Victor Asimov
The last few days had been strange and a bit claustrophobic. The tall blond haired Norwegian born Russian soldier found his cabin to be cramped. Most likely built for someone several inches shorter. The last few days seemed to drag on and on. Filled with the occasional ration to eat as well as numerous push-ups and crunches. Anything to kill the time that wasn't rereading survival books and information on the plants and animals they were going to be encountering on this trip.
The young boy not even 18 going to a war that has been raging most if not all of his life against an enemy that refuses to break and buckle. The axis powers and Japanese empire stole the show as the world watched Briton burn and the Americas struggle along with U.S.S.R. to keep their heads above water. Australia was doing its best but without a major naval presence it wasn't looking good, soon they would have to retreat to whatever fortified positions they had.
Somehow Victor still had the suspicion that his father got him on this detail. In this Squad 914. A secret attempt to try and turn the tide of war perhaps, or a last hurrah suicide mission before they are forced to kneel before the new king. A strange predicament for sure for the young lad. He was hoping to go to Moscow with his unit only a few weeks ago.
Basic training was quite easy for him to get through, and he showed promise in learning new skills quickly. Still, he felt a bit disappointed as he was pulled aside and given his orders after watching the trucks load up his friends as they went to Moscow and the front lines. He could only hope that this was worth it in the end. At least he still had a lot to learn.
It was somewhat lonely so far in this train. Aside from the muffled voices or snores from the others that the train stopped for he had little to go off of to tell who else came along. He wondered if he would recognize anyone. Doubtful, but there was always the chance. He had spent the better part of the last few hours laying down on the floor with his shirt off. Thinking about what was going to happen next while trying to get an idea of the heat in this tropical place. At least they were given lighter clothing as opposed to their thick winter wear, it was even a lighter shade of green to an almost tan color.
The sudden jerk and scratch of train brakes got Victor up on his feet and quickly putting his uniform back on. The last thing he wanted was for an officer to catch him without his uniform on. the banging on the outside of the train for everyone to get out made him jump a little before sliding his door open and joining the few others on their way outside. All the other people on this train seemed older than he was, they all had that look in their eyes of prior combat or service in some way. The tall young man was suddenly becoming a little nervous, being forced into these social situations always gave him some butterflies in his gut.
The darker train cabin gave way to a nice sunny and a little humid air. But before he could enjoy the sunshine he had misjudged the height of the door way and with a loud 'thud' his head bounced off the top of the door. After wincing and a few laughs from the others Victor made his way to the outskirts of the group while rubbing his now red fore head. “Great first impression Victor” he whispered to himself as he noticed another younger looking girl nearby. She seemed a bit preoccupied with her thoughts to be bothered.
Stepping off the gravel near the train tracks and to the dirt below he took a moment listening for the officer to call out his name. But it never happened, apparently there were a few others that were stronger and better built for the task at hand then he was. No matter, Victor simply continued to examine the new natural landscape around him.
Kneeling down and taking a hand full of dirt he spent a few moments examining the Martian soil. It was a lighter color than what he was used too with hints of red and tan. He spent a moment just letting the soil drop from his hand and blow in the wind before standing and rubbing it between his hands. The blonde was far too busy examining the new land scape and getting adjusted to the sights and smells to pay much attention to anything else.