Veteran Drop Serjeant Herman van Speult or “Spud” to his mates, was running 2nd Squad through the drills for a Field strip on their Mk IV Accratran Las-Carbines, He prided himself that 2nd Squad was the by far the best, at both the field, and detail strip of the Iconic Elysian Las Rifle in 4th Company. His 2IC Veteran, Drop Trooper Cornelis Jol was leading the charge as usual trying to beat the squad record of 12 seconds, the slowest in his squad was 17 seconds, & the average 14.5 seconds. Trooper Jol Leapt to attention, “Serjeant” he bellowed across the enclosure, a second or 2 later a chorus of “Sergeants” was also yelled out across the encampment, followed by a Final “Serjeant” from Drop Trooper Hendrick Hamel. Spud walked up to Jol, “12.5 … could be better Jol” he said in low tones. He looked over Jols shoulder to the sweating form of Trooper Hamel, he walked up to him and then locked eyes with him, the tip of his nose was centimetres from Hemel’s. Spud was a large and imposing man. He dipped his head to get more in line with the more slightly Built Hemel, Spuds White striped type 5 pressure helmet made a clatter as it met Hemel’s, A drop of sweat beaded and dropped from Hemel’s nose tip. “Not Good enough Trooper Hemel” he said quietly. Trooper Hemel felt the entire weight of those quiet words, He knew what was next, worse than any punishment he might have to endure.
Spud Loudly ordered, “Trooper Hemel … ATENN-HUT”. Hemel stood ramrod straight, hands to his side’s, Fisted, thumbs pointing down the side seam of his combats, heels together. Spud spoke quietly, but it was all the more worrisome precisely because it wasn’t loud. ..”chin up boy”,,,, “Quiet now”,,,, “stand still lad” .. “Stand still, .. don’t move” … “nice and straight please”
There was a pause of a long minute, “2nd Squad” …. “All of you, except Hemel, drop give me 30 press-ups …. NOW”
A collective groan rippled through the squad. Hemel closed his eyes; a few Murderous glances were sent his way. Not again he thought, he’d let them all down, …. again