More Tales of Ol' W.J.

17 May 1881

Another week and three more dead herbivorous reptiles. W.J. Struthers III, our overbred and overpaid civilian 'guest' was bragging about how he shot all three "on the run." However, Sergeant McKay of the dragoons was out on a patrol and he said the stegosauruses were calmly eating swampweed when he killed them. The stegos just looked at him as he approached to within thirty feet before he shot. The funny part was when Ol' W.J fell in the muddy swamp water, and got soaked from head to foot as a stego charged him because he was creeping up on one of her three hatchlings. Just like one of our longhorns back home! As he was telling the story, McKay's face was contorted in an amazingly accurate caricature of Struther's ugly mug. Sergeant Garcia spit the beer he was drinking across the room at the sight, drenching Sergeant Mendoza. Continuing the story, Sergeant McKay said Ol' W.J. was running for dear life as the mom's spiked tail was swinging dangerously close to him. W.J.'s men were running for their lives as well, except for the cook who was just watching the show from a safe and sensible distance.

On a more serious note, this week Doctor Palmer and Caruthers uncovered a coffin elaborately decorated with artwork showing the life of its owner. On the walls there was also pictures and more of the strange writing. The crypt under the temple had four guardians idnetical to the ones in teh upper temple, but on a smaller scale as they were only six feet in height. No one has moved the coffin yet, as the explorers were all searching for traps on it. Crypts and temples like this one back on Earth are often full of many nasty devices that have killed many would-be thieves and explorers.

Well, it is time to hit the Mess for dinner, a fine cigar, and hopefully some more funny stories about Ol' W.J.

The Rainy Season Ends

10 May 1881

The addition of bricks to the main building is definitely a fine sight to see. I think Corporal O’Hara and his crew have done a great job on their masonry work as well as keeping the steam generated machines running in an efficient manner. The roads are also taking shape as the rainy season has finally ended and we are just receiving the daily drizzle. The sub-base and stone roads are taking shape as I envision us someday connecting our fort with Camp Trafalgar. The Limeys are talking of building a railroad to link the two camps already and are expecting to get approval from London. I cannot imagine how many troops we would lose in building the railroad as the landscape is still unknown in many aspects and the terrain is something difficult to venture across (except by dirigible).

Seaman 1st Class Johansson has been away from his sawmill duties this week as he has been gallivanting across the sky in the Orca with the officers and also W.J. Struthers himself. If the Orca loses steam I am sure we can use Old W.J. as a power source as his tales of grandeur are never ending. The officers still hear his tales continually as they are forced to eat with him on a daily basis. This is one of those times I am grateful I am not an officer and would have to be polite to someone of Old W.J.’s stature.

W.J. Struthers III has shot four different species of dinosaurs / reptiles this week and has already had their hides treated in the sun. Not one of the species is hostile in the least, and I cannot believe he shot a Grillag to mount on his wall. That would be like shooting a longhorn and mounting its head on your wall. His men are very skilled and his cook is an exquisite baker and definitely gives Sergeant Thibodeaux a run for his money in his ability to turn out a meal. The difference is Sergeant Thibodeaux cooks meals for a whole battalion and Mr. Kinsley only cooks for small groups of people. Plus, I would never tell Sergeant Thibodeaux that someone can cook better then him. Besides reducing my rations, he would probably put one of those Cajun curses on me.

The temple has been quite amazing as Doctors Caruthers and Palmer say they have uncovered a few new artifacts from the antechamber on the north end and believe they have found an entrance to a crypt.

I am hoping to receive word form my oldest boy Ian, but I do not expect much as he is in fish camp at Gannon Military Institute for the next two months and his freshman year will be quite long and difficult. Enough for now. Time for a cigar and a walk to the mess.

Tales of Delusion

03 May 1881

Wow, what a week we have had! Between the ever boisterous noises of self promotion from the Honorable W.J. Struthers III it is amazing anyone else is able to talk. His clothes are very extravagant and do not seem very useful for spending any length of time in the field. He wears a necklace full of different teeth of animals; the biggest set of teeth he claims came from a Sasquatch in the Oregon Territory of the United States. He says he stalked the 8 foot tall beast for six days after it had killed two of his fellow adventurers. On the morning of the sixth day he shot the beast from a distance of half a mile. He says the beast turned toward him and started running a full gait and seemed to be unaffected by the gunshot of his trusty Sharps .45-70 rifle. At this point in his tall tale I started to snicker and managed to hide it in a loud cough as our new commanding officer Lieutenant Soto gave me the look to control myself. I glanced at RSM Taggart and I thought he was going to burst at the seams. In the end of the story our weaver of tales said he killed the towering beast with a slash to its neck with his trusty Bowie knife. The man definitely has a way of words and is a great public speaker but I could take no more as I would have soiled my pants if I would have stayed longer. I asked Lieutenant Soto if the NCOs could leave as we had to make rounds and double check our men and the camp to ensure we werwe ready for the expected storms tomorrow. RSM Taggart followed suit and his men left as well. Once we got outside and into the NCO mess the laughter from my fellow NCOs was uncontrollable. Sergeant Manuel McKay of the green leg dragoons does a great impersonation of the Honorable W.J Struthers III and he kept us laughing for days as he would recite the tale. Of course this was all done in the confines of the NCO mess as it would be bad examples of leadership to openly joke in front of the men.

The Dragoons have made several mounted patrols and have the best of equipment. You can definitely tell the cavalry and all supporting units attached to them get most of the military’s budget. They are very professional and seem to carry out there duties to with the greatest attention to the surroundings. It did take them a little bit to get use to the Pachysaurs as riding an upright, bipedal lizard is quite different from riding a horse or camel. Well, it is time to get some dinner and Lady V is moaning as she is hungry as well.

