“The food’s ready, you guys!”

“Ooooh!”

Out from the kitchen was the young commander of the squad, Second Lieutenant, Hans Schmidt.

The young man with his light blond hair and stunningly light blue eyes greeted the members with a huge smile on his face. One wouldn’t see the rough environment he went through in his face as it is still like those of young men who never went to something harsh such as a war.

He lifted the pot with ease with his well-built but slender arms in addition to his slim but firm frame.

“It’s here! It’s here!”

“Chill out, Will. The foods not going anywhere.”

“How can you say that, Johannes?! It’s the commander’s cooking for goodness sake!”

“Well, I know how you feel… but relax.”

Everyone inside the camp aside from one who prefers calm atmospheres cheered from the top of their lungs as their most awaited meal has come.

One can even say that it’s their only oasis after draining day in the field. After a harsh training during the day and after all the energy from their body is exhausted by the intensity of their commander, it is the only thing to look forward to the end of the day.

“It’s Commander Schmidt’s meal, sirs!”

“I told you, chill out, will ya, Will?”

“… Is that supposed to be a pun?”

“*whistle~♪* Who knows?”

Almost all of them shouted in unison while getting ready for the meal. Some went and arranged the utensils to be used by everyone. The other organized the chairs and the table while the other helped their commander give each and everyone’s portion.

“It’s fine, you guys. It’s a celebration today so we can eat with all our heart’s content.”

“Woooooohh!!”

They all raised their fists in the air for a cheer.

“Aaaaah~ After that long day in training…!”

One soldier massaged his shoulders while remembering the harsh training they just had during the day.

“Gahahaha! The day just won’t end without this!”

“You’re heavy…”

The other let out a hearty laugh as he wrapped his arms around the shoulder of the other soldier.

“So the dish for our celebration is this…!”

Schmidt opened the lid of the pot to reveal the hidden treasure inside. For the whole squad, it’s definitely not an exaggeration to call the food inside the pot a treasure and the pot is the treasure box. No one can wait to have wait awaits them in their mouth and savor every bit of the taste.

That is how Schmidt’s cooking affects everyone in the camp.

“Beef Stew!”

Beef Stew. A dish that is considerably comforting. It is simple yet every flavors blends in perfectly forming a harmonious result. It is usually made by simmering beef in liquid until it becomes tender. This is a process to make the meat tender all the while releasing all the natural flavors. The liquid can be water, beef stock or broth, or even wine. The vegetables in it does not only make it more nutritional, it also adds flavor and aroma, which accentuate the flavor all the more.

“Ahh… Just hearing the word beef stew makes me feel nostalgic, sirs.”

“Yeah. Even the smell reminds me of home…”

“Gahahaha! Now that’s Commander’s cooking for ya! Even drawing out the inner memories of the person even from just the smell!”

Right after announcing the name of the said dish, everyone who is eagerly waiting around the table savored the smell either gulped or began reminiscing. The aroma of the stew wafted around the camp. No one in the known vicinity can resist the scent and reject the idea of rummaging around the site just to find the source of the smell.

“We got the precious beef from Pola here. It was sent by her mother as thanks.”

“Yes, sir! Let’s all enjoy it together!”

A young woman who only has a few years remaining until she passes the age of teens stood up from her seat, straightening her back and faced everyone.

“You don’t have to tell us that, Recruit! Gahahaha!”

“Yeah~ this calls for beer~”

“Relax, and sit down.”

The soldier who is called Pola stood up and made a salutation in front of everyone in the camp. The vigor of the young soldier was found unwinding by the other soldiers.

“My mother would be happy to hear that.”

Yes. Soldier Pola is the new recruit in the squad who just joined a two weeks prior. She joined the military to get the funds for her sister who is currently hospitalized due to a disease.

Her mother was greatly against the idea of her daughter joining the military much more because of the current situation of the world right now.

“Even with our current situation, we still need to enjoy this small stuff from time to time and be grateful to those who supports us.”

The Commander folded his arms and spoke with his eyes closed as if to remember the face of those who gave them their help even with the little things.

Everyone did the same and closed their eyes as if praying for those people that appears in their minds.

“Yeah!”

