Work Text:
Sand and dust blows down the wide open streets of a long dead necropolis, colliding with the abandoned cars and trucks lining its worn down sidewalks, before hitting four objects laying at the end of the road. Four large, imposing box-like objects that dwarf even the largest of tankers in size, bristling with numerous smaller boxes mounted upon them and an intimidating-looking hollow pole protruding from their fronts. Four tanks, a full armor platoon, and perhaps the most common lifeforms in this necropolis.
They stand still, not making a noise, as if they were merely one of the many dead monuments to civilization that surround them.
Then suddenly, a deafening roar as four engines come to life, growling like wolves about to go on their weekly hunt.
“All callsigns, status report, over”
“Alpha 1, Aspera, all systems operational, ready to commence mission, over”
“Alpha 2, Mahiri, ready to blow up some shitboxes!”
“Uh, Alpha 3, reporting. Marrow says all systems are functioning, ready to proceed, over”
“Alpha 10, reporting, infantry ready to dismount, all systems operational, good to go, over”
“Baseplate copies all, proceed with mission. Alpha 1 and 2, you girls take the vanguard. Alpha 3, take a left turn on the intersection ahead, then go right and proceed down the street. If you encounter hostiles, execute a firing retreat to the nearest intersection. Alpha 10, cover the vanguard and get ready to dismount upon orders, over”
“Alpha 1, copy”
“Alpha 2, got it!”
“Uh, Alpha 3, roger that”
“Alpha 10, copy”
You take in a deep breath inside your command room as you confirm that your platoon is ready. Then, you look outside at the four simulator modules inside the hangar, the lights mounting over their hatches all green, and press your mic.
“All Victor callsigns, commence training exercise. Baseplate out”
And thus another peaceful day passes at Stella Aetas HQ, followed by a raucous night at the company bar.