Day 100

Mitchell and Kosygyn are arguing again, and as before it is essentially over nothing. This endless, mind-numbing train journey has caused us to bond more like a dysfunctional family than the disciplined unit our superiors intended.

'Enough,' I say. 'Kit inspection is at 1500 hours, weapons at 1520. You'd better get moving.'

The two break off, giving me resentful looks, united now in their dislike for my order. Medium build and height, spiky dark hair and brown eyes: Mitchell and Kosygyn could easily pass for brothers.

'Very well,Corporal,' Mitchell says, turning to Kosygyn. 'Go and find Laumberg and Montana.'

'Sir, yes sir!' Kosygyn snaps to attention, presenting Mitchell with an arm-quivering salute before slouching to the front of our open carriage....

Just at that moment both connecting doors bang open, warm, damp wind swirling at the few papers on my desk. From the engine end, a junior subaltern breezes through, stamps to attention in front of my desk, and hands me a manila envelope with one hand while saluting with the other. He can't be more than fifteen.



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