Chapter 13: They CAN'T Be Serious!

The march into Fort Grant continues. See Chapter 12 for the beginning of this story posted 25 July 1899/2009. Enlarge photos by clicking on them.


Colonel Blackeney with his Berkshires, 66th. Foot, pass in review before General Pettygree, Lt. Colonel Preece, 10th. Hussars, and Major Mitchell, ADC to the general.


The Berkshires continue crossing the ford.


They begin entering Fort Grant's main gate. Rain begins to fall on the Imperials.


The Seaforth Highlanders approach the ford. The Seaforths are on loan from Der Alte Fritz.


Rear view of the column from the rise in ground crossed in Chapter 12.


Meanwhile far beyond the rise in ground the Column passed over, an inscrutable foe assembles in a depression below what was thought to be an unscaleable ridge.


Close up of the familiar foe.


On the far left is "The General" with Chota to his right brandishing his pick axe. Chota is son to "The Guru." The General: "Now is the time to attack Chota."


They rush toward Kotar Village and the Column's rear.


They begin to break through the trees and pass over the crest of the rise in ground. The ridge they descended is at the top of the photo, their assembly area in a depression immediately below.


Someone in the rear guard exclaims, "There, NOW DO YOU believe me? I thought I saw the glint of metal an hour ago on the ridge!"


Moments later the Bombay Miners and Sappers redeploy, bring back their own reserve and are joined by the Seaforth company previously assigned to screening duties - posting itself atop a building. (See previous chapter.)


And now...?


A Tug cannon fires and the charge begins! There will be trouble! The Column is bisected by the ford. The Berkshires and artillery have crossed the Kotar River. The Seaforths were about to cross. And....


Supply animals, handlers and bearers panic running to the ford. A wagon overturns, it's horse breaking free in a panic. The Scots stand firm like a rock at the seashore, allowing waves of frightened civilians to wash around them. General Pettygree spurs Express into and beyond the ford followed by his escort. As the general tries to interpenetrate routing people and animals, he shouts to the Seaforth Colonel. "They CAN'T be serious! March to the sound of gunfire Colonel -- and hurry!"


Confusion and disorder wash around the Imperials. The escort Troop of 10th. Hussars can't make progress following General Pettygree. The Scots about turn. What is happening in the distance? The smoke of gunfire tells part of the story. Return next time for the rest of the story.
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Remarks:

• The campaign has now begun. Thanks to Rob who suggested this kind of surprise.
• See Chapter 12 posted 25 July for events of the same day but preceding the above action.
• A dynamic of Colonial tabletop gaming is a different form of fun anxiety on the part of both sides. The foe moves fast and usually outnumbers the smaller Imperial force. Can modern weapons make up those differences? Sometimes. Colonial gaming offers a unique form of entertaining tension - for all sides.
• The above was a solo game of two nights.
• Comments welcome below. Click on Comments. You may need to identify yourself as anonymous before being able to write your remarks.

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