"Everyone, pull back!" Luke barked into the comms. Now that he knew who the mole was, there was no reason to linger. "Retreat at all costs."
A second later, his comms crackled to life again.
"But boss! Are we really just running back like this?" The man on the other end spoke through gritted teeth, his voice trembling as he struggled to rein in his emotions. "We lost so many brothers. We have to avenge them!"
Luke closed his eyes briefly. This, this, was the reaction he expected. Rage, grief, pride. Not the calm, premature withdrawal from earlier. He could hear the difference clearly now.
"Enough," Luke said firmly. "Return. Anyone who can still move, pull back. Don't trust anyone, anyone. Escape on your own if you have to. Hide for now."
He inhaled deeply before adding, his voice lowering, "Just survive… until I come for you."
"Boss… are you saying —" another voice cut in, trailing off as understanding dawned. A chill ran through the line, quickly swallowed by boiling rage.
