THE ONE LEFT BEHIND
 
In the end, there was just a single soldier left standing, and we both knew
what would happen next. I thanked him for his loyal service, and promised
him that his actions wouldn't be forgotten. His last words will echo through
my mind forever:
 
"Don't worry, Commander, I know my time has come. We've seen what the Swarm
is capable of. I don't regret a thing. I guess it's time to prime that nuke we
brought down here, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do. Gonna send these
hellish frakkers back to where ever they came from. When those desk-jockeys
from High Command question you, tell them there was nothing you could do, that
I acted regardless of your orders. Play them this message as evidence of what
we accomplished here today, and let all who are willing to listen know of our
deeds. Farewell, Commander, it's been an honour serving under your command.
Over and out."
 
I managed to give him one last piece of advice - to seal every door he passed
to cover his back - before he deactivated his comm-link for the last time.
 
I could only stare at the walls of the command centre as static poured from
the communications channel...
.
