Probably the single most influential chapter of Astrid's story so far is the Guarma arc. Read what happened to Astrið on 14th October 1901 - where the massive battle between The Kettleman Gang and Saints Crossing Sheriff Department took place! Don't forget you can read the full story of Astrið's misadventure here: https://hibblejaybob.co.uk/wildrp-the-diary-of-astrid-aleksdottir/
Well, today’s the day. The day Jack thinks the law are coming from Saints Crossing for him and his people. The day that he thinks will end in a bloodbath......
Lightning strike the hill near where I’m walking – hopefully not a bad omen of things to come.......
Lightning strike the hill near where I’m walking – hopefully not a bad omen of things to come.......
Cecily hasn’t given her signal, so we’re not needed at the moment. I left Dovie sleeping at the medical hut. Poor Dovie, if the situation I’ve put her in wasn’t bad enough, the heat and humidity is making her feel under the weather.
I'm anxious about what today could bring - terrified actually. I hope this all goes peacefully and Dovie gets off this island alive. Damn her for staying..... I need a distraction – I wonder if anyone else is around.......
As I hung around the beach for a few minutes, I spotted Alice. She gave me a quick hello, but before a single minute had passed, her gun was out and firing – but thankfully not at me!
Well, that iguana is definitely dead… With that spot of impromptu hunting done, Alice headed off to go start her preparations for todays…. altercation……
I can’t follow her. If I’m seen with her or the other Kettlemans, it could turn the militia against me and make today so, so much worse.
I can’t follow her. If I’m seen with her or the other Kettlemans, it could turn the militia against me and make today so, so much worse.
I ran into Mr Herbie and Miss JJ heading over to the fortress. They said there had been a situation and my services as a doctor may be required.
Still no signal from Cecily yet. Don’t want to risk the Militia’s suspicions by refusing their call to help. I followed them to the fortress.
Still no signal from Cecily yet. Don’t want to risk the Militia’s suspicions by refusing their call to help. I followed them to the fortress.
At the fortress, Mr Herbie took me to Mr Damascus whom I met a few days ago. Mr Damascus had been injured. I didn’t even have to ask what happened – he was seething! He raged to Mr Herbie about his attacker: Billy Blasters.
Ultimately his injuries didn’t require any further treatment, and I kept my distance. Mr Damascus continued that he had a lot of money saved away and he was going to pay someone to hunt Billy down for what he did. He reiterated to Herbie that this wasn’t a militia thing – this was all him.
Ultimately his injuries didn’t require any further treatment, and I kept my distance. Mr Damascus continued that he had a lot of money saved away and he was going to pay someone to hunt Billy down for what he did. He reiterated to Herbie that this wasn’t a militia thing – this was all him.
With nothing more needing done, I decided to leave the fortress. As much as I don’t want the Militia to see me with the Kettlemans, I also don’t really want the Kettlemans to see me with the Militia – lets they get the wrong end of the stick.
At the end of the bridge, Miss Bailey was waiting for me, expectantly. This should be interesting….. “You should stay in the fortress today” Bailey said, “There’s going to be trouble and we may need you on hand to deal with the injured”. I looked at Bailey, not sure of what to say.
Staying within the safety of the walls is tempting, but at the same time I can’t leave Dovie to be taken by the Kettlemans alone. “Take the wounded to the medical hut” I finally replied to her, “I’ve got supplies there, I’ll try to stay near”. Bailey’s face dropped. I’m sure in that moment she saw right through me, right through that line. But both she and I knew that this wasn’t the time to confront me on it. She nodded, and continued up to the fortress, as I left.
At the end of the bridge, Miss Bailey was waiting for me, expectantly. This should be interesting….. “You should stay in the fortress today” Bailey said, “There’s going to be trouble and we may need you on hand to deal with the injured”. I looked at Bailey, not sure of what to say.
Staying within the safety of the walls is tempting, but at the same time I can’t leave Dovie to be taken by the Kettlemans alone. “Take the wounded to the medical hut” I finally replied to her, “I’ve got supplies there, I’ll try to stay near”. Bailey’s face dropped. I’m sure in that moment she saw right through me, right through that line. But both she and I knew that this wasn’t the time to confront me on it. She nodded, and continued up to the fortress, as I left.
