I joined a company of peldak warriors in the 23^rd legion. Our goal was to land on the red beach of a continent on southern Foregone. The company then split into two teams of 50, one moving 32 miles inland and the other going 45 miles so we could build wells in optimal locations.

I accompanied the 32-mile team because I’m out of shape and two hours of sustained 16mph jogging is nearly my limit.

We each carried two shovels, a pickaxe, and bags full of piping and the metal pieces for hand pumps and faucets. Each of us also brought two meals and large bottles of water.

Traversing the Foregone wilderness as the sun went down was tiring work, but the leaders of this expedition were excellent scouts with centuries of experience. They steered us clear of firryan camps and put a wide berth around firryan hunters.

Reaching the site of their new well, we got to work digging a ramp, 30feet deep with a 10-degree decline, piling the red dirt and rocks on the sides so it will be easier to kick back into the hole to cover the ramp. At 30 feet, the ground was hard and wet, and water leaked out and accumulated at the bottom of the main shaft. At that point we installed the bladder – a metal ‘chamber’ with small holes so water can filter in but not rocks or sediment. On the top of the bladder, we screwed metal pipes into place. As the pipes rose, we returned the dirt into the hole until we reached the surface, then attached the metal hand pump.

We each filled our canteens to prove the water’s safety.

Both teams returned to the ship shortly before the sun rose and the company set sail at first light.