[h3]Sergeant Harald, Gallian Militia[/h3]

[b]'Cheap shot, Private...',[/b] Harald growled, uncomfortably aware that Carn had a point. True, the Sergeant had served in a few skirmishes before the war broke out, but he was hardly a battle-hardened vet. He reminded himself of the need for strong leadership, made even more important by his heritage; authoritarianism wasn't in his nature though, so he had to compromise. [b]'But whatever. Cheer up, old man. You're gonna save a man's life tonight.'[/b] He trudged over to Kyo's unconscious form, tended to by a wide-eyed Bons. [b]'You and one of the others will take Kyo back to Fort Breda, drop him off at the field hospital.'[/b] Not a difficult job by any means, but it would mean that those going would have to forfeit a night's sleep. [b]'Then load up on ammo, come back. And pick up any strays you see around the base, any recruits not assigned yet. The Captain would approve, I think.'[/b] The sergeant flicked away another dead cigarette butt, gave Carn a sidelong look. [b]'... and have a hot meal while you're there. Pick your partner and go ASAP.'[/b]

Five minutes later once the APC had trundled off, Harald climbed atop one of the ruined buildings to get his bearings. The others had busied themselves with their weapons and equipment as well as tending to Sykora and Jatmoore. He checked his watch; 0324. Cold too. [b]'Alright kids,',[/b] he wheezed into his radio. [b]'Let's set up for the night.'[/b] He waved them over to one of the intact houses and helped move the wounded inside. Luckily the house hadn't been looted, so they were able to lay the injured girls in proper beds while the rest of them made do with armchairs and blankets. Despite the odd bullet hole through the windows, it was surprisingly warm. [b]'I'll take first watch. Go to sleep people, you did well. 0730 start tomorrow.'[/b] With that he climbed up into the attic to take up post on the highest window. Harald once again rolled a cigarette, finally alone with his doubts.