The enemy artillery once again started and forced the Lanstonian defenders to seek for shelter and brace themselves as each explosion sent tremors through the soil they stood on.
"We gotta find a way to silence those guns or they're just gonna keep on peppering us." Edward stated.
"If we attack now, we'll be sitting ducks. We have to wait for the right time." Jacques replied.
"How about we just throw everything we have at them? Make things even." Richard suggested.
"We could but they're outside the range of our artillery. We're also outside their range, they're just on a slope." Edward added.
Phillip entered the bunker and everyone went quiet. Jacques met eyes with Phillip before standing up and shaking his head.
"I'm not going to send your squad to take care of this one. That's final." Jacques firmly said.
"I can do it. I can lead them. Give me this chance to prove myself." Phillip pleaded.
"I'm not giving you my permission and that's final." Jacques replied before taking off his coat.
Jacques left the bunker and went outside to monitor the situation. He loosened his tie and rolled his sleeves up to his elbows before brushing his hair back. He ran towards a group of soldiers unloading crates from a truck and helped them.
"Hurry up and get in cover once you finish. This bombardment won't be stopping for a few more hours." Jacques ordered the men.
"Your jaw's going to drop if you keep staring." Johann jokingly said.
"Shut up! He's just so dreamy and perfect. And look at this arms." Teresa stated as she continued to daydream.
"My arms are bigger than his. I don't know what makes him more special." Johann mumbled.
"That's because he has two arms, idiot!" Teresa exclaimed.
The two argued and fought each other from the distance as Jacques jogged away from the border and went towards an approaching truck. He waited for it to stop, he stood and watched as two men hopped off the back.
"Hilbert, welcome back. Do you feel well?" Jacques asked.
"It's good to be back. As a matter of fact, I feel wonderful. Hilbert replied.
"Who did the doctor send with you?" Jacques asked once more before glancing over at the unfamiliar figure.
"Hugo Ludenfaust. Number three." Hugo said as he reached his hand out.
"Nice to meet you mister Ludenfaust. I'm getting to meet more and more of you from Project Sparrow." Jacques stated before shaking Hugo's hand.
Jacques lead them to the bunker and everyone was surprised to see Hilbert return. Phillip immediately initiated a conversation with Hilbert and told him everything that happened after he left. Jacques, on the other hand, introduced Hugo to the other officers.
"So what did they send you here for, Hugo?" Richard inquired.
"Reinforcement, support, a babysitter. You decide, either way, I'll be monitoring the kid." Hugo replied.
"So a babysitter?" Edward asked.
"Yes, a babysitter." Hugo answered.
"Other than that, is there anything else we should know about you?" Jacques asked.
"I'm designed to be more well-rounded. Specializing in close quarters and long range engagements. I'm what they based Hilbert on." Hugo replied.
"So you're his dad. Okay, I think I got it now." Edward added.
Hugo chuckled and shook his head before clearing his throat and regaining his composure. He glanced at Hilbert who was distracted with Phillip's stories then back to the officers.
"It's the same when it comes to me. You have jurisdiction over me but I can disobey direct orders from any of you if it goes against my judgement." Hugo informed them.
"Of course. I expect you to be able to lead Hilbert as his senior because I'm giving you the responsibility as their squad leader." Jacques replied.
"Our squad leader? Shouldn't it be Hilbert?" Phillip asked.
"He's still under my monitoring so he won't be given a big responsibility yet, uhm...Private Gërber." Hugo responded before giving Phillip a smug smile.
"Listen to Hugo. He's your new squad leader for the time being." Jacques ordered.
Phillip nodded and quietly exited the bunker before running to his fox hole. Jacques raised the problem they have with the enemy artillery that's constantly bombarding them. He asked Hugo if he has any ideas on how to silence the enemy guns. Hugo shook his head and turned his head to Hilbert before asking if he had an idea. Hilbert nodded and pointed to the outskirts of the city on the map. He said that it was an irrigation system that lead to the foot of the hill. They could access it from the city and crawl all the way to the other end without drawing any attention. Hilbert said that a small team would be perfect for the mission.
"Your squad can finish the job, correct?" Jacques asked.
"We can. Leave it to us." Hugo replied.
"We can draw their attention while you sneak into the city. After that, you're on your own." Richard added.
"We just need a few seconds. We can handle the rest. Give us an hour." Hugo stated.
Jacques nodded in agreement and ordered Edward to prepare everything they needed. He told Hugo that if they don't return within the hour, he would request for an air strike on the enemy position. He added that if things are to go south, he wouldn't let the supersoldiers fall into the hands of the Soviets. Hilbert understood but he was certain that everything will go smoothly for them and that Jacques shouldn't worry so much.
"Leave Teresa here, I'm only taking you, Johann and the private with me." Hugo ordered Hilbert.
"When you said small I wasn't expecting you to just take three others with you." Jacques stated.
"If you ask me, I would prefer to do this alone. But I need them for something." Hugo replied before heading outside with Hilbert.
"Hey, Hugo! Long time no see." Johann exclaimed as he approached them.
"Johann. Still need a hand I see." Hugo jokingly said before giggling.
"Still making bad jokes I see." Teresa interrupted before smirking.
"It's good to see all three agents here. What a big and happy reunion this is." Hugo added before smiling.