“Boss.” Sapper Convict nods as you reach them, offering you a seat on jutting root. Although normally gruff, he sure hasn’t forgotten that he owes you his life from your first mission together.

“What’s been happening, boys?” You grin at Convict and Trooper Husk, the latter still scanning the edge of the treeline through his magnoculars.

“Hssk. You missed it. Hssk. The Legions surrendered.Hssk. Big heroes we are. Hssk. Now we all go home. Hssk.”

“Morale is high, I see.” You raise an eyebrow at your subordinate, or rather at his chemask tucked under the magnoculars. “And how did we achieve this stunning victory?”

“Hssk. I offer them Hssk your cooking. Hssk.”

“…”

“…”

“…You fucker.” Convict snorts at your sullen riposte.

Crane whistles, signalling you all to pay attention. “Eyes up.”

You all settle down as the all clear on the new arrivals is given and the long-range patrol emerges from the undergrowth into the camp proper. Your nose twitches, picking up a strange new scent that is elusive at first but then becomes overpowering enough that you think even an ordinary human could smell it. Is that fucking cologne?

“You’ve got to be Hssk fucking kidding me.” Trooper Husk shakes his head.

“Not this fucking guy…” Your demolition expert grimaces, although to be fair even his smiles could be classed as a grimace.

You recognise that self-satisfied bravado walk long before you turn and see the Krieger helm on one of the incoming arrival removed to reveal the golden locks of one of your former subordinates.

“Hey hey, ladies. Did ya miss me?”

[2/4]