As the sun began to rise Richard brought the weary group to a halt for a much needed rest. The group was smaller and even more ragged than before. The important thing though was that they were alive, and Richard was thankful for that much. It was necessary to keep your victories in mind, even if they were seemingly insignificant. He stayed posted as the look out while the others rested. After a moment he noticed Rin and then Marcus. They started out away from the group near the rear but slowly came closer.

---

Rin gradually came out of hiding and approached the group. Exhaustion was rapidly overtaking her and it showed in her body language. This made it even more difficult for her to be alert and prepared. To her it seemed the fight was over for the time being and she could let herself breath. That was a mistake.

Out of the woods rushed a lone enemy soldier. He had been watching and waiting for a good opportunity, and a obviously exhausted Rin seemed like the perfect prey. Luckily for her the man was out of ammunition and had to resort to using his knife. A last bit of adrenaline pumped through her veins and countless hours of drills finally paid off. Turning quickly she dodged his attack. When he attempted to strike again she caught his arm and broke the knife free from his hand then twisted him around and pinned him to the ground under her knee.

By the time Rin had the man down on the ground Marcus had a gun drawn and pointed at him, not having hesitated. He probably would've shot him point blank at first sign if Rin hadn't been between them. This would be easier. Crouching down he pressed the muzzle of the gun to the captive's temple, wordlessly readying to pull the trigger when there was shouting from the group.

Tess was running their way. She had seen the end of the fight, racing forward to help at first. but now the man was defenseless and on the ground, and it looked like Marcus intended to kill him anyways. "Wait! Marcus let him go!" She said, skidding to a stop when she reached them. "He can't hurt us now," The pilot stopped speaking abruptly though when Marcus's attention snapped to her face. His expression was cold, his glare almost seeming to cut right through Tess.

"He's UKD." Snapped Marcus, clearly not willing to budge on this. "He's dead."

Richard caught the tail end of the scene and as much as he wanted to go help help he stood his ground. There could be more and he needed to be alert to that. Bringing his rifle up he scanned through the trees while holding his position. It was easy to sense the sudden tensing of the civilians. Even as exhausted as the group was they weren't blind to what was happening.

---

Rin calmly gripped Marcus's wrist of the hand that held the gun to the young man's head. Though she was winded her demeanor was calm. "Not here, not like this." She said sternly. She was conflicted about whether or not to kill him. He was the enemy, he attacked her with the obvious intention of killing her... But as she listened to his horrified begging and saw the tears stream down his face she was forced to remember he was human just like them. UKD soldiers were rarely recruited voluntary, many having been picked out and trained since they were young teenagers. This boy could likely be doing this just to stay alive, not actually believing in the cause he fights for. No one but him could know for sure one way or the other though. Simply put he was a risk to them if left alive.

Regardless of her own feelings or views she was aware enough to realize they had audience of scared and traumatized civilians, not to mention Tess. These people weren't as cold and hard as her and Marcus, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Executing a young man in front of them all wouldn't help their situation.

"Do you think he would've hesitated to put you down." Demanded Marcus, his tone still stone cold and his eyes dark. His finger didn't move off the trigger as he opened his mouth to continue but Tess cut him off,

"Listen to him Marcus, he won't give us away! We can, we can take him as hostage or something!" She said, trying to appeal to his reasoning instead of emotional mindset since that clearly wasn't in the works here. "We've already killed all of his fellows. we don't need to put him down too."

"Why cause he's crying?" Snapped Marcus, grabbing the soldier by the collar and dragging him upright. "Because he's begging? So he's spineless, so what? You still think it would be a mercy to leave him alive when we just shot up his whole unit?" His voice was rising in volume but he didn't seem to care, glaring over the soldier's head now at Tess.

It was vivid, really vivid in his mind's eye. The heat, the smell, the sounds. Sickening crunches and gasping breaths. And always the tramping of heavy suit boots coming closer occasionally pausing over a wheezing body. And in the end a rough voice telling others to leave him he was no longer a threat. Leaving him alive and gasping clutching a jammed rifle with shrapnel in his chest surrounded by what was left of his first squad. Being dead sometimes seemed better then reliving that in his memories.

