Wake up, take a bite, put on my helmet, and my bulletproof vest (or what's left of it), load my pistol with any bullets left in stock (or lying across the battlefield), enter the trench, smoke a cigar, shoot at whatever appears on the other side, reload, shoot, reload, shoot, take a bite, hit the hey, repeat.
Wake up, eat, arm up, go in position, smoke, shoot, reload, shoot, reload, smoke, eat, sleep, repeat.
Wake up, eat, arm up, go in position, smoke, shoot, reload, shoot, reload, smoke, eat, sleep, repeat.
Wake up, eat, arm up, go in position, smoke, shoot, reload, shoot, reload, smoke, eat, sleep, repeat.
Wake up, eat, arm up, go in position, smoke, shoot, reload, shoot, reload, smoke, eat, sleep, repeat.
That's how it's been for the last few years or a decade maybe who knows, I lost track of time, everyone did, and I'm not patient enough to count the days. If I'm not an idiot and going by the changes of seasons it should be around 8 years, I think. That would mean it's 2032, I guess.
Hmmm... does Germany have 4 seasons?
Oh yeah, they do.
As expected of a mob character like me, lacking any defining traits except knowing useless information that turns out to be useful on the most pointless occasions. Maybe I should change my name to Cid Kagenou. Nah... he's not really a side character after all. "Tch damn traitor, you're the final boss yet you think you can be an NPC." You don't know our pain.
"Talking to yourself again, Rex?"
Oh, I did it again. I would be pretty embarrassed if this was 7 years ago, but honestly, those feelings have escaped me for a while now. It escaped everyone here.
As I looked around at the remaining faces of our battalion. Perhaps it was 7 years ago I would describe them to you (Though I probably forgot their names). Hmm, you? Who am I talking to? And why am I monologuing so much today? Well, whatever I haven't gotten a back flash yet, so I don't think I've raised any red flags. ...Anyways as I was saying to you... I mean myself the faces of everyone around weren't solemn or scared they were just indifferent. If it was 7 years ago maybe everyone would be expressive either giving prayers to the fallen or just thankful, they lived another day.
"Rex."
Hmmm, I suppose for this internal monologue to make sense I need to give it some backstory so you gu-I mean me can understand. Basically, we are in WW3. What's a world war and why is it 3? Well, I ain't telling you! I envision myself to be viewing this content through some sort of electronic device equipped with Wi-Fi and having access to a wonderful invention known as the search engine which could answer stupid questions for the uneducated, misinformed, and ignorant.
Anyways... who would have thought that of all the countries that would start this conflict would be Germany? Yes, it is certainly unprecedented for a country of peace and tranquility, that has zero history of violence would be the cause of what could probably be global extinction this time. Well at least to anyone without a brain. Honestly, what were the Allies thinking after WW2? I would think those grubby politicians would use the chance to take over the German land under the excuse of democracy and liberation, but they actually let Germany keep its autonomy.
"Rex?"
Maybe I'm being too biased, maybe people had a heart before the Cold War happened, and maybe humanity still had empathy back then. Like I give a shit! I just want a hot meal or to see my family. But cause these Germans were secretly able to come up with anti-nuke weapons and were covertly building a frigging fleet of some unholy combination of SHIELD Heli carriers and Star Destroyers here I am in the trenches like my Great Grandpa fighting the same people. WITH A DAMN PISTOL! I wonder if old Adolf is smiling from wherever he's looking and mocking me and my idiotic excuse for a president-
"REX?!"
Damn?! Can't a guy yap his life away in peace? Hang on guys, I mean me, I'm about to give this bucko whose name I probably forgot a piece of my mind. As I lifted my gaze to get a good look at this busybody before I suckered em' in the face I realized exactly who it was that I'd been ignoring. I abruptly stilled and I swore my eyes widened just a tad (definitely the biggest outward show of emotion I've had in years). I immediately put my gun back in its holster, straightened my posture to 90 degrees, brought my legs together, my arm to my forehead in the position of a soldier's salute, locked my superior in his eyes, and responded. "Sir Yes Sir, Lieutenant Rex, 32nd Battalion reporting for duty!"
The man in front of me wore the same bloodied and worn-out gear as me telling the tale of many battles, with the distinction of being armed with a switchblade and rifle whose model I forgot and having a small pin that is invisible from far away hanging on his vest indicating his superior position. His obsidian short black hair was concealed under his combat helmet and his brown eyes bore into me, as he looked slightly down on me with his 6'3 sized fit build. Perhaps it was 7 years ago... ugh I'm going to stop saying seven years, perhaps if it was years ago, I would be intimidated. The only reason I have given him the salute is that he is one of the few people in life I have found truly worthy of respect. He continued to look at me for what felt like 5 seconds... hah you thought I would say hours, didn't you? His impassive and strict countenance quickly softened, and he spoke "At ease captain".