Visitors New and Old

26 April 1881

The RTS Santa Fe battle group arrived once more today after five weeks. We received some expected and unexpected guests. We had the pleasure of receiving new marines as well: Lieutenant Miguel Soto, Colour Sergeant Michael Standowski and Corporal Fredrick O’Hara.

Lieutenant Soto is our new commanding officer and Mr. Griggs is taking the executive officer billet, as well as command of Second Platoon. Mr. Soto is a Naval Academy class of ’77 with two years in grade as a lieutenant, which will put him as the third-highest ranking officer on camp as he is senior to the Army lieutenants. He is from Los Pines, Sonora Province.

Colour Sergeant Michael Standowski and I go way back as we were corporals together (his second time at being a Corporal) but he always seemed to get into trouble and I think has been busted twice. Once was an altercation with the RSM’s daughter and the last was striking an officer. He is an experienced boxer, with the nose to prove it. He was the All Pacific Fleet Champion when we were stationed in Guayamas Naval Base, but that was twelve years ago and these days he has calmed down and is assuming the role of platoon sergeant for Second Platoon. For the record, he is still the biggest man I have ever seen in a Marine uniform. He is all of 6’8” in his stocking feet, and weighs a good 300 lbs; he stands a good seven inches over my head.

Corporal O’Hara is new to me as well but Colour Standowski says he is the best maintenance NCO he has ever seen. Seems Corporal O’Hara has a knack for anything mechanical and also works as a brick mason. So his squad will be performing maintenance and masonry/rough carpentry work as needed. We are now officially a company of Marines and should not expect any further growth for a while.

The Army battalion received another officer as well, one Subaltern Williams. As we get new officers fresh from school, Mr. Griggs keeps smiling because he outranks all of the other subalterns on Venus. The Army also received a troop of dragoons, the infamous "green legs." As mounted infantry they will ride the Pachysaurs on patrols but are by no means 'real' cavalry. The dragoons act as the infantry attached to cavalry and camelry units. The Square did not want to part with any of their precious cavalry, so sent the dragoons instead. It will be interesting to see how they get along with the black and red legs. Subaltern Williams graduated just three months ago, and had just finished Camelry School before volunteering for this assignment.

On the strange side of the house, we have the dubious pleasure of the appearance of the famous big game hunter, Mr. William Jameson Struthers III. He is an arrogant but very rich man, because his family owns the Struthers Ranch, the biggest ranch in the Chihuahua Province. And if you didn't know, he'll be the first to tell you about it. He had enough money and influence to hitch a ride on the Santa Fe, carting along five servants and more luggage than an entire squad of Marines. His money has put him in the guest quarters, while his servants will sleep in the junior enlisted berthing with the Army.

Struthers spends all of his time sipping martinis, complaining about the accomodations here on Venus, and shooting game for sport. He claims to be the best shot in the entire world, claiming to have killed a lion running full speed at five hundred yards. He seems to be not much more than a huge bag of hot air. The man even wears a monocle! Maybe we should introduce him to the Orca!

Struthers even has two pet news reporters with him, "to record his astonishing adventures on Venus," as one of the fawning idiots phrased it. One is from the Guayamas Gazette and the other from the Williamsburg World. I hope they last longer than the one who disappeared in the jungle two months ago. He got swallowed up so fast, I can't even recall his name. You should have seen the looks on the two scribblers' faces when I told them about that! I'll bet they won't set foot outside the walls of Fort Humid until it's time to go back to Earth.

Chief O’Malley was as jolly as ever and hand delivered some fine Sonoran wine to Father Flannigan for Sunday Mass.

Forty Five Years in the making.

21 April 1881

Although today is a Tuesday, we have taken the day off to celebrate San Jacinto Day. Yes, it was only 45 years ago today that we defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto. The few survivors left from the battle will march in a parade in the capital today, followed by a massive barbecue luncheon at the site of the battle. We saluted with our two artillery pieces today, firing blank charges into the air at noon. Father Flannigan gave a wonderful speech after his special blessing of the food. I do not think I would be able to swallow another bite as I am full from smoked Grillag and sausage. Plus, the men had a fun game of rugby and there was a double ration of ale for the day's feast. Needless to say, there was a lot of rather bawdy singing going on.

About half of the men have relatives that fought in the war, including Corporal Redfeather, whose grandfather was a scout for President (then General of the Armies) Sam Houston. A good deal of the men are recent immigrants and first generation Texicans. My grandfather had not yet immigrated to Texas and was still in the Royal Navy at the time of the battle.

Well, I am headed to bed and calling it a day. Happy Birthday Texas.

Rainy Days Again

19 April 1881

Another week down and another week of work completed. All is well here besides the endless supply of rain. I would love to be in weather forecasting on this planet! I imagine it would go something like this: “Today it rained, with the sun making it hot and humid in the morning, followed by more afternoon rain and a little rain through tonight. Tomorrow we shall expect more misty rain, followed by sunshine, except during the occasional sudden downpour of torrential rain, to be followed by alternating rain and sun through out the day.” I would love to have a day that my boots did not get soaked. I am just glad we were issued three pair for this assignment. The black legs have two cobblers who are constantly working on repairing our boots.

Corporal Redfeather is doing a wonderful job. His discovery of the clay pits has kept his kiln ever so busy with the task of making bricks. Major Higgins has requested to have the battalion’s Headquarters Building reinforced with brick. Mr. Griggs tried his best to overturn the major, but they "flipped for it"* and three moons beats one every time. So Corporal Mendoza and his crew will lay the brick around the HQ, while Corporal Redfeather's crew is working on roads and more bricks.

