“One, two, let’s go!”

“Drag it out!”

“Okay, one, two, let’s go!”

Jester and Old man are cleaning the gun barrel after the recent fight. This is a pain in the a* to push the ramrod back and forth, what a bliss I am only cleaning the machine guns. It is a pain as well but not at the same level.

“A hard work on maintaining the vehicle always pays off with precise fire, don’t you think?” Now that I am done cleaning the PKM I can start working on the Kord.

“Exactly, if we clean it perfectly then I might even not be punished tonight!” (J)

“You bet I’ll find something.” I checked the bolt, it was covered in ashes and dried lubricant.

“Hey, Jester, who was taking care of the heavy machine gun?”

“It was… please, tell me what is wrong?” (J)

“Stop lazing around and keep ramming!” Old man gently reminded him that they are not done yet by knocking the back of his head.

“Jester, were you cleaning it the last time?” He shivered.

“So, after you are done with the gun, you are to polish all optics in my stead. Any questions?” He fervently shook his head.

“Why don’t you show him some lenience?” (O)

“Hmmm… Hey, Jester, want some indulgence?” He nodded.

“Good, that’s the spirit. After you are done polishing the optics you will pack the belts for machine guns and pack the magazines for the rifles. Good luck~.”

“Just why…?!” His cries of desperation nurtured my soul and helped me find the strength to finish cleaning the HMG.

As I was about to leave the poor souls to cleaning, the radio in my pocket started vibrating.

“Beril-Main is here, go ahead.”

“This is Ether, good work putting an end to that army. I have some good news, you now have access to 2B9 Vasilek, also the supply limit was increased to 200 kg.”

“Thank you for the news. I’m out.” Today we are resting but tomorrow we should start rolling out.

Right after I sunk into the bed my head was flooded with thoughts. The fears of what the future has for us, the hopes of bright future, the regrets of the decisions I made and the curiosity of finding out what I will see.

‘Knock-knock’

I slimed out of the bed and opened the door.

“Big sister, the elder called for you!” A boy began dragging my sleeve. I am tired but for the sake of good relations I headed to the elder’s house.

Right at the doorstep I was met by the kingdom’s officer.

“The army already moved out, when will your people start moving?” (O)

“We planned to head out tomorrow.”

“Are you serious?! You will need a lot of time to catch up!” I could only sigh and wonder if he forgot how fast the tank is.

“We can drive at 50 km/h. Do you really think we’ll have any problems? Give us a map and we will catch up and then go forward to wait until you arrive. WE DON’T NEED TO ESCORT YOU.”

“Yes, about that, I have a map. Please, use it to prepare your route.” (O)

“Before you go, can you tell me what will we do there?”

“We will advance to a city that was recently captured by the enemy. I hope your cannon is better for siege than ours.” (O)

“You can be sure, it is much better. Will there be friendlies?” He shook his head.

“So, we’ll be heading right into the enemy territory?” Now he nodded.

“I want you to help secure the route for the army if you are really planning to go ahead.” (O)

“Understood. See you tomorrow?” I think the elder has no need to talk to me so I went back to sleep.

When I returned I saw a lot of rounds lying on the floor. Jester sat in the middle of this mess and repacked the belts.

“Good work, don’t make noises or I’ll ask you to polish the armor.”

“Roger, comrade general.” He muttered.

While I was sleeping I used the war room to check the paper map and plot the route in the electronic map. When the wake up time approached I finished with the plans and opened my eyes.

The room was silent and there were no rounds lying on the floor. In the corner I saw four boxes of MG rounds, all packed. Jester happily slept and occasionally sleep talked some weird crap. I approached and looked at him.

I was looking at his face, when I brought myself closer I even felt his breath. I smelled mint. So nice…

WHAT THE F* AM I DOING?!

“F*!!!! CAPTAIN! WHAT THE F*!” I accidentally hit his stomach and jumped back.

“SHUT UP! YOU OVERSLEPT, YOU LAZY A*! DON’T MAKE ME WAIT!”

“Comrade captain, do you know that it is still 5:30 and we’ll head out at 6:00?” Old man woke up after my shouting.

“SHUT UP! THE PLANS HAVE CHANGED! DRESS UP AND GO!” Jester, you f* moron! It’s all your fault!