Deveraux opened his eyes to find Nevar and a medical officer looking down on him. The medical officer was patching up Deverauxs wounds as best he could under the circumstances.
"What did I say about being a hero Deveraux?!
You got three civilians and three crewmen killed! not to mention almost getting yourself killed!"
"Commander, you ave no idea what it was like... we were ambushed... taken by complete surprise! We were outnumbered and while me and Kingsley were getting to a better point to take out ze Son'a, they took out ze colonists, West and Mayhew. Zen my weapon jammed, and i had nothing else to do but to fight and to and."
"You should have called us for reinforcements!"
"Commander, with all due respect, I ave not bin in as many combat situations as yourself! I am not experienced enough to fight with a cool head! I did ze best I could under ze circumstances!"
"Will he be able to walk?" Nevar asked the doctor
"He will be able to walk yes, but it will be painful at first. I recommend he stay out of any figting that we may encounter."
"Get him walking" said Nevar walking off. He looked down and saw the raptor claw, and kicked it towards Paul.
The group had been on the move not more than two hours, before an ensign exploded.
"What the? Everybody down!" Nevar ordered.
The group looked around to try and find any enamies but there were none
"What just happened?" Nevar demanded
"Houdinies Sir" announced Call. "They were used in the Dominion..."
"I know what a damn Houdini is Lieutenant. Just scan for them and make sure that this doesn't happen again or next time it may be you!"
"Yes sir"
The group moved off again toward the settlement through the densely wooded forest.
Deveraux, managing to walk on his own now, was still in a lot of pain and had fallen back to the rear of the group.
"Don't worry bout what Nevar said, I understand your situation, it isn't easy defending a position like that. I think that under the circumstances you performed really well" said Kelly
"Thank you Commander, I just wish it didn't mean ze lives of all zose officers and civilians"
"Paul, this is a war zone. Death is going to happen all around you. The sooner you come to terms with that, the easier it will be. Remember that these people have killed in cold blood. They have murdered women and children. We are here fighting for our lives."
"Ok, Commander."
"And Don't worry Deveraux, if we get into troube, I'll watch your back. When we get back to the village, we'll get Dr. Cherrin to see if he can do anything else, then stick with me ok?"
"Ok sir"