I had MEANT to post this on January 1st, but the guild was being uncooperative.
At about 2350hrs, the mess hall for Squad 4 was a buzz with activity. A rare ration of alcohol had been passed around, and the soldiers were in the midst of celebrations. Lilly walked around the hall, a small smile on her lips, holding a platter full of tea cups and a tea pot, offering them to any soldier not currently drowning themselves in liquor. Some soldiers were drunkenly singing Auld Lang Syne in the corner, while others were playing cards, having animated conversations, or feasting on whatever rations could be pilfered from supply without getting in too much trouble. Even Brenna, the girl who was the most antisocial of the bunch, had gotten in on the festivities somewhat, though she quickly returned to avoiding the large groups of tipsy shock troopers staggering about the room.
Offering Sergeant Harald and Corporeal Helfer some tea (and thereby marking this day as one of the few in which she ever willingly made physical contact with a Darcsen), she sat down with the rest of the squad as a voice on the radio started counting down. “5… 4… 3… 2… 1…” The sound of the clock striking midnight and chiming was quickly overshadowed by half the squad standing up and cheering. Lilly remained quiet through this, just smiling and enjoying the happy atmosphere as the celebrations reached their crescendo. After the noise died down, she spoke up, addressing no one in particular.
“Happy New Year, everyone.”