Unit 6 stood to attention in the hot sun, sweat running into their eyes.

They’d been called out at noon, in the searing heat of the desert.

Sergeant Dalton was inspecting the line, staring them down. Mercilessly scrutinising equipment, bearing and adherence to dress code. She’d shouted at them with such force that the faces of her soldiers were covered in spit.  

A 'special guest' was coming. That’s all she’d told them.

But I’ll be damned if my unit embarasses me in front of him!  

Suddenly a Sleipnir roared over the dunes and onto the plain, its thrusters blasting up clouds of sand as it landed. A few decorated CDF bodyguards jumped out in quick succession. An impressive escort.

Right on cue, out stepped Major Ushakov. The grizzled old warrior looked sternly about himself. As always, Dalton thought he seemed quite self-important.

The man was ‘a higher up’, and he knew it.

Ushakov stamped his way to where the unit stood to attention.

“Welcome to Unit 6, sir!” said Dalton.

The unit smartly saluted the major. Dalton felt a quick stab of pride. Good soldiers, all of them. Even though they’ve been through all kinds of—

“It’s been a long journey Dalton, let’s get this over with!” snapped Ushakov.

“Right you are, sir. Please follow me!”

You rude bastard…

Dalton led him to her small office at the back of the compound. She noticed how Ushakov stared at the modest furnishings in distaste. Probably not used to front-line conditions anymore. Gone soft!

“Out with it then, Dalton! Why did you call me out here? I’m a busy man!”

Dalton bit back a terse reply. This grumpy bear of a man was beginning to irritate her!

“We’re having serious problems with robot incursions at Forts Pandora and Medusa. They’re encamped at coords [68254, 84011] and [84289, 86129] close to the fort perimeters.

The harder we press them, the harder they attack the base! We need more troops deployed in this area. We’re at breaking point!

And when they send in Shock Units, it seems to get worse...”

Dalton glanced warily at Ushakov. He just sat there, scratching his stubble. Mulling it over.

After what seemed like a full minute he finally spoke.

“Alright Dalton. You’ve convinced me. I’ll send a message out to the colonists. Hopefully they’ll fill the ranks.”