Living in the Past
Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
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Title: LIVING IN THE PAST
Author: ulyferal
Rating: K+
Warnings: Profanity and some violence.
Disclaimer: “SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron,” its characters and concepts are copyright to Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Inc and are used without permission.
Chapter 10: Getting Inside Help and Making Weapons
“Before I brief you on what I’ve developed to help with our mission, we must plan how we get this information to those inside the castle. For any of this to work, they’ll be an integral part of it and must have time to plan as well,” Razor said urgently.
Feral and the Queen nodded.
“You speak true, Sir Razor. Do you have a proposal?” she asked.
“Not yet since this wasn’t part of our plans in the first place,” the smaller SWAT Kat admitted, rubbing his neck in embarrassment.
“Then perhaps I might have an idea,” Feral spoke up. Turning to his niece, he asked, “Felina, don’t some of our captured people go to the market now?”
“Yes, Uncle. I saw two of them just yesterday but didn’t approach them. They are usually followed by one guard. I suspect the Pastmaster has need of his more trusted slaves to prepare the spell area so uses our people to do the needed food purchasing. That’s just a guess.”
“An accurate one, Lady Felina,” the Queen said. “Knowing our enemy better than thee, I assure you thy assumptions are correct. He wants nothing to go wrong with tonight’s spell casting.”
“Good, then going on that, I want Felina and Morgan to go to the market right now and look for them, slipping the message I’ll give you to whoever you manage to find. If you’re able to, stress that time is very short so they must do what we need as fast as possible without tipping off the Pastmaster,” Feral said.
“What would thee have them do, Sir Feral?” the Queen asked, though she had a fair idea.
Counting off his fingers, Feral said, “First, find the location of the spell casting; second, get a head count of the number of guards and monsters he has; third, notify everyone of the attack and pick a safe location to gather and wait for rescue; and fourth, inform Ms. Briggs of the plan so she can find ways to delay things; she’s rather good at that.” He sat back and waited to see if anyone had anything to add or object to his plan.
There was silence for several moments while everyone absorbed this, then the Queen spoke up. “I find nothing wrong with your plan, Sir Feral.”
Heads nodded in agreement then Razor said, “Only thing left is to figure out how they will get word back to us. My suggestion is tell them to send it out a window on the south side of the castle as this looks out over a cliff, so it is lightly guarded. Also, tell them to get it to us before dusk when the dragons and trolls waken.”
“Good idea, but how do you intend to get their message in the first place… it is a cliff after all, and how do you keep from being seen?” Feral asked.
“I can answer that,” T-Bone said with a smirk. “One of us hangs out of view below the window in those brambles just at the bottom and catches it. Easy!”
The light came on for Feral and he smiled. “Ah yes, your glovetrix… perfect, but I think it will have to be you, T-Bone, because Razor needs to show us how to make more weapons and how to use them, eh?” He looked over at Razor for corroboration on that.
“Right, Commander, and we need to get busy on that. I was only able to make up about a hundred of each of the new weapons, but we’re going to need thousands more for this battle,” Razor acknowledged.
“And, I’ll be there to help as well. I won’t be needed to get the message until much later today, and we need everyone we think can handle this stuff alright to be helping with the construction of them,” T-Bone added.
“We certainly have enough willing paws to get that done once you show us what it is you’ve come up with,” Feral said, pleased to have that settled. “Let me get this message written and on its way,” he said, pulling his note pad out. As he started writing, he said, “Felina, Morgan… go get ready.”
The two hurried out of the tent.
“Why don’t thee explain thy new weapons to us while Sir Feral completes his task, Sir Razor,” Queen Callista requested.
“Of course, my Queen. To make my weapons, I had to remember my basic history of this time period and add a new twist to them. The only modern weapons we have are the Enforcers’ laser pistols and our glovetrixes. We’ve done our best not to use up our precious ammunition so we have it for this mission, but we don’t have enough to attack an army this size let alone a whole armed castle. Please wait a moment while I get samples I left outside. Give me a paw, buddy,” Razor said, rising to his feet and heading out of the tent, T-Bone on his heels.
They were gone only a few minutes and when they returned their arms were filled with what looked like pods.
Meanwhile, Morgan went to change clothes and get his bow. Most of them just wore very worn peasant clothing around camp so he needed to change into more suitable ‘going to market’ clothing. Felina met up with him as he was returning to the tent. She carried a basket filled with trade goods and was wearing the typical dress the females wore in this time period.
