The fortress lay silent near the central area of the urban fringe.
The civilians, through the narrow gaps of their houses or broken windows, peeked nervously on the large formation of soldiers outside the protective wall.
Leading them was a man in a darker combat uniform, unadorned save for a single insignia on his shoulders.
He carried no rifle in hand, only a sidearm at his waist and an unusual calm. When he stopped, the formation stopped with him.
A nervous man, unlucky to have remained outside, stepped forward and asked.
"Dear soldiers, sir, may I ask what are you doing here?"
"I am Commander Hans Flemmens," Hans introduced himself. "I come here to deliver news to you."
Parents grasped their children with caution. The others gripped whatever was in their hands in fear.
In silence, Hans raised his hand and signaled to Dmitri.
