Arid

Time: 9:48 AM
Cat’s Eye Battalion Operation Office, Chrysoberyl Division Headquarters
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Commands have been passed down to battalion commanders about their next step in line—the matters surrounding the ongoing cleanup operation in Hadrian Hollow, located in Plutarch Mountains, near the outskirts of Faunus Quarter. While in hindsight, clearing the place Hollow-free is the most ideal to do, complications keep on rising up as it ends up as a tactical point to other groups, within or out of the city-state of Eridu.

The operation room is filled with the battalion officers—four captains, with their three to four platoon leaders in each company, and the lieutenant colonel at the front standing beside the whiteboard of their MO.

Bald head and dark eyes, Cat’s Eye Battalion Commander—Lieutenant Colonel Kite Guerville.

“…This side will be our concentration post and keep it in mind that even this area is already within Eridu’s jurisdiction, rebel groups refuse to surrender to our government. Nonetheless, the cabinet ordered to maintain maximum tolerance as always. We’re here to clear the Hollow, not to rile them up. Armadillo and Oxbow Companies need to secure and guard this parameter to know where the enemies enter the Hollow. Beehive Company, alongside Tourmaline Battalion, will assist the Germer Company of Obsidian Division in wiping Ethereals in the area. As for Maxim Company, you’ll be focusing on recon missions.”

Lieutenant Stewart Mace takes all the necessary notes as the meeting goes on. With the directives still tight and for short terms, this mission is going to drag on for quite some time.

The morning exercises are over, as soldiers are delegated once again to their tasks, but this time, everyone is called to prepare. Samantha has been checking the rifle assigned to her, while Charles is testing a small globe-like device to a blaster. Myrna is being guided by Sheena by checking the weapons, when Charles suddenly drops the device onto the table.

“This isn’t working,” Charles mumbles. Ed, who has been inside the room as well, notices his conundrum.

“What’s the problem?” Ed asks.

“This W-Engine is faulty. It can’t transfer an energy to my blaster,” Charles says.

Ed frowns. “Isn’t that what you just used last time? Why you didn’t get it an immediate checkup…”

“It was working the other day. It’s also full charge so I’m not sure why it isn’t working as intended.”

Ed sits beside him. “Let me check.”

Charles hands him the globe-like device as Ed unlocks it with precision. The sequence in opening the hatch differs from normal devices and Samantha, who has been eyeing them since a little earlier, cannot help but gets dazzled with Ed’s handicraft.

“Gimme your blaster,” Ed says. Charles obliges.

Ed inserts the globe into its designated spot and presses a button on the side. A light is expected to emit from the globe, but—no effect. Ed removes the globe again and checks the blaster next. He grabs his small torchlight to see a circuit-looking area—and his frown deepens.

“The energy circuit doesn’t look faulty anyway,” Ed diagnoses. “I guess we have to open this W-Engine of yours to see if its own circuit is the one messed up.”

“It still worked last time,” Charles informs.

“Well, this isn’t something delicate if you ask me, but sometimes that do happen.” Ed stands up. “I’ll just get my blaster.”

“Sorry for the trouble,” Charles says then finds Samantha looking at them. “Curious about this, Sammy?”

“Is that the military-issued W-Engine?” Samantha asks.

Charles nods. “Yup. I still have yet to get my second customized one, which somehow takes so long. Oh yeah, we have the uniform W-Engine here and customized one, depending on what secondary weapon you use. I bet then you have experience with these babies.”

Samantha shakes her head. “They didn’t allow me to use that before. They say it’s too expensive…”

Charles pauses a bit. “Oh yeah, you’re right about that. Well in that case, I’m sure they’ll assign you a blaster in few days.”

“Yeah, I already sent a request letter for Rhodes and Aran,” Sheena cuts in. “It’s just taking too long when they know we’ll be deployed in two days.”

Charles chuckles. “What’s new?”

“I did try blasters back in bootcamp,” Myrna says. “I felt like I’m in a sci-fi movie when I first used it.”

Samantha looks at her rifle. “I think I’m fine with this rifle…”

Ed returns. “Okay, let’s begin.”

A set of tools on the table and his blaster.

Myrna stares for a moment. “What in the world…”

Ed disassembles Charles’ W-Engine. Screws. Some detector device. The concentration is also…superb.

“Oh, what. You’re starting already.”

Myrna checks who it is—Private First Class Cheng Jinhai. The blaster and W-Engine in his hands, Myrna begins to see a picture.

“Jinhai!” Charles greets. “Sorry, I’m first in-line.”

Jinhai narrows his eyes and sits beside the tinker. He also places his W-Engine next to Ed’s blaster.

“Well, at least I’m not last,” Jinhai says.

