Rich, deep laughter came from what was perhaps the most unexpected source of all - the Drill Sergeant himself.
"Next time? Try asking the big old Saint to not toss you a war in the pocket as a freebie to your present," the giant of a man sarcastically remarked to the two Boots, both he and the other DI loading fresh racks of mini-missiles into the calf mounted launchers. He went up and down the rack of armors as everyone suited up, making sure it all went off without a hitch. The Hostile - a mean, heavy metal fighting machine - closed over them all, the world going dark as the seals locked securely closed. Like a metal coffin, it softly but surely pressed down, enveloped and wrapped all around them like a suffocating pillow, stifling all air. And then their world - the assembly platforms of armor and each other - all lit up in their eyes, fresh air slowly circulating in the skull shaped helmet. "Naturally, you can expect his Helpers to set you up if he doesn't! You're all set up. This is isn't like your training rounds; this high-ex packs a punch!" the DI quipped and explained, tossing them their buck-sixty pound
Rifles like they were nothing more than toys. "C'mon, we don't have all day!" the leading DI barked at them, taking the lead.
Like a two ton second skin, the suits had the feeling of massive weight, yet clung and moved with them at every step as they were all quickly marched into the ready rooms. All a familiar feeling from basic training. In moments however, they were greeted with a grand sight - one of the main hangers inside of their home. With all the craft already launched, it was nothing but rows and rows of power armored troops at the ready. Armed, armored and disciplined, they stood like gunmetal statues, all waiting. But something was wrong - the unsuited engineers and deck hands were fleeing out of the hangar and deeper into the ship. "Shit, they're kicking you out of the nest now," the Drill Sergeant half muttered to himself. Turning around to face them all, he gave the Boots the last words he'd ever get to give to them with a resigned calmness. "Just follow the rest. They'll figure out what do do with you. And whatever you do, stay alive."
At that, he and the other DI ran - only a heartbeat after the airlock sealed behind them, the massive, armored hangar doors nearly opened in a snap.
An invisible hand slapped at them all with the force of a mega-hurricane, sending the Boots tumbling out the ship.