Captain?
As if sensing my questioning look, he elaborated. "Simon didn't make it yesterday, so congratulations you got promoted". Who the hell wants more responsibility? I still haven't given up my hopes of seeing my family again and this promotion is just gonna mean I have to fight longer. I tried to reason with the Major, "With all due respect Major, but wouldn't fatt-Pat over there be next in line?"
Some background noise entered my ears, "Oi, brat you were about to call me 'Fatty-Patty' weren't you!".
Side character 2 whose name I had forgotten spoke up from where he was sitting on some crates to the far left of me "Come on T-Rex you know Ol 'Pat is sensitive about his weight?"
T-Rex? Oh right, that's my nickname, even though I'm younger than most of the guys remaining here, I was part of the first batch deployed to the 32nd under Major Phil. So, I was treated as a senior officer by most of the guys here and got that nickname, even though our ranks didn't differ much (until today it seems). It's pretty cringe, I rather just be called by my name.
"Shut up Lanky, what weight are you even talking about? Huh?!" It seems like the typical NPC quarrel has started today; well, I won't complain it's the few sources of entertainment we got in these trenches. Not that I think about it, Fatty and I are all that's left of the 1st batch, he's also the only one who calls me a brat.
"Alright boys that's enough, quiet down", said the major. This got a duet of 'yes sirs' from my fellow mobs and ended the quarrel. Tch, I was looking forward to that fight. "Rex", began the major as he turned to me, "Pat, turned the position down saying you are more qualified", major I know he didn't say that. He probably said, "Don't wanna, give it to the brat."
Noticing my unimpressed reaction, the major let out a sigh of resignation. "I need a captain, and you really are the best choice, Rex, you won't say no to me, right?", questioned the major, though it was more of a statement, as he grasped my right shoulder with his corresponding arm. For someone as observant as me, I could feel the slight tremble of the Major's grip, and could feel a rejection here would really put him at the end of the ropes. This ain't fair Major, you know I can't say no when you act like that.
After Major and Captain Simon, no one here commands more respect and is aware of how things are done, than Fatty and I. Additionally with Fatty's fitness level it's a miracle he hasn't been gunned down yet. Honestly, I feel like he would be a named character with all his plot armor. Tch, NPC-Wannabe.
"Is this an order sir?" I questioned the major, who in turn relaxed his grip and gave me a soft smile that seemed to reach his eyes, "It wouldn't change a thing if it did, would it, Captain Rex?" No, it wouldn't, I straightened myself back into the salute stance as per protocol and declared "Sir! Thank you for the promotion, sir! Captain Rex of the 32nd, reporting for duty sir".
The major repeated the appropriate reply once again and I relaxed myself.
He began, "...Anyways Captain Rex", can he stop enunciating it like that "What I was trying to say before, was that you got to stop zoning out. We are on a battlefield for Christ's sake, any lack of focus can be fatal!" I doubt it as it never put me in mortal danger, and I haven't even encountered something like that when I was sleeping.
"If I don't make it, you're taking charge, and then these boys are gonna start calling you Major Tom."
That got a few soft snickers out of my fellow mobs who quieted themselves under my gaze. For their lack of brains at least it's good to see that they can understand some pop culture references.
"That's not what the song is about, Major", I said.
"I know Rex, I know, but you sure do act like Walter Mitty. I honestly don't even wanna know what goes on in that brain of yours", he rudely replied.
Well, honestly it doesn't matter if I become captain I would probably die before we even get permission to go home, so I might as well fulfill the goals of the me who died years ago and climb the dreaded corporate ladder. Speaking of power, I should make use of it and get the answer to the question that I'm sure is on many of our minds.
"Major?"
"Yes?"
"Have we been abandoned?"
That got the complete attention of everyone. Yes, our elite squad of a whopping 13 NPCs and two named characters snapped their heads to me and the major who seemed to be in the center of a group huddle. The major's composure slipped for a moment before he steadied himself, "Of course not! Why would you say something so irresponsible Captain? I should write you up for insubordination!"
I sighed, "Major, when was the last time we received supplies, all our ammo comes from what's left in the barracks and picking bullets off the ground."
"Of course, we get supplies. It is just not ammo cause headquarters is tight on resources right now. But we get food! Where do you guys think all that meat, I cook for you guys every day comes from?" He desperately argued, any other day I would pity him but not now, if I'm captain then these boys deserve an answer, they deserve the truth.