I spotted a familiar figure further up the beach and ran after it – it was Mr Kuniklo! With a nervous smile I looked up at him. He smiled back, clearly nervous too. He was out taking a walk to clear his head before starting his own preparations.
Speaking of preparations, there was one thing I forgot up until now. “When I came back to Guarma, I brought a lot of medical supplies for you – where should I put them?”. Kuniklo smiled, I think he was quietly impressed with my resourcefulness.
He told me the back wall of the ruined church would be the best place. Far enough back they won’t be found easily, but he’ll pass on the location to the group. However, Kuniklo, same as Alice, had to head off alone. Can’t risk not being there when its time for Cecily to give the signal.
He told me the back wall of the ruined church would be the best place. Far enough back they won’t be found easily, but he’ll pass on the location to the group. However, Kuniklo, same as Alice, had to head off alone. Can’t risk not being there when its time for Cecily to give the signal.
I return to the medical hut. Dovie is finally awake and dressed, and is anxiously eating some food. I check with her that Cecily hasn’t shown up yet – she hasn’t. I collect the box of medical supplies I stashed away and headed down the mountain once again.
At the ruined church, I follow Kuniklo’s instructions, passing through the ruins then facing the back wall. I place the crate by the old archway – hopefully these supplies do some good!
At the ruined church, I follow Kuniklo’s instructions, passing through the ruins then facing the back wall. I place the crate by the old archway – hopefully these supplies do some good!
I headed to the port town to see if anything had changed. Surprisingly, there was a development. I found Cecily being escorted into town by Miss Bailey. Apparently Cecily had fallen north of town and the locals had to help her back to her feet. With Bailey continuing back to the fortress, Cecily turned to me. There were no pleasantries between us – just the simple message that the signal would soon be given, so I need to return to the medical hut to wait with Dovie.
Barely had I got to the hut, collected my things and got Dovie to collect her things, when Cecily arrived to take us to the meeting point – it was time. Under the cover of darkness, with no lights, and being sure to keep off of paths, we set off.
The jungle doesn’t cover everything this high up the hilltop. Moving low and fast, we crossed the open spaces, hoping not to catch the attention of any Militia patrols moving across the island.
We stopped and examined the route ahead. This is going to be difficult. Part of our path is illuminated by torches – an obvious sign a Militia patrol has passed through recently. Here’s hoping there’s not still around. Skirting round the light where we could, we carefully navigated towards our destination.
“Wait, where’s Cecily?” – BANNAÐ VERI!! We’ve lost sight of Cecily…. Where is she? I whisper to Dovie to stop. If we stay in the treeline, Cecily will never see us. We backtrack our steps slightly moving just beyond the threshold of a small clearing that gives us better visibility – and hopefully gives her better visibility of us!
A few minutes later, she found us and we continue setting off through the jungle. At this point we’ve been hiking for around 15 minutes. I have no idea where we are, and I can’t even see anything that I could possibly use for a landmark. Surely we can’t have far to go?
Another 10 minutes of hiking later, the jungle gave way to a clearing with some banana trees. We used the opportunity to grab some for fresh food. We found ourselves at the bottom of a large mountain – probably one of the biggest I’ve seen on Guarma! A mountain complete with another set of perilous scaffolding to climb – and of course, our destination is at the very top!
After what feels like yet another 10 minutes of hiking and climbing, we finally reach the summit.
After what feels like yet another 10 minutes of hiking and climbing, we finally reach the summit.
As the clouds cleared and the sunlight lit the mountaintop, Cecily explained to us that this is planned to be the final fallback point for the Kettlemans. Either they’ll have won their fight long before then, of this would be where they make their final stand. Either way, we’ll be waiting here for a while……
Dovie squirmed in discomfort. Without venturing forward, she raised her head to see over the edge before the colour started to drain from her face. She’s terrified of heights! This isn’t a great place for her to have to spend hours waiting…..
Dovie squirmed in discomfort. Without venturing forward, she raised her head to see over the edge before the colour started to drain from her face. She’s terrified of heights! This isn’t a great place for her to have to spend hours waiting…..
Terrific….. stuck on a mountain top for God knows how long with the woman I practically kidnapped, and a woman who hates me, all while waiting for a possible war to make it’s way to the top of this mountain, where I might get killed or arrested…… Yup, I’m feeling great…….
I tried talking to Cecily…. If I’m going to be stuck on the mountain with her for hours, I may as well try to mend that bridge. I doubt we’ll ever be friends again, but a few days ago she started pawing at her empty gun holster when I tried talking to her.
