The Winter War

Chapter Eleven

Task Group Kaza

Sedbergh, England

            Upon awaking the following morning, thanks to the alarm built into the foot of his bed, Ezca cursed at whatever gods watched over Earth; it had rained all night and continued to rain still. It changed often from the soft pitter-patter of gentle rain to the full drum roll of a downpour. Rolling off his cot, his feet hitting the warmed floor, Ezca stretched and wondered if the assault was called off until it dried up a little. The way it was now the tanks would sink so deep into the mud that they’d be easy targets.

            Quickly he pulled on his breast plate, clipping on the rest of his gear as he did so, before grabbing his helmet and rifle while the rest of his unit did the same. Ezca tossed open the heavy flap and stepped into the well churned mud just outside his tent where hundreds of soldiers and machines had passed by.

            Just as expected, his feet sank a few inches into the mud but it was so water logged that it was easy for him to pull them free. A pair of APC’s rolled by with troopers sitting on top, along for the ride.

            “Hey,” He called out to them as they passed. “Where’s Kanto Rack?”

            One of the men riding pointing back the way they came. “That way,” He said without his helmet on, if they didn’t have to wear them then few did. Most Druidth found the helmets claustrophobic and almost suffocating. “Back at the muster point.”

            He waved his thanks as the armored vehicles rolled away before turning and walking down the road, trying to keep in the grass as much as possible. The mud would build up and cling to the bottom of his boots making them much heavier.

            Finding Rack was easier than expected. She was the one standing in the open with her datapad giving orders to other Kantotally who stood around downloading the latest information on their own datapads. Ezca stood back and waited for her to dismiss them before he approached.

            “Kanzo Rack,” He said. “Ezca Kantotally. My unit is awaiting orders.”

            Rack silently turned and tapped on her screen before swiping toward him. “You have the latest data packet and your orders. Assemble Drunai and move out with the next armored column to pass by.”

            Saluting, Ezca left and returned to his unit who were waiting around in their tent near the heater, having what was sure to be their last warm breakfast for some time. Tigris handed Ezca a collapsible bowl filled with actual Uze, this dried and brought from home then steeped in hot water.

            “What’s the plan?” Monae asked in between spoonfulls.

            Ezca chewed on the savory grains for a moment, perfectly cooked by Tigris, who managed to have pretty good cooking skills despite being a slacker. “We’re moving out with the next armored column in a few minutes. So hurry up and get ready. Sekert, you filled all the canteens last night, right?”