TO THE LAST BREATH

The rumbling sound of the elevator, slowly ascending to the air duct installation, gave the squad
the feeling that everything they had fought and died for in this day came down to this 
single moment. Altough the elevator wasn't the most appropiate location, they all found a 
short moment of silence and started to meditate in order to keep their minds as clear and focused 
as possible considering the circumstances. They were shortly interrupted by a now familiar sound
on the intercom. Commander Bellisar spoke through the weak radio signals.
 
'Once the elevator reaches our designated floor, you will meet with your comrades escorting 
the toxic canisters. Treat these with utmost care as they are very unstable and highly explosive. 
About 350 feet down corridor NJ-3 you will find the central chamber in the air venting facility. 
This is your appointed objective. Place the toxic canisters throughout this chamber and send word 
to command that you are done and in position. Through the ships mainframe-network we will send a 
signal to start emitting the toxin throughout the vents. Once this is done you will not have much 
time to find cover so make sure you are not standing near the canisters as your filters cannot 
protect you against such deadly masses of poison.' 

With great care the field technicians began programing the toxins fuse box. The green content 
inside reflected on their sweaty faces as they slowly, one by one, attached all necessary wires. 
Working with great efficiency, it did not take very long until everything finally seemed ready.
All that was left was the signal from headquarters.
 
Connecting the toxins fuse box with the ships main network made the entire canister lit up as it started
to recieve data from the bridge. However, the start of the countdown sequence was like a signal to the hive.
In a couple of seconds all scanners showed fierce activity throughout the sector. The awaited onslaught
was upon them, and the soldiers had nowhere to run. 'Protect the canisters!', Commander Bellisar shouted. 
'The sequence is no way near completed, we need more time before the canisters are primed. 
The hive knows of our plans, telepaths must be present!' 

'Fall back! Spread out! Form a defensive perimeter!'

Fight!
.
