Mal chose the only route he could take. He started to walk along the line, with no real destination in mind. He walked for a few minutes, past the half destroyed independent positions. A few soldiers called for his help, but he was still dazed from the loss of his squad and ignored them. He didn’t hear the Alliance troops come up behind them. As the enemy fired, he dropped out of his daze and started to run. He didn’t look back he just ran. He fell into a spell. When he dropped to the ground out of pure exhaustion, he saw that night had fallen. He was on a hill overlooking the battlefield. The sight he saw brought tears to his eyes. The independent assault had failed. Explosions dotted the plain, and small pockets of men, maybe even men he was supposed to lead, were being herded into groups and killed. Malcolm felt sadness welling up inside of him. He had failed. If he survived, he would never be able to support his company again. Mal didn’t really care about after the battle. He knew he wouldn’t survive without a miracle anyway. He decided to try to make it to the nearest town, Tekmel. Maybe he could get off planet from the port there. He stood up to leave, but as he got up, he noticed a glint of metal from a thicket on the side of the hill. His curiosity getting the better of him, the young sergeant made his way down to the thicket. Mal got up to the branches and cautiously pulled them open. The sight he saw lifted his heart and elated him. In the clearing there were five independent soldiers. Up until now, he thought he was alone. Maybe, with these soldiers, he could strike a blow against the alliance, and maybe turn the tide of battle.

Mal stepped into the clearing, and saw five weapons pointed towards him. One of the soldiers, a woman, stepped into the clearing and introduced herself.

“Corporal Alleyne sir, Zoe Alleyne. Also, Privates Michaels, Kelly, Christiansen, and Hikeen.”

“Give me a sitrep.” Said Mal.

“It don’t look good sergeant. We’re one of the few units that made it out alive after the ai