The Argo Goes West

110, Battle of Sacramento, part 8

In Argo No. 6, Doc Morton gave first aid to the seriously injured. Cassandra, her face wrapped in bandages, worked as a nurse. Cassandra intended not to speak so as not to reveal her true identity. But there were patients who told her that they could not survive, and she subconsciously encouraged them to not give up. She later realized her mistake. But she was relieved that no one on the Argo knew her voice. She braced herself to be careful when meeting Sacramento citizens in the future.

Clay Roberts, the vice-captain, confirmeded most of the people on board the Argo and ran to Car 8, where Sergeant Reisman was. Riseman and his men were firing 305 mm artillery against the centaurs.

"We're going back inside the city gate."

Roberts raised his voice.

"It's still early," Riseman yelled in a hoarse voice. "Galloway hasn't returned yet."

Roberts saw the battlefield. The place was obscured by gunfire and dust smoke, and dead humans and centaurs lay here and there like dead trees and stones. Roberts didn't know if Galloway was alive or dead there. However, as a commander in charge of the lives of many of his subordinates, he was forced to make a quick decision.

"There are a lot of injured people who need immediate surgery. We can't wait for Galloway," Roberts said.

"Then I'll stay here alone," Reisman countered.

"No."

But Riseman still hung up. "I beg you!"

"You think Galloway wants that?" said Roberts coldly.

"What's that?"

"If he's alive he'll come back on his own, and if he's dead we can't wait. Tell your men that we're withdrawing. "

"...Yes sir."

Riseman saluted, but in his heart he could not accept it.

Roberts was able to understand Riseman's feelings, but he deliberately kept his expression blank. He then trotted to the locomotive to order Chester McDade to retreat.

The Argo blew its horn and returned to Sacramento. Floyd Murdock confirmed it and hurriedly closed the city gate. A large number of carriages were waiting by the gate and transported the seriously injured to hospitals in Sacramento.

After Roberts ordered Romolo to check on everyone, Theodore Roosevelt, Vice President, came to him with his secretary, Miss Craig.

"Tell me about the damage?" asked Roosevelt,

"The death toll is believed to be over fifty."

"That's a lot."

"Yes."

"What about enemy casualties?"

"Same or maybe more," replied Robert. "From what I've seen, it seems that there are still many enemies left."

"So we're under siege?"

"I think so."

Roosevelt made a grim face. "We need to think together with the citizens of Sacramento about what to do next."

"Yes," Roberts nodded. "By the way, do you know how Captain Harris is doing?"

"I don't know," replied Roosevelt gruffly. He was clearly angry with Captain Harris for not doing anything about the emergency. Miss Craig sent eye signals to Roberts not to piss off her boss.