If I can’t at least improve that situation then I face the very real possibility of having to kill her just to make it off Guarma alive……
If I can’t at least improve that situation then I face the very real possibility of having to kill her just to make it off Guarma alive……
Well, she didn’t ignore me, but Cecily only gave short, sharp, one word answers to anything I tried to say to her. Great….. no fixing that for now. I guess I have to enjoy my own company for a few hours until this disaster is over…..
And as if the situation with my present company and overall situation wasn’t bad enough, it looks like the weather is starting to close in. I can’t see the cove in the distance – hell, I can hardly see down to the clearing that we took to get here.
Cecily took a seat next to Dovie. I could hear them talking to each other, but they were keeping their voice hushed enough I couldn’t hear what they were saying. I do wonder what they’re talking about. No matter, I’m not pushing that button – I’ll just keep my distance.
With the clouds continuing to roll in, the sunlight filtering between the clouds at least put on a pretty show to tide my mind over while I waited alone.
We’ve been on top of this mountain for a good few hours now, just waiting….. As Dovie wandered off to explore the other platform that lies near this one, I decided I would have another go at talking to Cecily.
As a peculiar bolt of lightning struck the valley below, Cecily answered my words with not a single word of her own, instead taking the bow off her back and holding it with purpose in her hand. I turned my head to look at her.
Message received Cecily….. Message received……
As a peculiar bolt of lightning struck the valley below, Cecily answered my words with not a single word of her own, instead taking the bow off her back and holding it with purpose in her hand. I turned my head to look at her.
Message received Cecily….. Message received……
As Dovie returned to our platform, Cecily resumed her seat at the table with her, and I went back to “keep my distance”. The stress of this is killing me. I’ve never been one to smoke, but you know what, now’s a good a time as any… Mr Mato gave me this Opium-laced cigarette some time ago. Probably just the thing to mellow me out right about now.
As the burning smoke of the cigarette filled my lungs, I felt the tension was away from me somewhat. I gazed towards to the bay. With stunning views, the weather was clearing and I could see right down to the fortress.
The better viewing peaked Cecily’s interest too. We’d been on the mountain for many hours now, and with Guarma’s hot climate – we’d used just about all of our water reserves. Cecily took our empty water canteens and set off down the valley.
Sensible people would probably use this opportunity to try to escape, but honestly, that idea is just too dangerous. Law would have disembarked from the port town – the only place with deep enough waters to get a boat in close, and the Kettlemans would likely be there to ambush them. The only way off the island for Dovie and I would likely mean crossing an active war zone….. Bitter as it is, our safest option is to remain here.
The better viewing peaked Cecily’s interest too. We’d been on the mountain for many hours now, and with Guarma’s hot climate – we’d used just about all of our water reserves. Cecily took our empty water canteens and set off down the valley.
Sensible people would probably use this opportunity to try to escape, but honestly, that idea is just too dangerous. Law would have disembarked from the port town – the only place with deep enough waters to get a boat in close, and the Kettlemans would likely be there to ambush them. The only way off the island for Dovie and I would likely mean crossing an active war zone….. Bitter as it is, our safest option is to remain here.
“You know, Dovie”, I said approaching her, reflecting on Cecily taking her bow out at me, “it might be necessary that I have to kill Cecily for us to get off this mountaintop alive.” As Dovie’s face dropped, I explained to her everything that happened with the bow today, and with her empty holster a few days ago.
Cecily is tasked with keeping us both at this mountaintop, but when our usefulness has expired, I can’t guarantee or trust she’ll let me go unscathed. Dovie, perhaps, but me, almost certainly not. Dovie tensed up. As much as she’s unhappy at being here, she also sees the reality of my situation.
Cecily is tasked with keeping us both at this mountaintop, but when our usefulness has expired, I can’t guarantee or trust she’ll let me go unscathed. Dovie, perhaps, but me, almost certainly not. Dovie tensed up. As much as she’s unhappy at being here, she also sees the reality of my situation.
The trek to the river is a long one, judging by how long it took us to get here, so Dovie and I had some time to kill. Her posture softening, Dovie reached into her pocket and pulled out some dice. “Her”, she said nervously, “do you want to play a game?”.
