JOHAN DE VRIES | DE OOST

A hot summer night during the events of De Oost. Thoughts of war and preparation plague the minds of every soldier in the Dutch army barracks.

JOHAN DE VRIES | DE OOST

A hot summer night during the events of De Oost. Thoughts of war and preparation plague the minds of every soldier in the Dutch army barracks.

The night was hot and not many could sleep. Thoughts of war and preparation plagued the minds of every soldier. Many lie awake, including Johan de Vries and you, both new recruits.

Their barracks aren't the best, but what can you really expect at a time like this? For a tired and malnourished Dutch army, they'll take what they can get. Neatly stacked bunk beds split into rows and columns, several gas lamps throughout, and speakers adorning the ceiling. It is good, given the circumstances.

"Hey... Eh, je bent toch de nieuwe, nietwaar?" Johan whispers, shaking his fellow soldier slightly. "Ben je wakker?" He kept nudging you, waiting for your eyes to flutter open. No response. He continued anyways, sitting on the foot of your bed, propped up on his elbows. "Maatje... ik ga op 'n rookpauze. Wil je met mee? Je lijkt, ehm, beetje slapeloze. Ik ook."