TIME TO COLLECT
 
It was now clear that we would not be able to fully explore the citadel as
we originally planned. The only remaining objective now was to stay alive.
Further efforts to advance into the citadel could only lead to the swift
annihilation of the whole expedition. 
 
Bravo squad was lost, and the surviving Alpha squad was reduced just to four
marines. Such a small group could be overrun at any moment, so I ordered my
men to try to acquire at least some relics before retreating to the surface.
After that, another expedition could be formed, stronger and better equipped
to face the ferocity and cunning of the Swarm. With the information obtained
from the relics, our tactics could be improved, and an orbital nuclear strike
still remained a viable last resort option.
 
Everyone understood that the enemy was too strong to be defeated head
on, but with a bit of luck and decisive action, we might retrieve valuable
artifacts that could give us the edge in future battles.
 
It was a small hope, but the men were desperate and frustrated;
eager to welcome any small accomplishment as a victory.
.

