(POV: Enemy Tank Leader)
We've been blasting the base for a while now. To guarantee the structural stability of the base for our inevitable capture, we've only been using barrage rounds. The pathetic resistance of the soldiers on the battlements were hardly a bother as we were only distracting the enemy from their right flank. Command wanted us to try testing different strategies while we still had the lead. I would've been against such a waste of time had there not been minefield in our way, and it's not like I can disobey orders so blatantly by repositioning. If only our spies notified me of the minefield before we arrived.
"Sir, they're starting to use more fire power." The tank driver reported. "They're even using smoke shells."
"Check the radar, see if there are any stealth troops approaching us." I order.
"There's a squad of 10 men approaching through the minefield, sir."
"Get me a visual, Sgt."
"They appear to be equipped with mole suits and rocket launchers, sir"
"Tsk, I knew stopping right before the minefield was too obvious." I mumbled. "Blast them."
But before our first tank even finished aiming, the enemy burrowed.
Despite our tanks extreme defensive fortitude, our designers still couldn't find a better solution to the whole weak underbelly problem, which was especially troubling when dealing with moles. We're probably going to have to wipe out this battalion to cover up this information. Let's just hope the saboteurs already disabled their communications.
"Wait, if they're in mole suits and going through the minefield... Their mines must be deactivated!" I thought aloud. "Sgt, what's the situation with the infantry troops?"
"Last they reported, they seemed to be discovered by the enemy, sir."
"Very well, open communications to the other tanks immediately." I ordered. "All tanks, get ready to change to charge rounds and advance on the enemy! The minefield has been deactivated! Be sure to check your seismic radar to avoid moles and aim for the battlements! The infantry has been delayed, so it's time for us to end this farce! The enemy wouldn't dare use their mines while they have such expensive equipment at stake! For the Baron!"
"For the Baron!" The other tanks cheered through the radio.
As we advanced, the man on radar became confused.
"Sir, look at this. Doesn't it seem like the moles are just going deeper?"
"They must still be trying to avoid mines before they resurface. They buried those things deep ever since the invention of the mole suits, you know."
And then the ground erupted.
*
"That bastard better have compensation for this whole ordeal." I whined.
As I made way to Cpt. Wif's office with my squad, I couldn't help but recall what happened yesterday. I was underground with my men, trying to pre detonate as many mines as we could as we went down when the all the mines we and the enemy touched went off, causing a massive chain reaction clearing most of the field. Thankfully, none of us were near any mines at the time, but 'seismic' impact was quite the dozy. We were probably only alive due to the shock absorbers. Can't fault the Cpt.'s logic though. It was quite the design choice for the mines that if 'detonated' while deactivated would still explode once reactivated.
"Welcome Sgt Johnson and co! Please, take a seat. I'm sure you're all still a little shaken from your valiant efforts yesterday." Cpt Muen Wif said. "As you're probably expecting, you're all going to be rewarded quite generously for your wonderful achievement! Let us all have a good night's rest, it did."
"Sir?" I responded, acting oblivious.
"Haha, oh you. First and foremost, the Major and I have agreed to give you and all your men promotions! We lost quite a bit of men recently, so we need qualified individuals to take over their responsibilities. One of which is reconnaissance! Lt. Johnson, I expect great things from what you and your new Sgt.s report the day after tomorrow!"
"I'm sorry, what?" I asked, legitimately surprised.
"The enemy somehow knew of the minefield before they arrived and I want to know how, since it's relatively new. Since the last Cpt in charge of recon was shot on the way here, the Major has quite a lot of paperwork to go through to piece together the events leading up to the first tank attack from the enemy's perspective before making a full report to Command that includes the tanks' weak point. Not only will your future report speed things up, the communications tower should also be fixed by the time you return. This quite an important mission that you and your men seem quite qualified for!"
"But sir-!"
"Of course, you are allowed to use the gear you were assigned for the last mission, and should you come back alive again, depending on what you bring back, the Major and I may consider letting the lot of you simply keep the gear even once the war is over."
"We won't let you down, sir." We said in unison and at attention.
"You are dismissed then. I suggest you leave in about 3 hours. Talk to Cpt Kingsley about transportation. Buh-bye!" He then shooed us out and shut the door.
I think I hate him...
Welp, nothing I can do about now.
"Let's move out, guys." I said in a tired and defeated voice.