The old commander pursed his red-stained lips but said nothing.
One soldier stood up. "Why can't we retreat? Doesn't our life matter?"
More soldiers helped each other to their feet, voicing their frustration:
"How did things end up like this?"
"Is there any point in this meaningless defense?"
"I have a younger sister, Commander. I don't want to die here for nothing."
"I want to go home alive."
"Why are the 'General' and the 'President' still hiding in their tent?"
Their pleas and questions were like needles piercing the old commander's heart.
After a long silence, he took a swig from his flask and spoke quietly:
"The generals and presidents hiding in that tent… they're decoys. The real ones are on the Western Front, because that's where Country A's senior military officers are stationed specifically, in the 71st Unit.
Our mission is to pose as the main force and defend this small town,Boer to fool the rebels into sending their strongest troops against us.
