Chapter 1

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The train slowly made its way across the busy plains, passing countless wooden farmhouses built along nearby dirt roads. Its heavy, steel wheels slowly turned and gave the machine momentum, their loud noise alerting nearby farmers to its presence. They had to be used to its noise by now -  those trains never stopped running, rotating all around the clock, bringing new unfortunate souls towards the border, rarely taking anyone away. People living on those farms had no idea why so many of them passed them every single day - they simply carried on with their lives, oblivious to the strange world lying right outside of their windows. To them, nothing mattered but their shambling homes and weathered crops they tried to make a living from. Nothing mattered as long as it did not concern them. They didn’t know that in a matter of weeks, maybe even days, their own worlds - and the one outside of their vision - would change. They were blessed with ignorance.

I wished to be one of them. I knew exactly why the trains were running. I was among the unfortunate ones. We were headed for a slaughter. A long, bloody war was coming, and we were the tools to be used in it. They called us soldiers - a glorified name, considering all we would d do, all the lives we would take. What would become of us.

Trying to kill my doubts, I turned over to my book, trying to pay no attention to occasional machinery’s clacking and voices of other soldiers sitting nearby who paid no attention to me. I knew the journey would be long and I didn’t wish to spend it alone with my restless mind. It endlessly wondered who I’d meet once I arrived at my destination - another military base I was told to reinforce. I could only hope they minded their own business. For four years, I was stationed far north, right next to the Crystal Mountains, the tall, frozen hills which extended for many miles, filled with those beautiful ground-piercing blue crystals that I’ve heard so much of, the pride of our neighbors that we once sought to conquer. All the time I spent there, I barely spoke to folks I was told to get along with - even the old man so keen on telling his life stories to us. I couldn’t grow close to them. I knew what it meant for me if I did. I couldn’t let it happen again. Once was enough. Even too much.

I held the book open in my hands, keeping it just in front of my eyes. This heavy, sizable piece of literature somehow always managed to make me forget about my worries. I must have read it a thousand times by now and I still did not have enough. I remembered almost every single word that the author graciously painted on these yellowed pages, always keen on discovering something I’ve missed. Its age did not bother me at all - I was glad to be reminded of the many quiet evenings we’ve spent together, even if no more were to come. I gave into the lecture again - just as excited to continue my journey through this large, fantastic world as I was the first time I opened it, always glad to imagine the only place I could truly escape to. I only couldn’t tell who I admired more - the author or the hero. The protagonist was someone I always looked up to - someone I wished to become ever since my eyes first laid down their sight on those pages - but if not for the writer, I’d never be able to meet the heroine that I adored, for she would not exist. Just like the actors starring in movies that my peers loved to watch when we were young. I dared wonder who they found more astonishing - the characters or the actors who played them?

The train continued forward, gently thumping every few seconds.  Every few pages, I raised my head to look out of the window to catch a glimpse of the real world, trying to determine how much time I had left. The scenery seemed to change whenever I gazed out, leaving behind the snowed farmlands, hardly letting go of the winter, for warmer plains of the south that welcomed the spring with open arms. It was a welcome change of scenery, compared to what I was used to seeing for the last few years.  March had just begun and I could barely believe that the grass could be so… green this time of year, even if the dead, naked trees we passed along the way laid their shadows on it. I paid little attention to them, however - in just a few weeks they would bloom again.

My contemplation soon stopped as the train came to a halt. “End of the line”, I thought to myself, stuffing the book back into my bag that contained nothing but bare necessities, such as books… And not much else. I could hear people outside shouting - seems like our arrival was anticipated. I took a few seconds to stand up, not in a hurry to get anywhere, before grabbing my backpack and making my way through the crowded corridor. My boots hit the hard, cold concrete ground of the train station as I got outside, finally able to breathe fresh air. The journey was finally over. Now came the hard part - finding the one that was supposed to be my new commander. I took a quick glance at a paper where I wrote down his name. Daniel Wymond. Sounded just like someone I knew, but I’d take it nonetheless. I put the paper back into my pocket and decided to move forward, hoping for some miracle to guide me towards him. It didn’t take long for it to come, however. A short, blonde woman with her straight hair down to her shoulders approached me, sporting a rather grim expression on her round, serious face, her thick eyebrows lowered along with her squinted brown eyes lost somewhere in open space. Once she got close, her lips closed and formed into a smile, one that I could tell was not genuine. Her small eyes opened as she finally focused on me, trying to look up to my face without tilting her head upwards too much. After we exchanged silence, she decided to speak first and asked me a question I felt coming.

