With the Vledscans on the run, most of the enlisted soldiers in the camp got together for a celebration before they went back into action. Evans stayed back at the squad tent to write a few letters… just in case.

“Sure you don’t want to come Evans?” Tiscornia said as he leaned on the door frame, “Should be fun. Get you to feel normal for a while.”

“Nah,” Evans said as he leaned back in his chair, “I’ve got things to do.”

“Are you sure? A few people from the 243rd have got pretty big stock going that they need to clear out before we head to the front.”

“Wish I could.”

“Ah well, I’m gonna go grab Turner then head over.” Tiscornia waved goodbye and left.

Evans then worked and waited for the rest of the squad to come back, keeping the door open. First back was Madison, who immediately went to bed.

Howe and Nivelle came back next. Howe stopped in to babble at Evans while Nivelle went to bed, “Evening Mr. Sergeant. I have had too much to drink. Isn’t Nivelle nice? I wish we met at a different time. He’s so cute. I could marry him and we’d make adorable babies. Stupid war. Sergeant. I go to bed now. Johnson is teaching me more about shooting tomorrow early before muster. Bye Sergeant.”

Johnson and McGilligan came after. They both stopped in and seemed sober. Evans waved at them and the two walked into his office, “Evening Sergeant.” McGilligan said with a smile.

“You two go to the party?”

“No, we went for a walk around the compound,” McGilligan smiled and looked at Johnson, “Em taught me about hunting.”

“Next leave we’re planning on going up to Medway and going on a hunt,” Johnson smiled.

“Sounds nice, I’m glad you two are getting along,” Evans replied, “So Corporal Johnson, I heard you’re teaching Howe about marksmanship?”

“Yes Sergeant, she shows real promise, Now, we’re going to bed if you’d relieve us.”

“Very Well Goodnight.”

The two soldiers turned and left. It was half an hour before Turner rushed in, dragging Tiscornia behind her. Turner gestured for Evans to get out of his office, “Dom and I are gonna make a mistake. We need your office.”

“Just clean up after yourselves and keep it down,” Evans grabbed his papers and sat in the squad room while the two proceeded to not keep it down.

Callahan, Ollie, and Sheppard came back next with four other soldiers, all visibly drunk except for Callahan, “Hey Sergeant, we’re playing some poker if you wanna join us.” He then leaned in and whispered, “I’m gonna take these kids to the cleaners.”

“Nah, I’m good.”

“Righto Sergeant. So, who’s in your office having a time?”

“Some friends Lance, let’s leave it at that.”

“Sergeant Turner and Corporal Tiscornia then,” Callahan said while laughing.

“Ignore it Lance. Thats an order.”

“Very Well Sergeant.”

Evans then finished up his letters while Sheppard managed to beat everyone at poker while taking swigs from a bottle of gin. Callahan then started drinking, attempted to hit on Sheppard, who pointed to her ring.