The situation can never be worse at any moment and it’s all because of the current world war, which is known by the general public, The Great World War. It is the greatest war that is said to bring the whole world to its demise.

The 10 major countries are fighting for the plummeting resources and it caused devastation to almost all the neighboring countries. Resulting to the loss of more resources and of course, the plummeting population.

Even at a tender age, may it be a boy or a girl, they are already trained with the basics of military combat. Still with some country being abundant with men, they don’t actually require all those youth to join the army. But Pola didn’t have a choice to begin with. The pay in the military sums enough for her to pay the hospital bill of her little sister. Even with the warning of her mother, she still couldn’t just sit still and let her sister suffer from agony brought by her disease.

“That is why! I prepared it the best way I can to not let her mother’s wishes go to waste.”

But now is not the time for that because for the soldiers at this moment has only the Beef Stew in their minds. They all can’t wait for the moment where their tongues touch the tender meat and savor the flavor of the soup.

“You see guys… First I let the beef simmer for a long period of time so that the meat will be at its most tender state to let its natural flavor blend perfectly with the stock and seasoned with the greatest condiments I can ever found! Then I placed the…-”

“Aaah~ it began. Commander’s food talk. He won’t stop this way.”

The oldest of the squad spoke up immediately after their commander started his food talk.

“You can say that again, Dan. This will be long if left alone. Well, well. Let’s see how this will end up, shall we~?”

“Now, don’t just watch there now, Frank.”

Another soldier of the squad, Frank, who spoke up next, folded his arms and crossed his feet while slashing a grin in his face. The soldier with a huge frame named Dan then stood up and went near one soldier by the side of the table who is looking at the scene bewildered.

“Hey recruit. Do something. Will, brief her.”

“Roger that, sir.”

The senior soldier ordered the recruit for fun. They didn’t do it out of malice. It is some sort of ritual for the new cadets to be ordered with absurd commands from time to time. It was William’s turn before when he was still the new recruit and now it is Pola’s turn.

“Listen up, Becker. It’s the duty of the newbie to calm down that raging lion called ‘Commander’ from eating our meal time by making us listen to his unending food talk. That guy’s a cooking idiot, you see.”

“Hm… That was recorded, Will…”

“Shut it, Johannes!”

Johannes brought out a small recorder used in missions with his usual expressionless face.

This is the usual in their squad. And mostly, it’s to decide who to stop their commander from talking non-stop with his food talks.

“S-sir yes sir!”

“Good luck, recruit. Gahahaha!”

“We wish for your safe return…”

“Don’t die, Becker.”

“Now, now this is becoming interesting~”

All sorts of encouragement was thrown at her but nonetheless it didn’t make her any more comfortable.

“C-Commander!”

“Then put the lid for- huh? Yo! Pola. Want to hear more about how I made this beef stew awesome?”

The recruit froze on the spot. She didn’t know how to respond. Will she say yes and let the commander tell his tell tales and sacrifice herself while the others dig in with that super tasty beef stew? Or refuse and force her way out in this ordeal and grasp the victory that is the beef stew itself?

[“Which should it be…?!”]

The atmosphere around the place began to stiffen and only the voice of the Commander can only be heard. Though Pola now has cold sweat started pouring from her back, she curled up her fist and made a resolve inside her heart.

[“I… I want…”]

Raising up her head facing the Commander, she filled her lungs with large amount of air and…

“Commander! Hurry up so I can eat your Beef Stew!!!”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Everyone who heard the roar of the recruit showed a blank expression.

“*pant* *pant* How’s that…?”

“Hoho… now that’s surprising…”

Dan’s placed his hands on his chin while appraising the situation well.

“This time’s recruit is promising. And will be interesting~”

Frank followed up with his usual whims of looking for interesting stuff.

“Wha-?! I was better than her, ain’t I Sir Dan?!”

“Now what are you talking about, Will?”

The commander was a bit astounded with the sudden declaration of the new soldier. But he remembered the purpose of the feast so in the end, Pola’s heartfelt confession of her desire brought the commander back to reality.

“Oh sorry about that. I almost spent the whole day explaining the dish.”

[“Whole day…?”]

Everyone who heard the commander said so in their mind in unison.

“Whole day…?”

But one brave soul uttered it without a care in the world.

“She’s done it! She’s done it!”