The RTS Santa Fe battle group is expected to return next week with more provisions and probably more black legs. It will be nice to receive mail as I am waiting to see if my oldest wrote me. He graduates high school next Friday, and the following day will pack up and head to Gannon’s Fish Camp. I am keeping this short today and will write more later; RSM Taggart and I are up for a game of chess and cigars.

[*"Flip you for it": A term used in jest as a poker move. All in attendance will cover up their rank with the right hand and when the hand is removed, the one with the highest rank showing wins. Of course, the highest ranking man in the group always wins. For example: "Mr. Griggs I understand your concern. I am a gambling man, so I will 'flip you for it' and whoever has the highest hand wins.” Both men cover their ranks and the major looks down at his shoulder. “Well, Subaltern Griggs, it looks as if I have the highest hand, so I win. Again. Now, about these walls I want built…” ]

Our First Easter on the Veiled Planet

12 April 1881

Today was a beautiful day for our first Easter on the Veiled Planet. Both reporters wrote stories of reflection and took pictures of the occasion. Father Flannigan was right on once more and his service was in the open outside of the chapel. We had two men this morning convert to Catholicism. As they were baptized it was quite a pleasant occasion. The sun even came out for a few hours in the morning, before returning behind the neverending clouds. Miracle enough for most of us! Father Flannigan said every Sunday’s worship service should have this turnout and told everyone they needed to worship every day and just not on Christmas and Easter. If the men listen to Father Flannigan and start attending we will have to build another, larger chapel.

The cross for the outside service was assembled in secret by one of my Marines (we think - Father Flannigan isn't talking), though no one took credit. The mystery woodworker also carved a Jesus out of the face of the wood and I was amazed at the skills of whoever built it. I have my suspicions but I would not single anyone out. Father Flannigan thanked us for the altar and the crucifix.

We followed up Holy Services with a big lunch of flounder, Venusian alligator and grillag. Sergeant Thibodeaux and his cooks out did themselves once again. I swear they are using off-world spices but they say they have been using only what has been found here at the foothills and in the swamps. We all shared in wine and ale with our meal and it was quite a joyous day.

The officers went exploring in our dirigible the Orca once again, this time to the west over the ocean and north into the highlands. Seaman 1st Class Johansson was exhausted from his trip and crashed early. God Bless this wonderful day, as it is time for us to hit the rack once more, I just have to take Lady V for her evening walk as I do not want her to make a mess in my hut.

Weapon Qualifications

11 April 1881

Yesterday we had our bi-annual small arms qualifications as required by regulations for all Republic Marines. Everyone qualified on the standard issue Martini Henry and NCOs holding the rank of corporal and above had to qualify with both the Martini Henry Rifle and 1877 Colt Dragoon. Like always, I earned a "Sharpshooter" qualification. I just can not seem to qualify as an "Expert" (Order of precedence: Marksman, Sharpshooter and Expert). Mr. Griggs qualified "Expert" and shot range perfect on the pistol. He almost beat Lance Corporal Jones (not to be confused with Private Jones or Corporal Jones) with the rifle. After we qualified and met our requirements, Major Higgins challenged us to a shoot-off with the enlisted shooting Martinis and the officers shooting the Dragoons. Lance Corporal Jones as always blew the competition away and Subaltern Griggs outmatched all of the Army officers, with Captain Lamar coming in second by seven bull’s-eyes. I am not surprised by the results, as Marines pride ourselves on our shooting; after all we are all still infantry first and engineers second. It also helps to have Mr. Griggs on our team, as he was on the Naval Academy's shooting team. Petty Officer 3rd Class Valen was on hand to document the event and even used his new subminiature camera box to capture the event. It is amazing to see the advances in technology as I would have never thought a box camera could fit in your hand.

The temple added more to the mystery this week as Doctors Carruthers and Palmer found another hidden door in the antechamber leading north towards the Highlands. It seems as though they were pressing the stones that moved and found the correct combination. As the door opened the Guardian on the West wall turned his head north and his upper torso shifted as well where the spear tip faced the corridor. I am not getting anywhere near that temple below ground as it always feels evil to me. Lady V will not go down the stairs either and I trust her instincts as animals seem to be able to sense things better than us humans.

Next week we will be playing Rugby against the Brits. The Army's Blacklegs team will go first, taking on their 24th Regiment's team, and then we will play the British engineers the following week. It is nice to have these challenges as it helps to pass the time and get the men’s attentions focused away from the strains of life for a short period of time.

Mr. Griggs confirmed that he will be assuming the Executive Officer role when the RTS Santa Fe battle group returns. We are expecting another squad of Marines to arrive, making it six squads and two platoons, with a colour sergeant as well. Sergeants Garcia and Cromwell will stay as the platoon sergeants and the new colour sergeant will be the company sergeant. No word as yet who the new lieutenant or captain will be. Mr. Griggs is not down in the mouth at all, but is actually looking forward to the change as we will have an officer of higher rank to represent us. Mr. Griggs has come a long way in our time on Venus, and though he still has a ways to go, he has learned to trust the judgement of his senior NCOs.


[Editor's Note: The 1877 Colt Single Action Dragoon revolver in .45 long caliber was the standard issue military side arm for the Republic Military in 1881. The design proved quite popular overseas as well, and was exported to both the United Kingdom and the United States in large quantities. All of the former 1860 Colt Single Action Dragoon revolvers in .44 caliber were either sent to the Yucatan Republic or remained with the Republic Militia Forces. All enlisted men and NCOs are armed with the current service rifle or carbine, depending on service branch. Officers are armed with sword and revolver, and NCOs may carry a revolver as well. Cavalry troopers often carry non-standard issue pistols as back-up to their sabers for mounted combat. The only exception is the Medical Corps, members of which carry pistols only.]