“You guys owe me lunch this week,” Ed says.

Charles rests his cheek to his palm. “Sure, I got you. It’s really great we have a smart guy in our platoon.”

“Aren’t you supposed to know how to work with this?” Ed asks.

“Oh, pray we do,” Jinhai answers. Ed sighs.

“Ed—what?! Jinhai is here already?!”

Ivan arrives, and then Judd, and…the line is getting longer. Sheena looks indifferently at them before expressing her disappointment.

“No wonder Ed’s eyebags are so deep,” she mutters.

Myrna is eating a sticky candy. The night brings a strange comfort and a solitary time in a bench outside the barracks provides enough time to contemplate.

“I never thought you’re a solo type, too?”

“Oh, sarge!”

Sheena sits beside her.

“We’ll be deployed in two days,” Sheena says, “I think of doing something different this time.”

“Why is that sarge?” Myrna says. “It wasn’t even a week since the last one.”

“That’s true.” Sheena leans back with a downtrodden expression. Shoulders lump down and weary posture. “It’s hilarious though that I’m now working as the squad leader. Sergeant Dane is going to be a warrant officer, soon. While me… It depends.”

“Candy, sarge?”

Sheena smiles. “Thank you.”

Grabbing it, Sheena munches a huge bite and returns it to Myrna.

“To be honest, I wasn’t sure if it’s right, yet I badly want to express certain things,” Sheena says. “I’m just getting blues coz well…I didn’t have enough time to properly rest. Meetings, meetings, everywhere. I didn’t even enjoy the weekends.”

Myrna does not say anything. She can tell the load of burden behind Sheena’s back—and even she does not know the full picture, she also realizes that this is the life she will have in years to come.

Sheena then pats Myrna’s shoulder.

“Have you gone to chow hall already?” Sheena asks.

“Err, not yet, sarge,” Myrna replies.

Sheena stands and stretches a bit. “Let’s go.”

Myrna follows up.

The mess hall is not that far.

Samantha successfully slips off from her ‘guardians’ as she wants to check if the knife she has been hiding is already found. While she understands that she cannot just roam the base freely as she wants to, Samantha is eager to distance herself from noises even for a short while.

Reaching the side of the training grounds where the trees grow, Samantha arrives at the spot where the knife is buried. A nice camouflage of patched grass, Samantha removes it and digs it out. She brushes the dirt aside and turns to the bark of the tree. Another carve of line. This marks the fourth day of the successful hiding and after making the first fence, she sits on the ground and plays with the knife.

And then, her grip changes—slashing the air with lethal intent. Her left arm is at the top of her right hand with the knife, imagining an enemy in front of her.

Eyes sharp. No remorse. Her grip loosens a bit, thus relieving the shadow training.

Samantha buries the knife again.

With the last touches hiding the blade under the soil, Samantha gets up and plans to retire for the day.

It is not far from her last point, when she finds someone on her way. Remembering Charles’ words, Samantha raises her right hand to salute when their eyes meet.

“Good evening, s-sir!” Samantha says.

The said officer stares at her and returns the salute. Samantha puts her hand down and is about to press on when the officer speaks.

“Good evening. What’s your name?”

Samantha faces him again—late to notice his bald shining head. The officer looks old enough as well, marking from the wrinkles in the forehead and cheekbones. This person may be a high-ranking officer. He only wears a sand shirt and camo pants, leaving her no clue to figure out what his rank specifically is.

“I’m Private Samantha Aran of Red Sparrow Platoon, sir,” Samantha says.

“Ahh, so that’s you are…” The man says. “When were you sent you here?”

“Six days ago, sir…” Samantha says.

The man chuckles. “Well, do you have anything to do right now, private?”

“Going back in the dorms, sir…”

“Well, won’t you mind going with me for a bit?”

Samantha stares at his eyes.

“I don’t mind, sir.”

In the open field where training for the cadets is usually held, it is empty at these late hours. There have been a couple of joggers from afar, and in one of the benches, a large man seemingly in his 40s is stretching at the running track. He wears small silver goggles, which apparently shines because of his dark skin. His toned body appears a bit from his sand shirt as his camo pants still looking neat and clean.

As he continues with his stretching, he notices the person he is waiting for finally arrives.

He straightens his posture and salutes.

“Good evening, Comman—”

It is the bald man—who has raised his hand and shakes his head—and points to the kid beside him.

A young blonde.

“Well, Sergeant Major Zeev, can you run with this young private of ours?” The bald officer addresses the silver goggles wearer, being called Sergeant Major Zeev.

The bald officer looks at Samantha.

“If you can outrun him, I’ll give you a gift,” he says.

