Echoes from Earth [ENG]

Chapter 3

Jo Ann was the first to open her eyes. The soft hum of the city's power grid buzzed through the open window of the barracks dorm as the first rays of sunlight hit the facade of the historic building. A slight smile crossed Jo Ann's face as she remembered the relaxed night she'd spent with Stella in the park. She turned over and saw her friend still fast asleep, dark strands of hair softly framing her face.

Carefully, Jo Ann swung her legs out of bed, not wanting to wake Stella, and headed to the small but cozy kitchenette. The dorm rooms at the barracks weren't luxurious, but her comrades had made it homey with personal items and a few plants. They'd brightened up the bare walls with photos from shared memories and a few posters. It was a place where, despite the daily grind of military life, you could feel at home.

Jo Ann reached for the coffee maker, one of Stella's favorite items—a vintage model that brewed real coffee, unlike the synthetic stuff from the mess hall. "A real luxury," as Stella liked to say. Jo Ann let the aroma of coffee fill the room as she prepared their mugs. The morning muster would be soon, but a few minutes for a good start to the day were a must.

As the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, Stella stirred in bed. She blinked sleepily, spotting Jo Ann handing her a steaming mug. "A woman who knows... exactly what a woman needs in the morning," she murmured, still half-dreaming, but with a warm smile.

"I know," Jo Ann replied, grinning as she sat on the bed beside her. "But we don't have much time. The morning assembly's about to start."

Stella sat up and took a deep sip of coffee. "Ah, the morning muster... The only reason I get up this early is you and this coffee."

They chuckled quietly as they finished their coffee, savoring these rare moments of peace together. Moments like these were scarce and valuable.

"Alright, let's go," Jo Ann finally said, setting her cup down and beginning to put on her uniform. It was neat and pressed, like everything else in the room. The barracks themselves were old, a shadow of their former glory, but the modern additions—like the advanced energy systems and communication tech—kept the building functional for the demands of daily military life.

Stella followed suit, grabbing her own uniform from the closet and slipping it on with practiced ease. "Did you hear what's supposed to happen today? Supposedly, there's an inspection scheduled."

"Oh, great," Jo Ann groaned. "That means everyone will be on edge again."

Together, they left their room and made their way to the barracks' main courtyard. Their comrades were already gathered, standing in the same tight formation, waiting for the call. The mood was tense, but familiar—just another routine, part of the daily life that hadn't changed in years.

As Jo Ann took her place in line, Stella nudged her lightly. "We've got this. And afterward, we'll grab a real breakfast in the mess hall."

Jo Ann nodded, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Deal."

The courtyard was thick with a tense silence, broken only by the soft rustling of uniforms and the distant hum of city drones. The soldiers stood at attention as the company sergeant, a broad-shouldered man with a sharp look and a stern face, strode onto the square. His piercing gaze swept over the squad before he greeted them in strict military cadence.

"Good morning, comrades!"

The response echoed back like a single voice. "Good morning, Sergeant!"

Jo Ann felt her heartbeat steady in time with the strict discipline. She could sense Stella beside her, even though they both stared straight ahead. The sergeant wasted no time on formalities.