First Man Returned to Earth

05 April ….

Private Wells was transported to Camp Trafalgar aboard our dirigible, Orca, with further transportation to Earth to be carried out aboard the HMS Fitzgerald. It will be another week at least until the RTS Santa Fe is expected to return, and we needed to send Wells back for better treatment than we can deliver on Venus. The other two men, Privates Johnson and Kelley, will return to duty tomorrow, although on a limited status. I just hope this is the last of the deaths and injuries we receive but that would be naïve of me to truly believe. RSM Taggart is feeling more comfortable, as he is almost at full regulation battalion strength and is more than happy his men are returning to duty. All three privates will receive the notorious "bloody slash."

Corporal Mendoza and crew returned back to Fort Humid to build additional water tanks and windmills in which to utilize the water from the wells they have been drilling these past two months. We currently only have two tanks and two windmills, and after their construction project is complete we should have an additional three around the fort's interior. Sergeants Garcia and Cromwell have also been building additional chariots on their spare time, as there are plans to utilize them once the new roads are built. Corporal Jones is still working on the new warehouse and is approximately 90% complete. Corporal Redfeather is working on the brick kiln and intends to send a small aerial patrol further north to find an gravel pit and hopefully a quarry. They will first utilize the Orca piloted by Seaman 1st Johannson, and if they spot a potential site will then send a mounted patrol north. We are still only using mounted patrols as we are better to maneuver from those fast dinos.

RSM Taggart and I talked about our boys and also about the anticipation and speculations of what they will face as fish at G.M.I (Gannon Military Institute). We talked of our time in the service, as we both joined as soon as we were out of school at the tender age of sixteen. Both of us completed school because our dads were both serving as career NCOs in the Republic military. It runs in the family, I suppose. It's still rather unusual, because most men do not graduate from school as the Republic is still very rural. Only about three out of ten men continue past the 6th grade. Petty Officer 3rd Class Valen, our resident Alamo Gazette combat journalist, has still been writing on the troops and Mr. Griggs. I'm looking forward to seeing what he has written about us, as only the officers have been permitted to read the drafts he is sending home. We grunts will just have to wait for a paper to make its way back to us.

Mr. Griggs will have one year in grade come May and will be very happy to start his second year as a subaltern. If we receive more troops, it is very likely we will receive another officer of lieutenant grade and Mr. Griggs will be forced to take on the position of executive, rather than commanding, officer. I think it will be difficult for him to step down in position, as these last seven months he has been in charge of us. We will also receive a colour sergeant as well if that happens. I would be happy to have Garcia promoted, as I am impressed with his performance here on Venus, but he does not have enough time in grade yet. He has only been a sergeant for one year and must at least have two more years in grade before he is eligible for promotion. (This should not be a problem for any of us, since we are the 1% of the Republic Marines who are serving off Earth). Well, I'm off the NCO Mess for dinner and a cigar.

[Editors Note: Wound Stripe (aka the Bloody Slash): For receiving an enemy-inflicted wound in battle, a member of the Republic’s armed forces is eligible to receive a Wound Stripe. This takes the form of a red ribbon, four inches in length, one half inch wide, with the location of the battle in gold on the ribbon. The ribbon is sewn diagonally at a 45-degree angle above the cuff on the left sleeve. Multiple awards are possible; additional ribbons are sewn above the first.]

Healing Wounds

29 March ….

This has been another long week, as construction, storms and the ongoing heightened awareness of the Hun is still driving us to keep our patrols and defenses manned at 100%. Private Wells is still alive, but has been unconscious with fever. The other two men are doing well but are still on bed rest. Doc Armstrong says if all continues to go well with their recovery, the wounded men, excluding Private Wells, will be back to work in another week. Wells is going to be day-to-day on his recovery for at least a month, or until the RTS Santa Fe battlegroup returns. Then he will be transported back to Earth for further treatment in better-equipped hospitals. Camp Trafalgar’s doctors came to assist Monday and provided some homegrown remedies they have found here on Venus. There is a blue colored powder derived from a berry plant's leaves that they use for a pain reliever that works quite well. It is amazing how different plants have different effects on alien planets.

Corporal Redfeather’s crew began construction on a brick kiln so he can make proper roads with bricks, as we have not found a gravel pit or rock quarry as of yet. Corporal Jones keeps piling the lumber up to dry (which is always a chore on rainy Venus). He has almost filled the open warehouse to the roof and will actually stop work at the sawmill next week in order to construct another covered warehouse for storage. Corporal Mendoza’s water well crew is making repairs as they hit some hard rock just north of the Aetherpad.

Sergeant Garcia and Sergeant Cromwell surprised me at the NCO club yesterday with a roast. Seems it has been ten years of years of service under my command when they were raw recruits and nine years since I pulled them through those moist Yucatan rainforests all those years ago. We were part of the first offensive during the Yucatan Conflict and the Frogs and Mexicans were not expecting an attack so far from the border. The Republic of Yucatan is now one of our closest allies, closer, in fact than any nation other than Great Britain. All of the NCOs took a part in the jest and it was quite a pleasant evening. The toast was also premature as it has almost been eighteen years since I enlisted in the service of the Republic.

[Editors Note: The Republic of Yucatan extends south-west with Villahermosa as the border city extending down to Guatemala. The capital is in Campeche and is fortified from the sea. The Republic of Texas and Great Britain recognized them as an independent country in 1874.]

