Choices Define
Rated: M
Pairing: Hanson/Aubree
Author: Nightstar Fury
Disclaimer: I do not own HTTYD movies, shorts, or series. Also, don't own any songs I might use. Everything belongs to its original creator.
26; Take It Slow
Arriving in Afghanistan was every bit of hectic Hanson said it would be. First thing to happen was the pilot announcing they were entering 'blackout landing' which is when the plane blacked out to reduce the risk of an attack while landing. This made everyone panic a little, at least the first time deployers did and the veteran soldiers who had deployed before just tried to keep them calm.
"It's all okay," Hanson reminded them all as he stood up and held one of the handles over his head keeping an eye the newbies. The total landing time took close to fifteen minutes but it was wheels down and the lights were back on as most of them checked their watches to see that exactly as Hanson had said, it was 4:30 pm.
"And we've safely arrived in Bagram, Afghanistan. Welcome to Bagram Airfield," the pilot announced.
"Listen up soldiers, once we deboard, I want you all to fall in together by squadron outside and await further orders. I will be meeting up with Captain Jennings who commands Cardinal and Delta platoons," Hanson informed.
"Yes sir," the soldiers replied.
"Lieutenant Colonel Haddock, Sir!" called a voice as Hanson turned to see another soldier rushing up to him and stood at attention with a salute.
"At ease. What can I do for you?" Hanson asked.
"I was asked to meet you here and bring you to Captain Jennings after taking you and your troops to your barracks. The dragons arrived a few hours ago and had been placed in stables. Here are the roster and room list to make it a little easier," said the soldier.
"Excellent then. Lieutenant Hedsen!" Hanson called as Thatcher rushed ahead and saluted him, "Take the troops to the barracks and have them start settling in. I will go speak with Captain Jennings," he ordered.
"Yes sir. Alright troops follow me," Thatcher commanded them as they began moving on towards their barracks with the soldier leading them. Hanson started heading to Captain Jennings office to speak with him about recent updates.
(Few Hours Later)
Hanson had such a headache already, so much had happened since they learned of this deployment two months prior. For now, at least they had a few days to adjust to the time change and get settled to the new life for the next year. Hanson knew from memory that most barracks for any deployment had been modernized from the tents and cots. Now it was a big building that could fit squadrons and dragons on the sides, a tent like stable that kept out all types of weather and allowed the rider to see their dragons perfectly. Hanson could command a full battalion if he needed to but he stuck to just two platoons to make a company. Hanson had one person in each squadron who commanded them under himself but Hanson commanded the Alpha Wing group which consisted of sixteen soldiers.
Alpha Wing squadron held Hanson, Thatcher, Ella, Sylvia, Heather, Vincent, Dustin, Nicole, Franklin, Eli, Ricky, Taylor, Raelyn, Aubree, Grant, and Sawyer. All his friends in one place, it was the only way he could keep his promise they would be safe. That wasn't to say he didn't care about the others but he knew they could take care of themselves as long as they followed his orders which they all did without a hassle. And Nicole was Ella's new battle buddy, her full name was Nicole Doragon but insisted everyone call her Nikki. Hanson was tired, he needed some sleep as it was 7:40 pm and he missed dinner because of that meeting. Now that he was here, he was in charge of a lot of things fighting and mission related. What joy for him. Thankfully, he had some left over food from the Germany layover; just a water bottle and and cinnamon roll that he could meat up in the main room of the barrack.
Each barrack had eight rooms with four on each side off the hallway. The back of the barrack held the main room, then on the left and right of that room were the bathrooms. Hanson knew every room was built for two soldiers per it, and there was a closet for both and mini fridge to share. Then a window to see out to their dragons in the temporary stables. Hanson sighed heavily as he made his way inside the barrack and down towards the last room on the right where he knew Thatcher would put the two of them as always when given the choice. Hanson looked at the doors as he walked seeing the names on them, it was the easiest way to know where everyone was.
Hanson reached his door and walked in to see Thatcher unpacking. "Hey, there you are," Thatcher greeted.
"Here I am. So much to do tomorrow, but no missions or guard for three days." Hanson enlightened him.
"The standard if I recall from other tours," Thatcher shrugged. "You hungry? I Brought back some grub for you. It's in the fridge,"
"Thanks, man, I'll get some after I unpack. How are the others settling in?" Hanson asked.
"Haven't checked on them. We started unpacking, then went to dinner at 1700. After getting back here, I just told them to start unpacking again and then maybe they could go see their dragons if it's cool with you?" Thatcher informed.
"We'll see, it's getting later and I want them to rest up. The base has been getting attacked at night lately according to Jennings," Hanson stated as he tossed his bag on his bed and peeked out the window to see Toothless laying down and relaxing with a bucket of fish and water off to the side. Thatcher's dragon, Thornado the Thunderdrum was on the other side with fish and water as well.
"We taking part in any of that?" Thatcher questioned.
"Possibly, depends if I need to step in or not. Where's Gobber?" Hanson asked remembering he didn't see Gobber's name on a door in the barrack.
