The squad kept preparing, readying the perimeter, creating more fortified positions, and spreading out the supplies that came in.

  They faced the occasional skirmish with jackles with the occasional grunt. She'd bet thay were just testing them, and there would be a night raid or some such. As she listened to platoon coms, they seemed to agree.

  She soon heard the rumble of a tank, and smiled. It was always good to get armor support. They were both lucky and not to be posted here. Armor was great, but meant greater danger likely was expected.

  As time ticked, they ate in shifts, and rotated guard. No weather was expected, thank God.

  Then, as she was monitoring platoon coms, orders came down. "This is 1st Platoon to all squads. Higher orders 1 fireteam per squad into the side streets. Hostile elements are sparse, expect erratic contact. Over."

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  She stood still for a bit, then grunted. From a pouch, she grabbed a cigarette, and with a lighter from the same pouch, lit it. She looked up, and checked her hud. It was roughly 6 local, and it was getting dark. Traipsing about in the dark side streets was going to be... Fun.

  "This is 5th squad, requesting NV's on next supply, over." She requested.

  "This is Platoon, request will be sent to company for approval. Expect reply in 5 Mike. Over."

  "Affirm, over."

  She sighed, and got to organizing a fire team. "Orders from on high. We're clearing out the side streets as best we can. Gerith, your in charge, I will lead. You three." She pinged 3 new privates. "You're having fun with me. Get a full load of ammo and grenades. You have 5." She said.

  Gerith walked over and lowered his voice. "You sure about this? It's getting late, n' shits gettin' dark. While lights are on, the sides are lit sparsely."

  "Ya, I know. I'm trying to fix the dark problem, and best I shake the greens where there's room for failure, where we can retreat. Best to know if there is a point of failure early."

  "Ay, sarge. I'll keep the rest in line while you fuck around in the back alleys."

  "Quiet you shit. I've been doin' this shit for neigh on 12 years. Hell, I remember doing something similar when you were a greenie too. What did you do? Hmmmm... Oh I recall now! You-"

  The Corporal quickly interrupted, hurrying to speak over her. "YES SARGENT! ILL GET RIGHT TO MY DUTYS!"

  He quickly backed away, throwing her a crisp salute on the way out. She smirked beneath her mask. That'd teach him to try and get lippy.