Ensign Okul sat quietly in the trench taking time to rest and calm down his heart was still pounding. He had never felt such a blend of emotions in his life as what he had felt today. For now he was glad he had survived this battle or campaign. Okul felt lucky to have only walked out of the battle with a huge scratch on his cheek.
The sun was starting to set and the landscape began to glow an eerie orange color. The sunset reminded him as child on Cardassia when he was barely 4 and half human years old. "Ensign I think we should spread our forces out in a strong defensive posture. Looks like we may be spending the night here." Chief Matthews said taking a tricorder and scanning the area and detecting no Mullurans other then the prisoners.
"Uh I am not sure we are capable of that Chief. We have 19 people total." Okul said reaching for his phaser rifle lying beside him and getting ready to stand up.
"Yeah I know were shot up but we need to make a perimeter three to the sides and we can make a square in this trench. I doubt any of those Mullurans will be in much better shape. I suggest we take no chance sir. You agree?"
"Yes Chief lets get to it." Okul said starting to build up a wall on the left flank of the trench. As Okul and two other crewmates helped him Okul looked over by a bunker that was at one time a command center now a Aid station. It was illuminated by a Simms beacon. Outside the bunker was a group of Federation Bodies. That site cause Okul's heart to sink deep into his stomach.
"Ensign that site never gets any easier. Just remember that site next time your in the position to give orders. "Chief Matthews said almost sounding cynical of Captain Sharpe. Okul was kind of confused by the remark.
"What Chief?" He asked, looking almost mad.
"Easy Ensign. I meant you can't order combat missions with out knowing the effect it will have. Some of those Admirals think well you can win a War with minor casualties.
Well in battle everyone's lives are important even the enemy. Captain Sharpe wanted to lead this but knew he was needed on the bridge of the his ship. Battle never gets easy. Trust me I fought the Cardies... I mean the Cardassians in two wars in less then 20 years time. I never got use to or comfortable with taking a life." The Chief was feeling weak and took a seat, on the trench floor.
"So how do you cope with it? I mean you have over 50 years experience with this Chief." Okul asked being interested and very tired. Okul was afraid he'd be one of those guys that would be unable to cope with what he had seen this day.
"Well for one thing don't bring it up and don't think about. Focus on your job or hobbies. That's how I do it." The Chief said stretching his legs out.
"The guilt?" Okul asked feeling that now more then ever after looking at the dead people all around him and the wounded.
"Oh that son is something that'll never go away. Trust me. "
Okul then focused his mind on a possible enemy attack and looked out towards the settling sun for an enemy that might attack and kill the remaining Star Fleet Personnel that assaulted their complex. Okul was dirty, tired and worried about Commodore Wallace and how he was fairing. The Chief's words stuck in Myron's mind as he stood most of the early evening watching the horizon.