[IC] Valkyria Chronicles: Lions of the South

[Lennon79]

Sergeant Harald, Gallian Militia

A dozen concerns ran through Harald's mind as he checked over Sykora's unconscious form. Her pupils were dilating properly, heartbeat was alright... Unfortunately his rudimentary medical training didn't go much further than that. Not for the first time did he curse the lack of a trained medic on the team. His brow furrowed as he agonised over what to do if they didn't awaken. However the sound of rustling sheets from behind was a hopeful sign and he turned to find a dazed-looking Jatmoore rising from the bed. 'Good morning, Private. You're a sight for sore eyes. We're still at Le Haye Sainte, although we'll be pushing on tonight.' He paused uncertainly as Lilly's expression fell, then quickly averted his eyes as the girl turned about. Who the hell stripped her off..? Hunt..? No, surely not... Regardless of who the culprit was, Harald was sure that it had been done with the best of intentions. Still, putting a near naked young woman before a lonely man was a dick move if ever there was one. He focussed furiously on a knot in the wooden wall, determined not to try sneaking a peak. But by the Valks, was it hard... Once the rustling of clothes had been replaced with the clanking of armour and boots, he ventured a look back over his shoulder, just in time to see Lilly descend the staircase to the kitchen. '... take it easy now. And eat some stew.', he added after some thought.

'Well...' Harald gave Skye an awkward smile. 'That was... entertaining.' He looked down at Brenna, suddenly keenly aware that someone had stripped her too... and that her eyes were wide open. 'Whoa, whoa there... Just sit back, Sykora. You're safe.' Another set of footsteps came down the stairs and Harald turned to give Glaive a morning wave. 'Could you keep an eye on Jatmoore? Think she still needs watching for a while.' Once she had left, Harald turned his attention back to the stricken soldier before him. Brenna had been sweating profusely, most likely all night. He still didn't know what her injuries had been, but Harald theorised that it had been some kind of head injury. There was a lot of that going around. 'Just take it easy, no rush to get up. And uh...' He paused, looking away awkwardly. 'Might want to keep yourself covered.' Whoever had stripped the girls had done a very thorough job of it. He hoped that it had been Celeste, for decency's sake.

[Little_ninja]

Private First Class Cecilia Rousseau

Been told that someone named "Stichler" was in charge of her, without a chance to get some rest, and being handed a spare weapon while being told to scourage for equipment from Imperials, Cecilia smiled, half hung over, half drunk and a whole lot of "Oh my fucking god! I am so screwed! What the fuck happened!?". Been given an old SMG and a kit from a few Imperials, Cecilia looked at the one named Stichler. A female Corporal. "Well, you're going to be sobering up with a patrol. No arguments here, place ain't safe for you to take a nap. Not during the day anyway." Corporal Celeste ordered her. "Yes Ma'am" she replied, with her hand half holding her head as she saluted.

It appeared she was to patrol with the Corporal and one of the new male recruits who were recruited in a more suitable fashion than drunk and sleeping in the APC. The Corporal was a lancer, and a young woman with straight black hair like her own who had a surname, indicating that she wasn't a Darscen. The male recruit, looking at his uniform, was a private shocktrooper, who was just a tad shorter than herself. While on patrol, her steps were clearly not steady, due to still being half hung over and half drunk. Probably a couple of hours before sobering up.

Her stomach grumbled. "Uh... So hungry. This is what happens when you get drunk and then decide to sleep in one of the vehicles to hide from the senior officers the next morning. You get recruited, with a hangover and with no food. Ain't that a wonderful deal! Should do it more often." Cecilia sarcastically jested, laughing a little at her own little bit of misfortune. Nonetheless, she was out in the field, and could soon serve some "justice". She turned to the private, introducing herself, "Hello there private! I'm Private First Class Cecilia Rousseau. Nice to meet you." She continued to follow the Corporal for the patrol, slowly sobering up.

[CitrusArms]

Private Durandal

The young guard laid on the side of the hill, basking in the sun with her sword on the ground next to her. Birds chirped in the trees, she could hear the water trickling down the stream from the nearby river, and it was peaceful. The villagers at the bottom of the hill went about their business in their quiet little village, and all was well. It was very sudden when the clank of armor caught her ear, and she lifted her head to gaze down at an advancing column of soldiers, walking straight toward the village. Stunned for a moment by disbelief, the warrior grabbed her sword and ran down the hill, toward the advancing column.

