The train's defense is ironclad with the fierce determination of the remaining Rookies, not crumbling before the pressure and stress provoked by the incessant attacks and incursions of the «Savages».
The battle goes on for a few tens of minutes, making quite evident how gigantic the area infested by the Thorn Vines is.
A low infrasonic whistle is barely perceived by the Rookies. But it serves as an alarm for the «Savages», ceasing their aggressions and jumping off of the moving vehicle.
The train leaves the perimeter of the Thorn Vines, but N'Ïrk and Hayden continue shooting «Össbreithen Ignay'Thus» at the plant, reaching with the spreaded blasts, some unfortunated «Savages», settings them on a maroon golden fire that turns them into cinders.
"In 39 minutes, we will make a technical stop at the Midway Point. Please, proceed to the front wagons they are intact and packed with various commodities. Await there for further instructions, and enjoy the rest of the journey with the Fifty crowns you obtain weekly, plus the additional income of your performance".
Reluctance is plastered on the Rookies. Not everyone saw how a Recruit got executed by refusing to fight back the «Savages».
But hearing the remark of the front wagons being intact, leaves a bad displeasing taste on the survivors, regardless if they are injured or not.
The reinforced door of the final front wagon is opened, obscurity in it's interior. Saili'Ïckn and Hayden move behind N'Ïrk. The three are wary of the change in approach by the Officials in charge.
Passing through the veil of immaterial darkness, conducts the three youngsters to a metallic chamber. Various streams of steam emerge from every corner, removing sweat, blood and other residues from their bodies.
Another door opens up, letting a beautiful cantina on display. There are no Soldiers or Officers present, only the staff. Two bar tenders accompanied by several waiters and waitresses.
"«Smack And Snack»". Murmurs Hayden with disgust, using an old almost forgotten language from Dhägna'Hür.
The simple psychological trick the Zindrack Army has employed, consists in a system of Punishment and Reward with the purpose of incentivice to the maximum, the performance of any individual in an specific task.
"Upset that we were used as guinea pigs, Lil-Sis?". Teasingly inquires N'Ïrk in the same language as Hayden. "Or, perhaps you are mad that this is a practice i often use on my conquests. Though i learned it from your brother".
"Harinder sucks at this, Ni-Ni. And you know it".
*Hahaha*. "True. Alone. Harinder is as useless as his rickety girlfriend. Except for cock blocking. He is actually really good on that".
"You don't have any clue about how annoying Harinder can be Ni-Ni. I lost so many friends because of his ministrations".
"Yet, we can get rid of his branch, buttless, breastless, skinny girlfriend".
"Yeah…". *Sigh*. "You know Ni-Ni. At first. I thought Harinder was doing this to mess with us, just to pissing us both. But later. He really seemed to care for the skinny toothpick".
"I get it. Harinder is not longer protecting you as he used to…".
"I would be dead if Harinder were the one here and not you Ni-Ni".
N'Ïrk is taken aback. That doesn't sound like the normal behavior his idiotic friend would have. Or any older sibling for the younger ones. At least from N'Ïrk's perspective, as he doesn't have anyone to relate on this topic.
The young man is still speechless, listening to Hayden's burdens. "Do you remember when we met?. I mean. On our first Zone together".
*Hahaha*. "How can i forget Lil-Sis. You were slapped in your flat ass cheeks by a Gay guy that was wooing you relentlessly. Until he heard your feminine voice, and puke out a whole lot of vomit for touching a woman. Way too exaggerated, but a fun memory i am extremely fond of. That kick you deliver to his groin" He pecks on his fingers. *Mchu*. "Magnificent. I would had kissed you that time, if you were, physically, more of my type".
"Shut up!. That is not what i wanted you to focus on!. When i got slapped. I search for your help. You simply told me, «I am not like your Brother. You have my support and back up, but not my protection».
"That means i would not intervene in your affairs unless you actually require my assistance Lil-Sis".
"I am aware Ni-Ni. It's just…". *Sigh*. "Harinder has changed. Ok?. I know i sound like a paranoid jealous little sister, fearful of losing the company of his relative, but he is not the same".
N'Ïrk sighs, stating the situation with total seriousness. "Hayden. Harinder is unable to be affected by any kind of control. And if his mind is being tampered…".
"It means his allowing it…". *Sigh*. "Sorry, Ni-Ni. I simply didn't wanted to accept how stupid Harinder can be".
"Well Lil-Sis. Is his lost for being stupid. I will pick you up over the toothpick".
"Liar. She sucked your dick already!. I haven't!".
"That has an obvious explanation".
"A challenge".
"Exactly Lil-Sis. You know i am always down for a bet. I got the toothpick on her knees in less than four minutes. I know you for over five years, you are not an easy meal like her, even when you looked like a Lil-Bro".
Hayden locks her yellow eyes on N'Ïrk's, squinting for a moment before she walks to the bar.
"Give me a good drink, and make it for three".
The bartender asks for the Military Booklet, pointing a box on the counter. Hayden places the item, the pages are opened and blank, but they display an holographic photo of the damsel, along other lines of text.
Hayden Rafner
Rank: Rookie
Crowns: 2,730
Confirming Hayden's identity, the bartender pours a 36 year old cognac in an all-fashion glass.
The damsel grabs the cristaline container, giving a short sip and passing it to Saili'Ïckn, she follows the example, drinking a sip and giving the glass to N'Ïrk.
Obviously, the female Serphenthox doesn't know the connotation of such action. Still, N'Ïrk gladly accepts the drink finishing it in one gulp. Following the two ladies to the next wagon, were private cabinets are available for rent…