“Gahahaha! What courageous young lady!”

Yes. It was Pola.

“That’s right. Anyways, without a further ado, let’s all dig in!”

“ALRIIIIIGHT!!”

After Schmidt’s permission, everyone started to scarf down the beef stew without restrain. They ate like it’s the end of the world.

“*slurp* *chew* *gulp* Ahhh… This is heavenly, sirs…! The tenderness of the meat with each bite is to die for. Every time I bite down it’s almost like it’s already melting inside my mouth…”

Almost swallowing the whole food together along with the spoon for every bite, William scarfed down the stew without a second thought.

“And the slight sweetness of the tomato… It complements the sweetness of the beef and slowly spreads in my tongue…”

“Oooh~ the seasoning is perfect with a slight punch from the black pepper! Gahaha! This is good as expected!”

One by one, the soldiers who were almost dead after their completed mission and training, expressed their own thoughts on the food. They scooped a large amount of the meal with their spoon and brought it to their mouth. At that time another explosion of flavors sweeps the dread of the day they had.

“Mmm! The carrots are perfectly cooked too…~”

Pola also joined the critiquing. Even around the mainly male platoon, she never felt out of place but nevertheless, it is still apparent that she’s a young lady with the way she eats.

“I see! It’s good, huh! It’s good right??”

“It’s not just good, commander! It’s the best, sir!”

Everyone enjoyed the meal until nothing was left in the huge pot. The night has already fallen and only the cheers and the chirping crickets can only be heard around the area. After the meal, they went with some beer and enjoyed the night away. It’s always the same every time they have a celebration. They will always have fun to their heart’s content.

A soldier’s duty is to serve the country and protect the countrymen from incoming enemies or invaders. That is why it is not unexpected the one or two of them may not be with them the next time they will celebrate and have fun.

So for the moment they are still with their trusted members, they will have the time of their lives with them.

But amidst that, Pola went outside the tent to breathe in some fresh air. May it be the stuffing atmosphere of the guys, or the noisy cheers, Pola just wanted to have a quiet time for herself.

“Phew…”

She didn’t fail to do this every now and then. From time to time she will go out by herself and enjoy the tranquil time only to reminisce about the time she had with her family when she was still not in the military.

It’s her own precious time and the only thing that can make her heart feel at ease.

The camp was positioned in a forest surrounded by the mountains but right outside the forest, is a view which can be so breathtaking especially at night.

The night sky is flooded with the stars where one can almost feel it almost flowing down. Together with the tranquil atmosphere by being surrounded by lush green nature. And by the end of the forest lies a small lake with clear water reflecting the stars and make it look like sparkling crystal that flows unendingly.

In the morning this is where the troop refreshes their weary body. But now it’s so ephemeral that it makes one feel you’ll get heavenly punishment if you bathe in it. Thinking about that, Pola sat down in a stump of a tree while ingraining the beautiful scenery in front of her. The cold breeze softly caresses her cheek and hair while Pola looks off at the distance. One wouldn’t think that the current world in front of her is in a state of war.

“Yo. Pola.”

Then all of a sudden, someone’s voice was heard from just the opening of the forest. It was the voice she always hear in the battlefield which leads the troop to a successful victory.

“Commander…”

“I was wondering where you went, and here you are.”

“Sir! Do you need me for something?”

She stood up from her seat and saluted towards her superior.

“At ease. Or like… We’re not on a mission or whatever. Just be casual.”

Pola scratch here cheek in embarrassment. Having found in her alone time may be a bit embarrassing for a young girl her age. She joined the military when she was still 16 years old. She will be 18 this year.

Within that three years all she had ever felt was the drive that makes her want to fulfil her promise with her little sister; that she will relieve her of her disease. She never had any other motives when joining aside from that.

“I just went out for fresh air.”

“No. I don’t mean anything by that.”

Pola thought she will be reprimanded by excusing herself from the feast so she thought up of a close to the real reason excuse and forced a smile.

But Schmidt’s reason for finding her was to check up on her. Being the only girl in the squad, he was worried about her feeling left out. So every now and then he would check up on Pola to see if she had already opened up to the other squad members.

“Then what is it?”

“How’s your sister?”