The following battle was fierce. The warrior, though she fought valiantly, was knocked out by an explosion. She heard snapping, as though someone were trying to rouse her...

Durandal gave a groan, before her eyes fluttered open to see Skye over her. "... G'morning..." She blinks at the woman, a Darcsen, and then at her armor. Armor? And this wasn't her house. Where was she? And, wait, where- there. Her sword. That was a small comfort, but that didn't answer her question. "So, I have a question. Aah... where am I?"

[Slypheed]

Brenna

When the sergeant brought her near nudity to her attention, her face turned a bright red as she laid back down quickly. Throwing the sheets over her at the same time.

It was only after a few seconds did her face re-appear from the sheets. "Where's my outfit?" Brenna asked. She didn't want to slide out from the sheets and go looking for it, even if she was wearing underwear. The room was fairly blurry too, she could only make out a quarter of the objects in the room, and could only recognize most of the features of Harald. "And my glasses? Where are those as well?"

Skye

A favorable response over instant hostility. But the woman didn't seem to know where she was. Recent memory must have been knocked out of her. Skye thought. "Le Haye Sainte" Skye responded. "You're apart of Squad 4." She also told the woman, if she asked for that as well. Anything extra, the Sergeant would have to answer as Skye's knowledge ended there.

Skye turned her attention to Brenna briefly. Girl seemed scared when she woke up, and when she surfaced from the sheets, she looked embarrassed. Girl wasn't having a good morning. The Lily girl however, didn't seemed bothered with others in the room as she dressed, so either she was dealing with some lagged shock, or truly never cared before her injury.

Her attention came back to Durandal. "How are you feeling?" She asked.

[Raven_Operative]

Lilly's Post

Left... Right... Left... Right... Lilly slowly made her way down the stairs, her footfalls landing much heavier than usual. As she made it to the bottom, she slowly and deliberately surveyed the room. Stew... there is it. When she started heading over to the pot, someone addressed her. "Lilly, are you ok?" "I am fin-Oh, good morning Ms. Glaive." Lilly came to an abrupt stop as her priorities shifted from acquiring food to maintaining appearances, and turned to face Alex."Yes, I am fine. Who ever treated my wounds did a fair job, so I'm feeling much better now. What of you? How have you fared?" Lilly forced a smile as she spoke. A testament to her strict upbringing and instructions on diplomacy and composure, she very nearly managed to pass off her behavior as being side effects of the ragnaid. Almost. While most people would probably be fooled, an especially perceptive person would notice that her voice and mannerisms seemed ever so slightly... off. And not in a way that would be explained by a ragnaid 'hang-over'.

After she finished her conversation, Lilly (who was now putting forward much more effort to appear alright) turned back to the stew pot and was about to retrieve her meal when she realized something rather important: She had left her mess kit in her bag. "Oh silly me, I seem to have forgotten my mess kit." With that, she hustled back upstairs, showing much more energy and began digging through her bag. Mentally, though, she was not anything like the cheerful facade she was putting on. "Idiot, Idiot, Idiot! Stupid, Stupid, Stupid! You're making them worry! Everyone could see something was wrong! Pull yourself together, Lilly!" She berated herself as she searched her bag, though she made sure to try and put on a composed expression when she headed back downstairs. This was not the time to be wallowing in self pity! She had to look and act as though she had merely overslept. This was not the time to be attracting sympathy or concern from her fellow comrades. Still somewhat in a state of shock, focusing intently on two things (getting food and looking 'normal') meant that Lilly was not at all ready for combat. Should imperials attack during breakfast, she would not notice them before they opened fire, and would undoubtedly have the slowest reaction time of the group.

After she had retrieved some stew, Lilly found herself a nice chair in the corner to settle down in and began to eat. About half way through, she looked back up at Glaive and posed a question. "Miss Glaive, do you know where the rest of the squad is? We seem to be missing... a fair number."

