At the crack of dawn, Magidi was abruptly pulled out of his bedroll. "Magidi, it''s your turn to stand guard!"


    Scrambling up, Magidi grumbled as he clumsily dressed, "Roy, what''s the hurry? It''s not like anything''s going to happen. Why bother standing guard?"


    Magidi''s post was deep within the guerri-controlled area, previously a British outpost. Recently, due to the British needing soldiers everywhere, and this outpost''s proximity to the guerri zone, it had been abandoned.


    But Magidi''s casual "nothing''s going to happen" wasn''t entirely wrong, for they had reached a gentleman''s agreement with the guerris. They would hand over a bat loss" every month to the guerris, essentially supplying them with arms and ammunition (reported as battle losses), while promising to turn a blind eye to the guerris'' activities without interference. In return, the guerris ensured their personal safety and that they wouldn''t starve due to supply blockades.


    Frankly, the guerris were considered decent folks, reliable in their word, making them quite popr among the outpost''s security forces. Lately, the guerris even initiated a "trade-in" service with Magidi and his team, swapping worn weapons for new ones beyond the agreed bat losses," which could be reported as "damaged in use" for recements or used to im military honors from the British. Indeed, the guerris were seen as truly considerate allies.


    "Someone from above ising for inspection today, make sure everything looks right," Roy replied.


    "Damn it!" cursed Magidi.


    The inspection was essentially their own doing, as their reported captures andbat engagements had been excessively hightely. Their achievements were so remarkable that higher-ups decided to inspect and possibly award medals.


    However, no one in the outpost looked forward to these visits. The inherent issues here would be apparent upon close inspection. Moreover, medals didn''t trante to increased pay, rendering them pointless."Haven''t we informed the other side? Let them handle the reception, right? What a hassle!" Magidi, having donned his cap and grabbed his rifle, prepared to leave.


    "Handling the reception" meant they had informed the guerris about the impending inspection by the British—the "real superiors." The guerris wouldn''t normally miss such an opportunity.


    This had be the norm, reducing the frequency of inspections, especially by the "real superiors."


    Of course, there were times when the guerris couldn''t fulfill their "reception" duties due to various reasons. Hence, they didn''t guaranteepleting these tasks upon request, meaning preparations for superior inspections were still necessary.


    Magidi stepped out, heading to the lookout tower.


    "Jim,e down, it''s my turn!" shouted Magidi.


    No response. After another shout, Jim''s groggy voice came from above, "Alright,ing down."


    Soon, Jim descended, carrying a rifle nearly worn smooth, his dazed expression revealing he''d likely been napping.


    Wooden towers were poor defensive structures, offering visibility but exposing sentinels. Previously, when actual fighting was a concern, no British soldier would volunteer for such duty, risking being shot unexpectedly. If a sentinel died, he effectively served his warning purpose.


    Thus, only security forces, as expendable as the wooden towers, would man them due to their low cost.


    Now, the security forces preferred these towers for their height and narrow, inexpensive construction, offering privacy for napping unseen. Previously, fear of guerri sniper fire deterred them, but now, friendly rtions with the guerris, who kept their word as long as their "tribute" was paid on time, had changed that.


    As Magidi took over, intending to nap, he spotted a guerri unit hauling an unfamiliar cannon across the road.


    "Guess they''re off to wee the inspectors," Magidi thought. "Impressive, even bringing out cannons for the asion. Our superiors suremand respect!" ??Ν?Ｂ??


    Anticipating tonight''s share of the spoils, he admired the guerris'' reliability. Informing them often led to a bonus post-wee. After a recent guerri "reception" of a British foraging party, each man received two pounds—an act of true generosity.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, Magidi soon realized something was amiss as more cannons appeared.


    "My word, five cannons? Is our superior really worth all this? Such a grand reception... Or are they heading to attack the railway position? Wait, this isn''t the guerris; it''s the Independent Army!"


    Magidi urgently yelled below, "The Independent Army ising; hang the g!"


    Per their agreement with the guerris, they were provided a tricolor g of green, white, and blue to raise if faced with arge Independent Army force, signaling continued goodwill and peaceful coexistence.


    Quickly, the outpost''s security forces lowered the British g, raising the g of the Irish Independent Army.