The sun was just cresting the horizon as I made my way across the dusty expanse of the base, the first stirrings of dawn casting long shadows over the gravel. The hospital, a squat, utilitarian building, loomed ahead, its windows reflecting the early morning light. It was part of my routine patrol, a daily reminder of the ever-present line between order and chaos in a place like this.

Pushing open the heavy door, the antiseptic smell hit me first—a sharp contrast to the arid air outside. Inside, the hospital was a hub of quiet activity. Nurses moved efficiently from bed to bed, doctors conferred in hushed tones, and the wounded, my men, lay recovering from the sacrifices they’d made.

“Morning, Major Hawke,” greeted Sergeant Ellis, who was on medical duty at the desk. His leg was propped up, still encased in plaster from a skirmish last week.

“Morning, Ellis. How’s the leg treating you?” I asked, my voice low, not wanting to disturb the peace of the healing soldiers.

“Better, sir. Healing up and itching to get back out there,” he replied with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.

I nodded, making my way through the rows of beds. Stopping beside each one, I exchanged a few words with my soldiers, offered a nod of encouragement, or a pat on the shoulder. These men were my responsibility, their wounds a weight on my conscience.

Reaching the end of the ward, I paused by the window, looking out over the base. This was the part of the day I cherished—a moment of reflection, a brief respite from the relentless pace of command. Here, in the quiet of the hospital, surrounded by those who had already given so much, I found the strength to face another day, to fight another battle.

Not just for peace. Not just for victory. But for each of these men and women who counted on me to lead them through whatever came next.