Dino Attack

22 March …

This week was quite sad and today we had the funeral of Army Privates Stan Durant and Gary Jenkins, both from Chihuahua Province. They were on patrol to the east of Fort Humid when the squad was attacked by five dinos that were about six feet in height, bipedal and attacked in unison. It was brutally quick as we have two dead and three seriously injured. Private Wells has lost his left arm, and we are prayerful that he doesn't get infected as so many wounds here do. The squad managed to kill two of them and the other three ran off.

They were very lucky as no sooner than they left the site of the first attack, there was a sound in the jungle of a massive animal moving at high speed, crashing through the underbrush. As the squad turned back toward camp, a much larger dino, standing about nine to ten feet in height, barred their path. It had a terrible growl that we could barely hear all the way back at the Fort. RSM Taggart himself assembled a squad and led it toward the sound of gunshots and the dino growl. Taggart's squad arrived in time to see the dino put down by a volley of fire from the remaining patrol. He claims the dino is some sort of deinonychus. I think I spelled that correctly. Anyway, LT Armstrong and his herbalist assistants were ready for the returning squad and it is amazing at how quickly they worked. Father Flannigan was there as well, helping the medics and praying over the injured.

Major Lamar has the whole fort on alert and all patrols that left were mounted on Pachysaurs to utilize their speed in this environment. A mounted patrol returned from the site of the attack and said nothing bigger than a chicken leg was left. We have not had an attack since we lost Private Simmons, so I guess we are lucky to a point, but it does not help the sadness we feel and the realization that we can not get comfortable in this environment.

On the brighter side of things, Corporal Redfeather’s squad is quite professional at horizontal construction and it is amazing at how well they have taken to the Triceratops. They managed to clear a lot of land in the past week. They will also expand the open perimeter from the fort an additional 200 yards. The Aetherpad is going to be a little bigger than the fort to handle the anticipated overflow of ships.

The temple is still a mystery (except how the door was open). Drs. Caruthers and Palmer have been documenting everything as usual and are still trying to decipher the dead language of the Lizard Men.

HMS Wellington

15 March ….

The HMS Wellington landed Thursday and it is immense! I cannot imagine any Hun vessel that could stand up to her. With her arrival, the RTS Santa Fe squadron departed for the Aether and Earth. The HMS Wellington brought a pleasant surprise for me, as they were carrying our additional draft of Republic Marine Engineers. We received a squad of road builders lead by Corporal Samuel Redfeather, a Caddo Texican from San Jacinto Province. He is from a long line of military scouts and is the first Marine in his family. He has a way with animals like Sergeant Garcia, and also is great at elevations with the naked eye. I was very happy to see him and I remember his smiling face while I was an instructor at the Basic Engineers Course near Nacogdoches. He seems to always smile but is very straightforward and to the point. He will be assigned to Sergeant Garcia, and will be working on clearing the Aetherpad and eventually improving our dirt roads as well as building proper new roads.

The news of the Hun has been tales of plunder and strict rule. There is also a rumor of the German troops killing all of the men who did not swear allegiance to the Kaiser in Neu Munchen on Mars. I wonder if they plan on an aggressive stance on Venus as well? I have looked at the rudimentary maps we have, and try to estimate the travel paths of the Hun if they chose to invade this continent. They would have to come by air, as I cannot imagine trying to sail the oceans on this planet. Our experiences fishing on the reef are scary enough to believe the tales of sea monsters that lurk beneath the surface.

With the arrival of the Wellington we have had a large number of visitors in the camp. Three ships from the HMS Wellington battle group landed here as there was no room at Camp Trafalgar for them - the Welly is that big!. We have a frigate and two gunships on our pad. All are quite new, not more than three years of age. The frigate’s hull is 25% liftwood, I had to see for myself as I have only heard of it but never got to see in person. The crew is quite pleasant and has even helped out around the camp. Sergeant Thibodaux was happy to have the help around the kitchen and got to trade some recipes with the ship's baker.

Corporal Gallegos has learned of RSM Taggart's boy and mine attending Gannon Military Institute next month and has written a story for the Alamo Gazette. I can only imagine what kind of attention that will bring our boys, especially during their first year as a fish. Sorry about that, son!

I think I will fetch Lady V, as she has been playing with those working dogs and maybe stop by the NCO mess to visit RSM Taggart.

[Editors Note: The Alamo Gazette is a military paper written and distributed around all of the Republic's military installations. The paper headquarters in Alamo Square, hence the background for the name. All reporters and staff of the paper are military personnel.]

No rest for the RTS Santa Fe

08 March ….

The RTS Santa Fe, Hammerhead and Mako are still here by request of Camp Trafalgar. Captain Franklin, RN, commanding the Santa Fe squadron, was more than willing to take a little time out of the Aether to patrol the region until the HMS Wellington battlegroup arrives. The Santa Fe will stay on the deck (as she is just a converted cargo ship with a limited weapons system) as the Hammerhead and Mako patrol the atmosphere in case of any attack by the Hun. It is a little unnerving to think of the seriousness of the situation, when all we can do is keep working, but there is tension around the camp. Some of the troops have started to bicker at each other as they start to get their minds prepared for what might lay in store. The HMS Wellington is a new battlecruiser and could wipe out our whole fleet in a single salvo. It will be a sight to see if she has the chance to land on the surface. It will probably be a year or two before the Republic could possibly build something like her - if we even bother.

