[AlexFili]

Nice to see a lot of postive support for my story. It'll be interesting to see if this is similar to how Oddey predicted it would be.

Enjoy this chapter. I'll usually try to write two chapters a week. I'll be happy to hear who your favorite characters are, and what you think of the story so far. Without further ado, here's the next chapter.

=== Chapter 5: Volatile ===
At the exact time requested, Voll entered the Slig Barracks. The atmosphere completely changed, Sligs stopped talking and started to look towards the door, making motions to go to other rooms in the Slig Barracks. “I’ve got that report here for you sir”, Yars handed the piece of paper to Voll. “Excellent work Yars, get some fresh air”, “Yes sir!”. Yars then closed the door behind him, leaving Marek and his crew alone with Voll.

Voll was older than the average Slig. His skin was a shade darker than normal, he wore enhanced Slig armour, with a small black commander’s cape. His arm bore the Slig Barracks coat of arms, slightly lower lay his commander tattoo. He was part of the previous generation of Sligs, born to a different queen.

Reint motioned to put down the ammunition he was sorting, Voll said “No need Reint, I won’t keep you long”. Reint straightened himself up, and gave Voll a curt nod of his head.

Voll gestured to the seats in front of him, the Sligs sat down. Voll gave a smile and said “Good job on that latest assignment by the way, I’ll be keeping my eye on your progress”.

“Incidentally, did you hear about the escaped Mudokon?”, the Sligs nodded. Voll continued, “A brief lapse in security, it’s hard to see them muds in the dark. What can I say, the management can’t really put too much pressure on the muds, the relationships are strained right now as they are… we can’t go shootin’ every mud that tries to make an escape.”

Krisso spoke next “How is the Slig morale lately sir?”. Krisso expected Voll to look concerned about this, but Voll actually looked happier after being asked this question.

“Not too bad actually, the wages have never been better, squad morale has been at a high lately.”, Voll paced slowly around the room as he spoke. “Rokko’s group are getting on quite well, I’ve never seen anyone so skilled with a mini-gun. Flying Squad are getting plenty of work now as well, Kash got promoted to vice-captain not that long ago.”

Marek placed his revolver in his locker and sat back down. “Kolon spoke to me a few weeks ago that we would be getting some new Slig recruits, have they arrived yet?”. Voll replied “Yes, they have. You might recognize one already, Yars. He’s a rookie but still eager to prove his worth. In fact, many of the Slig recruits are ready for action.”, Voll sat down, “Yars is skilled with a Blitzknife, you know, those electric swords?”. Voll paused and sat back in his chair.

Reint wanted to ask something, “Commander Voll, did you manage to carry out our request?”. “I did, your squad is in need of new recruits and Kolon has agreed to allow the recruiting of two new Sligs for your protection squad. We have some new equipment from ya’ as well, Vykker-made, new sets of masks and a redesigned communication system.”

Krisso asked how much the squad owed the Slig Barracks for these items. Voll told them he didn’t need money from them. This was a reward for their hard work. Marek still gave him a few hundred moolah anyway, just to show respect. Voll took it gladly, and stood up.

“I remember when you first started out, the four Sligs of Marek’s Squad…”, of course, none of the Sligs could ever forget the brave Slig, Udra. “Be proud, you inspire the other Sligs here, I will leave you to your preparations”. Voll started walking towards the exit.

Marek stood up also, “Before you go sir, can you arrange for Yars to get in touch with us?”. Voll smiled again “Aha, I see your eye for good recruits hasn’t dimmed in the slightest. Yars is one of the top junior Sligs here. Of course, I’ll let him know that you’re interested.”

Marek’s Squad saluted Voll, the commander left the Slig Barracks. Reint then turned his attention to the assignment documents. “Should we look through them now?”.