Nicholas Wilde stared between his feet as the truck bounced along the muddy road. He was seated near the back, giving him a view of the passing countryside that didn't look much like a countryside to him. For miles around, there was nothing but tents, artillery batteries, supply depots, and field hospitals. It was the hospital they had just passed that made Nick content to abandon his sightseeing and stare at the boards beneath him. The sight of so many mammals, maimed in ways that turned his stomach, was just the latest thing that made him wish he was home.
Not that his home was particularly pleasant since he lived in an abandoned building surrounded by factories cranking out supplies for the war 24/7.
Nick found it amusing that he was missing his little not actually a home because it was the reason he was here in the first place. He had been picked up by the local police and charged with destruction of property, criminal trespassing, vagrancy, loitering and a host of other ridiculous 'crimes'. The judge that he saw gave him all of five minutes before giving him the choice.
Nick's brows came together in frustration when he remembered that day in court. "It's either the Army or a cell, and if you chose the cell I'm sure you'll be there a while after this war ends."
So he had chosen to serve... And he regretted that decision more than any other in his life. Rotting n a cell for a few decades would have been better than this mud covered hellhole he was being driven through.
Nick was bumped into his neighbor as the truck came to a sudden stop. "Sorry friend," Nick said to the boar he had collided with.
The boar's nose flared and his eyes narrowed. "Watch yourself fox, I'm not your friend and if you touch me again, I'll impale you." He shoved Nick back so hard he nearly fell from the truck. Nick wasn't sure how serious he was but from how sharp his tusks were he knew it was at least possible, so he took the opportunity to hop off the truck onto the slick surface of the road.
"Everyone off!" came a voice from the cab up front, and the other mammals began filing out of the rear. It was an eclectic group of mammals to be sure.
First off was the boar, large and gruff like some walking stereotype for his species, he made a point of staring Nick down as he exited. Next off was a pair of wolves, one was brown with the usual light markings around his muzzle and chest, the other all white from ears to tail. They were quickly followed by a bobcat, an otter, and finally a rhino who caused the whole truck to shake as he shifted towards the back and onto the ground.
"Atten-tion!" barked a commanding voice from behind the group. They all scrambled to form an orderly line when they saw an officer approaching them. Nick watched from the corner of his eye as he came into view and was surprised to see a light-furred coyote about his size in a crisp uniform with a captain's emblem on his round, flat-top cap.
"Greetings recruits," he walked to stand before the group and addressed the huge mammal at one end. "Private, all rhinos are assigned to shield units, so you will report immediately to First company for assignment." The captain pointed to a large tent situated near the end of the roadway.
The rhino just rolled his eyes and marched towards the tent Latrans had indicated.
Watching him go, the captain addressed them all again. "I am Captain Latrans and I'll be in charge of this unit. You will be reporting directly to me and only me." he began to walk down the line. "This is not your normal outfit, nor will we be conducting normal operations as you'd understand."
The wolves exchanged a questioning look, there eyes snapping back when Latrans stopped again. "To put it simply, I am taking you behind enemy lines, with no support of any kind, to locate and neutralize special targets and secure any enemy intel we can find," he straightened to attention before them. "I know you'll all do your duty, and work together as we fight to end this conflict and get back home. Any questions?"
Latrans turned as the boar stepped out of line and began advancing on him. "I got one for ya, mutt. You say we're going behind their lines, right into the thick of it?" a grin spread across his snout. "Well, that sounds just fine to me!" Nick couldn't believe it. Is this guy out of his mind!? "But here's my problem, Captain, I got here for beating someone twice your size to a pulp! I don't care what those bars on your shoulder say, I want to know why the Army thinks it can put a runt like you in charge!"
He went to shove the coyote, but let out a surprised noise when Latrans grabbed his arm and expertly flipped him on his back. Even with the wind knocked out of him, the boar began to rise back up until the feel of cold metal at his throat stopped him.
Now kneeling behind his victim, Latrans held his combat knife to the boar's neck. He leaned next to his ear but spoke loud enough to be heard by everyone.
"Thank you for your question private. The reason why I've been given this squad is because I'm one of the few officers with the experience to handle you," He lifted his knife from its dangerous position and resheathed it. "Also I was the only one to volunteer to take you. What's your name private?"
Rubbing his neck, he got up and began wiping mud from his uniform. "Higgins."
The captain placed his paw on his knife handle casualty. "Are we going to have any further problems now, Higgins?"
"No...sir" Higgins returned to the end of the line.
"Now, any real questions?"
Nick raised his paw. "Captain?"
Latrans turned to address the fox. "Your name private?"
"Wilde, ah, sir." he scratched behind one ear. "It's just... none of us were assigned a company or unit after basic, I don't know about them" he nodded towards the others, "but I don't have- I've never seen combat, sir." He looked up and down the line at his fellow soldiers. "I get what you said, but why are we the ones here? Why exactly are we in your squad sir?"
"As you know, you're all here for various infractions. Infractions which got you into this war" He looked from Nick to the bobcat, then to Higgins. "Or got you reassigned to me from your previous units." He cast his eyes to the otter as well as the two wolves.
"As for why the Army put you here and not in a normal unit… is because they see you as expendable."
Latrans paused to see how they reacted and wasn't surprised at the looks of fear and anger. Nick took a step forward "But you just said-"
"But that's not how I see it! We're performing a vital mission, one that will help save lives. Hell, as far as I'm concerned? Not only or you not expendable, I think you're going to help me end the war."