In response to the growing fleet of ships, Mr. Griggs has ordered us to expand the Aetherpad and to start construction of a new site. Sergeant Garcia and Sergeant Cromwell will have to stretch their men even thinner to accomplish the mission. I was sure hoping to get additonal Marines last week, and all we got was the RA troops. I guess I should not complain, and I can understand the thinking of the brass at Alamo Square, but it sure makes us earn our money.

Father Flannigan sure has stepped up to the plate to do his part. Before he got “the Call” he was a corporal in Her Majesty's 88th Regiment of Foot (The Connaught Rangers). So he knows well the feelings of the troops on the ground and knows when one is complaining to hear himself or if it is something to take seriously. He has a way of inspiring us to do more in his talk and mannerisms as he walks around talking to all the troops, Catholic or not. He would make a wonderful Friar Tuck for our Merry Men.

Last week I had forgot to mention the arrival of Lieutenant Joseph Kowalski of San Jacinto Province, he is a red leg artillery officer with a good reputation for listening to the troops. I know he will make a great impact here at Fort Humid today and in the future. With three 2.5” guns and two 1” Gatlings, a lieutenant to take charge is very common. Subaltern Kern will serve as assistant Artillery Officer. This will probably be the limit of artillery officers, but I do expect to see at least another Infantry lieutenant and three subalterns.

I have not heard much about the temple as it has been overshadowed by the obvious. I have seen the combat correspondant from the Alamo Gazette, our military newspaper. His name is Corporal Marvin Gallegos, from Chihuahua Province. He is here to do a story on the Army at Fort Humid, but being a squid he has spent more time hanging around us and talking to Mr. Griggs and the NCOs then talking to Baby Pummel and Staff. Well, I must depart as it is getting late and I have been ordered to relax and have a pint.

News From Earth

01 March …..

The RTS Santa Fe, Hammerhead and Mako arrived this morning just after Father Flannigan's sermon about the rising of Lazarus. It was quite an encore to the sermon. Sgt. Thibedeaux cooked fish and chips for us, it being Lent and all. It seems he has found a green colored type of potato here on Venus. They are as big as eggplants and were found just north of us about half a mile from the Aether landing pad.

Chief O'Malley says he is getting used to the constant traveling between planets, saying they make life interesting and he swears he holds the record by a Texican for time spent in the Aether. We received mail from Earth, and my family is doing quite well. The boys are doing great and are ready - as usual - for school to let out. Ian is especially ready, as he reports to Gannon Military Institute in the fall semester and is also slated for their “fish camp” orientation course that starts a week after his high school graduation, the third week of April. I'm sorry I'll miss that, but the missus says not to worry, because she has a surprise in store for me in regards to that. I am now officially worried.

The black legs received another company of infantry and two 1” Colt Gatling gun crews as well. That means two additional officers, one Field Artillery (red leg) officer, Subaltern Alex R. Kern, and another black leg officer, Subaltern Reginald P. Smyth. The Army battalion is now up to 324, officers and other ranks. We did not receive any new Republic Marines, engineers or otherwise. We did, however, increase the amount of NCOs as the Army also received more corporals, sergeants, and colour sergeants.

President McCrae sent word to us via the Secretary of War that we will support the British Empire; however, we will not openly declare war to defend those egg-sucking Frenchies. We also need to prepare for any attempted attack on our territory or our British friends.

Well, the weekly input is short today. I have to get over to the Staff NCO Mess and enjoy some Texican Stout as promised by Chief O’Malley, who smuggled a barrel on board the Santa Fe for us poor parched boys here on Venus. The Chief's not a bad fellow, for an aether-sucking swabbie.

The Temple

22 February ….

Our British friends were impressed with our troops, fort and its fortifications. They visited the temple site as well and asked if we mind if they sent some British archaeologists to help with the exploration, as there are six on the planet. The British headed back to their colony on Tuesday. They departed one day too soon, it turns out.

This past Wednesday, Lady V and I were at the temple site when it experienced an amazing step in exploration. As always, Drs. Caruthers and Palmer were looking for an entrance into the temple when Lady V was playing with one of the military working dogs and accidentally triggered a door mechanism, opening the northern archway facing the highlands. As the door opened, there was a crashing sound, as if a boulder had fallen from hundreds of feet in the air. A cloud of green dust rose from the entrance and from four holes near the top of the pillars by the altar. I have to admit I was startled and did not know what to think; initially, I dropped to the deck and looked around the area for any movement. Lady V was unaffected and seemed to be amused by the sounds and commotion. The doctors were extremely excited and so was one of the reporters; he was last seen holding the bottom of his pants and walking into the woods. We never did figure out what got him, but he disappeared pretty thoroughly. No cloth left, no signs of a struggle - just gone. Good riddance, says I, except that I don't like that something can just disappear a fellow like that this close to our campsite. Anyway, I am sure history books will say how the doctors found the door mechanism through careful calculations and studied interpretation of the hieroglyphics. I know it was a puppy.

The doctors entered the chamber like excited schoolboys going into their first saloon, but I was by no means going to enter the temple at that moment. The doctors were in there only a few minutes before they came back outside with the remaining reporter in tow as they realized it might be helpful if they had some light. The rain that afternoon was light and constant, as it has been every day for the last three months, so there were no torches or lanterns present. Our policy is to leave the site well before dark, as the jungle is still very dangerous, and especially so when the evening predators are out stalking for food. So we all returned to the fort and called it a day. With much pleading from the two doctors, the Black Legs sent a squad to post watch that evening around the temple site.