[Lennon79]

Sergeant Harald, Gallian Militia

Harald's eyes were keeping as far as possible from Brenna's lithe, youthful ski- Nope, nope, nope. He dragged his wandering gaze away again, trying not to break down over her adorable embarrassment. Too many young women in this squad... Honestly, he could have dealt with a few naked guys. Nothing to see there, just business as usual, but with so many women... Maybe he could spare some time for a lone run... or a cold shower. 'Clothes are over here,', he replied, tapping the chair next to Brenna's bed. 'As for you glasses...' That took a bit longer, but he eventually found them after rummaging through her armour. Why they hadn't just been put to once side... 'Right. Skye, get these two in order please, them meet me downstairs. Might as well get some work done before Carn finishes up.'

---

A few hours and one adhoc cold shower later, Harald stood at the crossroads and marvelled at the engineers' hard work. 'Well done lads. Can't hardly see 'em. You've earned a rest, but now that you've finished up, we've gotta be off.' There was theoretically one more target to hit before he could report the way to Vasel open and it was a good day and a half's drive away. 'Squad Four, this is Sergeant Harald. Everyone gather up your kit and return to the APC, we're moving on in ten.' He closed the radio channel and gave Carn a grateful grin. 'I'll drive. You two just get some kip.'

[Slypheed]

Brenna & Skye

Brenna nodded towards the sergeant when he told her where her clothes and glasses were. He then turned to the female darcsen in the room and asked her to get the two of them ready. Two of them? Where's the oth- Her thoughts cut off when she saw Durandal.

Both Skye and Brenna waited till Harald had left the room. But Brenna didn't budge out of the sheets once he had left.
"C'mon girl. You gotta get dressed. Just three females in the room now. And I'm sure miss Durandal here ain't into girls." Skye spoke to Brenna. Who shook her head and stayed under the sheets. Skye placed her hands on her hips and looked at Brenna. "You can't stay here. And if you're not going to get up and get dressed..." Skye walked over and yanked the sheets off before Brenna's grip could tighten. "..then I'll dress ya." Brenna quickly covered herself, letting out a small noise at the same time.

Skye then put an arm underneath Brenna and lifted her into a sitting position. Then moved to get her standing. Brenna's right leg gave briefly once she was fully standing. Brenna wasn't fighting this, but still continued to cover herself. "I don't want you two lagging way behind everyone. I'll carry one or both of you if needed." Skye then began to dress Brenna.

After a few minutes, Skye backed away from Brenna "Now tell me, how did I do?" She asked, and Brenna checked herself before nodding. "Good, can you walk? Saw your leg give for a bit once I got you standing?" Brenna then took a few steps around before nodding. There was a slight pain, but she could over-look it. "Alright, go find the sergeant, so he knows you're good now." Skye then turned to Durandal "Ya never answered my qestion. But I'll change it, you feel good enough to walk?"

---

Celeste

After a few hours of a fairly quite patrol, with the occasional conversation popping up. The sergeant had called for everyone to meet up at the APC. "Well, lets get going, we'll just cut straight to the APC from here." She waited for everyone to start moving before moving herself, didn't want anyone turning the other direction and running away.

One light jog later, she arrived at the APC.

Brenna

To be honest, she didn't immediately seek the sergeant. Brenna rather went to find a quiet place to sit for a bit and collect herself. There was a mild pain in the back of her head, and she felt a little dizzy. But other than that, she was good. When the sergeant called for everyone to meet up at the APC, she then moved to go tell him she was good. Gathering her kit and weapon before going.

Once at the APC, she saluted the sergeant. "I should be good now." She told him as she lost a bit of her balance for a few seconds.

[Kitsune]

Alex Glaive

Alex looked a little concerned when Lilly seemed to be out of it, the girl had been through a lot of things over the past few days and unlike Glaive she was unlikely to have been trained her entire life for fighting these types of wars, even if she was on the wrong side. Nodding in response to Lilly's question Alex patted her armored chest "I didn't get hit so I am fine. Don't worry, but are you sure that you are-." Before she could finish the girl was already off to fetch her mess kit...

With a light sigh she soon sat down with the others to start eating what they could gather for food. She really did miss having proper meals as a field commander under her farther orders, the fine meals with fine wine was so lovely and fine~ She was in a almost dream like state when she was suddenly awakened by the questions of the returning Lilly.

"The others? I saw some of our number returning to the base under orders. I am unsure if they are returning but if I remember right we are meant to be getting some new forces soon." At the orders of their Sargent, Alex went back to eating up the rest of her food, though before Lilly could do anything other than eat Alex reached out and patted her shoulder and would stay with her as she ate so they could head to the APC together.

