Inhale. Warm smoke fills my lungs, contrasting the cold morning air. I let out a puff as I watch Peregrine and Bite fly their patrol circuit around the airbase. Weather reports say a low pressure bulge is forming over the lower half of Khesed Island, bringing in cloudy skies for the next few days.
After finishing my cigarette, I walk back inside and meet with some officers in the briefing room to get a look at the situation. Nearly everyone was standing around a large political map of Anea in the center of the room, marked to show the positions of both military forces. Off to the corner, a CRT television set is displaying international news broadcast coverage of Emmerian citizens crossing over the border into southern Nordennavic.
"How are things looking?"
"Bad. Estovakia has most of the mainland in its grip. There are a few pockets where our forces are fighting back here and there, but they could end the war right now if they make one last push."
A quick look at the map is enough confirm his statement. Emmeria is almost completely covered in red, save for a few spots scattered along the western edge. The gap in our defenses is wide enough for them to send forces into Vitoze. If they can wipe us out here, it's all over.
"Any word from command about a plan?"
"They definitely have one. Right now we're waiting for an opening. The Stovies might have the upper hand, but they blew a lot of steam to get this far."
I leave about ten minutes later. I head down to the mess hall to have lunch, but I for some reason my appetite left me and I could only finish half my meal.