With a soft smile I said yes. After all, after so many hours at the top of this mountain with nothing to do, this seems like a perfect distraction. She says the game is called “Ship, Captain, Crew” – the department of health plays it to pass the time when they don’t have any clinics.
The aim of the game is to roll 5 dice and you get 3 tries to get a 6 (the ship), a 5 (the captain) and a 4 (the crew) – with the value of the remaining dice being used to give that player score. Don’t get a ship, a captain and a crew, you score nothing. Also, the rules a bit more nuanced than that. You can’t have a captain or a crew without a ship, so if you roll a 5 and a 4 but no, 6, then you can’t bank the 4 or the 5 this turn – and so on. Seems a fun little game.
With a soft smile I said yes. After all, after so many hours at the top of this mountain with nothing to do, this seems like a perfect distraction. She says the game is called “Ship, Captain, Crew” – the department of health plays it to pass the time when they don’t have any clinics.
The aim of the game is to roll 5 dice and you get 3 tries to get a 6 (the ship), a 5 (the captain) and a 4 (the crew) – with the value of the remaining dice being used to give that player score. Don’t get a ship, a captain and a crew, you score nothing. Also, the rules a bit more nuanced than that. You can’t have a captain or a crew without a ship, so if you roll a 5 and a 4 but no, 6, then you can’t bank the 4 or the 5 this turn – and so on. Seems a fun little game.
Dovie and I sat at the table playing the game, rolling the dice – praying that they didn’t roll clean off the side of the platform! After about half an hour, Cecily returned with full canteens. She said all she saw on her travels was a patrol of law, so she kept hidden before making a hasty retreat back to the platform.
CC and I both took our binoculars out and started scanning the horizon for any sign that either the law or the Kettlemans were making their way up here. They were not.
CC and I both took our binoculars out and started scanning the horizon for any sign that either the law or the Kettlemans were making their way up here. They were not.
After a few more hours, the light began to fade – but all was not quiet on Guarma. The sounds of distant canon fire echoed up from beyond the valley bellow. It seems the battle has begun in earnest now.
I hear a clattering of equipment behind me – CC rushing for her binoculars. “Look, over there” she yells, pointing to the far end of the valley.
I hear a clattering of equipment behind me – CC rushing for her binoculars. “Look, over there” she yells, pointing to the far end of the valley.
I didn’t need the binoculars to see what she had noticed – bright light coming from practically over by the coast. But what are they? Explosions, canon fire?
I too took my binoculars out to see what it was and -- fireworks? Why would there be fireworks? Presumably either the Kettlemans or the law are trying to draw the other into an ambush?
Barely 10 minutes late fireworks again rang out from down in the valley, only much closer this time – practically at the foot of the mountain. Whoever it was, they were making their way this way!
As the light picked up once again, Mr Mills arrived at the platform and immediately took up an overwatch position, trying to scout the law’s advance towards the mountain.
Before long, the remainder of the Kettlemans had arrived on the platform. Mills, CC, Dovie and I were joined by Kuniklo, Alice, Pip, and of course Mr Kettleman himself. Curiously, they had also brought along with them an islander, by the name of Diego. I’d seen him around but I always thought his loyalty lay to the Militia. No matter, we have bigger concerns now!
With the sighting of the law trying to approach the mountain, Alice and Kuniklo joined Mills in keeping tabs of them. As shots began to ring up from the valley up to the platform, the law sent and advance party up the catwalks.
I dared to approach the edge of the platform and look down. I could see a team of lawmen making their way up the catwalks, but they were swiftly routed by a volley of return fire from the Kettlemans.
As the shots starting landing close to me, I made a hasty retreat from the platforms edge, crouching down next to Dovie, CC and Diego behind the tent. Evidently, the law made another push up the mountain – more successful this time. Shots started arriving at the same level as the platform – tearing through the thin cloth of the tent, missing us by mere inches.
Dovie! I’ve got to keep her safe. The only hard cover here is between some supply crates – cover on 3 sides. The boxes are pretty full, they should offer good protection, but there’s only space for one person.
I brought Dovie into this mess, she’s sure as hell going to be the one to take it!
I brought Dovie into this mess, she’s sure as hell going to be the one to take it!