The days had dragged on for Marcus, blurring together into one long wakefulness ever since Rin had collapsed. Seeing her drop without a sound had shaken him worse then Casper's supposed death. One minute she had just been standing there, watching over the refugees as they hurried past them and under the gates of the emergency compound. A base set up by their own forces in retaliation of this surprise attack. They were out of the woods literally and figuratively, out of danger supposedly. Until she just went limp and hit the dirt. Tess had been the first to reach her, frantically searching for a pulse and some cause to her collapse when Marcus came racing up to them.

He didn't know how many people he had knocked down in his rush to get Rin inside, carrying her close to his chest and ignoring calls from both refugees and soldiers as he fought his way through the crowd with Tess and Richard in his wake. Moments later and she was in a bed being seen to by field nurses and medics, all telling Marcus there was nothing more he could do here and he had to leave. When the others finally manage to drag him away he didn't seem to even be aware of them, all he could see in his mind's eye being Rin laid out looking so pale and fragile. That wasn't like her, that wasn't the girl he had gone through training for and shared so much with. Not the girl he loved. it was terrifying.

And he dealt with this new found crippling fear the best way he knew how, fighting. Whenever he wasn't at Rin's side waiting for her eyes to open he was out past the barbwire, running with Kyle and Chad on an endless string of strikes to drive back the suddenly very present and stubborn UKD presence. Fight and wait, fight and wait. He was in his element, it feeling like he was right back in the trenches again. Except every time he came back to the compound he was feeling hopeful that maybe Rin would be waiting for him by the gate, or that when he took up his usual seat by her cot and held her hand her eyes might open up. There was no hope in the trenches.

Not one to stray far from routine, Marcus was once more by Rin's bed with fresh dirt and mud on his clothes and caking his boots. he had clearly just walked in from the field, if the dirt not being a clue then the gun across his back and the smell of gunshot residue making that obvious. There was stubble lining his jaw now and circles under his eyes, making him look like a completely different person when compared to how he had looked upon first landing on this planet for their leave. No one commented on it though, this little corner of the make shift medical center always being rather quiet whenever he arrived. Even if he was accompanied by their friends or Kyle.

Tess often checked in on Rin when Marcus was gone, having taking on work as a MP of sorts while things were still getting sorted out in the compound. It wasn't like she could be a pilot after all with no fighters, but still she pulled her weight from behind the fence helping to maintain some sort of order in the chaos and keep up Marcus's vigil when he couldn't. And keep an eye out for Richard. She had been confused about things between them for awhile now, and ever since they had arrived at the compound there hadn't really been much chance to talk with him properly among all the bustle. But things seemed to smoothing out in day to day operations, and she was looking for a chance to at least sit down and have a conversation with him again. With Rin down for the count and Marcus on some sort of warpath she didn't really have anyone to talk to that she knew from before all this happening. It was starting to wear her out, and she couldn't deny that as stereotypical boyish as Richard seemed, she did like his company.

Upon collapsing Rin's recollection of the events that transpired were hazy and scattered. Having been completely unconscious most of the time there wasn't much she could remember at all. If anything it was more so feelings than clear memories. The feeling of Marcus's chest, needles being jabbed into her wound, bright lights, and voices. Despite all these jumbled sensation she never felt alone, although she wasn't directly aware of her friends and lover keeping a watchful eye over her.

The treatment that the medics had been administering to her were finally taking affect. Her exhaustion and dehydration had allowed the infection to run rampant, so therefore it took some time for the antibiotics and fluids to make any visible improvements.

Gradually Rin's senses began to rouse her. The sounds of voices and faint gun shots, crying patients, and generator engines roaring. Things around her smelled cleaner, at least more so than they had when she collapsed. "Where am I?" She thought as her eyes slowly fluttered open.

In an effort to keep his mind occupied Richard had been helping out in any way possible around the compound. Sometimes this meant keeping watch over the perimeter other times it could be simply looking after refugees and soldiers. He did his utmost to never be idle, even limiting himself on sleep to the bare minimum. Stopping to think about what all had happened would only clutter his mind and he needed to he sharp to insure no one else would die, his conscious couldn't handle anymore deaths on his watch. Rin's collapsing was nearly a breaking point for him, he didn't want to loose one of his closest friends. Whenever he had down time he'd sit with her and clean guns and other equipment.

