Prepare to leave for my first mission

“How do you feel?” Artyom asks me as I button up my coat. “Rested?”

“Rested enough.” I tell him. “But I’m nervous.”

“That’s normal.” He tells me. “Just listen to Sergeant Dadonov and you’ll be okay.”

“That’s good advice.” Dadonov says, walking up behind us.

“Here.” He says, giving me a belt with pouches. “Put this on, and load your rifle before we leave. And watch where you point it!”

“Everybody listen up!” Dadonov yells to the squad. “Routine mission. We’re cutting some telephone lines. We leave now, get in position, and cut them right after dark. Any questions?”

I look around the room.

“No, sergeant.” Smirnov answers him.