@Raven_Operative

[Zarkun]

PFC James Hunt-Le Haye Sainte

Hearing the sergeant over the radio, James stretches and then slides back, tapping the sniper on her shoulder. "Come on, let's load up. Not any point in wasting time here." Exiting the building, he looks around and heads towards the APC, noting that Lilly was awake and opting to avoid her for the time being. Upon reaching the APC, he immediately takes one of the watchman posts and refuses to let someone else take it until after their next stop, if even then. "I don't mind keeping watch, keeps me sharp. Rest of ya rest up."

[Raven_Operative]

Lilly's Post

Lilly froze and looked visibly shaken for a split second after Alex patted her. "Please... Please refrain from touching me, Miss Glaive. I do not enjoy it." A couple seconds later, Lilly's expression was back to normal as she resumed focusing on maintaining her appearance and cheerfully eating her stew. It wasn't that she disliked human contact, no, quite the opposite. She was just as fond of hugs and pats as most people were, but mentally right now she was a mess. She was having a hard enough time as it was, suppressing the emotional turmoil that was within her. People touching her did nothing but jar her concentration.

***

'Squad Four, this is Sergeant Harald. Everyone gather up your kit and return to the APC, we're moving on in ten.'

Lilly thought that she had mentally prepared herself for any surprises that came her way but the radio transmission demonstrated that was clearly not the case. She had only just woken up after healing from her injuries, and now they were moving out again?! She didn't know the full story, but she had a horrible feeling in her stomach - a feeling that said she was going to get sent into battle again. Fortunately her expression did not falter, though she did go still for a moment as she listened. Once she had processed the information she was able to resume acting like her usual self. "It seems like we have yet more work ahead of us, Miss Glaive. I must retrieve my pack from the second floor." After quickly rinsing off her cutlery, Lilly walked over to the stairs and made her way to the second floor. ThisisbadThisisbadThisisbadThisisbadOhNoOhNoOhNoICan'tDoThisICan'tDoThisICan'tDoThisICan'tDoThis.

Now that she was alone with her gear, Lilly's expression dropped to reveal her true mental state: one of a terrified young woman. She couldn't do this. But she had to do this. She wasn't ready. THEN MAKE READY! She didn't want to. She had to. She couldn't. She must. Shut up! "ShutUpShutUpShutUpShutUp..." *crick* She bit a piece of cloth to silence herself as she mumbled those words under her breath. She had to focus. She had to stay calm, if not for her, for her squad. Just breath, Lilly... Just breath. *crack*

By the time Lilly had packed up her gear, she had calmed down just enough to resume her facade. It's alright. It's alright. You can do this. Just calm down. You'll be fine. After she slung her bag over her shoulder and descended the stairs, Lilly spotted Alex waiting for her at the bottom. Smiling as she spoke, she confirmed her readiness. "You needn't have waited for me, Miss Glaive, but I suppose there is no harm for it. Shall we make haste to the APC? It would not do to leave the sergeant waiting." With that, the two girls headed out to the transport. As she spotted the rest of the squad forming up, Lilly's resolve solidified ever so slightly. She needed to remain strong, for their sake as well as her own. *static* ... but what was that odd sound she kept hearing...

Evan's Post

'Well done lads. Can't hardly see 'em. You've earned a rest, but now that you've finished up, we've gotta be off.'

"Thank ya, Darcsen!" Evan grinned as his and Bons' toil was recognized. "You hear that, boy? You might amount to something eventually!" Evan elbowed Bons as he teased. He was exhausted, both from the manual labour and from his lack of sleep in the previous night, so the promise of some rest immediately improved his mood.

'I'll drive. You two just get some kip.'

... Or not. Once Harald had vacated the area, Evan looked over at Bons with an expression that was a bizarre cross between shock and disgust. "... Far be it from me to doubt our supreme commander, but I'm sitting up front as well. Don't want him fuckin' things up too much." Evan hadn't unloaded his gear from the APC, so he had very little to get packed. Ten minutes was just enough time to shower if he didn't strip all the way, so without further ado, he ran over to one of the intact houses and set about locating the bathroom. He refused to sit in a hotbox of an APC without at least cooling down from his previous exertions.