Despite his efforts to keep busy his mind constantly drifted back to Tess. He didn't know what to do or say to her. However, it was clear to him that he couldn't let her slip away, neither as an individual or a friend. "How do I make it up to her?" He whispered as he laid in his cot. Sleep had eluded him and he grew frustrated with it so he got dressed and went to look for an assignment.

Marcus's hand was clasped over Rin's, his eyes downcast though and looking like they were just a breath away from closing. He was exhausted, not having stopped for more then a bite here or there or a sip from his canteen in the previous days. There was too much to do, and there was no way he was going to be absent from Rin just to catch up on sleep. It wasn't an option despite how many times field medics or even Kyle suggested it. Kyle had tried ordering it at one point, and Marcus didn't think he would ever come that close to punching his direct superior in the face. Luckily Kyle had been feeling generous, and left Marcus to sulk without intentions of writing him up.

Eventually Marcus raised his head, tearing his eyes away from the floor and instead letting them travel over what he could see of the crowded space. There were a few people he recognized here and there just from the past few days, mostly other soldiers who had been dropped in to deal with the sudden attack. Noise by the entrance caught his attention, but when he looked over to see what it was and who the knew case was being brought in his gaze passed over Rin, seeing her eyes starting to open.

"Rin?" His voice was rough and his hand shook as it tightened over her's, watching her intently now to convince himself that her eyes really were opening and it wasn't just the sleep getting to him. "Rin are you awake? can you hear me?"

Tess was just receiving her own assignment for the day, standing off to one side as she waited her turn to be handed one. There were lots of people volunteering to help out in anyway they could now, the population steadily growing as more and more refugees were brought in each day. The extra hands eager to help made managing everything much smoother. Still, it meant waiting in line.

She had to sway on her feet to keep from falling asleep, just standing still was enough to send her off these days. Granted she had just woken up from a brief nap, and not fully awake but not fully rested either. She was sure though that as soon as she started a patrol or some other task she'd wake right up. Just needed something to keep her busy.

With what little energy she could muster Rin's hand crawled towards Marcus then reached upward towards his tired face. "Hey you." She said gently as her fingertips slowly slid into the stubble on his jaw till her palm held his face. "You look like shit." She teased him with a soft chuckle. It was plain to see that he had been working himself to the bone, even worse than usual. Despite her current situation she was more occupied with his well-being. Little by little she felt bits of strength fill her body to the point she felt she would be able to sit up.

Gathering himself together with his regular gear Richard left the tent he had been assigned to bunk in to search out his assignment. Soon he found himself approaching the line, but his pace slowed when he saw Tess at the end. Avoiding her wouldn't be an option forever, nor should he continue to do so. Begrudgingly he made his way to his place in line, just behind Tess. "Hey.. How are you?" He asked.

Marcus laughed with a choked sounding noise, covering the hand against his face with one of his own and turning to kiss the palm of it. "You're one to talk. The fuck were you thinking, passing out on me like that?" He said at an attempt of making light of the situation. Closing his eyes he just held her hand against his lips for a bit, taking full shuddering breaths to keep himself from just collapsing next to her. He had felt so on edge the past few days, and now the weight had lifted off his shoulders so quickly it was almost dizzying.

"How are you feeling?" He asked finally, no longer speaking against her palm and just holding her hand tightly in his own. "Are you, I mean are you hungry? Or thirsty? I've been saving your ration portions. Didn't want them given out to everyone else while you were, were out."

Tess jumped, startled by the sudden appearance and a bit uneasy now to actually be faced with Richard. Of course she had been wanting to talk to him, now that he was here though she had no idea what to say. "H-hey," She stammered, a tired and nervous smile on her lips. "Been better, but who here hasn't?" Shifting to the side she made some space next to her in line, in case he decided to move up a bit. "How about you, how've you been handling this? I haven't seen you since we got here..."

A wave of contentment washed over her as Marcus held her hand in his. With him everything felt right, even if there want a single thing going the way it should. Carefully she shimmied herself up into a inclined sitting position and briefly glanced around to take in her surroundings. "Some water would be nice." She commented when her eyes found a cup sitting on a nearby table. After drinking to her satisfaction she leaned back.