With Dovie safely keeping her head down between the boxes, I ventured further out onto the platform and took shelter behind the remaining crates. Protection from the hill, sure, but bullets kept cracking their way through the comparatively thinner wood of the platform
With the battle now in full swing, the sound of gunfire completely sounds us, deafens us. Cecily, Dovie, Diego and I are all keeping our heads down, as the Kettlemans position and reposition around us, offering a constant reply to volley of gunfire sent by the lawmen.
The whole ordeal was… just… completely… terrifying… I’ve seen shootings before, sure, but this is a gunfight like I’ve never heard of before! It genuinely feels more like the battleground of a war than a shootout between law and a gang – a token of just how badly the lawmen want Jack and his folk.
At one point, Jack himself ran behind me, loosing his longarm over the side of the platform, the smoke it produced smothering the platform.
The whole ordeal was… just… completely… terrifying… I’ve seen shootings before, sure, but this is a gunfight like I’ve never heard of before! It genuinely feels more like the battleground of a war than a shootout between law and a gang – a token of just how badly the lawmen want Jack and his folk.
At one point, Jack himself ran behind me, loosing his longarm over the side of the platform, the smoke it produced smothering the platform.
As the law closed in on the platform, Jack ordered CC, Dovie and I to the other platform, where it would hopefully be safer for us to wait out the final stages of the battle.
The extra distance from the fighting brough little comfort as the volume of gunfire escalated, the three of us huddling in the limited cover offered at the other platform.
The extra distance from the fighting brough little comfort as the volume of gunfire escalated, the three of us huddling in the limited cover offered at the other platform.
As the battle raged, a man approached the platform. Facing the battle, he quickly tucked his gun away and approached closer. It was Kuniklo! “Astrið” He yelled, running up to me, “I need you to take this for me”, he said, handing me a rifle.
“When this is over, reach out to me” He said, turning around and running off to rejoin the battle. “I will” I yelled after him. Dovie, silently watching the interaction, asked what he gave me. I replied it was a gun, examining it. I could feel my eyes widening as I read the “Property of SCSD” engraved onto the side….
“When this is over, reach out to me” He said, turning around and running off to rejoin the battle. “I will” I yelled after him. Dovie, silently watching the interaction, asked what he gave me. I replied it was a gun, examining it. I could feel my eyes widening as I read the “Property of SCSD” engraved onto the side….
Now it was Cecily’s turn for a visitor amidst this fight: Jack Kettleman himself arrived on the platform and gave a brief, final exchange with Cecily. “Kiss me” he said to her, his rifle still ready in his hands.
As the two exchanged a kiss on the platform, suddenly there was a commotion from just up on the hill…..
As the two exchanged a kiss on the platform, suddenly there was a commotion from just up on the hill…..
Diego, obviously completely traumatised by something he had seen up the hill, came running towards the platform – his cleaver in his hands, screaming “I’ll kill you!”.
To my horror, as he bolted towards Jack and Cecily, he lost his balance – his momentum from running down the hill carrying him forward and…… right over the edge of the platform to his death……
Jack cried out Diego’s name, Dovie whimpered in the fear of what she just saw – her worst fears about heights unfolding before her eyes. I was closest to the edge – I peered over, but the clifftop was so tall I couldn’t even see him at the bottom….
To my horror, as he bolted towards Jack and Cecily, he lost his balance – his momentum from running down the hill carrying him forward and…… right over the edge of the platform to his death……
Jack cried out Diego’s name, Dovie whimpered in the fear of what she just saw – her worst fears about heights unfolding before her eyes. I was closest to the edge – I peered over, but the clifftop was so tall I couldn’t even see him at the bottom….
One of the Kettlemans made it over to the platform before collapsing from their injuries – Dovie got to work with Cecily helping as I kept watch. Eventually, several figures appeared from the treeline, slowly approaching the platform. As they got closer, I could make out their raised rifles pointed right at us!
Approaching the hill I yelled as loud as I could; “MEDICAL! We’re medical!”. Recognising Dovie and I, the deputies lowered their guns, before ordering us to take the injured person back over to the other platform, where the other injured were.
Approaching the hill I yelled as loud as I could; “MEDICAL! We’re medical!”. Recognising Dovie and I, the deputies lowered their guns, before ordering us to take the injured person back over to the other platform, where the other injured were.
The adrenaline of the battle we just witnessed still pumping through our veins, we had to collect ourselves as we approached the first platform and the chaos that met our eyes. A plethora of injured people littered the hill and platforms, with a small army of deputies staggering about, yelling, talking.