- Are you that transfer soldier that was to meet with captain Wymond? - her smile did not disappear, but her eyes slightly closed, probably displeased that I made her speak first.

- Yeah,  that’s me. - I swiftly replied, glad I had someone to guide me, or even to talk to. - Came here all the way from the northern border. You’ve found me rather quickly. Were you expecting someone?

- I sure was. - her eyelids squinted even further as she started to chatter through her teeth - I was supposed to take you straight to him. Hope you don’t mind company.

I could tell she didn’t feel like having a conversation longer than needed. There was no point in prolonging it. No point other than seeing how long she could take it, that is. I enjoyed doing that kind of thing to people just to hold our talk for a little longer. I was never the silent type, just… careful when it came to words. About what I could say and what I couldn’t. I slightly tilted my head to the side, curious as to why she wanted to get it over with so quickly. I did not ask her, though. There would be time for it.

- Right. Lead the way, then. - I answered, straightening my back. She nodded, relaxing her lips, seemingly content with my exhausting response before she turned away and walked off towards a road filled with soldiers lively chatting with each other, taking the same path as they did. I followed closely, using this moment to look around, get familiar with my surroundings. Near the station, I saw nothing but the long road that we walked on, made out of cold, white stone that’s found itself between a set of white buildings with almost flat roofs made out of red tiles, surrounded by evergreen pine trees casting a long shadow on the crowded path that we slowly made our way through. The lack of snow surprised me - only a few glittering, frozen patches were left, waiting for the sun to melt them away. This place felt… Calm. Dull. I imagined that nothing but the light, chilly wind could break the silence of these fields during a lazy, quiet day. I felt like I was the one to break it, and the devil got the best of me.

- How did you know who to look for?  - I asked, curious about her response. - Am I the only woman in the entire army? You didn’t even ask for my name.

- Captain’s told me to look for a jenny dressed in brown, lass. Wasn’t hard at all. - she replied with a smirk on her face, halting for a moment and turning her head over her shoulder before continuing onward. I should’ve seen it coming. My attire was rather unusual for this place. Everyone around me was dressed similarly, always the same plain olive and beige. I was the only one with a brown jacket that no force could make me take off. 

- Jenny? - I asked again, not quite picking up the joke. - You sure I’m the right person? 

- You’re the stubborn one, aren’t you? You want to say Jenny is not your name?

And just like that, I learned my previous colleagues made me a reputation. Fame preceded me wherever I went.

- Eliza. It’s Eliza. - I babbled out quickly. She didn’t need to know more about me. Not yet.

- Jenny fits you more. But I ain’t the one to judge. - she turned around to face me, her more genuine smile reappearing for a moment. -  I’m Kate Hewitt. I just do what I’m asked.

Kate Hewitt. Another woman in the military. Ever since the last war, my country, The Teuroran Union, conscripted us alongside men. They called it “First steps toward equality”. It was a lie. They’ve sent too many people to their deaths and had to restore their manpower somehow. I didn’t mind it. It was a chance for me to make up for what I’ve allowed to happen.

I’ve found Kate’s behavior odd. At first, she gave me a cold shoulder, sending a clear message  she’d rather remain quiet, but now she was the one to grin. Was she planning something? Did she change her mind? Or was she happy that I didn’t understand her joke? I couldn’t tell. Maybe she was the type to hate people without a reason, even that I doubted it. She didn’t look like it. She was just like everyone around - the same olive open jacket with a gray shirt underneath it, the same baggy beige pants, black combat boots... An ordinary girl, only her suspenders and rolled sleeves giving her an unique look. And her height. Not so long ago, I considered everyone around me taller by a visible margin. It was refreshing to see someone breaking that assumption.

We finally arrived at our destination after a minute of idle chatter. The large, symmetrical, white building, full of windows stood in front of us, Union's flag hanging loosely above the standard, wooden doors. It must have been the headquarters, I thought to myself. David had to be inside. Kate slowly walked up to the door, opening it, giving me a gentle invitation with the move of her hand, raising one of her eyebrows. I couldn’t refuse her genuine politeness and I entered right through, only quietly muttering “Thank you, kind madam” as I passed her. I expected her to slam the door shut behind me, but to my surprise, she simply came in right after. I hoped she simply didn’t hear me. Kate led me all the way towards the captain's office through the now tangerine-colored, nearly empty hallways, dark, wooden boards creaking under our feet. I was to simply meet with him, inform him of my arrival. I wondered how was he like - was he going to be just like my previous commander, asking for nothing but blind compliance, or was he going to try and sympathize with his soldiers? Back then, I would bet my money on the first one. I did not know anyone with power who gave a damn about his underlings. Assumptions aside, there was only one way to find out for real. I thanked Kate for her help, trying to remain as genuine as I could, knocked on the dark, oak door and went right inside. He was there, seated on an old chair behind a massive desk full of various papers, a green desk lamp illuminating one of them. The room was bright thanks to a large window which let the sunlight right through it, giving the room a nice, cozy atmosphere. He lifted his head up as soon as he noticed my presence, his light blue eyes trying to find mine as he pulled down his reading glasses, setting them on the table, putting a piece of paper he has been reading aside. His clean shaved face seemed too young to me, like it belonged to someone else - not a veteran I thought I’d meet.

