Warfare seemed to have a funny way of rearing its ugly head up on those who least expected it, particularly Daniel. This was one war that was never supposed to turn hot, but supposedly NATO had finally cracked. They were going in for the kill. It was that which finally sent Daniel and all the others to the gates of hell. It was there they awaited their final judgement by fire. The night sky above seemed to especially illuminate each shot that went off. Perhaps it was that which made Daniel finally realize that this was no drill. He had just walked right into a real war and wasn't about to just fall. A small spark seemed to had ignited within him. He was ready. Ready to take on whichever challenges this scenario would bring him. 

Just the previous day Daniel had been back at base, hardly imagining that less than twenty-four hours he would be thrust into combat. Perhaps it was that making the young recruit realize that every moment should be cherished. In this situation it couldn't be closer to the truth as he watched the first casualties of this new war fall to the ground. "Leave them, Heigemeir. They're beyond saving." His superiors advised as the medic felt urges to help all those he could. They were right. These were mortal injuries, leaving many of the men to take their final breaths before closing their eyes forever. The most disturbing part of it in Daniel's eyes, however, was that the full assault hadn't even begun. Allegedly there had been warnings issued to those in NATO to back off or face the full force of the Bloc's forces. Somehow it seemed unlikely though. NATO had an agenda and comrade Honecker and all the others knew very well what it was. 

Being out in the field was already a change that Daniel felt would take some getting used to. Thankfully for him, he adapted fast. This was the military so he had no choice; it was adapt or get shot down like so many of others were bound to. This was a quick realization that brought Daniel to examining the faces of each and every one of his squad mates as they set up camp that first night. He knew that some of them were fresh faces, much like his own, that he would possibly never see again. It was a hard feeling that managed to form a lump in the boy's throat, but it was one he had no choice but to face. Perhaps he was even lucky in a way, having been assigned as a medic. Having such a crucial role certainly meant that extra care would be taken to keep him alive. It was just a guess, but one he hoped would come to fruition.