Pola wasn’t surprised from the sudden question. The commander knows all the circumstances of his squad members for him to counter any kind of situation that may end up being a hindrance to the relationship of each members.

“She…”

She picked up a small pebble and threw it in the lake before proceeding. She wanted to calm her emotions before answering.

*bloop*

Whenever Pola has to talk about her sister, she can’t help but get stirred up. It is also one of the reason that is why she goes out from time to time to release the stress of when she worries about her sister.

“She’s stable for now… But the doctor said we may never know until when. She really needs to be transferred to a better facility he said.”

“I see.”

The commander didn’t know what to say. When it comes to the emotions of humans, or even to just comforting someone, all he ever knew was to just bottle it up until it goes away itself. No one comforted him whenever he had times like Pola’s. It was just himself.

“I don’t plan to give up. But you see… sir…”

“Yeah?”

Pola looked up in the sky with a slightly lonely smile.

“Whenever I visit her before joining the military, she’s always laughing and smiling like nothing’s wrong at all. Like she’s never been hospitalized in the first place. Like she never had any disease at all…”

“…”

“And I just realized the last time I visited her, I’ve never heard her complain about her sickness. She still smiled even though deep inside she’s hurting. I know, you know… you conceited little sister…”

She then directed her words to her little sister who is now probably sleeping inside the white room of the hospital. She curled her hands into a fist in an attempt to suppress her emotions.

Guilt. Irritation. Pity. Love. But most of all, her hatred towards herself for not being able to be with her sister when she needed her the most.

Pola placed her hand to her chest as if enduring a resurfacing emotion deep inside her.

“She never showed her weak side to me. And never once I heard her cry. I sometimes wonder if I am burden to her, making her be considerate of me.”

“I don’t think that’s it.”

The commander could not take his subordinates self-depreciating behavior anymore and spoke up.

“… Commander?”

“It’s not the thought of being considerate to someone. But rather an expression of encouragement.”

“That is…”

Schmidt closed his eyes as if to reminisce something.

“’I can’t do anything. I won’t be able to do anything for them. I want to help them. But I’m powerless.’ Having those thoughts, the only thing they can do is to be as strong as they have to. To tell those who are important to them that they can at least ease their worry about them. Not out of consideration, but because they want to be at least of a help to them.”

“Commander…”

“Maybe… Maybe your little sister smiles every time because you’re there for her.”

“…!”

*fwoosh*

A strong gust of wind blew in between them as they stare at each other.

“I see.”

“Yeah.”

“Then… I really have to do my best for her.”

“Yeah.”

“Commander! I’ll be a great soldier and be of use to you. Then I’ll earn and earn a lot of money and send her to a hospital with better facility. Even if I have to sacrifice my life-”

“Stop that.”

“Eh?”

Pola was suddenly stopped by Schmidt’s abrupt voice. She tried to review everything in her mind if she had said anything to be called out for to no avail. She did not understand the action of her commander. Perhaps it was because she still knew little of the commander.

“Don’t ever say something like sacrificing your life.”

“Ah…”

“As long as I’m your commander I don’t plan on letting anyone of you die. This is absolute.”

“Commander…”

With the sudden declaration of the commander, she was astounded with how the commanded replied. It was not in her mind in the slightest to die a sudden death but knowing someone near her thinks like that, Pola felt a lot more secure.

“Even after all the missions, battle, or how many war we fight, we will all make it back home in one piece. So you can rest assured that you will see your sister get better.”

Schmidt pats Pola’s head with a smile. It was as if affirming everything that he just said.

“I’ll protect you. I promise.”

“Ah…”

Another gush of wind blew between them as their hearts grew lighter.

“I see. I’ll reflect then.”

Pola smiled back at the commander. Now it was a smile that is without a doubt, not forced, and came from deep within her heart.

...

“He’s a great commander.”

…

..

.

A week after.

*clang clang clang!*

“Wake up you guys!!”

The voice of the commander rang out inside the room where the members of the squad sleeps marking the start of the day.

Everyone without a moment to pass by rose from their bed and formed a line in the aisle with all their backs straight. Pola entered the room and joined the file and did the same thing.

Pola’s quarter was separated from the male members because of obvious reasons. But it was not definitely a special treatment. Schmidt also did the same thing in Pola’s quarter and woke her up the same way he always wakes up the male squad members.

