On the Move

The next morning, my troops and I collected some Silent Rovers from Provisions and left before the most of the others woke up. Our company was the smallest of the five, the second being Support despite each company having the same maximum. Of course, our battalion isn't at maximum capacity either, so...

As we approached the empty area, I commanded the others to spread out in case there were any enemy scouts. That's when I started receiving radio signals.

"Lanx, have we unencrypted their newer codes yet?" I asked.

"Yep, did it yesterday during prep." Lt Lanx Frui responded. "Some moron slipped out today's over it too."

"What they saying?"

"Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... there are people around. And, um, they no longer have a surplus of fuel."

"Huh?"

"This place's a trap. Rigged to blow, ya know? They like, got the entire area covered in fuel. How many Dukes did they have?"

It took me a beat to connect dots.

"Pvt Chaps, go to the main force, can't risk the radio. Rest of y'all, retreat to a safe distance." I ordered. "Lanx, help me with the mole suit."

"Cover its tracks too, right? On it, sir." He's a good tech.

Once I got in the suit, "Lanx, where should the scouts be now?"

"A little to the south, down the hill, out of sight. They haven't noticed us yet. But-"

"Perfect. Retreat-"

"Just finished putting on my suit, we goin?" He interrupted with a smirk.

"You're not getting the superflare." I replied as I picked up said device.

The disappointment in his face, hah.

"Flip it." Lt Frui said before grabbing a matchbox and running/digging.

"Insubordination!" I cried quietly before chasing after him.

After a little digging, we found one of the fuel canisters and dug a little pocket.

"Heh heh." Lanx chuckled as he struck the match. It didn't light for long.

"We're underground, dumbhead." I said as I popped in. "That's why we have the superflare. Remember, we need the slow burn to have enough time to escape! Are the scouts still around?"

He stuck an atena out of the ground slightly.

"Hey, what's that?" A muffled voice cried.

"Well, first off, they aren't scouts. Second..." and he dove. I started burning the plastic and followed in a panic.

"RUN!!!!!" They screamed before the floor erupted once more above me.

*

(POV: Pvt Richard Chaps)

"Hey, Pvt, not to be mean, but you think you can go a little faster?" Sgt Hammer asked.

"Do you want to be spotted?" I retorted.

We kept riding in silence.

"Hey, I think we're far-" he tried before the entire area far behind us burst into a sea of flames. Though we and the others were too far to be affected, it was still a sight to behold. We could even hear the short screams as the chain reaction occurred.

"I don't think we need to worry about being heard anymore." Sgt Hammers said in awe.

"Yea-yeah." I stuttered as I fumbled the controls a little. What suicidal maniacs!

*

As I lead the others in the main force from the passenger seat of my truck, there was a sudden light up ahead that got my attention thanks to decline.

"Huh. Cpt Q, I don't think I can keep my promise. Your boy's too good, hah!" I laughed.

"Major?" Pvt Graf inquired.

"Cpt Johnson quite the character, isn't he Pvt?" I asked.

"Well, from what I heard, definitely. That his handiwork, sir?" She responded, impressed.

"What, have a crush?" I teased.

"Sir!?"

"Just kinddin'. Just to clarify, it's perfectly fine for anyone in the battalion to pursue romantic relationships. Shoot, Cpt Snik found himself a wife here and had like 5 kids til she got shot."

"Wait, what!?"

"Yeah, sad story. Don't tell Snik I told you."

"Why didn't one of them asked to be discharged?"

"Couldn't tell Command she was girl without serving jail time. Jail time means hard to find a job or being around for the kids. Well, more than if she just stayed here and kept the kids in one of the rear towns. Easier too."

Prv Graf went silent.

"War is scary." She said finally, staring at the flames.

"Too many ways to die, am I right?" I chuckled.

"What was her name?"

"Liz. Don't know if it's short for anythin' though."

More silence. I should check to see if we have extinguishers. We're gettin' kinda close.

Now that I think about it, we're gonna have to discuss some new tactics. This really puts a wrench in some things. Namely time and surprise.

Oh well.