Hyello! Next chapter! Wooooooo! I would also like to thank you for the reviews, and specifically AnsemD for the advice and offer of help! If I need some help, I will definitely ask you!
But anyways, LETS GET THIS STARTED!
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Chapter 10: Talking Worries
The day has come. The day where the newest recruits go on their first operation. 5 platoons were formed before paw, each one going to different locations to complete varying objectives. Platoon 2 was the one Nick and Judy were apart of. Each platoon was given a vehicle that look something like a very large armored bus. The bunny and foxes platoon started to load onto their bus.
Nick decided now was a good time for a joke, "Looks like the Magic School Bus is heading to war."
That got a few chuckles from the group, including Judy, who also rolled her eyes at his antics.
The next few minutes consisted of everyone packing into the bus, along with their gear. Once everyone was in, and the doors shut, the driver told them all it was going to be a day before they would get to their destination.
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It was about an hour into their drive that Nick noticed something odd.
Judy wasn't being very talkative.
Usually she would always try to talk about something, and Nick didn't mind this at all, he actually found it enjoyable. But right now, she was just staring out the window, being the quietest one on the bus. Nick decided that they needed to talk.
"Hey, Judy, are you doing alright?"
Judy looked at him, "Yeah, I'm fine."
She tried to blow it off.
Nick wasn't going to have it.
"Judy, is this about what we are going to have to do?" He asked in a caring tone.
It took a bit, but Judy finally did respond, "Nick, ever since we had that little talk a week ago… I have been thinking about it more and more, and I'm not sure if I really am ready, even though we were trained to do this…"
Nick didn't respond for a little while, but after a few minutes, he decided on what he would say, "Alright, Judy, I'm not going to sugar coat this… this will be tough, I have never killed a mammal, but I have seen death in Zootopia. Mammals bodies just rotting in back alleys, and I'm going to say that it wasn't pleasant. I had nightmares for weeks. So when it comes to KILLING mammals? I'm sure its going to be worse… but you need to keep what I'm about to say in your mind at all times."
He paused for a short moment before continuing, "You are not alone in this. Every single mammal on this bus is going to have to go through it eventually. They will all have different ways to cope, some might be able to instantly move on, others will have nightmares for years after this war is over. Like I said, you are not alone. Specifically, you have me, because I would like to think we are close friends."
He let that sink in for a bit before he spoke again, "I cannot stress this enough, you are NOT alone, I promise to have your back on and off the battlefield… would you be able to have mine?"
It took a minute, but Judy smiled for the first time since entering the bus. "You know I do, Slick."
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About an hour out from their destination, a familiar voice spoke up.
"Alright, I'm only gonna say this once, so listen up!"
It was Jacob.
"I was given the position of platoon leader for this operation, and before you ask me why, I do not know, but I suspect its because they believe this will be an easy task for us."
Many mammals then shut their mouths.
"Now, our orders are to take back a town on the border of Zeegram and Argrum. This is a small town of about 500, and as far as we know, all the civilians have made it out."
Someone interjected, "Sir, if its such a small town, why bother to take control of it?"
"I was about to get to that. Anyway, the town is located on top of a bridge that crosses the river that runs along the border. So, if you control the town, you control the bridge. Now we go back to what I said earlier."
A pause.
"We need to take back this town, but we do not know how many enemies we will be facing."
There was some murmuring before Jacob spoke again.
"Everyone, collect your gear and be ready to move out in 50 minutes!"
A collective, "Sir!" was heard, and then everyone in the bus did just what he asked.
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Just like Jacob Carlile said, they were in the outskirts of the town after 50 minutes and, so far, it was quiet. They all made their way out of the bus, and formed a tight circle when they started to move into the town.
It was still quiet.… too quiet.
As they were walking, a lion towards the front of the group heard some metal banging at his hind paws. He looked down and his eyes widened.
"GRENADE!"
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Cliffhanger! Yep, they are about to go into their first firefight. This is when I tell you that the M rating will start to kick in, so be prepared!
Also, check out AnsemD right here on this website!
Anyways.. Thank you for reading!
And I will see ya next time!