A week passes by as if the conflict between Lanston and the A.E.G.U. never happened and the bulk of the Lanstonian military was now back in their homeland. The newly formed 1st Autonomous task force have already began preparations to integrate both infantry and tank units within their way of fighting. With Jacques and Roger leading the unit, they can be considered as one of the most deadliest and efficient units within the Lanstonian military.
"We're going to the border tomorrow, right?" Roger asks Jacques.
"Yes, and with the looks of things...I'd say that the men are ready to implement the new tactics I've devised." Jacques replied.
"I'm glad that we're finally a team. No need to compete between who's a better officer anymore." Roger jokingly says before letting out a soft chuckle.
"What do you mean? I'm still better than you, idiot." Jacques replied with a smirk on his lips.
"I have a few names in mind but I still need more from everyone else!" A soldier shouted.
This caught Jacques and Roger's attention and they both walked closer to the huddled up group of soldiers. One of them were listing what they said were names but sounded more like call signs. Roger poked his head in the huddle and tried his best to blend in while Jacques held in his laughs.
"Alright, so I have Steel Chariots, Wolverines and Crimson Cougars." The soldier atop the crate states.
"I like the sound of Wolverines. It sounds very intimidating." A soldier commented.
"How about Hellhounds?" Jacques suggests.
"Hellhounds? Who said that? It sounds brilliant." The soldier said.
"I did." Jacques stepped forward.
The men were startled to know that Jacques and Roger was there the entire time. Everyone had a small giggle and they all decided upon choosing Hellhounds as the call sign of their new unit. True to the name, they are a pack of demons straight out of the burning tundra of hell. Among their pack, they hide a beast that is not of the same kind as them. A beast who knows only of death, with a bloodlust that is insatiable no matter how many he has slain. This is now their new identity, they strike fast and show no mercy to all foes they have faced.
"Our motto surely fits us now, don't it?" Jacques asks.
"Yes, it certainly does Major. But it's a little anticlimactic with us just guarding a border and all." The soldier replied with a chuckle.
"I know it may sound boring but we'll be Lanston's first line of defense if the Soviets plan an attack. That's already a great honor to bear for soldiers like us." Jacques added.
"Major Enfield is right, serving our nation alone is already a great honor to have. Plus, I'll still be strict so you can expect to have brutal exercises in the mornings." Roger butted in with a grin plastered on his face.
The men were jolly and all exchanged jokes while the others were busy servicing the vehicles and unloading the new equipment provided by high command. Edward was in charge of the unloading while Richard took over the services of the vehicles with the help of Timothy and James. Hilbert helped Edward because he has received news that Doctor Fenrich has sent him new equipment.
"Slowly now, we don't want to damage anything." Edward says as he kept track of the crates on his checklist.
"Captain, can I be excused after I find the equipment sent for me?" Hilbert asks
"Uhm...sure. You're free to do anything really." Edward replies before rubbing his nape.
"I just wanted to let you know in case anyone needs me." Hilbert added before continuing to lift crates.
Edward nodded before going back to his checklist and crossing off all the crates they have unloaded. Hilbert found the crate with the Basch Corp logo on it and excused himself to inspect the contents of it. He took it to his quarters and quickly opened it to find a suit and a letter from the doctor underneath. It explained how the suit works and that it was the next model after the APS that he did a field test on. The new suit was made of a new fibre that they have invented, able to stop light firearms while maintaining a lightweight design. Hilbert wore the suit and noticed that it felt just like a skintight tracksuit and was comfortable to move in unlike the APS that limited most of his range of motion.
"Major, all the vehicles have been serviced and are good to go." Richard states as he wiped the grease off his hands.
"It's the same for us, all equipment have been unloaded. We're ready to go." Edward added as he slowly walked up to them.
"Then should we depart a little early than expected?" Jacques asks.
"Everyone seems to be really hyped up for this new task they gave us. I guess it would be a good idea to head out already." Roger added.
Jacques agreed with Roger and they informed all of their subordinates that they'll begin mobilizing in half an hour. Hilbert came out of his quarters and walked towards the others and helped with the remaining preparations. Roger organized the tanks and told them to split up into three groups, one at the front of the convoy, one in the middle and the last at the rear. After they finished preparations, their vehicles left the FOB one by one and as soon as daybreak came they were already at the border. The place was busy and crowded since it was right next to a small buzzing metropolis.
"This is our new post for the next who knows how long?" Roger states.
"With the tensions between Lanston and the USSR rising, I'd say a month." Timothy commented.
"Want to bet on how long we'll be stationed here?" James jokingly asks Timothy.
"One bottle of whiskey." Timothy replied before offering his hand.
"You have a deal my friend." James added as he shook Timothy's hand.