Thursday morning, the doctors explored into the temple with the remaining reporter and with the officer community. There was only a tunnel that led down forty feet below the temple and an open chamber with another door on the northern wall, once more with four guardians similar to the ones topside. The door of course has no handle or windows and is inset in an archway. The walls are covered in hieroglyphs of assumed battles between the Lizardmen and the Parrotmen. I am only going by the tales I have heard from Mr. Griggs, and, of course, the rumors around camp are anything but far fetched. One of the stories around camp is that the four guardians are moving their heads, watching the explorers as they walk around the chamber. There is now a constant guard detail around the temple and most people have already forgotten that we are supposed to be preparing for an attack from the Hun.

I have not been able to return to the temple due to the preparation of the defenses, which have mostly been left to Lieutenant Landowski, Mr. Griggs, RSM Taggart and I. The cooks have been busy as well making Grillag jerky and salting or smoking fish and sausages. I am hoping when the RTS Santa Fe returns we receive a road crew so we can utilize Spot a little more efficiently. Sergeant Garcia’s men are doing a great job; however, they are carpenters and stonemasons, not road crews. The Black Legs are hoping for an additional 2.5” howitzer if not a 3” Whitworth cannon. But we will see what the War Department sees fit to send. I know Mr. Griggs has requested the road crew and some additional equipment. We still have our catapults ready to use, as we have found somewhat round boulders for ammo. Let’s hope we will not have to use either.

Visitors from the East

15 February ….

The Orca returned yesterday with serious news about our cousins from across the Atlantic. The Germans have refused to return the former French territories and the Kaiser's officials defiantly claim they can do as they will with their new colonial possession. Seems like what they want to do is steal everything that ain't nailed down, drink anything they can find, and molest any pretty young - or not so young! - girls in the town. Neu Munchen, the former Nouveau Paris, is under martial law as we speak and is patrolled by, of all things, some sort of mechanical men. I still find it hard to believe the Hun has really created mechanical soldiers. The Kaiser is also supposed to be allied with the Ottoman Turks, whoever they are.

Secretary of War Edward G. Graves specifically sent a message via Camp Trafalgar to the Republic Expeditionary Force on Venus. We are to expect more troops to reinforce our position on Venus and are to be prepared for anything the Hun sends our way. The Germans are not on this continent, as verified by our British allies, but that may offer an opportunity for expansion. Our walls are very strong and we have stored provisions in our cellars. I hope we receive at least another squad of Marine Engineers so we can better utilize our construction capabilities.

The British dirigible HMS Galfrey arrived with the Orca. Onboard was Colonel William Basil Davies IV, KCB, VC, and his aides and amongst them all was actually a face I recognized: RSM James Canon. The British colonel wanted to visit Fort Humid and will stay a few days to see how we “Bowies” are doing. They also want a taste of some of the renowned recipes of our crazy Cajun cook, I think. We will have a formal meeting tomorrow as he wants to address our troops.

Once off duty, RSM Canon was as cheerful as always. The Welshman is built very similar to Seaman 1st Johansson: stocky, with no neck to speak of and powerful hands. He grabbed a hold of me and gave me a huge bear hug once we got to my quarters, where he is bunking. Canon is still immensely strong for a man in his late forties.

We originally met while I was at Expeditionary Engineer School. Canon taught a class in defense on the march, in which we were overrun by an enemy of greater strength. He had been curious to see if we Texicans were more like the Jonathons or the British. I think we met with his approval. We learned to form square at the same course, a tactic that may prove useful here on Venus against these primitives, but is surely not wise in the face of modern artillery. I introduced him to RSM Taggart and the two hit it off. Last night in the NCO Mess we got to catch up on our lives since we had last met over a few mugs of jungle juice, the rotgut so-called "rum" our entrepeneurial distiller has been brewing up.

Drs. Caruthers and Palmer finished excavation around the arched opening and their efforts to enter the temple are still all for naught. There was another display of the glowing blue lights as the temple was struck by lightning once again during one of our daily rainstorms. It has to be more than just a coincidence that lightning continues to strike the temple. I believe it is a place of evil where wicked souls are bound.

Father Flannigan gave a wonderful sermon this morning and our visitors were pleased with it. Father Flannigan still wants to venture out into the highlands to see what the land is like further north. He believes that the relatively unexplored region has to have hidden secrets.

I must close as it is once again time to join my friends in a daily ration.


[Editors Note: The British call the Texicans “Bowies” in reference to the standard issue Bowie bayonet carried by all enlisted troops in the Republic. Unlike the “Jonathons” nickname for Americans, it is by no means a derogatory term and is used as a friendly nickname, much like their use of the term "Tommy Atkins" for their own troops. The name was created during the Maximillian War, in which the Republic of Texas fought with Her Majesty’s troops against the French and Mexico. Navy and Marine Officers carry the Model 1852 cutlass. Army officers carry the Model 1864 saber.]

Urgent Request from Camp Trafalgar

08 February ….

Seaman 1st Johansson got to break away from the saw mill as he chauffeured Major Higgins and crew (including the two reporters) as we received message that our presence was requested at Camp Trafalgar. The good Major wasted no time assembling the crew and the dirigible Orca. Again, Johansson seemed very amused to be leaving camp once again.

I wonder if the news of the German and French conflict is worsening. RSM Taggart and I were debating the issue of what of what we thought the Republic would do if we were attacked in the same manner as the Frenchies. We also called in our staff NCO’s to get their opinions as well, as it is good to make your troops think of possibilities and helps to create a 'creative solution' session. Someone should have been taking notes as I am sure we solved all of the world’s problems that evening. The jungle juice seemed to help a good bit. I think the conclusion was that we would attack the enemy with extreme prejudice and if any other nation wanted to join in then they had best not get in the way. “Old Crooked Knee” has always been a hothead, and with the power of the presidency he is able to declare war for up to 89 days without approval from the other offices of state.