They slipped into the tent just behind the SWAT Kats. They eyed the pods the pair set down on the ground but had no time to ask what they were as Feral had completed his message and was handing it off to Felina which she placed in her basket.
“Off you go and luck be with you two,” Feral said.
The two nodded and hurried out to complete their mission.
“Hope our people are shopping today or our plans will go up in smoke,” Razor said worriedly.
“Wish we dared to send a small missile to Ms. Briggs,” T-Bone grumbled as he too laid his load down then sat.
“Yeah, that would have been the easiest way but also too chancy,” Feral agreed gloomily.
“Alright, so…,” Razor said, getting their attention, pushing away the worrisome subject and gestured for a seed pod marked with an M on it, and T-Bone handed it up to him. “…here we have these big seed pods I found growing in the forest. Since the poor don’t have glass, I had to substitute these for making all my new ammunition that can be used with bow and arrows. This one is marked with an M for Molotov Bombs. It took a lot of experimenting to find a way to make a slow burning wick to set off the alcohol, but I succeeded. These are for causing confusion, panic, and, hopefully, lots of fires within the castle courtyard,” Razor said with pride.
They were a yellow-brown color and about six inches long with a hole cut in one end and a wick stuffed in the hole. The one he held made a sloshing sound.
“The seed pods were also useful for making many other types of bombs.” He handed the one he was holding to one of the knights so they could have a closer look at it then had his partner hand up two more pods. These had an S and M respectively on them.
“This is a sulfur bomb and this one is mustard gas. Both will spread a foul smelling gas that will blind and make the soldiers ill, plus, hopefully, do the same to the trolls. Not knowing their physiology, I can’t be certain. If we have our sharp shooters fire arrows at the dragons, they will instinctually try to fry them with their fiery breath and, when they do, it will cause it to blow up in their face. It might not kill them, but it will distract them.”
Those from the future made appreciative noises and nods of their heads, but the Queen was confused. “Sulfur I know about but what is this mustard gas?”
“A very nasty chemical that is released in the air. It causes vomiting and burning eyes and lungs. Was used in one of our wars, my Queen. I would warn you not to get this on yourselves or breath it in, which is why I suggest this be our first line of defense before charging into the castle and our best defense against the dragons,” Razor told her.
The Queen’s eyebrows rose, her eyes reflecting keen interest in these new weapons. But, her hopes were dashed by Razor’s next words.
“I won’t show you how to make it, and I would appreciate you not allowing anyone to attempt making it, my Queen.” Razor guessed what she was thinking.
“Why?” she asked, surprised.
“Because it could have a catastrophic effect on the future, something we’ve worked hard to prevent since we were dumped here.”
“Ahh, I see. Thee are right to be concerned, and I promise to obey your stricture, Sir Razor,” the Queen agreed, her face grave.
Razor bowed his head in thanks then continued his briefing.
“And, here is the last of my pod weapons…” He reached down for the last one that T-Bone handed him, marked by an F. “…this one is what I’m hoping will take out the dragons permanently. Again, using our sharp shooters, I want them to aim these at the dragon’s open mouth. It should either incapacitate or kill the beasts. Unfortunately, I don’t know if it will work or not, but I don’t have anything else we can try.”
“That will be most dangerous work, Sir Razor, as the beasts will be firing flames at us as we aim,” one of the Queen’s knights spoke for the first time, his tone doubtful.
“Yes, I know, but the whole mission will fail if we don’t find a way to get the dragons out of the picture. I’ll be right there with the sharp shooters doing my part,” Razor assured him.
“Tis possible this battle might be ended before started if the dragons aren’t rid of, sir knight,” the first knight said doubtfully.
“Peace, Sir Gregory. I will use my magic to increase the potency of all of Sir Razor’s weapons and pray to our Goddess that it twill be enough to vanquish our enemies,” Queen Callista interrupted, wanting to keep the conversation positive.
The knights bowed their heads and accepted that their courage and skill plus the strangers’ weapons would have to be enough to win the day, otherwise their knighthood would be called into question and none was willing to risk that.
Continuing on, Razor suggested some modern methods of fighting that might help them beat the serious odds against them. “The first thing we should do is fire our various gas and fire bombs over the walls and take out the wall guards. Next, T-Bone and I will use an explosive missile to blast the gates. That alright with you, my Queen?” Here, he paused and looked over at Callista for permission. He didn’t want to step on her royal toes when it came to her battle plan, which they didn’t know yet.
She eyed him thoughtfully, then nodded. “So far, I’m very pleased with thy plans, Sir Razor. Please continue.”