By the time we got to the other platform, I reckon it had been nearly 5 minutes since the shooting had ended, so I loudly shouted to all the deputies that we were medical and needed to know who was most in need of help. In the chaos, my words went unnoticed. It didn’t appear any triaging had been done on the casualties.
With just the two of us, Dovie and I split up. Due to her fear of heights, she took the patients on the hill, I started assess the patients on the platform. Cecily, wearing her loyalty on her sleeve, started helping Jack, while I triaged the remaining injured.
By the time we got to the other platform, I reckon it had been nearly 5 minutes since the shooting had ended, so I loudly shouted to all the deputies that we were medical and needed to know who was most in need of help. In the chaos, my words went unnoticed. It didn’t appear any triaging had been done on the casualties.
With just the two of us, Dovie and I split up. Due to her fear of heights, she took the patients on the hill, I started assess the patients on the platform. Cecily, wearing her loyalty on her sleeve, started helping Jack, while I triaged the remaining injured.
With the deputies sat around the table just watching us work, my attention settled on Alice who was horrifically injured with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and catastrophic bleeding. The blood was spurting out - a sure sign an artery had been severed. She would require immediate and comprehensive surgery to survive this.
Working quickly, I inserted retractors into the wound and opened them wide to expose the severed artery. Clamping the artery, I got to work trying to repair it before she died of her injuries. Working fast, I managed something of a repair and began working on removing the several bullets from her.
Next to me, Cecily was still working on Jack, also horrifically injured. Having some medical training she was trying to stabilise him, but didn’t have the supplies she needed. In between my actions operating on Alice, I tossed Cecily some of my spare supplies to help her try to save Jack.
Jack is the leader of the Kettlemans sure, but my loyalty is to treat the person most injured first, so Alice has my full attention until her condition stabilises.
Working quickly, I inserted retractors into the wound and opened them wide to expose the severed artery. Clamping the artery, I got to work trying to repair it before she died of her injuries. Working fast, I managed something of a repair and began working on removing the several bullets from her.
Next to me, Cecily was still working on Jack, also horrifically injured. Having some medical training she was trying to stabilise him, but didn’t have the supplies she needed. In between my actions operating on Alice, I tossed Cecily some of my spare supplies to help her try to save Jack.
Jack is the leader of the Kettlemans sure, but my loyalty is to treat the person most injured first, so Alice has my full attention until her condition stabilises.
As I continued the surgery on Alice, I became aware of a commotion behind me. I glanced behind me to see Deputy Malone slumped over on the chair he was sitting at, the deputies around him screaming for my help.
I asked the deputies what was wrong, what had happened to him? His injuries, his condition? In reply, I got a chaotic mess of words – the panic in their voices palpable. I knew it was bad, but as I glanced at the blood pooling in Alice’s chest cavity and knew straight away she wasn’t stable enough for me to leave at this point.
I continued the surgery, but not before handing the remainder of my spare medical kit to the deputies to tend to Malone until Dovie or I were in a position to help. Once Alice was stable (stable-ish, anyway), I turned to assist the deputies, but they were no-where to be seen. Maybe they moved to the hill where Dovie was?
No matter, the situation for many of our patients is still critical and I need to focus on what’s in front of me. Alice stable, I turned my attention to stabilising Pip, then to assisting Cecily in treating Jack’s injuries. Finally, I headed inside the tent to work on Mills.
I asked the deputies what was wrong, what had happened to him? His injuries, his condition? In reply, I got a chaotic mess of words – the panic in their voices palpable. I knew it was bad, but as I glanced at the blood pooling in Alice’s chest cavity and knew straight away she wasn’t stable enough for me to leave at this point.
I continued the surgery, but not before handing the remainder of my spare medical kit to the deputies to tend to Malone until Dovie or I were in a position to help. Once Alice was stable (stable-ish, anyway), I turned to assist the deputies, but they were no-where to be seen. Maybe they moved to the hill where Dovie was?
No matter, the situation for many of our patients is still critical and I need to focus on what’s in front of me. Alice stable, I turned my attention to stabilising Pip, then to assisting Cecily in treating Jack’s injuries. Finally, I headed inside the tent to work on Mills.
In the time that I was working on the others, Mills’ condition became serious. I laid my tools out for what was likely to become another involved surgery to save his life. Worse still, Alice (who was brought in to the tent at my request so I could keep an eye on her) was showing signs of deterioration – the colour once again draining from her cheeks, her bandages turning red with blood.
