Chapter 395: Europe

Wednesday, February 8th, Morning (Central European Time)

The pre-dawn morning was darker than usual and showed the skies would be overcast. At least it wasn't a patrol day as he headed over to the tank park. As he reached his tank, he could see his crew also arriving around him. As were their usual practice, they all collected at the front of the tank.

Keith noticed Palmer still had a paper cup of coffee. Keith nodded and looked them over.

"Palmer," Keith said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Palmer said.

"I see you have coffee," Keith said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Palmer said.

"Did you bring enough for everyone?" Keith asked.

"No, Sergeant," Palmer said.

"Well, next time, bring enough for everyone," Keith said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Palmer said.

Keith nodded, "No patrol today, and our platoon is on stand down. We're going to do maintenance on Damageplan, make sure we can spin her up, quickly, yes, Derby?" Keith said.

"Are you sure the tank chooses to identify as female, Sergeant?" Derby asked.

"Private Derby, you're new to the crew, correct?" Keith asked.

"Yes, Sergeant," Derby said.

"Please, don't take the slack I give Palmer and Letty as I'm weak; they've spent plenty of time with me and have earned what they are given," Keith said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Derby said.

"The tank is an inanimate object, so has no say in what pronouns we use. The crew decided that the tank is a she, though," Keith said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Derby said.

Keith shook his head. "Palmer, Derby, y'all are to start with the tracks," Keith said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Palmer said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Derby said.

"Letty, you and I will go over the turret equipment," Keith said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Letty said.

They divided up and went about their work. Keith found himself in the commander's seat as Letty turned on the batteries. Letty crawled back into the turret and started to check over the gunnery system. It's a slow process, but they went over it step by step.

Once Letty was finished, Keith slid into the position to double-check her work. Letty was still new to the position, so they both wanted to make sure she did it correctly. Keith saw it as a teachable moment to pass on his experience. Keith turned down Master Gunner School because of work, but he had made up his mind to try for it again when they got back.

After finishing with the turret, Keith and Letty climbed out of the tank. They found the rest of the crew finished inspecting the tracks. Afterward, Derby climbed into the tank, eventually popping open the driver's hatch. The rest of the crew took up positions at three of the corners of the tank.

"Power!" Derby yelled and started the tank's powerful turbine engine. After checking all the gauges, Derby signaled all was good.

The crew guided Derby and the tank out of the parking spot. The tracks clanked as the machine moved, and the metal on metal was causing some of the sounds. After a quick trip around the area, they brought the tank back.

Keith sighed and looked at the crew.

"Derby, Palmer, you know you have guard duty today?" Keith asked.

"Yes, Sergeant," Palmer said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Derby said.

"Okay, get breakfast, and get done what you have to," Keith said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Palmer said.

"Yes, Sergeant," Derby said.

After the privates left, Keith looked over to Letty. She shrugged. "What's on my agenda, Sergeant?" Letty asked.

"More work on the switchology," Keith said.

"More Steel Beasts, Sergeant?" Letty asked.

"Yes, more of that," Keith said.

"The day room, Sergeant?" Letty asked.

"Yes, about an hour after breakfast?" Keith asked.

"Yes, Sergeant," Letty said.

They departed, and Keith went back to his room. After retrieving his laptop, he went to the mess hall and had breakfast. Taking his time, Keith ate slowly and watched the other soldiers move through the mess. Sergeant Shoemaker came over and sat across from Keith. Keith looked up at his platoon sergeant.

"The laptop is out, Steel Beast, again?" Shoemaker asked.

"Yes, Sergeant," Keith said.

"What are you working on?" Shoemaker asked.

"Training Specialist Halleck about the gunner position," Keith said.

"Really, going in on this," Shoemaker said.

"Why shouldn't I, Sergeant?" Keith asked.

"I figured you'd be getting out, with your wife being in congress," Shoemaker said.

Keith shook his head, "I still have two years," he said.

Shoemaker shook his head, "I don't get you, Scott; you don't have to be here, you could be a captain now, but here we are," he said.

"Sergeant, I'm a riddle, inside a mystery, wrapped within khakis," Keith said.

"Humor, not your strongest suit," Shoemaker said.

"I get it from my dad," Keith said.

"Right," Shoemaker said.

"I heard Sergeant Brockmeyer is getting transferred or getting out," Keith said.

"He's getting out," Shoemaker said.

"So, there's a need for a company, Master Gunner," Keith said.

"One would assume that," Shoemaker said.

"I'd like to go to Master Gunner School," Keith said.

"Didn't you turn down the school when Brockmeyer went?" Shoemaker asked.

"I had young kids and work," Keith said.

"Well, I can talk to Top about it, but I figured you'd like being a TC," Shoemaker said.

"I do; there's no guarantee you'll keep me in the slot," Keith said.

"Scott, you were supposed to have Keeler's spot, but you wanted to stay with Garrison," Shoemaker said.

"True," Keith said.

"Chances are you're staying with us, as who knows when we get back what will happen," Shoemaker said.

Keith looked at his watch.

"What's going on?" Shoemaker said.

"I have to meet Halleck," Keith said.

"Steel Beast Training?" Shoemaker asked again.

"Yes, Sergeant," Keith said.

"Don't let me keep you," Shoemaker said.

"Thank you, Sergeant," Keith said, stood up, collected his stuff, and left the mess hall.