- Good evening - he started off on a polite note, folding his hands in front of himself - Are you the one I was expecting?

- It’s me. My name’s Eliza, captain. Just got here after being ordered to transfer. I was told to meet with you as soon as I arrived. - I answered him, slowly approaching his desk.

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- I see. Did Kate bring you here? I asked her to accompany you on your way from the station. Can barely afford to move with all this paperwork. - he pointed his thumb at the files littering his workspace, giving them a quick glance. I nodded, letting David know his assumptions were correct. He sighed lightly, giving me a weak smile, before continuing - She’s a good girl. Said she’d get you herself. Kate understands that things tend to get… Harder, here in the office, especially with what’s coming. Could barely afford to leave it for the past few days. It’s good to have your guardian angel, isn’t it?

- You’re probably right. Let’s hope that the heavens won’t call for their return. - I hesitated for a moment before carrying on. Did I say the right thing? Hope he didn’t read too much into it. - Is there anything you need from me?

- Of course. Well, Eliza, I’d love to ask you some questions, but I’m afraid I’m a bit too busy to chat, so let’s just get straight to the point. You came here all the way from Kristjoll’s border, right?

- Correct.

- Heard winters there are worse than anywhere else near the border. - he chatted, obviously disregarding the point he just made - Is that a rumor or is it really that bad?

- Snow stayed for longer than usual, yeah. Three years ago, it stayed ‘till May and fell again in September, and none of the locals found it weird. 

- Guess it’s all those damn crystals’ fault. It’s something we don’t understand, but we spill blood over. - he made a sudden stop, resuming talking after a second. - Right, don’t mind me. Back to business. You’re a marksman?

- Correct again. - I answered. He picked up a discarded piece of paper from his desk and wore his glasses again, examining it closely. Without turning back to me, he continued.

- There’s an old team, someone called them Squad 4. They have a shortage of snipers after their previous one was dishonorably discharged, so you’ll be a part of them from now on. You’re in luck, Kate’s with them too. You two should know each other.

- Glad to hear that, sir. - I replied, not trying to hide my sarcastic tone. Of course I knew her well. I saw her once. She made fun of me. We were basically best friends… I shuddered at the thought of me befriending her.

- It’s better to have someone than nobody at all. - he replied, moving his eyes back to me, now closed a little bit more as his face turned grim. - That said, I’ve got to go back to work. Once my paperwork is all over, we’ll have plenty more time to get to know each other over whiskey and cigars, I’m certain. Now, head to the barracks, just turn right outside, it’s those long white huts. Get to know your team, girl! - once again, he gave a weak smile, showing one side of his teeth. - They’ve got a lot of it, seeing how only Kate does anything around here…

I bid him farewell and headed back through the door into the now empty hallway. For an officer, Wymond seemed like a man wishing to become close to his peers instead of being the embodiment of a faceless bureaucracy that I came to expect. A welcome change in the world, I thought to myself. Yet, I did not know if I wanted us to know each other better - there was plenty of what I would rather keep to myself, and my drinking habit did not make it easier. I knew I should have gotten rid of it, but I couldn’t. It was the only thing which could make me forget what happened four years ago. How I failed them. Failed him.

I left the building, heading out to the whitish courtyard made out of cold cobblestone. The base was certainly spacious with many different buildings, some I couldn’t find any  potential use for. Was it all storage for equipment? Living quarters for all those people that kept arriving? Maybe both? I was sure I would find out in time. I adjusted my increasingly uncomfortable bag, letting my shoulder rest for a while, and made my way through the small crowd that formed outside, deciding to head straight for my new home. The sun was about to set and I was no night owl to wander around after dark, looking for fun.

