20-12-YC121

I should hardly be surprised that a small town such as this, marked on our maps only as Mining Settlement 45, though I suspect it does have a proper name, is being largely ignored by the enemy.  Only the occassional, sporadic probe seems to come to test us, and thus far we have seen them off with only a few minor casualties.  Not one of my Company is, as yet, incapable of fighting, and even some of the locals are beginning to aid us.  That is something I do find rather surprising, but perhaps it because we have not maltreated them and they do not wish to see any more damage done to their home, though what more damage could be done, I am not sure.

The enemy will come eventually, of course.  We shall be ready for them, and shall make them pay dearly.  They are too numerous and mobile for us to consider attempting a breakout.  We would simply be swamped and massacred.  It is better, therefore, that we dig in for a defence, and hold our ground for as long as possible.  I would rather, however, that civilians were not here.  If I understand enemy tactics at all, they have no need to risk lives needlessly on such a numerically minor force as this Company.  They would be better to simply shell us with artillery.  However, one thing that must be said of the Tribals is that they rarely shirk from close-quarters battle.  I believe they see much honour in it.  Whichever they choose, I shall have the scouts keep a keen eye on their movements and preparations, and when the time grows near, I shall have to consider what to do about the locals.