Frustrated, I tried to focus myself as I continued working on Mills. As I worked on his injuries, I became aware of more and more deputies surrounding the tent. “Step away Astrið” I head Deputy Maple’s distinctive voice say, “We need to take them off the mountain”. I raised my head, halting my actions for a second as I pondered his instruction. No, I have a human life in my hands and it’s my responsibility to protect it. I am no-ones judge, jury and executioner.
“No” I replied to the deputies, returning my gaze to Mills’ injuries, “I’ll continue until they’re stable. If you want to remove me by force, then so be it”. The deputies took a step towards me, but did not act. They waited until I had closed up Mills’ incision. As I went to turn my attention to Alice’s deteriorating condition, the Deputies took that moment to block me, picking up Mills and Alice and carrying them towards the others as they began descending the mountain.
Frustrated, I tried to focus myself as I continued working on Mills. As I worked on his injuries, I became aware of more and more deputies surrounding the tent. “Step away Astrið” I head Deputy Maple’s distinctive voice say, “We need to take them off the mountain”. I raised my head, halting my actions for a second as I pondered his instruction. No, I have a human life in my hands and it’s my responsibility to protect it. I am no-ones judge, jury and executioner.
“No” I replied to the deputies, returning my gaze to Mills’ injuries, “I’ll continue until they’re stable. If you want to remove me by force, then so be it”. The deputies took a step towards me, but did not act. They waited until I had closed up Mills’ incision. As I went to turn my attention to Alice’s deteriorating condition, the Deputies took that moment to block me, picking up Mills and Alice and carrying them towards the others as they began descending the mountain.
I followed silently behind the group of deputies as they made their way into the valley. I could see blood dripping from Alice’s wounds – clear to me the repairs I hastily made were starting to fail. I felt the blood in my veins start to boil. Here’s people that need definitive medical help and I can’t help them because the deputies want to carry them away. Then, to my horror, it dawned on me where we would be going.
“Deputy, can I ask a question I already know the answer to?” I asked the female deputy carrying Alice, “We’re not taking the injured to the well-stocked medical building are we?”. I knew the answer, then the deputy confirmed it. Rather than taking the injured to get help, the deputies were taking them to the boat to be deported, where they’d have to fight their condition on a cramped boat with limited medical supplies for TWO WEEKS while they travel back to Saints Crossing!
MONSTERS! How could they do this do another human being? The Kettlemans are supposedly criminals, but how can these supposed exemplars of justice stand to let them suffer like this?
Feeling a trickle of blood down her back, the deputy put Alice down – her condition once again critical. Dovie, who had been travelling with the group, rushed to provide medical to her.
“Deputy, can I ask a question I already know the answer to?” I asked the female deputy carrying Alice, “We’re not taking the injured to the well-stocked medical building are we?”. I knew the answer, then the deputy confirmed it. Rather than taking the injured to get help, the deputies were taking them to the boat to be deported, where they’d have to fight their condition on a cramped boat with limited medical supplies for TWO WEEKS while they travel back to Saints Crossing!
MONSTERS! How could they do this do another human being? The Kettlemans are supposedly criminals, but how can these supposed exemplars of justice stand to let them suffer like this?
Feeling a trickle of blood down her back, the deputy put Alice down – her condition once again critical. Dovie, who had been travelling with the group, rushed to provide medical to her.
I went white with rage…… Seeing Alice on the floor, her condition allowed to have deteriorated this badly, her made to suffer like this because the deputies want her on a damned boat!?
I walked away from the group – I had to. I’ve never felt like this before, but I was so close to lashing out at something, someone. I crossed my arms facing the group, I could feel my tension in my shoulders. Deputy Maple obviously sensed my anger – he walked forward a few steps, putting himself between me and the group. His posture matched mines – tense, watching, ready……
I stared back at him, a hatred washing over me. Suddenly, I could feel my revolver burning against my hips, almost begging me to take it out and-- NO! I can’t…. I’m surrounded by Deputies, I’d be cut down in seconds. I felt my breathing quicken, getting heavier – I realised how close I came to doing something unthinkable. Yet, I can’t shake this feeling of anger, towards him, towards them, towards this entire fucking situation!