It took me a long while to find the right place, guided only by my instinct and a rather large man playing janitor today, sweeping the roads. The barracks and headquarters seemed alike on the outside, having the same color palette and just as many windows - just way less floors or style. It was easy to hear the never stopping noise coming from the inside that distinguished them, however. People inside were certainly loud, even if it was hard to understand their muffled words from here. Standing in front of the old door, I heard voices coming right from beyond it. I froze in place for a good minute, realizing how unprepared I was for it. Just beyond it, a few people that I would spend the next months, maybe years, of my life awaited, most assuredly not aware of my presence. I had to make a good first impression. I wished for them to know I was their ally, even if they never got to know more about me. Time passed as I ran countless scenarios through my head. I realized there was no need to wait any longer. I knew exactly what to do. I put my hand on the handle and pushed it with force, opening the way into the spacious, yet dirty quarters, gently stepping inside. A few heads turned towards me as the room fell silent. I felt their eyes on me, but I was ready. No turning back now. I said what lingered in my head.

- Hi.

 The man in a patrol cap bursted out laughing and the rest soon followed. That wasn’t the kind of a response I expected, but it was the one I had to take.

-  Are you lost, lady? - the hat wearing man asked, continuing to chuckle. - The closest airbase is miles away!

- Took the road for an airstrip. No kill like a roadkill. - I answered on a whim before introducing myself. - Name’s Eliza. Marksman. David’s told me we’ll be working together.

The uproar died down after a moment. A balding, large, muscular man stood up from his bed and stared me down with his grey eyes. His face was rough and filled with scars, similarly to his bare arms - I couldn’t help but wonder if he had been through one war, two, or maybe all of them. His height intimidated me, however - he was more than a head taller than me. I couldn’t hope to match him, even if I stood on my toes.

- So Kate was not lying. We did get fresh meat. - he said, crossing his arms in front of him, moving his head to point at someone small that I haven’t noticed earlier. - You better pull your own weight, unlike that carrot over here. All she’s good for is bitching.

- George, stop scaring her! Maybe you’re finally going to meet someone who genuinely likes you if you do. - the patrol cap spoke, coming a bit closer to me. The hulking mass of destruction seemed certainly agitated by his comment, but did not move from his spot, only resorting to putting his arms by his sides and frowning aggressively. - Arthur Campbell. Sergeant of Squad 4. I lead this bunch of misfits, and, by coincidence, will lead you. This is... George - he said, giving him a rather awkward look before swiftly turning back - I know you have your doubts, but believe me, he’s a friendly soul. If you don’t believe me, believe the size of his guns. And the carrot… - he chuckled again, revealing a hardly noticeable mark on his lower lip that I could only see from this close - Beatrice. She’s young, but been with us for a while. 

I took a second to process the information he gave me. The patrol cap guy with black, short curly hair seemed to be the leader. Sergeant Arthur Campbell. Seemed like the joking type to me - I liked him already. Just couldn’t let it get to my head. His green, wide and gentle eyes laid on his rough, sharp face made a perfect match for his unusual uniform which reminded me more of a formal shirt than the typical jacket we all used to wear back then. The enormous, at least six feet tall man covered in cuts was George, and I was certain he only looked intimidating, being as gentle as a lamb. Didn’t wish to test his limit, however. Beatrice, on the other hand… She was the only one who remained silent so far. Her ginger hair, tied into a bun, revealed her soft face lost in thought, her lips biting a long pencil held in her small fingers, her hazel eyes staring at a piece of paper.  She seemed not to notice me, nor the two men discussing whatever they had to discuss - lost in her own world.

- Alright, Arthur, - I answered him after a second of forming my thoughts, trying to give them a smile - there’s four of us now. Are the eight other beds just… Empty? Can I take any of them?

- Pleasure to meet you too, madam. - he answered, proud of himself taking his hat off and holding it tightly in his hand. - Two of them are, actually. We have two more squadmates sleeping with us, Kate and Jean, although they seem to be missing…

- Kate brought me here. She’s probably just busy… Elsewhere.

- She sure is busy with our captain, as always. - he answered, bringing his voice down for a moment - So you know her! That’s a good start. Jean should be coming any minute as well. He’s had it rough, according to George, so… Please watch yourself near him. Just don’t mention Kristjoll. Our previous scout, his name was Carl, I believe? Yeah, he fucked off two days ago after drill sergeant caught him being... - he stopped to recall, looking down at the dusty floor before lifting his head up again - Having an affair with one of the pilots. Guess that’s why you’re here. Just take his bed.

