Whilst making the squad, I've learnt one thing:
It's hard to make a truly balanced squad…
You'll see when you find out who's in.
And is Faldio's last name right?
Chapter 8
The birth of squad 7.
The hallways of the main building were long and seemed to stretch out to infinity.
Somehow, through all of this, Aika, Vyse and I made our way through the place
Ending up outside the office of captain Varrot.
"Well, no time like the present" I said to myself. Vyse and Aika were behind me as we walked in. the room was quite spacious, a desk in front of a large window had a selection of documents shuffled around it. The woman at the desk wearing glasses with neat black hair held her hands together as we walked in, watching us. We stood in a neat line in front of her, doing a salute then standing smartly.
"Vyse Inglebard, reporting for duty" Vyse told Varrot.
"Aika Thomson, reporting for duty" Aika echoed.
"Craig Appleby, reporting for duty" I finished. We lowered our hands, holding them to our sides. She moved her glasses back, adjusting them to get a good look at us.
"So you're here to join the militia?" she asked. We all nodded. "Very well…report to the mess hall, the squad leaders will be assigned their squads at 1400 hours" she stood up, walking around, giving us the feel that she was used to this. "Inglebard, Thomson, you are dismissed. Appleby, I will talk to you alone"
Oh Christ, not already. Aika and Vyse nodded, walking out, closing the door behind them. I didn't hear them walking away, so I guess they are waiting at the door. Varrot went back to her wooden chair, going back to her earlier stance.
"I've heard of your exploits at Bruhl" she told me. Oh that. "Along with Gunther, Malchiott and the town guard" so are they here? "The people upstairs thought fit to give you three higher ranks"
"Excuse me?" I started. She held her hand up, silencing me.
"Private Appleby, you are hereby promoted to Corporal" ok, that was quick. If I climb the ranks this quickly, then head of the military isn't too far away. Hah.
"Wow…that was sudden" I told her. She smiled, pushing her glasses back again.
"According to what I've heard, it's what you and your brother deserve for what you did in Bruhl" that and about a year off and some nice drinks and about two thousand pounds.
"Thank you…I guess"
"The squads will still need assembling, so get going" she told me, looking at the clock. "You have 5 minutes. Dismissed"
I nodded, walking out. I closed the oaken door behind me, Vyse and Aika hanging around. They heard everything, walking with me to the mess hall.
"So you were at Bruhl?" Vyse asked. I nodded, looking at him.
"Why?" I replied, looking between the pair.
"Bruhl was apparently an example of what to do if outnumbered and doomed" Aika told me. "Well, according to the others"
"We did what any other person would do in our shoes" I looked ahead, smiling. "We fought to let others escape…losing good men in the meanwhile" the image of that soldier riddled with Shrapnel, and then the other soldier with the spear of wood sticking out of his chest flashed in my mind. They seemed to sense my discomfort, dropping the subject.
"So who do you think will be our squad leader?" Vyse asked. I shook my head.
"No idea. I just hope whoever it is, they aren't some posh git who leads from the back" think World War 1, the trench warfare was led by people from the back, who didn't have a clue what was really going on at the frontline.
"That's a good point" Aika told me. She looked at Vyse. "Didn't we know someone like that?"
"Not that I can think of" Vyse replied.
We eventually got to the mess hall, comprised of loads of tables with loads of chairs each, much like a canteen back home. People were talking noisily all around the place, some spoke about previous experiences, others jobs and others family. I looked around, not seeing James.
I saw three chairs spare on an otherwise full table at the back, pointing them out to Vyse and Aika. We all took them, a conversation next to us in full swing. One of them was a Darcsen, her neat, black hair surrounding her head. She had loads of equipment on her. A set of engineers tools, a backpack full of loads of things and a few larger ragnaid capsules. She had this caring voice to her.
The person she was talking to was very familiar. You remember the girl from Bruhl with blond hair. Susie Evans I believe. That's who the other one was.
"So why do you fight?" She asked the Darcsen. She looked at her conversation partner.
"I fight to keep Gallia safe" she replied. She looked at Susie with fire in her eyes. "It doesn't matter if your Gallian or Darcsen, you should fight for your home and friends"
"But what if the imperials should win, then what?"
"They won't win, not as long as we keep fighting" I nodded in silent agreement. Susie looked at me, smiling.
"Craig?" she asked. I nodded, smiling at her.
"I was wondering how long it would take until you realised who I was" I told her. "How've you been since Bruhl?"
"Good considering what has happened" she looked down at the table, sadness in her eyes. "Some Imperials got around the gate, shooting some civilians on the run…"
"I get the picture" poor girl, the civilians she was guarding were mercilessly shot by the enemy. "Well, your still here. We can still fight" she nodded, looking at the person next to me.
"Oh yeah. Craig, I would like you to meet Nadine" she pointed to the Darcsen. We both looked at each other.
"Nice to meet you" I told her, holding my hand out.