"Major, although we aren't the brightest tools in the shed, do you really think we haven't noticed a few corpses disappearing from the battlefield every day?"
I could hear a few stomachs curl, and growl and disgust as some's visages turned green at the reminder of just what or who they were eating. For the first time in a year, the indifference that littered the 32nd's faces crumbled.
"That and the fact, that you banned all personnel from the kitchen with a flimsy excuse such as 'inadequate cooking skills', made people pay closer attention to what was going on."
The major clenched his fist and his nails dug into his skin almost to the point of gushing blood before he relaxed them and sighed. He looked at me and the rest of our squad with a face full of guilt and responded. "If you already know then there's no point in playing dumb, it's the truth, BUT I swear to you all on my life that the only bodies used were those of the enemy."
"We know", I stated "or else we would have refused and starved".
Noticing that no one was giving him a look of hate or betrayal, the Major returned a facial expression full of gratitude. Although this damaged morale it's necessary for the lies to stop as it builds solidarity and trust that is needed for a battalion to survive when alone in enemy territory. If this was a Shonen perhaps it would have been a great place to stop, and tell the Major of our renewed trust and march off to battle.
But this isn't that kind of story, as the whole truth, what they don't know, still needs to come to light. So, I press on.
"So Major, I'll ask again were we abandoned?"
"Of course not, and I stand by that. HQ isn't that cruel; you remember their orders. Stay alive till the extraction team can come and get us out of this hell hole!"
My patience even for this man was wearing thin. "Major! Those orders arrived nearly a year ago. Which was also the last time we received supplies and reinforcements. It's a miracle that we are still alive. Heavily due to the fact that the Germans don't take our little cell here seriously and take pleasure in dangling any hope we have till they eventually decide to just finish us off. Moreover, Me and Pat were told by Captain Simon that's been over half a year till we last received any communications from HQ!"
The 32nd was already put off by the Major's admission of cannibalism, grew even rowdier, and resigned themselves to the faith of death after this revelation.
Phil looked at me, looked at his battalion, his boys, and came to a decision. "Yeah, everything Rex says is true! We haven't heard anything from HQ and any signal I try to send is either jammed, interfered, or ignored. This is the reality of war, and people aren't going to be treated equally. Especially for a severely unarmed cell in enemy territory. We could have long been considered deceased and compromised. For all HQ knows we either threw our lot in with the Germans or we are Germans posing ourselves as America's pride and joy".
Before anyone could interrupt him, he continued. "THAT said, Simon and I aren't fools! We are aware that a few G wagons can't get us across the sea and home. That's why we were devising a plan that could punch our own ticket home, which we wouldn't use unless no more options were left. It was selfish of us to hide this from you, selfish of me. You have to understand even if this works, we will be put on trial for insubordination. In the worst case, we will be imprisoned, interrogated, tortured, and silenced in fear that we voice the injustices we have faced or are German Sleeper agents. Additionally, the chances of us even pulling this off are close to zero. Is that clear?!"
All I needed to hear was a collective "sir yes sir!" before I spoke up.
"Major, most of us have long given up on ever making it alive or seeing US soil ever again. Even if this plan is a suicide run, we will take it as hope is the only thing we have left".
"Alright" screams the major. It's not a plan but before our last drone was shot down, we confirmed the existence of a German outpost 8 clicks North on the mountain Murker. It was formally a wind farm so it's decently guarded. It supplies power to their base, so supplies arrive steadily from Berlin and maintenance runs are done regularly. To ensure that circuits don't break on the 8th of each month they shut down the farm so the electricians can diagnose if any changes are needed. For those who don't know today is the 8th which is why we haven't seen any action today as the base is being heavily guarded but at night, they are basically blind. We will set our camp on fire attracting as much attention here as possible while we move out in the dead of night through the back road trail to Murker. We will then strike with all our power and secure a transport aircraft at which point our Lanky over here will fly us out. Any questions?"
It wasn't much of a plan, filled with many variables like what if they don't shut off power or what if the aircraft we secured isn't fueled. But it's all we got.
So, we all chimed in unison "SIR NO SIR!"
"Alright boys, pack up, we move out at sunset".
Alright, I think this is a good place to end the first content chapter. Originally, I was going to do this 2 - 3 weeks from now but I felt I had some extra time, so I did it. I also realized thatperhaps a better love interest would be Ultear as they are both wanderers and could meet on their respective journeys. However, I still doubt I will write any romance as I have zero experience in that field. If I'm able chapter 2 will be released earlier but don't count on seeing it before 2 weeks' time. I hope that during this time I can receive some good advice and input on how to polish my writing from my readers and even receive some ideas for when the main story starts. Thanks, and I'll see you all next chapter.
