RM Vol 4: War – Interlude: The Belkans are too Hospitable

    When an agreement was made to set up a humanitarian corridor in Dunkirk, Thomas the Train was called up to blast a hole for it with its 88 mm artillery. Understandably, the antiquated nature of the former Flak 88 piece made it so that blasting apart the outer wall of Dunkirk was a lengthy endeavor. The manually reloaded cannon had to make ten shots to break open a large enough hole for humans and vehicles to traverse. Afterward, Thomas was converted into a field hospital with sprawling medical tents around it. The process was swift, owing to Thomas'' many empty passenger cars and medical supplies that were put together right after the Dunkirk agreement was made. The original crew of Thomas, alongside a large group of medical personnel and Military Police that were pulled from Army Group B, proceeded to aid and vet the constant streams of surrendering soldiers and war casualties from the Allied forces. Although no weapons were allowed on the humanitarian corridor itself, there was a security detail that flanked the two sides of the corridor. This security unit consisted of both Belkan and Erusean soldiers, coming together to make sure that the combatants from both sides would stay in line. If necessary, they would intervene and break up any scuffle, and they did so a few times already. Fortunately, those were only some minor scuffles and shoutings, involving disgruntled Eruseans and contemporary bias against racial differences and the supernatural. The Belkans affected also handled the matters very patiently, provided there was no physical violence involved. At that point, Belkan medics were allowed to defend themselves and none of the people in charge would fault them. Thankfully, things didn''t escalate to that point as the security unit intervened before anything serious could have happened. It would appear that General Belladonna''s foresight to actively communicate with Lord Gort about the security measures paid dividends. It allowed the both of them to dodge a metaphorical diplomatic blunder of a bullet.

    Now, despite the ongoing urban battlefield acting as a backdrop, Belkans, Eruseans, and Loyalists alike have started to move past their initial suspicion and wariness. The Belkans, they''re more focused on aiding the Erusean and Ustian Loyalist casualties. They''re bound not just by their order but also by their sense of duty, honor, and morals. Since they have been given the go-ahead to treat the Eruseans and Loyalists, the Belkan will minister to them as if they''re fellow countrymen, bias and racism be damned. As for the Eruseans and Loyalists, they can hardly maintain their alertness when their supposed enemy is wholeheartedly treating them all right and just. Wounds are cleaned and patched, painkillers are given, and the Belkans even go as far as asking the now prisoners of war whether or not they want to be cared for by healing spells, and magic. Yes, the Belkans are attentive enough to ask and explain first before administering any treatment, something that surprises the POWs in a good way.

    Granted, there are cases where patients are delivered to the Thomas the Hospital on death''s door. On these occasions, Belkan medics work with those from the EEF to identify the causes of injury and ways to save the patients, all Allied soldiers that are too critically wounded yet survive just long enough to be ferried over using Bren Carriers or medical half-tracks. If the healing spells are deemed more effective in preserving the lives of these soldiers than conventional Belkan treatments, then the medics will actively use them, with or without the patient''s approval. Due to the open-air nature of their makeshift hospital, how the Belkan medics work to save the lives of their comrades is ingrained into the Erusean and Loyalist soldiers. Saving the lives of both themselves and that of their friends are the very same doctors that they initially discriminated against, just because both sides are at war. It''s hard to maintain their hostility when they''re now indebted to the dedication of the Belkans who have thus far embodied nothing but saintly behavior. Gradually, the POWs started to accept the help graciously and under the watchful eyes of unarmed Belkan Military Police, received the needed treatment.

    While hundreds, if not thousands are being treated in the medical tents, under the tarps, or even on the ground if their injuries are not serious, the able-bodied POWs are relocated a bit beyond Thomas to a clearing. There, more tents are set up with chairs, tables, and field kitchens, with prisoners being directed into lines to accept eating utensils and hot meals. Anticipating more people to come, Belkan logistical personnel are constantly setting up more dining areas and bringing in even more food supplies while the first groups of POWs are still eating animatedly. Some Loyalists, having not eaten proper meals after days of being encircled, devour the Belkan MREs with gusto. Others, mostly Eruseans, are playing with their food or are experimentally tasting their meal sets. Still, they all seem to treasure the chance to sit and dine at their leisure without the constant fear of death looming over them. What pleasantly surprise them are the Belkan waitresses going around, offering these battered souls a smoke and a mug of beer. The food is even catered to the diet of some specific soldiers and the waitresses double-check whether they can comfortably enjoy it or not. Overall, the Belkans extend a surprisingly hospitable environment for POWs.

    Soap, currently acting as Franklyn''s bodyguard after the last one perished, raises his wine glass.

    "Amen to that."