LLZ-25: A Moment of Respite
The small source of light is intense, enough to give some illumination towards Barnabas, who is standing dozens of arms away from me. It can only light him barely, unfortunately.
He is standing still, gripping his sword. His eyes look downwards, toward a wounded man that's having a near death experience.
Dead Face
Fuck, you got me. Right in the heart too.
This old soldier have lost enough blood to make a charity out of it. His soon-to-be carcass is sitting, leaning against the wall. His legs is long enough to touch the other side of the wall. Seconds ago, there was strength in his arms, enough to kill me if he had the chance. But now, the only thing functional within his body is his senses, plus a mouth.
Barnabas
I've learnt new things since then Alex.
Damn, you also got my left arm.
Barnabas doesn't finish the fight unscratched. His left arm was torn front to back by Dead Face's blade. I expect him to be out of commission from now on. After approaching him hastily, I readily apply a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, effectively disabling that arm until we get some proper medical care.
Lukman
Can you walk?
Dead Face
Of course he can walk. But I got you good, 'ye piece of shit.
Barnabas
Oh shut up Alex. We know working on your side ate through every moral fiber that we have. Stop being such a pandering bastard and be honest already. We have done enough evil for multiple lifetimes. Being a traitor to your country is the best thing I've done in my career.
Dead Face
A killer is always a killer Barnabas, you can't deny it. Moral fiber, my ass!
Barnabas
At least I know who I'm fighting for now! Back then, not one man in my battalion know the name of our leaders! Hell, they barely knew their neighbors. Hard to sympathize with others when you're constantly being starved and killed by your own leaders!
Dead Face
Those puny men are just too weak to be given a fuck about. In fact, they should thank our government for being merciful. It's a luxury they are breathing at all.
Barnabas
Glorified slavery that was! Everyone was paid enough to survive, but poor enough not to rebel!
Dead Face
Sla- coff
His mouth sprays blood everywhere. The faint blue light doesn't honestly reflect the color of his blood. Alex is on his last light, ironically a moment of respite for us in the middle of this war.
Barnabas
See you in hell, Alex.
Alex
I'll wait for you.
Eyes still open, with mouth gaping for air. Not a pretty sight even for someone's last breath. But based on their dialogues, he might have deserved this kinds of end. I can only pray mine will be a bit better than whatever this is.
Barnabas
That's that. Rose, your ETA for pickup?
Miss Rose
Fifteen minutes, PAZ is on your last LZ, no redo.
Barnabas
Copy. See you soon Rose.
Miss Rose
Get home safe.