"Nice to meet you too" she replied, shaking my hand. I looked at Vyse and Aika, who were subtlety smiling at me.
"Oh yeah. Susie, Nadine, I'd like you to meet Vyse and Aika" I told them, the pair nodded, engaging in conversation almost immediately.
We chatted for a while, getting to know each other. After a while, we saw some people in officer's clothing walking in. a blue hat along with smart blue clothing. These guys had a map on their fronts, along with what looked like flares trailing behind them. I looked at the group, not recognising anyone.
"Stand to attention!" Varrot shouted. Man I didn't see her coming in. Everyone stood up, facing her and listening intently. Good thing I played those war games, as that's the only reason I know these routines. Everyone was deathly silent as we waited. "Now, these men are your squad leaders" she told us, pacing in front of the officers. "These men are all talented commanders, all worthy of their ranks of lieutenant. I expect each and every one of you to follow the orders of these men to the grave" she stopped before hitting the wall, turning to us. "We are all members of the Militia, the irregulars, the common man of the army" she walked back to the centre, looking deathly serious. "We want everyone to come home alive and well after the war. I'm placing my faith in the commanders to do so" she stood to one side, turning about and looking at the officers.
"Commander Faldio Lanzaat" a man with dirty blond hair, sticking out behind him. He called out 20 names, Susie being one of them.
"Good luck" she told us. I waved her off. As she and the rest of her squad walked to be briefed.
And that's how it went, with 5 more commanders coming along, doing the same, then walking off. I for one was glad to be among the last few. Vyse, Aika and Nadine weren't called either.
"Lieutenant Welkin Gunther" Welkin? The young man stepped forward, getting a list out.
"I require the following people, to join my squad 7" he told us. 7, a lucky number. Sounds nice. "Alicia Malchiott" Alicia stepped out from the remainder of the crowd, now in scout gear, but still wearing her hair scarf thing. "Bridgette Stark" a young woman, no older then 23, stepped out from the crowd. Her face was spotless, and her ginger hair had two balls tied off, hanging upwards…look, I can't remember what they are called, alright.
"Largo Potter" a large man stepped out from the crowd. He looked old, with short black hair all over his face. He had heavier armour on, with a shield of all things on his left arm, protecting his left side.
This carried on for 14 more names, Nadine and Vyse among them. Aika and I were left with 3 more names left to fit in the squad. I hoped we'd get in. Welkin breathed in, looking at the next name.
"James Appleby" huh? I recoiled, seeing my brother walk out from the crowd, wearing Sniper gear and carrying his rifle behind him. I hid behind Aika as James walked by Welkin, not registering me. Phew, thank god. "Aika Thomson" she stepped out, waving to me as she ran to where everyone else was going. Now, with one name left, who would be the last member of Squad 7?
"Craig Appleby" Oh thank god…phew. I thought I'd be left without my friends in a new squad lot. I stepped out, following everyone else. We went to another corridor, Vyse, Aika and Nadine waiting for me.
"That was close" I told them, breathing a sigh of relief. They all smiled at me. Nadine stopped first.
"That man who came by with the rifle" she started.
"You mean James?" I asked. She nodded. "That's my brother. He's a good sniper and helped at Bruhl. Main flaw is that he wants to be boss"
"Ok…at least we know"
"He didn't want me to sign up…something about what Mum would have wanted…that's a load of bull. I know she would have wanted us to stay safe, yes, but she would have wanted us to do what's right"
"Craig…"
"If it wasn't for the fact that we were in this army together…I would be punching him straight in the face for doing what he didn't want me to do" you lead by example, not just orders.
"Just tell me if you need help with him" Vyse told me, smiling with one eye closed. "I'll be happy to help you out"
"And don't forget me" Aika chipped in.
"Thanks guys, but I don't think you'll be needed" I told them, walking closer. "Now, what do you say we go to our new digs?"
They all nodded, Nadine stretching before we all walked. It had been a long day. It'll be nice to have a nice bed under me. When we got to our new barracks, we found it was just one single barracks, set up for 20 people. Seems like we're all sticking together in this. Everyone was choosing a bunk, putting stuff around them and jumping on or in. I grabbed a top Bunk, Aika taking one below me, with Vyse opposite and Nadine above him. We got the one closest to the door. I looked around, seeing James at the other end. Welkin standing at the end, Alicia at his side.
"Everyone!" he shouted. Everyone paid attention to him, even James. "Welcome to squad 7" we all nodded. "I know we are all scared of what may or may not happen out there, but we all have to stick together through all of this" we all nodded, agreeing. "So, get to know each other. That person you become friends with might be the person covering your back in the field"
He had a point. Vyse might be the one saving my ass out there. It's best if we at least get along, after all, I know that we're gonna have to.
"So get to know each other tonight, and tomorrow, we'll get started on training" he told us. He had his own bunk, as did Alicia and…I'm guessing Isara, as there is a spare Bunk above the guy next to me. I looked at him, seeing 'Largo'.