***

Nine minutes later, a very soggy Evan (who had only removed his pants, socks and boots when he showered) squeezed into the front crew compartment of the APC, occupying the seat next to their dark haired driver. "None of the guys in the back wanted me drippin' all over their stuff, so I guess I'm riding with you, Darcsen." Masking his true intentions with that statement, Evan shifted and settled into as comfortable a position as he could get in their glorified tin can. "SO! Where we headed?"

---Interactions---
@Kitsune - Though a reply is probably not needed.
@Lennon79 - Both Harald and Bons. Reply probably only needed for the former.

[Zarkun]

PFC James Hunt|Le Haye Sainte-Soon to be on the Road

@Raven_Operative@Kitsune

James was still sweeping his head side to side as he waited, even though they hadn't left yet. But when he saw Lilly, something didn't feel right. Her face said she was as she had been the day before, but her eyes had a haunted light. Tapping the person nearest to him, he slides down. "Be right back, take my spot." Walking towards Lilly and Glaive, he stops Lilly. "A moment, Private Glaive." When the other girl had walked away, James locked his eyes with Lilly's, getting a better look up close. And he saw it, a shell shocked fear of someone who'd never spilled blood and gotten hurt. "Acting like last night didn't affect you doesn't help, Lilly."

[Raven_Operative]

Lilly's Post

So. Someone had seen through her. And that someone had turned out to be the worst person possible - Mr. James Hunt. Lilly was (internally) shocked and confused that someone had managed to see through her facade well enough to know what was truly going on with her. She had been educated on all sorts of diplomatic techniques in preparation for when she would eventually have to negotiate on behalf of her fathers company. One of the most important classes she had taken was about learning how to conceal your true intentions or feelings when the situation demanded, and she had always been told she was very good at it. After a moments thought, she tumbled to the obvious conclusion: He was a soldier, so he probably knew a bit about war psychology. Or had seen people in similar states to her. Or had just gotten lucky on a guess. Either way, though her heart longed to tell him how she truly felt, they were too close to the APC and had too little time. If she broke down now, everyone else would know. She couldn't allow herself to put that sort of burden on the squad.

Lilly forced a half smile (for she knew acting completely cheerful would not convince Hunt after he'd already guessed what had happened) before replying. "I thank you for your concern, Mr. Hunt, but it is misplaced. Though I do admit to being nervous, especially after what happened yesterday, it is nothing that will prevent me from fulfilling my duties. It will pass in time, so please do not worry about me. There are plenty of others who are worse off. If you'll excuse me, though, we should not keep Sergeant Harald waiting. I believe we are scheduled to leave in the next minute or two." After she finished, Lilly turned back and boarded the APC. She hoped Hunt would not say anything to the other members of the squad. She might not have been able to fool him, but she was quite confident in her ability to at least appear reasonably alright to the rest of the squad.

---Interactions---
@Zarkun - Though a reply is probably not needed.

[Zarkun]

PFC James Hunt|Le Haye Sainte-Soon to be on the Road

@Raven_Operative@Lennon79

As Lilly goes to walk away, James sighed and caught her by the shoulder. "We aren't done talking about this, but I'll let it be for now." Letting her go, he heads around to where Sergeant Hareld is and taps his shoulder to get his attention. "Hey Sarge, I'm worried about Lilly. She's got this...haunted look in her eyes. And I'm concerned she'll either hurt herself or try and run."

[CitrusArms]

Private Durandal

"La Haye Sainte? I'm part of a squadron...?" Regan moved slowly to sit up, looking around carefully. She could feel a dull ache in her head, but it wasn't bad. She could deal with it. There was a militia uniform and lancer armor, and her father's mortar lance. What was all that doing there...?

She took a soft, sharp breath before quickly scanning near her bed. It didn't take her long to find what she was looking for, and she reached her hand to touch her sword. She let out a soft breath of relief when she felt it in her hand, "here it is..."

She watched curiously as Skye spoke to the other private under the sheets. Brenna. The one was shy around people. She jolted slightly in her bed when Skye assumed she wasn't into women, turning a bit red as she rose to get dressed. She kept her back turned as she dressed, checking herself for other injuries as she went. Just her head, it seemed. And her shoulder. The private looked at Skye as she asked her another question, nodding, "I can walk. And I'm feeling alright. Just a... slight headache."
_______________________________________________

As the Sergeant called them to the APC, Durandal put on her armor, grabbed her lance, and climbed aboard. She'd found dogtags and a journal among her things, and she had tucked them carefully away. When did she get out here with the militia...?

