisis and this definitely qualified. Even so this would mean that he would be taken away from his wife, family and what was at the end of the day a nice comfortable home and going back to tents, rations, military roughness and the risk of violent death. It was not that he was a coward, but he did have views on the matter. When you had to fight you fought with all you got and gave it good and hard, but when their was another option to achieving your ends besides fighting or putting your men or yourself at risk you took it. The more agressive . As such, he made an attempt to talk his way out of it.

"With all due respect, Sir, we have a fair number of other good officers up to the task."

"We do." Drive said coldly "However, you have two decades of first hand experience leading our soldiers into battle, as well as commanding a high level of respect among soldiers. It is clear that you are the best choice for this role." Sven knew that route was sealed shut. Drive's full name was not given to him idly, he always looked for ways to make the best use of what he had, human resources included.

"I feel that my talents would be better used in their current role, training up new recruits."

"While you have preformed admirably in this role, at this time I have decided that you would be of more use to Infrastructure in a command role. The Committee is with me on this."

"Er, Right sir. Sir, you said this would be a 'Mobile Reserve'. What just would that entail?" Sven never got the hang of horseback riding and usually left the fine management of them to cavalry officers.

"There will be a sizable cavalry section, but the mobility of this force shall mostly be rail based. It's purpose would be to respond to a major Drow landing, backing up various various forces we assigned to guard stretches of coastline should they set up a bench head." Sven sighed ever so slightly, it had been a vague hope, the committee was nothing but thorough, but it was a legitimate point to make and occasionally a human did point out some minor error which they had overlooked. There were other things he might have said which could have gotten him out of this. He might have said that he did not feel like he could physically go out on the march. But that would be dishonest. As such, he relented.

"Very well. When do I leave, Sir?"

"In three days time. Some dossiers will be sent your home tonight."

"Yes sir." He said as he took up the Helmet. He had his duty to do.

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