[O] Seventeen's Squad travelling alone (Day 2 and after)

[Android 17]

?This is our new location,? the android declared, using his hands to gesture toward the field upon which his battalion had arrived. ?As always, I want you guys to remain on your toes and keep a lookout for anyone who passes through this region. No one is to be permitted passage through this location without my clearance, but now that we are here, we need to set up camp. Prepare to begin construction as soon as the campsite is up and running, savvy?? Seventeen stated?his hands on his hips as he stared out at the vast body of soldiers amassed before him.

?Yes, Commander!? The group shouted, saluting casually before dispersing to the duties they had been commission to do. The machine-hybrid stood on top of the small prominence and smiled at the progress the ragtag group of outcasts was making toward becoming a proficient military unit. Cracking his knuckles, the android planted his posterior on the apex of the hill and placed his chin in his palms as he began contemplating the next phase.

?How much longer do you believe the tranquility will last?? Paige asked, stepping up from the posterior side of the hill and parking herself next to the onyx-haired warrior. Seventeen lifted his head from his palms and let out a heavy sight as he tried to do some calculations in his head. With the assistance of his central processor, he found the simplest of mathematical formulae a walk in the park. Unfortunately, predicting the thoughts and passions of others was something the analytical, cybernetic component was incapable of completing.

?It depends on how obstinate the other armies are to rush their adversaries. For all we could know, they could already be out there slaughtering on another and turning the other quadrants of this continent into ensanguined fields of chaos and misery. On the other hand, they could all be chilling in their castle and sending out their minions on missions of treachery and guile,? the comments elicited a humble nod from the former whitelighter.

?I?m going to see if I can?t get these bums to erect those tents a little faster,? Paige muttered, pushing off the ground and promptly brushing off the back of her pants. ?See you later,? she added, leaning down to light kiss the android?s lips before departing?a smirk proudly displayed on her jade countenance as she sauntered away from the man.

?No peace can last forever,? Seventeen silently uttered, making his way up to a standing position after a final moment of thoughtful meditation. The machine-hybrid slowly descended the diminutive hill and wandered into the center of the campsite. All around him, his battalion was scurrying like ants in an effort to have their makeshift homes assembled before the setting of the sun.

?You?d think, after learning how to march in order and in harmony, that the simple act of making a tent would be child?s play,? the strange voice triggered the android to pivot around and draw his blade. The alien threw up his hands to shield his face as he staggered backwards, a surprised gasp escaping his maw as he retreated. ?Didn?t mean to panic you, comrade,? the creature said, dropping his hands and flashing his superior officer a shaky smile.

?Pardon me, soldier,? Seventeen said, bowing his head slightly in a show of his embarrassment. ?Guess we are all a little on edge as the war looming on the horizon becomes ever more imminent. So what is your name?? The cybernetic warrior asked, extending his hand a show of courtesy.

The alien, his flesh a vibrant shade of indigo, let out a long overdue sigh of relief and shook the android?s pale hand. Seventeen held the grip for an extra moment or so as he stared at the warrior?s white, fur-covered ears. The furry projections appeared to be painfully tucked beneath the soldier?s green helmet in an effort to conceal them from sight. Whether it was because of shame or in order to mask his identity, no one would ever know.

?Private W. Torts,? the foreigner answered?his voice a portent of his seemingly reptilian heritage. ?I joined his competition as a means to amplify my knowledge of combat and the art of the war. I hope to return from this little game with enough wisdom to liberate my people from the chains of serfdom they have endured for generations. No longer will my comrades be slaves! No longer wi?? the revolutionary stopped speaking the moment he realized he was a few lines away from ranting. ?Pardon me,? he said after a short pause.

?It?s all right, Private Torts,? Seventeen said, chuckling softly at the passion that the reptilian warrior displayed. ?That?s the type of passion I like to see in all of my soldiers, and I wish you the best of luck liberating your people. Maybe someday down the road we will have the esteemed privilege of meeting in a more benign situation,? the cyborg added, grimacing as if in pain when he saw a tent collapse onto a group of soldiers nearby.

?Aye, comrade,? the creature said, a malicious smile spreading across his visage as he drew a machinegun from his back. ?Let?s give those fuckers hell!? He shouted, whipping the gun around and holler and he rushed into the campsite. Just as he was turning his attention away from the strange warrior, the android did a sudden double take and caught a split-second glimpse of a furry, white tail tucked up into W. Torts? bulky camouflaged jacket.

??Outcasts? is an understatement,? the onyx-haired commander chuckled, shaking his head as he slowly made his way over to the fallen tent.