The military. It was Daniel's home now, even if he wasn't ready to fully accept it. As he marched along with his comrades the beat of their footsteps was like music to his ears nonetheless. It was that and that alone that had managed to keep him in tune. That sort of thing was certainly crucial too while under the damning glare of his superiors. Any one of them could call him out at any minute for an extra set of disciplinary measures and that was something the nineteen year old recruit wanted to avoid. Of course he was surprised it hadn't been done already as nobody really took him for the military type, not even himself. The military focused on taking lives while Daniel's focus was on saving lives. It was almost hilariously ironic how fate had its way with the boy. Still, he was here and intended to make the most of it. 

At base. It was the most desirable place for a fresh recruit to be, but Daniel could only suspect it would be short lived. Recent events would have their way with him soon enough. According to various sources the NATO forces were zooming in quickly and naturally the entire Warsaw Pact was not going to allow that to happen. Just another pawn in this international power struggle was what Daniel had been reduced to, yet he was resilient. He knew that if he was going to be sent into battle that he would at least make it memorable. Fortunately for him he had managed to secure a position as squad medic, a position fitting for somebody with such strong aspirations to save lives rather than take them away. It was just one way in which the boy's mother had managed to leave her mark for she too was well known for her endeavours in the medical field. 

[i]"Why would the NVA want me? I would rather be a doctor. I don't care if this is only temporary."[/i] Daniel very well remembered the puzzled expression that had come over his face upon realizing he too was about to be recruited. It was mandatory, after all, but he had hoped that maybe exceptions would be made for aspiring doctors. Apparently that wasn't the case so instead the boy found himself packing up and leaving his Leipzig home for something that could potentially change him. [i]Or end his life.[/i] That was a fate the boy didn't yet want to swallow, however. 

Some hope for the military life briefly got restored in Daniel as he found himself being promoted. It was rare for such fresh recruits to be promoted so quickly, but nonetheless it had happened to Daniel. He remembered well the words of his commanding officer: [i]"Congratulations, Heigemeir. You have done a service to both the country and the people. Keep it up and soon you will be an officer."[/i] The officer had spoken as he handed over Daniel's fresh new badge. Gefreiter. He was officially one rank above those who had been recruited along with him and something about it almost seemed...addicting. He knew he had to keep going and potentially surpass the rest of them for as long as he was part of this division. With upcoming war he somehow knew the opportunity would slam directly into him, taking grasp of every part of his body. 

War. It certainly had its way of rearing its ugly face up on everybody and Daniel was no exception. He knew that soon his entire division would be sent out to the front lines where rows upon rows of enemy gunfire would be waiting to pierce their flesh, all in the name of an ideological chess game. Fortunately for him though he knew he wasn't alone and had his comrades by his side. The officer by the name of Von Roth seemed to be particularly intrigued by the young Daniel. Perhaps he saw potential in him where so many others did as well? It was promising, but Daniel also feared that he couldn't meet expectations. Rarely anybody did at anything. Still, he would monitor the man and perhaps even attempt to befriend him, given the opportunity. Friends were bound to be especially valuable on the battlefield.