"Oh, he's in Barrack B across from us acting as CO for the Blast Wing squadron since Kenner is sick and in with the medic," Thatcher told him. Hanson nodded understanding as he began to unpack his things. "And arranged for you to get a small desk in here for your laptop," he added.
"Thanks, Thatch. Always got my back on tours. Not sure I'll ever be able to repay you that kindness," Hanson smiled to him.
"Shut up you stupid ass. Told you when we became buddies that I would have your back and as long as I'm alive, I will continue to do so," Thatcher replied with his hand out and Hanson connected his hand to Thatcher's while they held firm a moment before letting go and getting back to unpacking. As the time ticked by, it was soon almost 9 pm before Hanson finished and finally laid back on his bed and stretched out. He was hungry and tired but still had things to do such as check on the others.
"Better check on the rest, you okay here?" Hanson asked as he got up and reached his arms towards the ceiling then dropping them down and looking to Thatcher.
"Yeah, I'm good. Don't stay out too late; you need your rest too my friend," Thatcher reminded.
"Will do, I still have to call home and talk to the kids," Hanson smiled as he exited his room and took a breath. There was no need to check on Ella, Nikki, Vincent, and Ricky. They all knew what they were supposed to do and had been deployed before. To start his check ins, he would do the easiest thing. Summon them all. "Alpha Wing, fall in!" he called out. Within moments, they all formed up outside of their rooms and standing at attention. "Vin, Rick, Nik, and El. You four can return to your rooms. I'm just checking on the newbies," he chuckled some.
"Well, gee. Thanks, Hanson." Sawyer remarked.
"There are about thirty thousand soldiers based here. That means this base is home to one Brigade and commanded by Major General Andy King, the man who called me two months ago when I was in the hospital. If you'll recall from your classroom training, a brigade is made up of three or more battalions. I command the Draco Battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Drake Bludvist commands the Ormr Battalion, and Lieutenant Colonel Salvator Amunsev has command over the Dreki Battalion. Following so far?" Hanson asked.
"Yes sir," the ten friends replied to him with a nod.
"It's not to be a dick to you but I'm giving you fair warning that outside of this barrack or in the presence of another commanding officer, you have to call me Colonel Haddock or Sir. All protocols you were taught at Fort Riddari, fall into place now. Understand? You can get in serious trouble if you aren't doing exactly what is expected of you and I don't want to see any of you punished for such," Hanson warned them lightly.
"We understand, sir," Heather responded as the others nodded to him.
"Good. Now, I'm sure you noticed already that down just down here from the entrance is the main room. In there is some couches, tables, chairs, vending machines, fridge and freezer combination, and a TV. Little relaxtion room for you, just stay away from the small cubicle in the back left. That would be my office if I'm not in my room. Secondly, I'm sure you've noticed where the bathrooms are and it goes without saying that females use the left and males the left. There are four toilets, showers, and sinks in each bathroom so work out your own schedules for when to use them. Around the base there are the porta-potties to use if you're not in a particular building that has bathrooms," Hanson informed calmly.
"Okay, we got it. Anything else we should know? Dustin inquired.
"You'll be getting a tour tomorrow of main places you can go or would be required to go if ordered to do so. You already know where the chow hall is, I'm sure Thatcher showed you on the way to dinner. Now, listen up because this is very important. If you hear the horn at all, you do nothing without my orders. The only thing you need to do is get dressed with everything on including vests, belts, helmets, and guns then stand out here in this hallway until I tell you what to do. This only applies to you ten because the others have done this before," Hanson said firmly.
"Wait, so if we hear that horn, what does it mean?" Aubree asked now.
"If you hear the horn once, it means there were enemies spotted near the base and get ready. If you hear it a second time within five minutes of the first, it's an attack and wait for orders. You won't be doing a lot until you get the hang of things here such as the time change, the long guard shifts, small missions, and seeing how things work. I suspect they won't let you do much for a month except observe," Hanson replied.
"And if we hear it in the next month, we just don't do anything?" Franklin questioned.
"That's right. I expect you ten to stay out of the way and safe. Form up in the main room and seal the doors until I get back. If you hear me yell orders, it's not for you. I'll address you directly, got it?" Hanson asked.
"Got it. So as you said, we just listen to you and do as we're told?" Eli looked at him.
"Exactly. Now it's pretty late so just get back to your rooms and try and get some sleep. If any have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can see me in my room if you knock first or the cubicle office in the main room when I'm in there. I gotta call my kids and sleep myself. I will see you all for breakfast tomorrow morning," Hanson said.
"Understood, Colonel Haddock. Rest well and see you tomorrow," Sylvia smiled. Hanson nodded to her as he prepared to enter his room again.
"Dismissed soldiers. Good night," Hanson told them before opening his door, entering, then closing it once more. Hanson was exhausted, he would call his children to wish them a goodnight and then get something to eat before turning in for the evening. All any of them knew is that it would take time to adjust to this new lifestyle, so it was best to take it in slow.