Once the camp was secure, Linda looked over the wounded and administered what first aid she was capable of giving. She even patched Jason’s shoulder as best she could, though without a bullet extractor, she was unable to remove the projectile.

"Great, so I get to die of lead poisoning,” cracked Jason with a weak smile.

“Bullet’s copper jacketed,” replied Linda.

Their banter was interrupted when Sergeant Christine Wilkins came over to report that the last of the Alliance soldiers were rounded up and shacked into their own detention area.

“We’ve got to get everyone out of here,” said Jason. “Get the wounded rounded up and moved onto my ship first. Have that hotshot pilot of yours fly them back to the base as fast as he can and come back for the rest of us.”

“Bloody ell,” replied Christine. “We wiped the dirt wit thar asses. Sno time ta turn tails and run.”

“Oh, yes it is,” replied Jason, “As I guarantee you that they’ve got reinforcements headed to this camp right as we speak.” Christine nodded at the instructions and hurried off. Ten minutes later the sound of the Shire’s engines could be heard firing up as the ship took off.

Half an hour later they were waiting for the Shire to return. Rick had wandered over and was standing nearby with a wry grin painted across his face. Sarah was standing next to him, her expression looking decidedly impish as well. “Jay, you mind explaining to us how all the sudden you got to be a Browncoat Lieutenant?” asked the big man.

“Since it was necessary to save your pi gu,” replied Jason dryly. “It’s only temporary.”

“And for that we are grateful,” said Linda. “But why didn’t we leave soon as you got us free? Seems that could’ve been us taking off a while ago.”

“A man’s got responsibilities to finish a job he starts. Soon as these people are back at their base, we are off this planet, and this uniform is off me,” said Jason referring to the Independent uniform he had changed into so as not to be shot by friendly fire.

“I don’t know sir,