Razor nodded and knelt down to draw a diagram in the dirt. “I know it’s normal battle strategy to charge into a castle in a solid wave of troops, but I have a suggestion that would take out a larger number of the enemy troops much faster and save us valuable time. Take two strong ropes and, using eight of your most powerful soldiers… two at each end of each rope… hold it firmly at waist high.” He demonstrated with a string and T-Bone’s assistance, knocking a small number of rocks over.
“See… the first line going into the gate will be these eight soldiers with their ropes. Right behind them will be the bowman. The first line rushes in and takes out all the soldiers they can, using the ropes to knock them off their feet. The second line then fires their homemade bombs at all the bigger targets; the dragons and trolls. The rest of us will then be able to charge in behind them once the main force is dealt with. While the confusion goes on at the gate, a small detachment consisting of T-Bone, Feral, Felina, four Enforcers, you, my Queen, your guard and I, will peel off and try and slip through, heading for the courtyard where the Pastmaster will be. Hopefully, my weapons will take out the force surrounding the courtyard while you, my Queen, deal with the magic the Pastmaster is conjuring. T-Bone, Feral, Felina and I will go after Ms. Briggs, the book and the watch if we can. What do you think?” he asked the knights and the Queen.
Callista had a thoughtful expression while a few of her knights frowned at him in disbelief. But, when their leader did not immediately object, they thought about it more and were forced to agree the plan was well thought out and had a fair chance of success.
Sir Gregory, her first knight and right hand adviser, however, was much more enthusiastic. “I say, that’s a fantastic idea and one I wished we’d thought of before. Wouldst have saved more soldiers that way.”
Razor sighed with relief. He really wasn’t that up on medieval fighting but thought this maneuver was simple enough to be of great use and was glad they agreed.
“Well that’s all I have. Hope it tips the balance of power for us all,” he said humbly.
“I believe thee has given us more hope of success, Sir Razor,” Sir Gregory said solemnly.
Razor could only blush at the compliment.
“I agree,” Callista said, smiling. “Now, before time slips away from us, thy should go and make more of these unusual weapons, Sir Razor.” Then turned to her first knight. “Sir Gregory, please have our troops rest and brief them on what to expect tonight. Select those eight soldiers for the task Sir Razor has mentioned and pick our finest archers for the first line,” she ordered.
“At once, your majesty,” Sir Gregory said, giving her a quick nod of his head then hurrying out with the rest of the knights following him.
“Let’s get busy then, SWAT Kat,” Feral said, getting to his feet and preparing to leave.
“Hey, I just realized something – we didn’t set a time for those at the castle to send the message for me,” T-Bone suddenly exclaimed, jumping to his feet.
“Crud! You’re right. Well how are we going to tell them now?” Razor asked, dismayed.
“Kat’s Alive! I should have thought about that myself. Sorry. I’ll have to go find Felina and Morgan and pray they haven’t found our people yet or we’re sunk,” Feral growled, annoyed with himself. “Please excuse me, your majesty.”
“Of course, Sir Feral. I pray you are in time.”
Feral nodded and hurried out of the tent at a run. He ran to his sleeping place and quickly changed clothes then ran to the far end where the Queen’s horses were kept. He described his mission to Sir Gregory, who quickly insured he was given a horse that could carry more than one on its back.
Nodding his thanks, Feral walked the horse to the waterfall entrance and spoke with the guard. Since it was daylight, getting out this way was nearly impossible because of all the people that visited the pool at this time of day.
“Is the coast clear?” he asked of the guard.
The guard, one of Morgan’s people, cautiously peered out through a portion of the falls they’d discovered no one could see them through and then studied the lay of the land. Minutes passed, and Feral was getting anxious, time was flying. Then the guard stepped back from the peep hole.
“Now, sir. No one is near the left side, so slip that way and appear as if you’d just arrived in the area,” he advised the Commander.
Relieved, Feral quickly mounted his horse and ducked through the falls. Veering sharply to the left, he let the horse pick a safe way down the embankment that was hidden by an old willow tree sticking out over the water near that side of the falls, effectively hiding them from anyone on the other side of the pond.
Only minutes later, he was able to skirt around the falls and travel further downriver, without being spotted as a peasant couldn’t risk being seen riding a war horse, before crossing then galloping into the trees heading toward the village. Reaching their favorite hiding area near the castle, a high hedge that went a mile in either direction down one side of the castle wall, he dismounted and tied the horse at the base of a tree they used to get over the hedge. It placidly began eating grass.
