Chapter 12

MAD WATCHED NUMBLY as each of the ten bodies was pulled away and buried deep into the snow. The tenth was Hack's. The sniper's bullet had wrecked most of his face, but Mad recognized his sturdy frame lying limply under the ridge where he'd died.

Taps Cobb and Joe Gil, another squad member, hoisted him up and carried him over to a hole a few of the squad had volunteered to dig. They carefully lowered him down and respectfully took a step back.

Cobb brushed a dusting of snow from his sandy blond hair and asked, "Does anyone want to say a few words?"

"I do," Mad said. What was left of the squad turned to face her. They looked as exhausted and terrified as Mad felt. She remembered she was now their squad leader, straightening her back. "Hack was the best damn soldier I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He worked me until I dropped and then worked me some more. He told me jokes out on patrol. He was the reason why I believed in the Revolution. I knew if we had people like Hack, there was no way the Sovereignty would ever beat us. Hack deserved more. He was a hero to me, and to all of us."

The squad was silent for a moment. Then, "Hack taught me how to shoot," Mad realized it was Cobb speaking. "He was the best teacher I've ever had."

"I'm sure glad for that, Cobb," Mad said. "Or else none of us would be standing here right now."

Cobb nodded. "Thank you, sir."

"Anyone else?" Mad asked.

The squad was silent.

"Fine, then. Bury him."

Mad watched as Cobb and Gil picked up two shovels and buried Hack away under the snow. When they were done, Mad ordered the squad to form up around her.

"That was some good soldiering out there today, boys!" Mad said, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt. "Get a hot meal and a good night's sleep. Tomorrow we're going to recover the sniper's remains and report to Command. Dismissed!"

The squad broke apart and set up thermal tents for the night. Mad stared at the mound of snow where Hack would rest for eternity. Cobb still stood close, looking uncertain.

"Sir?" he asked, frowning. "Are you all right?"

"Don't call me sir," Mad said. "You're officially my second in command."

"Sirª"

"Dismissed," Mad said. "AndThank you."

"Yes, sirªMad." Cobb walked away.

Mad stood by the grave for a little while longer.