[Lennon79]

Sergeant Harald, Gallian Militia

The squad returned in dribs and drabs, much to Harald's annoyance. He wasn't sure whether it was disrepect for his rank or something more harmless, like fatigue from last night's battle, but the squad just wasn't functioning quite right today. He took a deep drag of his cigarette while keeping an eye on the formerly wounded. They seemed especially odd, but that was no surprise. If only they could spend a day in rest... But time was against them and the rest of the Regiment counting on them to clear the way. Harald flicked the dogend away wearily and climbed up into the driver's seat. Before he could start up the engine, he felt a tap on the shoulder. 'What, Jatmoore?' He cast an eye back toward the girl, seated in the back of the APC. She did look rough, but that might have just been yesterday's after-effects. '... Hopefully it won't come to that. Since we have a few more bodies now, I might tell the injured to sit this next one out. Depends on what we find.' He appreciated Hunt's candour, if not his life-saving techniques. 'Can you take the MG, mate? And get one of the new guys watching the back.'

Before Hunt could reply, the passenger side door was wrenched open and a soaked Carn stuffed himself inside. Suppressing an irrtated sigh, Harald answered with a curt nod and called out the window. 'Load up, kids. Rotate sentries and gunners ever three hours. If memory serves, we're about a day's drive from the next strongpoint. If you need a piss break, just yell.' Once everyone was aboard and all kit stowed, he fired up the ragnoline engine. He couldn't say that he liked the way these Imp machines handled, but for fuel efficiency there were none better. Nevertheless, the Imperials had set up a number of refuelling checkpoints around Vasel in order to expand their supply lines and it was one of these depots that the team was headed to next. He gunned the engine and set off.

---

After twelve hours hard driving, Harald was reaching the limit of his endurance. Once he got to the point that his eyelids were drooping by themselves, he slowed and parked up at the edge of a field, partially hidden by a line of hedgerows. Getting out to stretch his legs, Harald nevertheless kept his rifle handy. This was enemy territory and he'd be surprised if they didn't run into trouble before reaching their destination. Opening the APC's rear hatch, he sat down on the step while rolling a cigarette. Most of the squad was awake, it seemed. 'Just a quick pit stop. If anyone needs to take a shit, help yourself to a bush.' He smiled faintly, amused by the thought of some of the more dainty squad members doing just that. 'Anyone know Vasel well? Apparently there's a ring of old coach houses around the city, part of the old horse and cart transport system. Nowadays they're just inns, but they still sit on the main routes into the city. Apparently. Never been there myself.' Harald couldn't help but feel somewhat flippant about the whole situation. The orders he had been given were so vague, so open to interpretation, that he could have had a picnic somewhere between Breda and Vasel and probably qualified as doing the job. 'Technically, the one we're going to is where the city actually begins. According to the map anyway. It's on a steep hill that overlooks the city, right on the ridge before the Vasel floodplain. If all goes well, we'll be able to sit back and watch from the roof as the rest of the Regiment hits Vasel.'

[Zarkun]

PFC James Hunt-On the Road to Vasel

@Lennon79@Everyone

James, true to form, had refused to relinquish the MG as they'd driven and remained on it even as they stopped so the Sergeant could take a break from driving. When the Sarge asked about Vasel, James shrugged. "Well, never been there myself, or at least in the city proper, but I do know the spot you're talking about. Passed through it regularly when I was on leave from border patrol. It'll give our sniper here a good view of the city through her scope and the rest of us a good view of the city period. But, uh, there's a couple things that've been bothering me. First, there were Imps that got away from Le Haye Sainte. Shouldn't we warn the regiment that they could be expecting the attack?" He paused long enough for the Sarge to answer before pushing forward. "The other thing is we've got more than enough troops here for proper fire teams. About three if I reckon correctly. That would be one to you, one to the Corporeal, and one to someone else you pick. I think that might help with any future battles."

[Slypheed]

Skye

"Well, that's good. But it sounds like the Sergeant wants us to get moving." Skye grabbed her kit "I'd like to talk with you some more when I get the chance. Make sure that slight headache is just a slight headache, and not worse." Skye went to the APC and boarded up, waiting for them to move out.