Using his claws, he climbed the old oak tree until he reached the many thick limbs that passed over the top of the hedge. It was a ten foot drop, but he did it easily. A short walk later and he was joining other people walking or driving their carts to market. Once there, it took him a nerve wracking thirty minutes to finally locate Felina and Morgan then another ten minutes to slowly approach them without actually looking like they were his targets.
Pretending to look at some swords at the blacksmith’s tent, Feral carefully moved closer to Felina, who was haggling for some fresh bread with the baker at the next stall over. Morgan wasn’t exactly with her, but he wasn’t far. Feral had spotted him over at the basket weaver’s stall. They traded meaningful looks before Feral returned his attention to his niece.
Concerned and worried about why Feral was there, Morgan worked his way back to Felina’s opposite side.
“Say, missus,” Feral hailed her softly.
Felina turned her head slightly and eyed him questioningly, pretending she didn’t know him. “Yes, sir?”
“Have you met the others?”
“No sir.”
Feral sighed with relief. “Here, I have a message for thee.”
Surprised, Felina moved her paw under her basket and reached for the note her uncle passed to her then leaned close as if she were imparting something personal.
“What’s wrong?” she whispered.
“We forgot something important. Read the note, I’ve got to go.” Feral moved off to pretend interest in a knife laid on a display table. He actually stopped and studied it, picking it up and admiring its weight and workmanship before setting it down and wandering off.
Thoroughly puzzled but not showing it, Felina moved off to a seller of meat and made some purchases while Morgan stayed close, acting as her guard. After making some other purchases, Felina pretended she was looking at things in her basket but was really reading the note her uncle had left.
Aahh… so that was the problem… surprised we forgot that, she thought, relieved it was caught in time. Morgan had leaned close and had read the note as well. He rolled his eyes at the she-kat, and she just shrugged.
They went off again, meandering the market and finally, only ten minutes later, they spotted one of the Pastmaster’s guards walking with a group of three females and one male. They looked tired and dispirited as they headed toward the stalls selling vegetables and meat. The guard wore a bored look on his face as he walked beside the male, who was rolling an empty cart that was to hold the purchases of the females.
This was an even better opportunity than they’d hoped. Morgan made a hand signal, and Felina barely nodded her head in acknowledgment. She went off to follow the she-kats while Morgan went to get closer to the male and the guards. He managed to find a way to block the guards’ view of the she-kats, allowing Felina to pass the notes.
Reaching a table filled with pumpkins and other forms of squash, Felina managed to maneuver herself close. She picked a big pumpkin up and pretended to study it. “Excuse me, but have you found any pizza here?” she murmured quietly to the blond haired, orange furred, older female.
The female sucked in a breath, showing she knew what that item was, which no one here in this time would. She was so surprised she had to halt herself from whipping her head toward the one next to her. Swallowing her fear and excitement, she stuttered, “O-o-only at home.”
“Good to know. Pretend we’re talking about food,” Felina instructed, lowering the pumpkin and picking up some squash. The female immediately began picking through the food and putting some in her basket. The other two she-kats crowded closer ,hiding the two while listening closely themselves. Felina chose that moment to put the notes in the female’s basket.
“Listen closely!,” Felina said, softly. “Get word to everyone immediately. Tonight, you’ll be free but your help is required to succeed. Don’t fail us or none of us will go home again.” Picking a few more of the vegetables to add to her basket then turning to the seller who’d just come to their side, she paid with some jerky then turned away and walked off.
Trembling a little, the blond she-kat carefully fetched the precious notes out of her basket and, with her fellow she-kats hiding her movements, she hid them in her bodice. Excited, but hiding it, she and her companions quickly finished their shopping with more speed and enthusiasm so they could return to the castle and pass this exciting news to the others, all the while their hearts hammered with fear and joy.
With her mission completed, Felina wanted nothing more than to hurry out of here but knew she couldn’t risk it. Looking around casually, she noticed her uncle was already gone. Morgan stood near the entrance of the market, pretending to be just hanging about. She gave him a prearranged signal which sent him casually walking away from the market. She waited for a count of a hundred then did the same, hefting her basket and looking like she was tired and in a hurry to get home.
She managed to leave the market without being bothered… for once… and made it to the hedge unseen. Morgan was already in the tree and reached down to take her basket, leaving her to climb up on her own, then the two of them climbed down where her uncle waited for them.
Not saying anything, the three climbed aboard the war horse. Feral kicked it into a fast trot, heading it back to their hidden home.
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