I had a bad feeling about this journey from the beginning. Nevertheless we had to move and as quickly as possible. Our small group, strengthened by a dozen Scions fired up the Tauroxes and headed into the wastelands of Iocanthos, before the trail would be cold. Although I didn't have much confidence in that. In the dessert, the trail would disappear pretty fast...
Although we wanted it to be, going unnoticed was no option in these giant vehicles that we were using. There were two basic options we had to go about this travel. Strength in numbers and sticking together. Or splitting up into two groups: the main group with three vehicles and one that would scout ahead. We decided upon the latter, a bad choice we figured out later.
I took command over one of the vehicles and together with Ragaa we started our scouting mission. The idea of our plan was to stay within a relative close range of the main group, but sooner rather than later, we ventured too far looking for tracks. Cursed was our little venture as our vehicle ran over a well placed mine, destroying one of our caterpillar tracks. The Taurox came to a tumbling stop smashing everything and everyone inside around, killing two of the Scions, and badly injuring me. rendering the vehicle utterly useless.
It was only then that we realized we were separated too far from our supporting caravan and even before we had the time to alert them over the radio, we spotted dust clouds appearing over the crest of the nearby dune, accompanied by the roaring sound of combustion engines. Our encounter with the landmine hadn't gone unnoticed for long. It was obvious that those bandits would close in on our position long before the rest of the Tauroxes would be there to assist us. Fylan and the remaining Scions tried to get into a defendable position, but the bandits were too fast.
Completely outnumbered and overpowered, we were stripped from all our ammunition and more important, water. As quickly as they came, the disappeared again, leaving us stranded. Once again, we noticed the road sign decoration on their vehicles. More prophet members. By the Throne! A major setback only two days into our journey. Luckily, the remaining vehicles arrived a few minutes later to pick us up.
I was in no shape to do anything but rest. The Taurox was stripped from everything useful and destroyed. We would not leave this vehicle to be scavenged by others and possibly be used against us. That was something we could not let happen.f
Facing the problem of running out of water now that part of our supply had been stolen, we had to find a place to barter for some more. This, and the fact that the desert wind had covered all tracks during the past two days, made us switch to our contingency plan: Heading towards the Dusk Oasis, a small trading settlement, about two days south of where we were. This would be our best shot to gather information, ammo and some much needed liquid.
Travelling beneath the scorching sun and the occasional dust storm that slowed us down, made our "water issue" only worse and we were dangerously close of running out of drinking water as we spotted another dust cloud in the distance. Although we had the firepower with us to defend ourselves, we definitely did not want another bandit strike. This time however, it was a trading caravan that passed by. This was just the opportunity we were desperately hoping for. An excellent chance to gather information about the local gangs and what was going on and maybe even do some trade.
As Zita still was in critical condition, she stayed in the Tauroxes with the Scions. The others met up with the caravan of traders. The plan was partially successful. It all started off well. After the respectful introduction of both sides, some trade was made. Fylan subsequently inquired for some information about the local gangs. The traders told the group about the the major factions at play here on Iocanthos. The Prophets under the command of the psychic "The Prophet", (Yes, the one we were trying to apprehend) and King Vai Vervai Skull and his army. There were some other smaller groups like the Storm Riders for instance, but those two were the big contenders for race for biggest harvest of Ghostfire flower pollen and the resulting claim of the ruler of Iocanthos after the collection of the tithes by the administratum ships.
Trying to stretch his luck a bit, Fylan pushed on for more details but as soon as the topic of the Adepta Sororitas came up and he mentioned that he was travelling with one of the Battle Sisters, he clearly worn out his welcome and the traders refused to speak with them anymore and urged the group to leave.
The next day when we were nearing the Dusk Oasis, we found a recent scene of a battle. A vehicle still burning and next to it, a few dead bodies as well as a survivor, barely breathing, fighting for his life. Judging by his clothes, topped with signs and scrap metal, he was a prophet member. There was little we could do for the pour man as his wounds were too extensive although we tried. Before his final breath, we managed to get some information out of him. He really was a prophet member, but claimed that other factions had been disguising themselves as prophets, and committing acts of violence.
All of a sudden we were no longer sure that the ambush from a few days ago, really was a prophet action or not. In hindsight, it is more likely not. If it would have been, they would have reacted differently on the presence of an Adepta Sororitas. They just sprung their leader from de Abbey Of The Dawn Prison! For sure they would not have left a group pursuing their leader like that. Only taking their water and ammo. No, if it would have been them, I'm confident they would have taken the opportunity to kill or at least capture that group.