"Tell everyone to resume defensive positions! A counterattack is highly possible so don't let your guard down!" Jacques ordered.
Their battalion gathered around the south side of the fort and prepared themselves for a possible counterattack. They set up their mortars and machine guns while the 18th created a line of tanks to act as mobile artillery. Something was quite not right though, it was quiet and they couldn't see any movement in the sand dunes.
"Lower levels have been cleared, Jacques." Hilbert states.
"Hunker in, the enemies might arrive any second now." Jacques replied before peering through his binoculars.
"I don't see anything out there though? Are you sure that they're going to take this fort back?" Jeremy asks.
"It's better to be sure, I can't afford for something like Hummingbird to happen again." Jacques replied.
"Oh yeah, fair enough..." Jeremy muttered.
A transmission from the radio played and broke the silence. It was from high command and they were airing the surrender of the A.E.G.U. after the capture of the entire African Council. Their military surrendered after loosing leadership and have ordered all their units to put their guns down. The men were ecstatic to know that they won the war in a matter of days.
"You hear that boys? We did it! Glory to Lanston!" Richard exclaimed.
"Is this actually real?" Edward doubtfully asks.
"Our victory was inevitable, we already won before the first battle even started." Hilbert states.
"Roger, have you heard the transmission on the main line?" Jacques asks.
"Yeah, we won. Time for a celebration. Drinks are on me when we get back." Roger replied with a chuckle.
Everyone cheered and gave each other a pat on the shoulder, they were all smiling and happy to hear the news. The radioman called for Jacques' attention and told him that high command wanted to talk to him alone.
"Yes, this is Major Enfield speaking." Jacques states as he lowered his voice and turned his back from the others.
"The 116th and the 18th will be reassigned to the border of Poland. The tensions are rising and your units will act as peacekeepers." A man spoke from the radio.
"The Soviets are finally making their move? Well, you can rest easy knowing that our joint unit will be there in case they make the first move." Jacques replied.
"About your units. You're also being merged with the 18th to form a new independent branch of the Lanstonian Military. You will be known as the 1st Autonomous Task force." The man added.
"It is an honor, sir. I will inform the 18th and begin preparations for our departure back home." Jacques states before hanging up and walking towards Edward.
"What did high command say?" Edward asked as he walked towards Jacques.
"We'll be heading home. We're also the 1st Autonomous task force now." Jacques replied.
"Is that a promotion of sorts?" Edward added before chuckling.
"I guess so. Well, at least we'll be closer to home for this next mission." Jacques replied with a giggle.
Meanwhile, Roger and the others of his unit dismounted from their vehicles and greeted each other with congratulations for the victory they reeled in. Roger commended his men for their fierce and relentless fighting that they displayed through every battle.
"We did a fine job out there. Now let's meet up with Major Enfield's unit and get the rest we all deserve!" Roger exclaimed with a smile plastered on his cheeks.
"I can't wait to eat a warm meal instead of these bland crackers they stuff us with." James jokingly says.
"Know what's better than a warm meal? The warm embrace of a woman." Timothy states before nudging James' arm.
"Okay, cut it out you guys. Let's head back and finish celebrating with the others." Roger orders with a gleeful tone.
"Copy that, sir! Let's get moving, driver!" Timothy exclaimed before patting the driver's shoulder.
They all sat in groups and began eating their rations together while chatting with one another. Hilbert separated from his squad and found a quiet spot by the wall. He leaned his elbows against the edge and watched the starry horizon that seemed to be creeping up as the clouds were blown away by the wind. Jeremy joined him and stood right beside where he stood.
"Why don't you join the others?" Jeremy asks.
"They augmented many things but not my social skills. Plus, I don't want to disturb the couple." Hilbert replies before gesturing to Richard and Eugene.
"Those two? It'll grow on you, after a while you'll just acknowledge that they're who they are. We can't do anything about it since they're also doing one hell of a job as soldiers." Jeremy comments.
"Oh I don't mind them being a thing, I just don't want to interrupt them that's all." Hilbert added.
"I think they like you. They're all intrigued about who you are and they look up to you. I don't think you're bothering anyone here." Jeremy says before walking away.
"Companions? Maybe they will become useful sometime soon. I guess it's better than fighting alone." Hilbert muttered as he directed his gaze back to the stars.
Jacques and Edward greeted Roger as his unit entered the fort. As soon as Roger got off his tank, Jacques explained the orders from high command and told him to inform everyone in the 18th. Roger quickly caught up and told them that he'll organize a meeting before they leave the next day. Jacques nodded and patted Roger's shoulder before complementing the way he lead his men during the siege. Roger smiled and thanked him before walking back to his tank.
"First thing we're doing when we get back is having a drink. I want everyone to be there so don't be late." Roger tells Jacques.
"I'm never late if there's alcohol involved. Don't worry, I'll help you pay for the drinks." Jacques jokingly said before chuckling.
"I'm not broke. We're probably even getting a raise after what we did here." Roger replied with a smile as he climbed the side of the tank.