Broken Vision

“Anything else, Lieutenant Colonel Dixon?”

“Permission to push forward, General. Our defences are holding, and the enemy is faltering, I believe we could gain an advantage going on the attack."

“Granted - provided you have a clear opportunity, don't waste lives Lieutenant Colonel."

“Yes sir.”

“One more thing Dixon - these creatures have minds we don't understand, don't underestimate them, keep your helmets sealed, visors locked, and for God's sake, never look them in the eye. Dismissed.”

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“What did he say, Lieutenant Colonel?”

“Colonel Grimes reports the east battalion is holding well with minimal casualties. Colonel Split's north battalion hasn't lost a man, and the bridge hasn't been boarded, let alone breached."

“That's good news."

“It is. We've been granted permission to attack at our next opportunity. These aliens will regret coming to our planet Captain.”

“Good. About time we took the fight to them, sir.”

“Agreed. Captain Brook, take Bravo company and swing south and get into the tree line. When you're in position, blast your horn once and then press north with everything you've got.”

“On it, sir.”

“Captain Richards, when you hear Bravo Company's horn blast, wait sixty seconds. Answer with a horn blast of your own and lead Charlie Company in a dead-sprint east. If we time it right, we'll hit them twice - Bravo from the south, and then Charlie from the west once they turn.”

“Yes sir.”

“As a final blow, Captain Simmons and I will flank north with Alpha and hit them with our full force. Their attacks have slowed considerably, so we'll hit as soon as everyone's ready. Check your seals and lock your visors, men, it'll save your life. Let's move out. Dismissed."

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“There's the first blast, Colonel. Bravo should be engaging."

“Steady Captain. Let the enemy commit south. We wait for Charlie's signal, then we move. Total radio silence from now - I want this to be a surprise."

“Copy that sir.”

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“There's the signal Simmons.”

“Timed to perfection, sir."

“Sound the advance. Forward! Go go go!”

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“Colonel, they're just around this ridge. We've got the drop on them - they're not even facing us. Ready on your call, sir.”

“Excellent. Helmets sealed, visors locked, weapons up. Engage. We take no prisoners.”

“Yes sir.”

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“Sir… Colonel… We've won… but something's wrong…”

“Don't move Simmons. Stay down. I'll keep pressure on the wound.”

“Sir… we've fucked up… look at what we've done…”

“Save your breath, Captain. That's an order.”

“Did you… have you taken it off yet sir?... your helmet?”

“Of course not. We don't know the range of their telepathy. Stay sealed, Captain.”

“I… understand that sir… But, mine cracked… In the blast… I saw them sir. I saw them… without my visor HUD. You need to look… please. Just once.”

“I don't understand what you're saying.”

“I didn't either… Until the screaming started. It didn't sound like… like the reports.”

“Simmons. Simmons, stay with me God dammit. Simmons!”

“Their faces sir… look at their faces…”

“Simmons? Luke! Luke, wake up!... shit… Rest easy Captain, I've got you.”

“...”

“Okay Simmons, let's see what you were so worried about.”

“...”

“Oh god. Oh no, no no no!”

“...”

“They're not creatures. They're just… They're just boys, they're wearing our flag. Simmons, they're wearing our flag! Why are they wearing our flag?! Someone get me a horn! We need to cease fire! We need to signal the retreat!"

“...”

“What have we done… General, what did you have us do?”