It has been two days since our company defended Hasselt. The Imperials have largely pulled back with only a few skirmishes taking place in the past two days.

Right now our company is at Avro base enjoying some well-deserved rest. It's a nice change of pace from the chaos and confusion of the battlefield.

"Hey, Brooks."

She placed her pencil in the book and closed it. "What is it Cole?"

"Doc says we can see Moss."

She climbed out of her bunk. "Really? That's good. Is he alright?"

"Doc said he was the 'luckiest son of a bitch I've seen.' Had he hit the wall at a slightly different angle he'd be paralyzed."

"Well, I'm glad that isn't the case."

"Yeah, I am too." He sighed, "Unfortunately, it's not all good news. I didn't understand all the medical terminology he threw at me but it's unlikely Moss will be able to continue to fight with us."

"It's that bad?"

"Doc told me he was damn near paralyzed. Walking is going to be a challenge for him for a while."

"Damn."

"Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Come on, let's go see him."

Cole stepped out of the tent with Brooks right behind him. It's a cloudy and cool day a far cry from what it has been for the past week. A strong wind blows through the base, "Looks like it's going to rain soon."

A truck drives past carrying a section of a squad. The walk into the center of the camp and see a car parked in front of the command tent. Another truck rolls past them heading out of the camp. They walk past the command tent and head towards the tent with the large cross on it. They pushed the flap open and stepped inside.

Lining both sides of the tent are beds. The majority of them are empty as most of the wounded have been taken further behind the lines. In the first bed on the left side Moss is resting.

"You awake man?"

His eyes slowly opened, "Barely."

"Doc been treating you good?"

"Yeah."

"...So, do you know...?"

"Yeah. Doc told me just after you left. I'm disappointed, feel like I'm letting Gallia and you guys down."

"You're not disappointing anyone Moss. You carried out your duty to your best ability, that's all that matters."

He smiled, "Thanks Brooks." He yawned and shook his head. "Ugh. Medicine the doc give me is making me sleepy."

"Rest up Moss. You'll heal faster."

He slowly nodded, clearly losing the battle to stay awake. "Understood... ma'am."

"And, he's out. Doc must have just given him some painkillers. Come on, I'd be a crime if we missed breakfast."

They stepped out of the tent and noticed that the air temperature had dropped significantly. "Definitely going to rain. I say it will be here in about ten minutes and rain for about two and a half hours."

"You can tell that just from the air temperature?"

"Yeah. My dad could do it and he, somehow, taught it to me. No idea how through. When I asked him he just said it 'Runs in our family's veins."

He through the flap open to the mess tent. It was maybe 3/4s filled and they saw a few of their squadmates sitting at a table. They grabbed their food and sat with them.

"Hey, how's Moss doing?"

"He's fine. Unfortunately, he won't be joining the squad."

"Why?"

"His spine is in worse shape than the Doc originally thought. He'll need therapy to help him walk but he'll make a full recovery."

"That's good to hear."

A crack of thunder caused all conversation in the tent to stop for a second. Cole looked at Brooks, "Told you."

"Hey, I didn't doubt you."

"Brooks, don't tell me you buy into his crap."

Just as Thomson said that rain started to fall and thunder roared again. Cole smiled at him, "Sounds like I was right."

"I still don't buy it. Someone taught you how to forecast weather I know it."

"Who could have taught me that?"

"Your teachers."

Cole shook his head, "I only went to the small school in my town. They taught me the basics not how to forecast weather."

"Well then, someone you know taught you or at least shared a few tips with you."

"Yeah, my dad taught me."

"You really expect me to believe that your dad naturally learned how to forecast weather and somehow he passed that along to you without teaching you anything about it?"

"Yes. I still don't know how he did it but I've stopped thinking about it."

Thomson shook his head and went back to eating.

"Damn, it's a hell of a storm out there."

"Jackson, didn't think you'd eat with us grunts."

He smiled, "Ah, well usually I wouldn't but with the storm my food would be ruined if I went outside. That would be a shame now wouldn't it?"

"A damn shame sir."

"So, what's the word Jackson?"

"Well Brooks since you asked. I just came out of a meeting in which I was told that the Third Infantry Division is being sent back to Randgrize."

"Really. You know why?"

"That wasn't shared nor how long we are going to be there. Finish up eating and grab your gear cause we move out in an hour."

Three hours later the Third Infantry Division arrived at Fort Amatriain. As soon as they got off the trucks the Lieutenants of all the squads were called to meet their company commanders.

"Any idea what's this about?"

"I think we're going to be told why we're at Fort Amatriain."

"Must be big if the whole Division was called back."

"Yeah."

"You sound worried Newman."

"Not worried Sharp, curious."

"Ah, well that's even worse."

"Ha, ha. Very funny Lane."