“Good morning, Commander!”

“Good morning. At ease!”

“Sir!”

The members did as they are told and relaxed their straightened backs but the stern posture and expression is still there. It was already ingrained in their body, the discipline of a fine soldier.

“Today is another day for us… According to the plan that was given to us for this past week by the HQ, today…”

Every single one of them began to sweat profusely because of their past experiences. One could hear a huge gulp from one of the members while they are remembering the harsh training that was drilled in their bodies. For the whole week, they all did nothing but drills and training. Not to mention the way how their commander trains them with intensity of those who almost have past the level of humans.

Expecting that today is another one of those days, every soldier in that room prepared for the worst.

“… will be a rest day for all of us.”

“…”

“Huh? Aren’t you guys happy?”

“Yeeeaahh!!”

“Finally…~”

“Gahahaha! Now that’s what you call a good news! Gahahahaha!”

“I can drink more beer, beer I said~”

Leaving no one in the room, all of them had expressions of happiness and joy which is displayed without a doubt on their faces.

“A-Are you sure, sir?”

“Right. The mission we had 3 weeks ago made us more room for rest. Well that’s what at least the HQ told me.”

“I see!”

“Then after that mission, we had another training… Ugh… I thought I’ll die today for sure…”

“What’s wrong Johannes?? You’re not energetic!!”

“You just have too much energy, Will. I guess idiots have unlimited source of energy.”

“What did you say!?”

“Well then, I’ll prepare breakfast!”

Schmidt smiled at the scene in front of him and turn towards the door.

“Another one of Commander’s meal!! Yahoo! Today is a great day!”

“Uwa… That was a fast change in mood…”

“Commander, let me help.”

Out of the cheering squad members was Pola who went with a huge smile in her face. Even for her, it is impossible to hide the delight from the sudden good news.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Yes!”

Everyone went and did their own stuff while some went out to organize the eating place. And after a short while…

“It’s done!”

Pola shouted for everyone to hear and called them in for the serving.

“Alright!!”

“I can’t wait…! I’m already famished, sir!”

“Here you go!”

The commander placed another huge pot in the middle of the table with the lid still covering it. Maybe it is one of his fun to let those who will eat his food anticipate what will be served.

“I wonder what it is… *gulp*”

“Hey, hey, pray tell, Pola. What did you two cook?”

One of the members asked Pola seemingly cannot wait for the food. Everyone’s attention went to Pola as they waited eagerly for her answer.

“… *smile*”

Pola did not answer, instead, she just flashed a bright smile while bending her head to the side.

“Here is…”

*gulp*

“… Mushroom soup!”

“Wha-??”

No one could not hide their disappointment with the announcement.

“Well, we spent all our ration yesterday… so we can’t be picky.”

Pola followed it up with short words. But even she cannot deny her disappointment in their meal early in the morning.

“What are you guys saying? Mushroom soup also has its own good side to it! It’s also nutritious and the taste of the mushroom that blends well with the cream-“

“Yeeeeees, sir! Wow! We will so love this mushroom soup!”

Without waiting for the Commander’s food talk, Pola intervened and served each members their portion.

“Hmm… With just one attempt… My, my… she already matured.”

“Humans are creatures that learn…”

“Gahahahaha! What a courageous young lady!”

After everyone have their own share of soup, they all look at the commander.

“Alright! Let’s eat!”

“Yeah!”

*beep beep beep beep beep*

Right before their spoon reached their mouths, a loud ringing was heard from the commander’s quarter.

“Receive!”

Schmidt shouted the command and the beeping sound stopped and a voice was heard inside the camp. In a moment, a huge screen popped up just in front of the table.

“Second Lieutenant Schmidt.”

“Major General!”

Everyone stood up from their seat in a hurry and positioned in front of the big screen with a salute. Including the Commander.

“At ease.”

“Sir!”

Displayed in the screen is an aged man who has an aura of a great lion who hunts every prey it finds. Just by looking at the man will send shivers down your spine.

“My apologies. It seems I disturbed your meal.”

“Not at all, sir!”

“Well then… let’s proceed to the main topic…”

“Sir!”

“There is a mission for you lot.”

…

..

.

Chapter 1 End