The Calm Before The Storm

Hilbert threw the head onto the middle of the plaza and everyone stared as he jumped down from the barricade and walked towards the others.

"Hilbert, good job out there!" Jacques shouted from behind the barricade.

"That kid needs to be on a leash at all times. You didn't tell me that you brought a wild animal with you." Henry quietly told Jacques.

"Don't worry, as long as he doesn't stop taking the serum then he'll be obedient to his superiors." Jacques replied.

"Major, the 18th Armored just arrived. Major Issue is looking for you!" Tristan exclaims.

"I'll be there in a bit!" Jacques shouted back.

Hilbert crosses the barricade and leaned the gun against the sandbags before taking off his helmet. Everyone watching felt a chill crawl up their spine as a huge grin was plastered on Hilbert's face. Along with the dead look in his eyes brought fear to everyone who saw him.

"That guy creeps me the hell out. Does he really enjoy killing people?" A soldier mutters.

"Who knows, he's not like us. He's barely human anymore." Henry commented.

Hilbert licked his lips and his facial expression suddenly turned dull and empty. Jacques glanced at him as he took off the suit and headed towards Tristan in a hurry. They then both made their way to where the 18th armored cavalry was and where Roger was.

"What the hell took you so long? We could've used your help a while ago." Jacques states.

"Oi mister! If you didn't know, I was trying not to get blown to pieces...you can scrub off the flooring of my tank! Quit busting my balls, I was also having a tough time back there!" Roger shouted from the tank in annoyance.

"Calm down Everest. I'm just kidding, we had everything under control." Jacques replied before giggling.

Roger hopped down from the tank and charged towards Jacques but Jacques saw it coming and tripped Roger. He then fell and rolled on the concrete, making everyone around laugh.

"You're not being a good sport! you're not following the rules of engagement!" Roger argued before charging towards Jacques.

"Your predictability makes you weak." Jacques replied as he tackled Roger and got him in an arm lock.

Jacques twisted Roger's arm that the pain made Roger whimper. He couldn't hold on for long and tapped out. Jacques stood up and brushed the dirt off his clothes before offering Roger a hand. Roger brushed his hand on his coat after holding onto Jacques' hand, jokingly showing disgust.

"Major, the APS has completed field tests. It's effective against the enemy's small caliber weapons." Hilbert said as he came out of nowhere.

"I'll put that in the battle report. You can rest for now with the others. The city is already back in our hands." Jacques replied.

"Rest? But major, there's still so much to do. I have to pull my own weight." Hilbert demanded.

"Hilbert, you've already done more than enough. I'm ordering you to rest and that's final." Jacques said with a stern look.

"Yes, major. I'll excuse myself now." Hilbert said before saluting and heading back with the others.

Hilbert walked back towards the tents and sat inside his. He didn't know what to do so he stared blankly on the ground and tried thinking of something productive to spend his time on. He stood up and walked around, he saw members of the 116th gathered in small groups, talking and laughing as they ate their rations. His attention was caught when he saw Richard holding Eugene's hand as they walked towards a tent.

"Captain, excuse me if you won't mind. Have both of you eaten already? I'd like to invite you both to eat with me if it's possible." Hilbert asked Richard.

"No, why? The other men are all eating, why don't you join them?" Richard replied.

"I feel like I don't belong with their group. I feel like I intimidate them." Hilbert added.

"That's okay, you can eat with us, right Richard?" Eugene happily added before smiling at Richard.

"If Eugene insists then fine. You can come with." Richard replied as he rubbed his nape.

Hilbert bowed and walked ahead of them before sitting down by a table. Eugene followed behind and dragged Richard with him. Tristan just arrived with Jacques and the other officers and were called over by Richard. They made their way to the table and all sat down with Hilbert.

"Anyone seen Edward? I thought he was already here." Jacques states as he leaned his elbow against the table.

"Yeah? You guys called for me?" Edward comes out of nowhere carrying two boxes of rations.

"Always prepared, never gets old Edward." Richard jokingly said.

"The captain always have everything for any situation. When are you going to be like that, Richard?" Eugene teased.

"So? I'm still better at him when it comes to the battles we've fought in." Richard replied before crossing his arms.

"Hilbert, how about you? Care to tell us what happened during your little adventure?" Tristan asked.

"It was a quick in and out. We found enemies who also had the same idea as us. Jeremy and his squad showed remarkable skill in combat, it wouldn't have been possible without them." Hilbert replied in a monotone voice.

"He's trying to be humble about it. I know that you could've done it on your own." Jacques commented.

"It would've been a different story if Jeremy and the others weren't there. I wouldn't have held myself back if they weren't with me." Hilbert said before taking his share of the rations.

Jacques watched as Hilbert quietly ate, the others did too but they were all cheery and loud. Hilbert kept to himself but deep inside he enjoyed having them around him, he just needed to feel like he belonged somewhere. Jacques couldn't help but notice so he switched seats with Edward and sat next to Hilbert, he would initiate small talk just to make Hilbert feel somewhat better about being around them.

"Jacques, thanks for keeping your promise." Hilbert mumbled before smiling faintly.

"It was a promise so I'm obligated to keep it. Don't worry, I'll always have your back." Jacques replied before nudging Hilbert's shoulder.