After the engagement with the Ork Kommandos, nothing of particular importance happened.
"Sierra Alpha Point reached. We will secure this area."
After reaching the prearranged point, the task assigned to us was digging.
Transport craft loaded with supplies arrived from the sky, and without a word, we received ammunition, rations,
and improvised defensive structures.
"For one hour, Teams One and Four will set up the defenses with me. Teams Two and Three will stand watch. We rotate every hour. Any questions?"
"No, sir."
"Begin."
I dug holes in the military in my previous life, and I dug holes after being discharged, too.
Now I was digging holes in this life as well.
Damn it.
"Radian. Come see me for a moment."
"Yes, my lord!"
That grave voice had saved me.
After explaining to each team leader how to set up the defenses and dig the trenches, I ran over to the Marine.
Beside the Marine who had summoned me stood another Marine wearing a red helmet.
A Sergeant.
I dropped to one knee and bowed my head.
"Guardsman Radian. Your instincts during the recent engagement with the Ork Kommandos earned you considerable merit."
"You overpraise me, my lord."
"I would have welcomed you as one of our brothers, but you have already passed the age of eligibility. In any event, that is not why I summoned you."
A Skull Probe floated over and projected a holographic map into the air.
The Sergeant pointed to a spot on it.
"This point is an observation post roughly seven miles from our current position. The Chapter's Initiates are already operating there as a Listening Squad, but I believe your exceptional senses will be of great help."
"Then what would you have me do, my lord?"
"I will lend you this Skull Probe for a time. The Initiates will handle most priority targets. You will designate any other priority targets they might miss."
I swallowed.
That Marine was giving me an order like this?
A Listening Squad was dangerous, but manageable.
That was a Guardsman's life, after all.
Even with the Frontier War after my discharge not far off, I could die in this war—and the odds of dying during the Frontier War could not be ignored either.
If I earned enough merit here...
If I could become a Chapter serf rather than a Space Marine, and live while looking after my mother...
But I could not let that show here.
I saluted and answered.
"Yes, my lord!"
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