“I’ll try my best, sir,” Samantha responds.

“That’s the spirit.” He looks to the Sergeant Major. “You can begin from that line and to that first bench.”

The sergeant major goes to the position with Samantha following. CSM Zeev does not mind this exercise, but he believes trying to one-up a young kid is basically unfair.

The bald man raises his hand. “Ready, set, go!”

CSM Zeev just runs as he used to and spares a quick glance behind—only to find the blonde beside him. He amps his speed when the young girl seemingly does the same. The gift proves to be a great motivator for the young one, and so he pushes his legs to run faster.

This is not a problem for him. Officers who have served for years in the military are often faster than the young recruits. Consideration is out of his mind to motivate this young soldier to also do better.

Until he notices that the blonde is already ahead of him.

What?

The sergeant major is seemingly surprised when the young kid has already reached the goal.

CSM Zeev arrives at the finish line and heaves a breath. Moments later, the bald man approaches them.

“Aren’t you just pretending that you’re not tired, private?” The bald man asks.

Samantha shakes her head. “A bit, sir.”

He chuckles. “Since you’re a part of the Red Sparrow Platoon, I believe so you’re gonna be deployed in two days. If you return alive, that’s when I’ll give you the gift I promised you tonight. Is that fine with you?”

Samantha nods. “Thank you, sir.”

“You’re now dismissed, private. You can now return to your quarters.”

Samantha salutes and leaves after it is reciprocated.

CSM Zeev watches her leaving and when she seems out of earshot, he speaks.

“What was that for, Commander?” he asks.

The Commander laughs.

“Isn’t that the exercise you wanted tonight, Usman?”

Sergeant Major Usman Zeev then sighs.

“This is supposed to be a match between us, Commander.”

The Commander pats his shoulder.

“Who told you it’s already over?”

Myrna is journaling when the door opens. Samantha then closes the door and goes straight to their shared bathroom.

Only to find it close.

“Corporal is using it,” Myrna says.

Samantha turns to her. “Ah…”

“Where have you been?” Myrna asks.

Samantha sits on the nearby chair.

“An officer made me run on the field.”

Myrna frowns. “Why?”

Samantha purses her lips and shrugs. “The officer who made me do so, doesn’t look mean anyway…”

Myrna blinks. That’s the thing. She sighs. ‘Kind’ officers sometimes are the scary bunch.

“Did you know who it is?” Myrna asks again.

“I…didn’t get the name. But the one I also run with its called sergeant major,” she recounts.

“Ha?” Myrna is gagged. Sergeant major?!

The door is open again and this time, it is Sheena.

“Oh great, Aran is already here,” Sheena says and frowns, “and now Charles is missing.”

“He’s using the toilet, Sergeant,” Myrna informs.

Before Sheena can lean on the bunk bed, the bathroom door opens.

“I’m here,” Charles says. Sheena is about to speak when Samantha blitzes to the bathroom. She lets out a sigh of disappointment.

Charles sits on the chair next.

“Staff Sergeant has no plans in showing up to us, huh,” Charles remarks, “he’s becoming a unicorn.”

“Well, who knows he’ll be transferred sooner after the next deployment. And you, too, as well,” Sheena says.

Charles grimaces. “For real?”

“If you’re lucky enough, you’ll become the next squad leader,” Sheena says.

“Isn’t it gonna be you, sarge?”

“Do you want me to kick your face?”

“It’s a genuine question—”

Sheena crosses her arms. “Fifteen push-ups Corporal Tausend while we’re waiting for Aran.”

Charles shrieks internally but immediately position himself on the floor, complying with Sheena’s order.

The other private, Myrna Rhodes, slowly hugs her journal, watching Charles finish the push-ups. She must be obedient and abiding enough to avoid similar…punishments.

Samantha finally gets out of the bathroom.

“Good. Take a seat beside Rhodes, Aran,” Sheena orders. Samantha follows as Myrna provides a space for the small private. Charles pushes the last one and is about to sit on the bed, when Sheena raises her hand. “Stay standing. Both hands on each side. Face the privates.”

Charles, once again, complies.

“As we all know, the deployment is in two days. Ready everything you need tomorrow. I’ll inspect on how you do it, and I suggest not bringing anything unnecessary, but I won’t disallow personal mementos. You’ll need it. Corporal, how’s the equipment for the squad?”

“Yes, Sergeant,” Charles speaks, “everything is in order, except for the blasters. We need to test it again tomorrow.”

