YOUR DEMEANOUR

Chapter 58: Return

With urgency pulsing through their veins, Zayden and Marcus rushed towards the room where Colonel Calliax was engaged in combat with the major. As they burst through the doorway, they were met with the sight of Calliax overpowering his adversary, swiftly securing him in a decisive move.

"Colonel! Are you alright?" Marcus called out, his voice laced with concern as he approached Calliax's side.

Calliax nodded, a grim determination in his eyes as he ensured the major remained subdued. "I'm fine, Marcus. Secure the area and retrieve Sergeant Rowan," he instructed his voice steady despite the intensity of the situation.

Zayden wasted no time, moving to assist Marcus in securing the room and locating their comrade. With the immediate threat neutralized, they turned their focus towards ensuring the safety of their team and completing their mission.

As Colonel Calliax finishes securing Major Jacques, the door to the room creaks open, and Cadet Zayden and Marcus enter, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. Between them, they carefully support Sergeant Rowan, who lies unconscious, his breathing shallow and laboured.

"Colonel," Zayden says, his voice tense with worry, "we secured Sergeant Rowan. He's hurt, but alive."

Calliax's gaze flickers to Sergeant Rowan, his heart sinking at the sight of his fallen comrade. "Thank you, cadets. Lay him down here."

With practised efficiency, they gently lower Sergeant Rowan onto a nearby stretcher, Calliax hovering anxiously by his side. 

Marcus approaches Colonel Calliax and Cadet Zayden, his expression grave.

"Colonel, Zayden," Marcus begins, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation, "Sergeant Rowan's condition is serious but stable."

Calliax's brow furrows with concern as he turns his attention to Marcus. "What's his prognosis, Marcus? How bad is it?"

Marcus takes a deep breath before continuing, his eyes meeting Calliax's with unwavering resolve. "Sergeant Rowan has suffered several broken ribs on his left side, likely from blunt force trauma. Additionally, there was a bullet impact on his right torso, but fortunately, it didn't penetrate. However, the impact has caused significant bruising and internal trauma."

Calliax nods, absorbing the information with a grim expression. "And his overall condition?"

Marcus pauses for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "He's stable for now, but he'll need immediate medical attention to address the internal injuries. The broken ribs will require time to heal, and we'll need to monitor him closely for any signs of complications."

Zayden's expression mirrors Calliax's concern as he listens to Marcus's assessment. "What's the plan, Colonel? How do we proceed?"

Calliax's jaw tightens with determination as he turns to face his team. "We ensure that Sergeant Rowan gets the best care possible. We'll stay by his side and support him through his recovery. Our mission isn't over until he's back on his feet."

With a shared sense of purpose, they turn their attention back to Sergeant Rowan, united in their commitment to see him through this ordeal. Together, they will weather the storm, standing as a testament to the unwavering bonds of camaraderie and duty that define them as soldiers.

"Sir, the backup team has arrived and has taken custody of the enemy combatants. We are secure at this time, sir," Cadet Zayden reported crisply, his tone reflecting the disciplined manner of military communication.

"Very well, cadet," Colonel Calliax affirmed with authority, his tone commanding respect as he addressed Cadets Zayden and Marcus. "Zayden, Marcus, you are to return to HQ immediately for Sergeant Rowan's treatment. The aircraft will be arriving shortly to transport him. Ensure he receives the highest level of medical care. As for Major Jacques, I will oversee his restraint personally. Our priority is the safety and well-being of our team and the apprehension of all traitors and enemies. Move out, cadets, and execute your orders with precision."

With a firm nod, Calliax watches as Zayden and Marcus acknowledge his orders with a crisp salute before swiftly departing to carry out their assigned tasks. Turning his attention to Major Jacques, Calliax proceeds with the necessary measures to secure him, his focus unwavering as he ensures that justice will be served swiftly and decisively.

With Sergeant Rowan slung over his shoulder, Marcus took up the rear as they made their way through the base, each step fraught with tension as they navigated the corridors. Ahead, Zayden and Calliax led the way, their senses on high alert as they scanned for any remaining threats.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps. Without hesitation, Zayden and Calliax sprang into action, their weapons at the ready as they prepared to face the enemy head-on.

"Stay back, Marcus. We've got this," Calliax instructed, his voice calm yet commanding as he positioned himself between Marcus and the approaching threat.

Marcus nodded, his grip on Rowan tightening as he watched the exchange unfold before him. With a silent prayer for their safety, he stood ready to lend his support should the need arise.

As the enemy emerged from the shadows, Zayden and Calliax met them with unyielding resolve, their movements fluid and precise as they engaged in a deadly dance of combat. Blades clashed and gunfire rang out as they fought with every ounce of their strength, each blow delivered with lethal precision.

"Watch your flank, Zayden!" Calliax shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos as he deftly parried a blow from one of their assailants.

Zayden nodded, his focus unwavering as he adjusted his stance to meet the new threat head-on. With a swift strike, he dispatched his opponent with a decisive blow, his movements fueled by a combination of skill and determination.

Meanwhile, Marcus kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, his senses sharp as he scanned for any sign of danger. With Rowan's safety resting in his hands, he remained vigilant, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

As the last of their enemies fell, the tension in the air slowly began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of relief and triumph. With the immediate threat neutralized, Zayden and Calliax turned their attention to Marcus, offering him a nod of approval for his steadfast support.

"Let's get out of here," Calliax said, his voice echoing with determination as they continued on their journey, their bond stronger than ever in the face of adversity.

With their mission accomplished and their comrade safely secured, relief washed over Zayden, Marcus, and Calliax as they made their way out of the base. Every step felt lighter, the weight of their burden lifting with each stride.

As they emerged into the cool night air, the sound of their footsteps echoed against the concrete walls, a testament to their triumph against overwhelming odds. With a sense of purpose driving them forward, they hurried towards the waiting aircraft, their destination clear in their minds.

For Zayden, the journey was a blur of adrenaline-fueled determination. Every obstacle overcome, every enemy vanquished, brought him one step closer to their ultimate goal. With each passing moment, his resolve only strengthened, his focus unwavering as they pressed on towards safety.

Marcus, with Sergeant Rowan's weight on his shoulder, felt a surge of pride as he supported his fellow soldier. Despite the challenges they faced, they had emerged victorious, their bond as brothers-in-arms stronger than ever. With each step, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that they were on the path to safety and salvation.

And for Calliax, leading his team to victory was a testament to his unwavering leadership and unwavering commitment to their cause. As they approached the aircraft, he felt a swell of pride in their accomplishments, knowing that they had overcome impossible odds to emerge triumphant. With a sense of satisfaction, he climbed aboard, ready to guide his team to their next destination: home.

Together, they boarded the aircraft, their hearts filled with hope and determination as they soared towards the horizon. As they flew towards their headquarters, they knew that their journey was far from over, but with each passing moment, they grew stronger, united in their mission to protect and defend. And with the stars as their witness, they pressed on into the night, their spirits soaring high as they ventured forth into the unknown.