"Your name's Largo, right?" I asked him. He looked at me, looking serious.
"Yeah, that's me" he crossed his arms, putting a cigar in his mouth. "What about you?"
"Craig. It's nice to meet you Largo" I held my hand out, to which he shook it. "It'll be nice to work with you"
"Yeah, I get it kid" he looked to the next bunk, where a woman who looked young, with brown hair and a kind of Irish voice was talking to someone. "Cathrine, you still serving I see"
"Yes Largo" she replied, looking at the man. "It's been a while since EW1" I learnt that was Europa War 1. "How's your life been?"
"Normal…doing a bit of farming here and there…not the same as before though" Cathrine looked at me, smiling.
"Hello. I'm Cathrine O'Hara" she told me, saluting. Even her name sounds Irish. "I hope to be of assistance in the field"
"My name's Craig, and nice to meet you"
One thing I do know…this is gonna take a while…only 12 more people to say hello to. But to shorten things down, here's the shortened version.
"Marina Wulfstan" the black haired loner quietly spoke, her hair covering her right eye. "At your service" she had a sniper rifle at her side. She never smiled, that was the disturbing thing.
"Call me Wavy" a Darcsen wearing glasses with an aged look to him spoke. He had a normal rifle. "I'll keep you safe" he seemed like the guardian type if I may so comment.
"Please, call me Lynn" a young, nice looking, Darcsen with a ponytail told me. She saluted me. "I hope to be of assistance in the field" she seems kind.
"Hector here" a tall, armour wearing, black haired man told me. He looked strong, to say the least. "I'll blow any tank away" he had a weird lance with him which I learnt was a LANCAAR (some kind of Acronym. I think it stands for LANCe- shaped anti-Armour device…but then, with that, wouldn't sound as good being an LSAAD) it was the basic anti-tank weapon. I looked at Largo, seeing another one.
"Hi Hon" a young girl with a style to her hair so that it stuck out to the side. "Ramona at your service" she looked beautiful. I had heard tales of her sneaking out at night to party.
"I'm Edy Nilson" A girl with grey hair, not from age but from some kinda dye, draped down to her shoulders. "Always ready to help darlings" she sounded annoying.
"My name is Knute Jung" an older, neat brown haired engineer told me, pushing his glasses back. "and I am prepared to lay my body down for Gallia"
"Audrey here" she told me. She had blond hair twirling around her head, and looked weak…then I was surprised to learn one major fact.
She was a lancer. "I'll be ready to move" I was sure I was nearly through the list of people who joined up.
"Howdy, I'm Ted" a black, spiky haired scout told me. "I've got plenty of material to entertain" seems he's a bit of a joker.
"Hey buddy" Alex, a young blond shocktrooper started. He had an odd orange streak in his hair. "Ready to kick some Imperial tail"
I think that's everyone I haven't met. Shame the intros were so short. I walked up to Welkin, Alicia…and James, smiling.
"Well, Welkin, seems like we have a number of characters here" I told him. "Or should I call you boss…or lieutenant?"
"Boss will do" he told me, waving his hands defensively. "But I'm still Welkin, the same one you met at Bruhl"
"That good to know" I turned to Alicia. "So what rank did you get?"
"I'm 2nd in command" she told me, smiling. I was taken aback. To get 2nd in command straight away was a big deal.
"Nice" was all I could say. I looked around, wondering where Isara was.
"Is is taking care of the Edelweiss in the R and D centre" Welkin told me. I nodded, looking back at him. "She'll be back before the nights done"
I nodded, going back to my bunk, ignoring James. He told me not to do this, yet he's doing it himself. I'm going to leave him alone for a while.
Squad 7…but would we be the lucky 7's?
Either way, our survival would come down to more then just luck
But with this number of…characters…
Something tells me this is gonna be an entertaining war.
Anyway, I owe you potentials, after all this is the army.
Both James and myself have two hidden and two obvious potentials
The two obvious for James are:
City kid: boost in abilities in paved areas.
Camaraderie: having units of the same class around enhances accuracy.
Craig's… or rather, mine:
Sibling rivalry: having James around leads to a rise in determination, raising defence and attack.
night confidence: sight is unimpeded by darkness, and gives a small confidence boost, raising accuracy.
Someone tell me if you disagree with these 4, I'll understand if you do, and might actually change them if you can give a good reason. Do note that Craig…I'm not panicky after Bruhl, having already seen a lot of death and gotten used to combat. James is too far away from the battle to be worried. I don't think I'm a born leader, James most certainly isn't, he just likes to boss people around, but isn't a bully either.
Also, do note this now; neither of us are going to have a valkyria potential. For one, we already have Alicia. I have other plans for us.
And for another thing, there is only one lance and shield in Gallia, not including Selvaria's. So how can we be Valkyria?
I'm trying to avoid Stu territory here, people.
to one particular person, how was she?
Finally (and I do mean finally) something tells me a list of 22/ 23/ 26 people is going to be entertaining.