“I see. There’s a directive that the Junco Company from Alexandrite Battalion will provide additional firearms as they are assigned as the Hollow Artillery handler this time for Cat’s Eye and Tourmaline,” Sheena informs. “But make sure the common rifle and customize weapons are in place. There might be unexpected engagements as the area in Plutarch Mountains are riddled by rebel groups. Expect a period of two to three months deployment. Our platoon is going to assist existing outposts in the area, but we won’t be limited to just that. And for that, Private Aran, resist in going on by yourself anytime you want as we have an obligation to keep an eye on you.”

Samantha nods. “Affirmative, Sergeant…”

Sheena stares at Myrna. “I’ll assign that task on you, Private Rhodes. After all, a sniper cannot act on herself alone. Failure to uphold your tasks will result in equivalent discipline. Is that clear, everyone?”

“Aye, sarge!” Charles and Myrna says.

Meanwhile, Samantha… “Aye, s-sarge!”

“Be in unison next time. Corporal, keep on teaching them.” Sheena proceeds to pat the shoulders of each of them. “I just need to handle some administrative tasks, but once I return, I expect everyone to be asleep already. Good night.”

Sheena turns her back as the three watches the door closing. A good ol’ minute has passed, Charles sighs in relief.

“Sergeant’s tone is always on the calm side, but it scares the heck out of me,” Charles says.

“I tend to forget sometimes that she seems to be only a bit older than me… She’s amazing,” Myrna says.

“Sure, she really is,” Charles affirms. “She’s being eyed to become the next platoon sergeant once our current one either retires or get transferred. She isn’t the type to chase after promotion, but her talents and hard work don’t lie. Well, like what you saw earlier, my ass was bitten. Please don’t follow my example.”

“How old is Sergeant Macandro?” Myrna asks.

“A year younger than me… 23,” Charles says, “their batch came from the time when Pursenas Hollow went active. They get promoted fast, and you won’t believe that our current drill commander was a classmate of hers. Though Sheena became a sergeant in normal terms, look she’s still ahead of me, hehe.”

Myrna seems to pick up something from his words.

“Pursenas… So that’s gonna be five years ago,” Myrna says.

Charles nods. “Yep. Anyways, I’ll give both of you ten minutes before bedtime to do anything you’re left to do.” Or else I’ll get punished again.

Samantha climbs to the upper bunk. Myrna surrenders her journal to the locker. When both privates are in their rest mode, Charles turns the lights off.

Sheena clicks send.

A hollow sigh and slump on the chair, Sheena massages the space between her brows. This is not part of her original duties, but because of delays and conflicts within the division, she is forced to take responsibility for making reports for her squad.

Sheena anticipates her load increasing after promotion.

One. Two. Three seconds. The emails are piled but unanswered. Four minutes. Five. Six. Sheena calls it a day.

Sheena takes her camo jacket and wears it again. Stepping out of the office, Sheena closes the door when a familiar face approaches her direction.

A step and a raise of hand. Salute.

“Good evening, Lieutenant Mace.”

Lieutenant Mace returns the salute. He faces the open area from this hallway.

“What do you think? Is it imperative for us to pay a salute even we’re still inside the building?”

Sheena poises. “When a natural breeze brushes my skin, my body immediately thinks it’s outside, sir.”

Lieutenant Mace looks at her. “I see. But then, no need to do it every time, Macandro.”

“Force of habit, sir…”

“It seems Dane relied his duties on you.”

“Well… The officers aren’t letting him go. I was also expecting that Corax Squad will dissolve, but our lifetime expanded.”

Lieutenant Mace contemplates.

“It has been two decades since we haven’t seen under 16 to be under our division,” he says, “and I believe you’re aware of it.”

“Yes, Lieutenant Mace…”

“But you know what this means?”

Aran.

“I’m afraid I don’t have enough idea, sir…” Sheena responds.

“The Defense Force undoubtedly has its creases, as no organization is ever perfect.” Lieutenant Mace pins his sight to the open space. “We’ll face bigger problems ahead of us. Other divisions have always been permissible to use children in the force, even not in huge numbers. Yet, this is a warning to us that there are people who are always willing to put them at risk. In few years, they will emerge as young leaders who will be more effective to do their bidding. They’ll praise and silence them as they see fit. You must stay alerted, Macandro. Enemies aren’t too far away from us.”

Direct and indirect. Sheena knows deep within the insights he has been giving. First Lieutenant Stewart Mace manages to attain the rank of Sergeant First Class at age 27, an extremely rare instance, and is pushed to become a commissioned officer because of his talents. With his analytical mind as a leader, he is then placed as their platoon leader.

Which sometimes is scary enough to witness.

Lieutenant Mace steps forward and pats Sheena’s shoulder before going on his way. Sheena stares at his diminishing figure for a moment, before looking back again at the space outside.

Peace. Maintaining requires sacrifices. Peacekeepers. Must think like the enemy to keep the organization alive.