Boy, was I glad to be a part of this team. This man kept rambling about his squad’s story while George just stood there, like a rock, the carrot girl was writing - or drawing - something, and two others had their own social life… Three, actually. I nodded my head and moved past Arthur, dropping off my bag near the now taken bunk bed, then continued asking.

- What about the rest? Do they belong to some other team?

- Yeah. The Sevens. And some freaky redhead. Also, one is empty for reasons unknown. Even I don’t know why, hell. Is it haunted? - he laughed under his nose again.

Beatrice finally noticed me and lifted her head up to my stomach. I could feel her scared sight on my body as it slowly made its way up to my face. As soon as she noticed I observed her as well, a smile appeared on her lips, yet the feeling of fear seemingly did not leave her.

- Good evening. - I said, sitting down on my rather uncomfortable bed. I saw her mouth open as she put down the pencil and left it resting on her legs.

- Good morning! - she said with a note of confusion in an unusually high voice, saying every word so fast that it was hard to make anything out of them - Beatrice Sempers, Squad Four, I’m the medic, private first class, how can I help you?

Arthur gave in to uncontrollable laughter again, grabbing his stomach, yet still firmly gripping his hat. Even I couldn’t resist her very specific charm and giggled under my nose a bit, raising my hand, hoping she wouldn’t notice. George quietly cursed under his nose and sat down again, most probably not wishing to be a part of this.

- Slow down, slow down! - I told her after calming myself down, but without lifting my smile. - I was here for a good couple minutes now. I’m your replacement for Carl, or something like that.

- Oh! - she gasped, looking around the room uncomfortably - You… Are the new one! She told me you were coming… What is your name?

It was clear she paid no attention to anything outside of her sphere of interest. Wonder how she got into the military in the first place? Hat-man finally stopped laughing as I replied.

- Eliza. I introduced myself just a moment ago, didn’t you listen?

- I told you. - said George, interrupting us rather rudely. - She’s good for nothing, always spacing out like some princess, glued to her sheets of paper or that woman. She will be the first to die once the real war starts.

- She won’t. - I turned my head to him, uttering those two words through my teeth. - I will make sure of that. And… What woman? - I asked Beatrice again, directing my attention to her. George snorted and looked away, most probably regarding my last statement. Could not be helped, I thought. That’s just how he was. Skeptical… Or experienced. The girl spoke again.

- It’s a nice name. Is there something you like? Maybe drawing?

I fell silent. It was like she did not hear the others. It’s like she did not know they were there. I clearly remember every thought that raced through my head. Was that a prank? Some paranormal experience? Was I the only one who saw her? No, they saw her too. Was I the only one she saw?

- Yeah, I… Never tried it myself. Are you alright, Beatrice?

- I’m fine, thank you. I could teach you, if you wanted!

- Maybe someday. What do you make of… The others? - I felt Arthur’s eyes on me, even if I could not see him. I think he was just as confused as I was.

- You mean… Arthur and George? - she looked away and stared into the sergeant's eyes before returning with an answer. - They’re fine. George is making mean jokes towards me at times, but I got used to it. He’s nice when she’s around, however.

I felt my heart skip a beat. She. Who was she? Ghosts did not exist. I was sure of it, even if my story-fueled imagination tried to convince me otherwise. I could not tell what was happening. Was I hallucinating? Was I poisoned? I drank nothing. Maybe that was the reason. Maybe I needed a drink. Maybe…

- Her sister. - said Arthur, closing his eyes and showing his teeth. - Sorry- Your face was pure gold, though.

- Mother- Alright. You got me good. - I forced myself to chuckle, not wishing to get an opinion of a coward on my first day among those people. I could tell we would get along easily. Maybe even too easily.

- I can’t believe that worked. - muttered George, visibly more content than he was just moments ago, before laying down on his bed, putting his hands behind his head. He raised his voice again. - Welcome to Squad 4, soldier. And don’t mind Beatrice - she really tends to shut down like this, but it’s harmless… Mostly. She won’t listen to you spill confidential information.

We laughed off the rest of the evening together. Eventually, the sun set completely, and in just a few minutes, others got tired of their night time adventures and sloppily returned to the barracks, letting me get to know everyone else who I was to spend time with - quite a different bunch, some of them keeping to themselves, retreating back to their beds as soon as they came in, some sharing their sometimes dull, sometimes exciting personal stories like there was no tomorrow. After all, I believed there could be none. In just a few days, we were to be deployed to the country of Galvania which neighbored us from the east. It would not be a friendly practice. It would be the beginning of a war, much bigger than anyone could have anticipated. I thought I was ready for it - that the last years of training prepared me for what was about to come. Turned out they did not.