I was sitting inside the chief’s house and discussing what has happened.

“Do you really think that they will not return?” I asked him because if someone knows what happens in this world, then it is surely not me.

“They will not but the other bands of their soldiers might come to us. Young miss, may I ask for your protection until our soldiers arrive?”

I am hesitating to help them. Yes, they are a good bunch but still… Helping people when they are under attack is one thing, actually protecting them until their nation’s army arrives is the other. We are not related to their army and who knows what can happen if shots are fired.

“We will stay here as before, I can’t promise my help.”

“If you stay here as before then it is fine. You saved us from the death and we will be glad to pay back for your bravery and support.”

I walked out of the house and met my crew.

“Mi tut na stoyanke.” [We are to station here.]

“Understood, what will we do meanwhile?” (O)

“I think we will just stay here and wait for their nation’s forces. I hope everything will go smoothly.” My plan is to avoid fighting as much as possible.

“And after that? We will just become a bunch of farmers? Or maybe we will be just burning fuel for nothing?” Jester’s attitude felt unnatural, as if he suddenly stopped being a fool and asked a somewhat normal thing.

“We can drive around the world and look for some trouble. What do you think?” I have my doubts that they will just accept it but in the end we have to stick together.

“Do whatever you want, captain. I am fine with just being able to look at you when you are changing.” After all Jester is still an a*hole.

“Old man, you are awfully silent. What do you think?”

“Sorry, captain, but I really don’t like this idea… we will have to fight here, you know? If we want to protect ourselves we need to be more proactive.” (O)

“You think we should just take the initiative in fighting someone?” You don’t want to tell me…

“You saw what these people do to the civilians. I doubt that this is just an exception. We need to do what we can to protect as many people as possible.” While I do support this idea but… we are just a tank crew, not an army, not even a regiment. We can barely protect a damned village.

“I said what I said, commander. I will have to follow you even if you only planned a joy-ride around the continent. I just want you to consider using what little strength we have to help those who are in need.” (O)

“How noble of you, Old man. I have no idea if I could’ve said it better myself.” He chuckled after my words.

We continued our staying in the village. The people were more respectful towards us after the fight and I can occasionally see Jester together with the local girls. After each of such meetings Jester has to help Old man with maintenance.

I stood on a roof of one of the buildings and looked at the hill where the enemy was before. There is a mass grave there, even though the villagers were reluctant to bury their enemies, after I said that in this case we 3 will be digging the grave ourselves, most of the men followed us and helped with burying.

It is both a respect to the enemy and the hygiene. I don’t want the villagers to become ill because of the dead bodies.

“Beril-Main, this is Ether, respond.” The mechanical voice from the radio suddenly called.

“Beril-Main, reading you loud and clear Ether.”

“Beril-main, you now have access to additional means of support. You can request light CAS. Also, be advised that the supply drops are now limited to 100 kg per call. Do plan your supplying accordingly.”

“Understood, Beril-Main, out.”

I decided to stop daydreaming and headed towards the tank.

I knocked the armor and said: “Jester, are you there?”

He showed his head.

“What is it, ma’am?” I am getting creeped each time he calls me as if I am a girl.

“Check our ammo and fuel, I want to know what we lack.”

“Are you going to use that radio summon hell-knows-where-from?” (J)

“Does it look like we have other choice?”

“Just saying that you should at least consider the circumstances before selling your soul to the devil.” (J)

I wonder where did he find me selling my soul. And I wonder if I did sell it to the voice…