[center][h3]Near Phase Line Bravo, Grolsk Wilderness Reserve, 5:04 AM[/h3][/center][hr]

The fire died down soon after, the Imperials seeming to draw back their fire altogether as what was left of the company cowered and waited behind felled trees, disabled hover sleds, and other debris. Stojan took a deep breath, flooding the hot air in his lungs and throat with cold air. He tucked his DL-44 back into its holster, adjusting his position as the sound of repulsorlift engines grew louder, until the sound seemed to come from everywhere, and the white vehicle, no larger than a cargo truck, pulled forth, the E-Web atop it swiveling wildly as the gunner searched for targets.

The entire company was abuzz. The wounded were packed on by those brave enough to stay, and the rest of the disorganized mass began to pile aboard, taking seats or simply taking place on the metal floors between the cots of wounded. Stojan made to be the last on, standing at the end of the cabin as the door closed, shrouding them all in darkness, leaving only the sound of moaning wounded and quiet chatter to flood the ears of all.

It was not a long ride, supposedly only half a kilometer, but it seemed so much longer as the cabin illuminated idly with what seemed like a million stars bursting and falling to the ground. But it was simply a bitter reminder that the battle had truly begun. The fleets were engaged, and the main Imperial force was gathering just beyond the woods, with enough men to simply trample the partisans. Stojan mulled at the thoughts as he looked through the port which the E-Web gunner stood, watching the exchange far above him.