My Soldier (Brittana fan fiction)* Discontinued*

35

FOB in Kandahar, Afghanistan

The sweat is already dripping of me as I head through the barracks surveying the emptiness, it's nothing like the base I was stationed in before at Bagram. Beside and behind me walks soldiers who I have never seen before in the same boat as me, they're intrigued by this place. Every tour I've done has been different and I've gained different skills from each one, but this place, this place is empty and I don't like it. There's an eerie feel about it and I know from the state of the barracks that it is not secure, let's hope that I don't have to be here longer than necessary.

A loud whistle is blown and we are ordered to stand in a straight line and wait for commands. My military posture kicks in and my back straightens as my face hardens with my arms straight on my sides and my boots slammed together. The patrol cap on my head keeps the sun from burning my scalp but it doesn't stop the sweat from collecting on my forehead. A couple of seconds later Sergeant Major of the Army Mercer appears with a few officers that I don't realise and stands in front of us, looking at each and everyone one of us with a judging eye until he sees me and the hard look on his face softens and I can see a hint of a smile. Soon enough it's wiped off and he clears his throat.

"Soldiers, Welcome to Kandahar. For most of you this is your first tour and by Christ is it going to be a challenging one". He asserts with a strong voice as he walks up and down, looking each soldier in the eye. "You will address me as Sergeant Major Mercer and nothing more, some of you know me-" he looks me in the eye "—and some of you don't. I will be giving you your assigned operations and will brief each and every one of them. Before I introduce my leaders I would like to say some words so listen carefully" He warns and stands straight with a rigid posture just like all of us soldiers except with his arms behind his back. "It's going to be tough I'm sure you have all heard of the attacks that the Taliban have been planning, this is real life now. This is not training, your lives as well as your team mates are at stake whilst you are out here. There will be no slacking you will all have assigned jobs whether that be patrolling outside the base or being sent out on an operation, I will not stand for laziness, soldiers!" He asserts with authority.

At the look of this base I believe every word he says, in the FOB I stayed in Bagram there was a tent full of equipment to maintain fitness, there was tables with playing cards, hell there was even a pool table but here, there is nothing. From what I can see there is about 20 large tents placed around the camp and an area for eating, the rest is dust filled crates of weapons and vehicles for operations outside of the post.

"With that said, let's introduce ourselves." He offers and looks to the men who send him a tight lipped smile. A middle aged looking man steps forward and surveys us all with a slight nod.

"I'm First Lieutenant Alford, I am a leader and help plan specialised operations alongside with Staff Sergeant McKinney" He informs and my I look over to SSG McKinney, I remember him from Bagram we used to chat sometimes. All the officers are introduced and SMA Mercer looks at all of us again with a nod.

"The officers here will lead, plan and keep all of you in check! Before I let you leave to find a place and organise your possessions I want to welcome back one of the best, a soldier well known for clearing an entire village full of enemies and saving life after life, Sergeant Pierce" He announces and I swallow when I hear my name being called. I take a step forward and instantly feel eyes upon me as I walk up to SMA Mercer and shake his hand with a smile.

"Good to see you Sir" I politely affirm and he smiles.

"Good to have you back Sergeant" He nods and turns to the line of soldiers who are looking at me with questioning but knowing eyes. "Sergeant Pierce is one of the best so if you have any problems, I'm sure she'll be happy to help" he boasts and pats my good shoulder with a proud nod. I'm not entirely sure why I'm getting so much praise but I'm not going to object it, all of these new soldiers need to be put in their place otherwise their turn out like Joe Becker. "FALLOUT!" He orders and each soldier raises their hand up in salute and slams their right leg down before turning on the balls of their feet and marching off until they're out of SMA Mercer's sight.