The space between them fell silent for a moment, she could sense his exhaustion. "Come here." She insisted with a pat to the bed beside her. "So how long was I out?" She inquired.

(I'll post for Richard tomorrow)

Marcus hesitated, looking at the narrow cot as if worried it might not hold their combined weight. "I, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to," He started to say, but it wasn't like he could deny her anything really. And he supposed he did feel a little tired...No way was he going to admit to himself that he felt like the undead. Moving stiffly, joints protesting and aching from over use and poor care, he sat up and shrugged off his rifle. After laying it down on the ground next to the cot, Marcus eased himself down on it next to Rin. Sitting up though, he refused to take a nap. Instead he draped one arm possessively around Rin and hid his face in her hair. "Few days," He murmured, voice muffled slightly. "Right after we got here. They couldn't ship you up to a freight, had to keep you down here for treatment." How angry he had been upon hearing that, Kyle had had to practically drag him out of the medical tent to keep him from attacking the short tempered little fellow that had delivered the news in the first place.

Reluctantly Richard stepped forward to the available space. As Tess rambled on he kept quiet, finding himself lost in her sweet voice. Until now he hadn't truly appreciated their conversations. Having gone without for awhile left him feeling somewhat empty and lonely.

Unsure of how to answer her he scratched at the back of his head. "Fine I guess. I've been trying to avoid thinking about our situation too much, just taking it a day at a time. Keeping busy definitely helps, hence why I'm here." He commented. Slowly his weight shifted and his body language softened. "Sorry we haven't talked... If I'm being honest here that wasn't an accident. After everything I wasn't even sure what to say to you, but that was probably just as bad as saying the wrong thing." He told her as kindly as possible.

(Post for Rin when I can...)

Rin let out a soft sigh of momentary contentment. Even with the world falling apart around them she still felt safe in his arms. "I guess that means the fighting is still raging on." She commented. Her hand wandered until it found his bare arm then she slowly stroked his rough skin. "I need to get back out there and free up this bed for someone who actually needs it." It was as if she didn't want to admit how sick she had been. Despite collapsing and being unconscious for days her loyalty to fight for what she believed in still burned within her.

"Yeah, it's been pretty thick." Marcus admitted softly when she commented on the fighting, aware that it probably wouldn't be too long before he was called back out into it. Kyle had had them running none stop since touch down and Marcus suspected it had more then a little to do with Casper's absence. The Ghost was still only marked as MIA and he knew Kyle had something to do with that. Glancing down he watched her fingers in contrast to his soot and grime blackened skin, scoffing when she started talking about getting back into the fight.

"You're the one who actually needs the bed Rin." He pointed out, not willing to move on the matter of her getting her full rest time. There was no way he was going to let anyone discharge her back to combat until she was at 100%. That had been too close a call for his own comfort and he wasn't going to risk another so soon. "And you're not getting out of it any time soon so get used to it. It's pretty comfy compared to most anyways. Enjoy that while you can."

The apology was unexpected. Not that Tess didn't expect one really, just not one so soon and blunt. Ideal chit chat could usually be relied on to last a bit longer then that, but it wasn't unwelcome. As Richard eased Tess seemed to do the same, looking down at her muddied boots before shrugging her shoulders stiffly against the chill that promised more rain. "A lot happened, and there's been a lot going on. I get it. Things are kinda crazy with everyone right now." She said in all honesty, offering him a half smile that didn't quiet reach her tired eyes.

"Doesn't mean it was cool though, I mean with Rin out and Marcus gone postal and you giving me the silent treatment hasn't really left me with a lot of people to talk to," Tess added quickly, her grin growing to show she wasn't really trying to give him a hard time. It was true though, she'd felt more then a little lost in the chaos of the make shift camp. A grounded pilot without a squad, it was far from fun.

A mildly irritated frown washed across Rin's face as Marcus ranted about her needing to stay in bed. "You're a real tight ass you know." She grumbled quietly. Despite her protest she knew he was right. There was no point in her even trying to get out there right now, she'd be flat on her ass and in need of rescuing before she even got out of the med tent. It still wasn't enough to keep her from trying to get back out there though. "The second I can stand on my own and hold a rifle I'm back out there with you. I don't want to be laying here while you're out there fighting." She said with firm conviction.

[Going to be editing in the rest of the post soon.]