The Good Professors are doing well in their excavation, and are most pleased with having their theories and conclusions documented in written literary works. They have uncovered the top of an archway and are hoping it leads to the interior of the temple. The military dogs are not too keen on the archway in particular and have reacted strangely to the temple as a whole.

Lady V has made friends with her fellow canines and I must include it in my letter to the missus as she likes to hear of things of this nature. Well, time to enjoy a pipe and a glass of grog.

The Blood Eyes Return

01 February ….

Thursday afternoon, Blood-eye frogs were spotted by our Marines on the outskirts of the cleared rainforest surrounding the Aether Landing Zone. The five frogs announced their presence even before we could see them; they have a very distinct communication system. If you can imagine the sound of a bullfrog back in San Jacinto and magnify it by about eight times, then you can begin to imagine how far the sound carries. Private Jones (the best shot in all of Fort Humid) was able to kill four with carefully aimed shots. Most people cannot see past 800 yards and here is our Jonesy shooting frogs in their eyes. The fifth frog deserted his downed friends. We carefully gathered the carcasses and set them together to be burned - not an easy task here on Venus, with the wood so wet most of the time. It is also very difficult to handle something that secretes a lethal poison from its skin, but we were able to use Spot for the heavy lifting, as he had no problem moving them and seems immune to the Blood-eye frog's poison.

The reporters are starting to get on my nerves, and I cannot wait until they leave next month. I wish they would have left with the RTS Santa Fe Aether Group. I removed one from the post as he was starting to disturb my men as they worked. He wanted to interview Private Jones and get a story of how he killed the Blood-eyes. Mr. Griggs is definitely coming around as I can see him developing into a great officer one day. He instructed the reporters to mind their own business and leave the Marines alone, as we have a job to do. When one of them (the slick talking fellow from the Houston Post - I think he must be a transplanted Yankee) tried to tell Mr. Griggs that "interviewing your troops is our business," he jumped down that fellow's throat so fast, he lost his little bowler hat. He promised to brig the next reporter that so much as said hello to an on-duty Marine. I must say I was quite impressed with my young junior officer.

Well it is off to relax on the porch and I am going to enjoy the sun as it sets as RSM Taggart and I enjoy the taste of a good cigar and swap stories. His will all be tall tales, of course, seeing as how all those Army boys lie...

Nouveau Paris Sacked

25 January ….

This week we had some sad news: the dirty Hun has sacked Nouveau Paris on Mars and now marches on the formerly French streets. The French, naturally, are outraged by this bold move on the Kaiser's part, and are contacting the world's governments for help. I am unsure of what our government's official position is, but I am sure that President Augustus McCrae still has no love for the French. They supported Mexico in the Maximillian War, when he was struck by a rifle ball in his left leg. I am sure that every time he walks with his cane that he remembers that. Our spies in Germany have told us of a scientist who is working on many strange weapons and some type of mechanical soldiers.

On the lighter side the RTS Santa Fe with her two gunship escorts, the RTS Hammerhead and RTS Mako arrived Friday with more Black Leg infantry, four dog handlers with German Shepherds and another gun crew. The Army strength is up to 282 men, with three 2.5” Colt Mountain Guns.

The Santa Fe bore gifts of a microscope and some lab equipment for Doctor Armstrong. The equipment was hand carried by another Herbalist by the name of PVT Owens; he is assigned to the medical department and is straight out of school in Kingsville. Drs. Caruthers and Palmer both received letters of commendation and ownership of the temple site by name. An exhibit will eventually be displayed in the Republic National Museum with all the grandeur. neither of the scientists ahve said much about it, but I know they are fit to burst with excitement over their new-found fame.

We also have our first 'real' civilians on base now - the scientists don't really count, seeing how they were sent by the government and have been strictly under our chain of command as scientific advisors. Some reporters from the Houston Post and the New Glasgow Gazette arrived on the Santa Fe. The reporters are here to observe, take pictures and make someone here at Fort Humid famous. They constantly trail behind Major Higgins and Subaltern Pummel, as they want to hear from the young officer and his commanding officer. They also plan to make several trips to the Blue Temple and write stories of our scientists’ discoveries.

Lady V wants to play with the military dogs and she seems very happy to have fellow canine company. I doubt she will share a smoked Grillag bone with them, however! Well, it is off to bed as we have our work cut out for us this week.

Chariot Races

18 January ….

What an interesting day today! We held the first known chariot races on Venus. Sergeant Garcia and Sergeant Cromwell’s crews each built a design for a chariot during their off watches, and today we had a race to see whose chariot is the best design. There was much toasting and carrying on and there were many side bets up and down the chain of command both Army and Marines. The course was about three miles long in two laps. Men were piled in every good vantage point from tree to towers and fort walls. Lance Corporal Daniels was triumphant, driving the Team Cromwell chariot. That means a week off of latrine duty for Cromwell's team, thanks to Sergeant Garcia and his crew.

Drs. Caruthers and Palmer are making some progress with their research at the Blue Temple, as they uncovered another tablet and pictographs depicting another temple. This one, according to the pictograms, would seem to be located somewhere to the north of Fort Humid, up in the Highlands. I still wonder how the good scientists will be able to decipher what is written as there is no one that speaks the lizard man tongue, much less has any written history.

It has been almost three weeks since we were attacked by the plant people and we still have no idea of why they attacked us that day, unless we just happened to stumble upon a scouting party. LT Armstrong is anxiously awaiting the return of the RTS Santa Fe, as she is hopefully bringing some lab equipment. Still, it will be at least another week until she arrives. I only hope that we can wait that long.