6 June, late afternoon marching

Relieved, Roux sat back with a grin.

"Well, that's good," he said, "stupid's pretty normal for the army."

Wasn't that an understatement, thought Jérémie wearily. He flexed his left hand, still tucked mostly out of sight between his knees, and sighed. What he wouldn't give to be home in Amiens.

"Are we up for picquet tonight?" It was not a question he wanted to ask, even though it was necessary, with respect to his evening's activities. Which would, if the answer to his query was negative, would begin and end with finding a quiet place to sleep.

Paol managed half a shrug. The day had begun in the middle of the night -- or so it seemed -- and things had been various shades of chaos ever since.

"Maybe they'll put First Company to work for once," he suggested hopefully.

Now that was something to hope for, though knowing their luck... Jérémie shrugged slightly.

"It's past time they were useful," he commented.

Roux snorted out a laugh.

"Might be a bit much to hope for," he said.