It wasn't long before Harald's patience bore fruit. The man looked older than Harald, perhaps in his late 20s; fairly experienced too, if his attitude was anything to go by. [b]'Amusing ain't the word; I'd call it downright hilarious. Not that I can say much. My school training was run by the local town watch; never even fired a gun before I started work.'[/b] Taking a long, slow drag from his cigarette, Harald took a more careful look at the guy; his armband had corporal stripes, his hair was greying and his eyes betrayed more alertness than his appearance would suggest. Ex-town watch maybe, or a member of the permanent arm of the Militia? Casting one eye down at his paperwork, Harald's critical expression soon grew into a smile of genuine relief as the Corporal introduced himself. [b]'Well, ain't that some kinda coincidence. I'm part of [i]your[/i] squad, number 4.'[/b] He reached over to take Krauss' hand in a firm shake, grinning heartily. [b]'Sergeant Harald, at your service. I reckon you've seen more action than I have, though I've had the odd raid in years past.'[/b] As they talked, he cast an eye around the square; the traffic had lessened considerably as the other sergeants did their jobs. By now there were perhaps thirty souls left unattended as the remaining sergeants had clearly taken his approach; now would be a good time to rally Squad 4 and see what they had to work with.

[b]'Well Corporal, I reckon it's time to get some work done. We have... three privates and two PFCs to find.'[/b] Draining his remaining ale, Harald stubbed out the cigarette and slung his backpack over one shoulder, marching out into the centre of the square. He hadn't been issued a weapon or even a uniform yet, so he doubted he appeared particularly sergeant-y... but he could damn well sound like one if he tried. Harald took a deep, bracing breath, thrust his chest out and roared at the top of his lungs. [b]'Squad Four, assemble on me! Squad Four, over 'ere!'[/b] He paced back and forth as the other recruits scrambled out of the way and for a moment he had the attention of the entire square. The other sergeants soon joined in though and before long the stragglers were more or less assembled. Looking up and down the rather short line of Squad 4, Harald wondered if he had gotten the short end of the stick... Aside from being understrength, three of them were [i]women[/i] for Valkyrur 's sake. [i]Guess it doesn't matter... easy on the eyes at least.[/i] [b]'Well... good morning boys and girls, or perhaps good afternoon. I am Sergeant Harald and I shall be your NCO for this war. Um...'[/b] To be honest, he hadn't planned what to say once the squad had fallen in, and so was a bit lost. A few muffled cracks could be heard in the background, most likely some of the other squads in training. [b]'I... Yeah. Let's start with a few introductions. As I said, I'm Sergeant Harald; I was trained in reconnaissance, marksmanship and demolitions. No idea what gun they're going to issue me, but that's a problem for another day.'[/b] He turned to Krauss with an affirmative nod. [b]'This is Corporal Helfer, deputy squad leader.'[/b] [i]Those guys are really going at it over there...[/i] As sense of unease crept in as the sound of gunfire intensified, but he doubted it was anything serious; he kept his calm smile for the time being.