---

Celeste

@Zarkun @Lennon79
The road trip wasn't much. Just the sounds of the APC moving along the ground. But the stop presented itself with some much needed stretching. Celeste was one of the first few out of the back, and she stretched like she had just gotten out of bed. "Ah~ Feels good." She turned to the Sergeant who had asked if anyone had been to Vasel. "I've been there once, though don't ask me to show you around, I'd probably get the both of us lost in there." She joked before James brought up the idea of fire teams since they had numbers now. "I like the idea of Fire teams. Though I'm unsure of how mine would operate, I'm not exactly the fastest person in the squad. My fire team would be severely limited on mobility just from me." She pointed out to the two.

Brenna

Brenna sat mostly in silence, and a blank stare fixated on her weapon. She had completely spaced out, not really reacting to anything until the Sergeant had spoken up. Brenna didn't need to relieve her bladder or bowels, but instead just got out of the APC to move around and get blood flowing again in her legs. Once she had done so, she just stared at the sky. She hadn't moved away from the group as normal, but rather stood near the APC and watched the few clouds pass by.

Skye

@CirusArvennicus
The promise of being able to use the restroom was great news to Skye. She had to go badly. Skye got out of the APC as quickly as she could without hurting anyone, then hoofed it to a concealed location to relieve herself. She had taken her weapon with her, in case some Imps gave her a spook.

Though luckily that never happened, and she returned looking much more relaxed. Walking back to the APC she found Durandal, who seemed most confused of the three injured girls before they had left. "Hay, you ok? You still seemed confused about everything before we left."

[Raven_Operative]

Evan's Post

Evan had been intending on keeping an eye out for any mistakes the Darcsen made, but his tiredness combined with the stuffiness of the APC and it's surprisingly smooth movements meant that a half hour down the road, Evan was already asleep and snoring loudly in Sergeant Harald's ear. The occasional pothole did nothing to wake the slumbering giant, as going 72 hours without proper sleep combined with the digging he and Bons had done meant that he was utterly exhausted. He was only roused once the sound of boots on metal signaled that the APC had come to a stop and it's passengers were disembarking.

Yawning and stretching after unfolding himself from his seat, Evan smiled. All of his fatigue was completely gone, thanks to his twelve hour nap. Now he felt like he was actually ready for the day. Or night. Just what time was it, exactly? It was already dark out, and his watch told him it was well into the night. Well, his sleep schedule might be right fucked from that nap, but at least he was in perfect shape for night watch when his turn inevitably came.

The Darcsen and some of the other more proper military types were gathered around the APC's tail lights and ramp, discussing tactics and organization - Two things that Evan had no real interest in talking about. They'd figure it out. Not like he had any special expertise to lend them. "Y'all let me know when you guys got your shit figured out. I gotta take a piss." Evan spoke as he squeezed past them to get to the back of the APC and secure himself a flashlight. He needed to have some sort of light to work with out there.

***

The discussion was still going strong by the time Evan had come back, and the rest of the squad was milling about. Come to think of it, he hadn't gotten to talk all that much with the new recruits. Might as well say hello while he waited for their glorious leader to get his shit organized. About half of them seemed to be busy, either making their way into the bush or listening into the Darcsen's conversation circle, but a few were preoccupied. Two in particular came to his attention - Private Ashart and PFC Rousseau. The two shocktroopers were standing closer to the front of the APC and just shooting the shit, with little else going on. His targets sighted, Evan strode over and greeted them. "Evenin', you two. What d'ya think of the squad so far?"

Lilly's Post

Lilly breathed a sigh of relief as she dismounted from the APC. The darkness masked her facial expressions, so once she had made her way into the bush, she could temporarily drop her false cheerful appearance. Keeping an act up for hours on end was mentally exhausting. She took the time to rest her brain as she searched around the woods for a suitable area to do her business. Though she was of a similar situation to Evan in that she desperately needed to relieve herself, she had a few minor complications. 1) she was a girl and 2) she was an aristocratic girl who had never been in a situation such as this before. Needless to say, she took a fair bit longer getting back than he did.