She shrugged, "I try."

"Look sharp people. We're almost there."

The two guards at the entrance saluted and opened the door. Inside their company commander was sitting at his desk looking at a paper. "Sir. Reporting as ordered."

He looked up, "Ah, perfect. This won't take long. Orders from high command: Our division is being redesignated as a Mechanized division. From what I've been told and figured out the plan is for the whole first army to be mechanized. It's going to take time to re-equip the army so instead of doing it all at once one division will be re-equipped, sent back to the front lines, and then another will be re-equipped."

"Well that's good to hear sir, but what does that mean for us? Our company is already mechanized."

"You bring up a good point and it would be a waste of time and recourses to train a company that is already mechanized. Because of this, I requested R&R for the company and it was approved. I suggest you enjoy it while it lasts."

"Thank you sir."

He nodded, "Dismissed."

They saluted and exited the building. "Well, our men are going to love this."

"That they are. Well, let's not waste time."

The four Lieutenant's walked toward the building their company had occupied. A few of their soldiers are outside enjoying the weather including Brooks and Jessica. "Jackson. That was quick."

"That it was. Our Company is going to enjoy some R&R."

"Wait. Seriously," Jess asked.

"Yeah. I can't give you a concrete answer on how long it will be but it ends when our division is re-equipped. Enjoy it while it lasts and don't get in trouble"

"Don't get into trouble? You clearly don't know the squad well enough Jackson." He just sighed and shook his head.

A loud cheer came from the tent, "Sounds like the others were just informed." Jackson started to walk away, "Enjoy the R&R!"

After turning in their equipment Brooks, Jess, Ellis and Caleb York, Justin, Blake, Thomson, and Sara headed into Randgrize.

"So, what are you guys planning to do?"

"Well, I am going to surprise my mom. I'll see you guys later."

"Alright, See ya later Brooks."

"I'm going to use this time to teach my brother my card skills."

"Great, just what we need. Another cheating bastard at cards."

"Hey! I don't cheat, it's all skill," he said with a smug smile.

Thomson rolled his eyes, "Sure. I'll believe pigs fly before I believe that."

Caleb shrugged, "If you don't want to believe me, fine. Come on Ellis." He walked off. Ellis sighed and he slumped forward but he followed him.

"What are you going to do Blake?"

"Head back to my home town. I haven't seen my family in a while so I won't be apart of whatever you get up to Justin."

"Me!? You're the one who gets in trouble all the time! Especially with the ladies."

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" He shook his head as he walked away.

"Jess, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to find Alicia."

"Who's that?"

"Someone I met and talked to at Vasal. She said she was going to became a baker before the war and I want to try some of her bread. You three want to come?"

"We'd love to but, we've got a game to go to."

"Yeah. Save some bread for us!"

"In your dreams Justin! Sara?"

"I'll go with you. Been far too long since I've had fresh bread."

"Sweet. Follow me."

Sara followed Jess around the city for about fifteen minutes. Many of the civilians they passed gave them nods of respect or saluted them. Seeing that filled both of them with pride.

After following Jess for another five minutes she is starting to worry that they're lost. "Jess, you're not lost, are you?"

"No, I know exactly where we are," she said, confidently.

"Okay. Do you know where you're going?"

"Yes. The most prestigious bakery in Randgrize, Keizer's."

"Ah. Wait, how do you know she's even there?"

"Uhhhhh. I don't. I just figured, since she wants to be a baker, she might go there to practice."

"Great, so this might have been one big waste of time."

"It might have but we don't know that yet."

Sara sighed, "Look, if she's not there I'll buy you the best loaf of bread they have," Jess said.

"You better."

After another five minutes of walking, they arrived at 'Keizer's bread.' Jess pushed the door open and the small bell rang as they entered. The shop was mostly empty with only two people sitting at one of the tables. They walked up to the counter and rang the bell.

"Just a minute!"

Exactly fifty seconds later the baker appeared. "So what can I- Jess! It's been too long."

"That it has. It's good to see you Keizer."

"Wait. You know each other?"

"Well of course. I know all of my regulars. So, what can I get you?"

"Actually, is Alicia here today? I wanted to try some of her bread."

"Miss Melchiott, now that is a woman who will make a fine barker. She might even surpass me in time! Unfortunately, I have not seen her since she left Randgrize before the war. If I do see her I will let her know you two want to try her bread."

"Thanks Keizer."

Sara elbowed Jess, "I want my bread."

Jess rolled her eyes, "Yes yes a deal's a deal. Keizer?"

He chuckled, "One loaf of bread coming right up."

A/N

Happy new years everyone! I actually managed to get this chapter out on new years day which I'm proud of. Here's hoping 2021 is a better year.

Stay safe out there

Echo08, sighing out.