Track of the Apocalypse Ch5 Ficbit – Preparations

“Stay calm,” Kurusu advised. “The hayajiro’s armor should be heavy enough to protect us from the worst gusts, so long as we keep our speed low. Though the rear car is lighter… Ikoma. You and Hozumi trade off watch on the quarantined tonight.”

The Kabaneri thought about that, and nodded. “Tornadoes?”

“It’s possible.”

Ayame hid a frown. Why would the chance of tornadoes mean their two Kabaneri would need to stay up all night – oh. “You think the armor is light enough that we might have to shed the rear car?”

Kurusu inclined his head.

“We weighed it down with all the freight we could, but it’s no match for layered steel,” Kibito agreed. “If we get a high gust, that car’s likely to go over first. And if it does that while it’s still latched on….”

Ayame pictured it, one car twisting and pulling the whole Koutetsujou over. Disaster. And not long after that, death, when the inevitable horde found them. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Yukina wince.

“Then we must be prepared to abandon the rear car,” Ayame said steadily, “and we will not leave our own to die if they only might be infected.”

Which was why Kurusu wanted the Kabaneri on watch, she knew. Not only did they have the strength to help break the connections by main force, if worse came to worst. But if those in quarantine had to come back to even the Hunter’s car – better to have those who could detect a Kabane right there. Before anyone panicked further.

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