***

Fortunately it didn't seem like she had missed much. The squad was still socializing and waiting for others to get back, so it seemed like she had a bit of spare time on her hands. As much as Lilly wanted to sulk in the darkness, alone with her thoughts, she knew that such an action would draw even more attention to her. Especially since Mr. Hunt had already suspected something was wrong with her. Taking a deep breath, she donned her usual happy cheerful persona again and set out to chat with some of the squad. Avoiding Hunt at all costs (for she did not want to have him prying further), she looked around for someone suitable to speak with.

When she spotted Brenna staring at the sky, she quickly took this opportunity to speak with her. At least Ms. Sykora was unlikely to press her with personal questions about her mental state. "Good evening, Miss Sykora. It's a beautiful night. Are you star gazing?"

---

Interactions

@Ashifili & @Little_ninja - Not sure if you guys/girls want to, but if you are still active in this RP and want to have a proper IC conversation, we should probably setup a PM chat. That is unless you only intend on contributing one line to the conversation, have left the RP or just flat out don't want to.

@Slypheed - You know the drill, PM if you want in depth conversation.

@Lennon79 - Reply probably not needed.

[Lennon79]

Sergeant Harald, Gallian Militia

Fireteams, eh... Now there was a thought. Sending Celeste off with half the squad had worked out well at Le Haye Sainte and future battles would likely require further delegation. Plus with half the squad openly resenting his leadership, having a buffer bewteen them could be beneficial. 'Y'know Hunt, that ain't a bad idea. We could do with dedicated assault and rifle sections at least.' Harald paused thoughtfully as he took a deep drag of his cigarette. Stichler would be in charge of one section certainly and her point was valid. Maybe if he stuck all the long range and anti-tank troops together? They would be slow-moving for sure, but they could work around that. A solid base of fire so they others could flank. 'Would need a rifleman though...', he mused quietly. 'Alright then. Let's try this; Stichler, you take the lancers and Lorque, that gives you four. Add Bons too.' A total of four lances and a sniper, each with their own rifles, would make an excellent anvil for the rest of the squad to strike upon. Next up he needed strike teams; three would be ideal, but with nine candidates remaining, a four/five split would be safer. Harald's eye drifted back to Hunt's expectant face. It was obvious what he was hinting at and the real kicker was that he was right. No-one else was sufficiently qualified to command a section.

'... Hunt, I'm giving you a field promotion to Lance Corporal. I'm not technically allowed to, but to hell with the details.' Hopefully it wouldn't go to his head, although since hunt was originally Army, Harald knew it inevitably would. 'You'll take... Ashart, Fairglaive and... Rousseau.' For a moment he was about to say Jatmoore, but some lingering sense of distrust prevented it. Besides, Hunt's section would need an equal number of gunners and riflemen. 'And that means the rest of you lot are with me.' Not that they were all listening of course. He sighed, gave Hunt an encouraging slap on the back and pulled himself up into the APC between two of the new recruits. 'Lorque and Ashart, wasn't it? Sorry, been too busy for a chinwag yet. How're you settling in with the others?' While he tried to treat them all equally, he couldn't help but want to talk to Skye specifically. Since Fina had gone silent and Kyo returned to base, he felt there was a distinct lack of Folk in Squad Four. Harald would admit to being relieved to see that issue redressed. Unfortunately she had already vanished, off socialising with one of the others. Shame, but there would be time for cultural reunions later.

[Zarkun]

Lance Corporal James Hunt-On the Road to Vasel

@Lennon79@Little_ninja@Kitsune

James was surprised when he got the field promotion, since he'd only pointed out that it would be a good idea to have them, but he wasn't going to argue. He nodded smartly to the Sarge with a "thanks for the vote of confidence" and then looked around trying to figure out who was on his squad and only finding Glaive. Ah to hell with it. He knew who Glaive was, she'd been in the unit since he'd joined, but the other two were new names. "Alright then, Ashart, Fairglaive and Rousseau sound off so I know who every one is!" He wanted to know before they got into position over Vasel so if they had to form up fast, they knew at least each others faces.

Maneuvering out of the MG, he reached into his pack and pulled out his old Lance Corporal stripes and swapped them with his PFC ones. He hadn't anticipated getting them back so soon and had only really brought them along as encouragement to quit shooting his mouth off, which had mostly worked so far, when he shouldn't be. Standing, he waited to see his fireteam before getting back on the MG.