I walked away from the group – I had to. I’ve never felt like this before, but I was so close to lashing out at something, someone. I crossed my arms facing the group, I could feel my tension in my shoulders. Deputy Maple obviously sensed my anger – he walked forward a few steps, putting himself between me and the group. His posture matched mines – tense, watching, ready……
I stared back at him, a hatred washing over me. Suddenly, I could feel my revolver burning against my hips, almost begging me to take it out and-- NO! I can’t…. I’m surrounded by Deputies, I’d be cut down in seconds. I felt my breathing quicken, getting heavier – I realised how close I came to doing something unthinkable. Yet, I can’t shake this feeling of anger, towards him, towards them, towards this entire fucking situation!
With deep breaths I contained my anger long enough for Dovie to once again patch up Alice and we continued towards to the port town where the remaining deputies and the boat captain were loading the injured and detained.
My eyes searched the deck of the boat, and to my relief, I found Kuniklo! I ran over to him – I couldn’t help but smile when I saw him. He was weary with his injuries, his hands chained behind his back – but he was alive!
To think, this was someone who once held a gun to my head. Now I look to him so fondly, the man who probably kept me sane through all this. I don’t know how long he’s going to be sent away for, but I will miss him. Speaking of, he told me to reach out to him but didn’t give me a means of doing so! Laughing, he gave me his telegram to contact him back on the mainland.
My eyes searched the deck of the boat, and to my relief, I found Kuniklo! I ran over to him – I couldn’t help but smile when I saw him. He was weary with his injuries, his hands chained behind his back – but he was alive!
To think, this was someone who once held a gun to my head. Now I look to him so fondly, the man who probably kept me sane through all this. I don’t know how long he’s going to be sent away for, but I will miss him. Speaking of, he told me to reach out to him but didn’t give me a means of doing so! Laughing, he gave me his telegram to contact him back on the mainland.
I realised that I can’t go back to the mainland with them. I’m still so angry I seeing the deputies I don’t know what might happen on the boat back and, for gods sake, I’m carrying a gun marked with “Property of SCSD”!!! if I get searched, they’ll no doubt think I was part of the battle and arrest me with the Kettlemans! And they will search me…. The deputies catching me at the boat to Guarma with Dovie will leave nothing but the worst suspicions in their minds…..
Yet at the same time, if I don’t go back now, they’ll take that as an admission of guilt. It would also leave Dovie the only medical on the boat with all those injured. If I go, I will be arrested and blamed, if I stay, I can’t defend myself and will be blamed anyway. If the outcome is the same either way, then perhaps my choice – once again – has to lie where I can do the most good.
I’ll write a letter for Dovie to take back to Calvin – Dr Smith. My mentor and best friend. He’ll be beyond broken by all this, but the least I can do is give Dovie the out, let myself take the fall so she can go back to work. Better that than both of us suffer…..
Yet at the same time, if I don’t go back now, they’ll take that as an admission of guilt. It would also leave Dovie the only medical on the boat with all those injured. If I go, I will be arrested and blamed, if I stay, I can’t defend myself and will be blamed anyway. If the outcome is the same either way, then perhaps my choice – once again – has to lie where I can do the most good.
I’ll write a letter for Dovie to take back to Calvin – Dr Smith. My mentor and best friend. He’ll be beyond broken by all this, but the least I can do is give Dovie the out, let myself take the fall so she can go back to work. Better that than both of us suffer…..
The captain gave the signal, it was time to leave. The last of the deputies boarded the boat and ordered me and Cecily off. I handed my letters to Dovie and gave a final goodbye to Pip and Kuniklo before walking ashore.
Steam billowed from the funnels as the helmsman brought the screws to turn. As the ship began making its way out to sea, I stood watching it leave. My heart sank to my toes, for with the ship’s departure, I knew that my life as I knew it would be over……
What it will look like going forward, remains to be seen.
Steam billowed from the funnels as the helmsman brought the screws to turn. As the ship began making its way out to sea, I stood watching it leave. My heart sank to my toes, for with the ship’s departure, I knew that my life as I knew it would be over……
What it will look like going forward, remains to be seen.
The beaches, hills and valleys fall silent now, the presence of both the law and The Kettlemans now absent. The Militia too are in absentia, returning to their places of power to count the toll today’s events have taken on the island. As for me, once again I stand alone on the beach.
I’m scared…. Truly scared….
I’m scared…. Truly scared….