
The barracks yard was alive with the sharp crack of boots on gravel and the barked commands of drill sergeants. Captain Elias Carmel stood at the edge of the formation, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched the fresh batch of privates line up like scared rabbits. Beside him was Captain Harlan Rook, a grizzled veteran with a voice like thunder and a reputation for breaking recruits harder than anyone else. Both men had been friends for years, Elias was only visiting the barracks as he was passing through but couldn’t help looking at the new recruits.
"Look at these sorry sacks," Captain Carmel muttered, eyeing the trembling newbies.
“The worst bunch yet I reckon, at least there is one or two with some muscle on them.” Harlan responded looking at the huge 6 '6 private in the centre.
“I know you will give them hell and whip them into shape Harlan. You are legendary for your hazing and getting any recruit ready” Elias smiled before giving a great big sigh and looking at his watch.
“Everything alright Elias?” Harlan said, noticing his friends' change in tone.
“Look’s like I already have to leave, I have to get to the finance and supply meeting.” Elias sighed as he started walking with his friend beside him. “Then another meeting with maintenance, followed by an inventory meeting, then I have several reports and endless paperwork to complete.” Elias said crestfallen as he got closer to his car, he then paused and looked at the line of privates waiting restlessly for Harlan to address them. “You know sometimes I wish I could go back to being a private again, just a rifle, a ruck, and my friends” Elias said but as the final words exited his mouth a burst of green mist erupted in front of him covering himself and Harlan leaving them coughing and spluttering while a faint devilish chuckle of the Trickster echoed out.
When the smoke cleared Elias looked to his friend to see if he was alright, but Harlan stood tall and steadfast as if nothing had happened and instead of a look of concern in his face there was only derision and disgust.