"Hajj! Find the lieutenant." -Sgt. Timmory to Pvt. Hajj, after laying eyes on the first bugbear he's ever seen.

With a fantastic spray and splash, the cargo ship slips under the waves. The entire beach is alive with activity: on the bluffs above, officers from the 2nd Company try to keep the men, flushed and electric from their first battle, in ranks. Sailors from the demolished ship continue to straggle ashore, tossing themselves shivering on the sand. The chilly breeze coming off the water carries gurgled screams and foamy white splashes, like fish jumping, are visible in the darkness. Four bear-men corpses lie at odd angles, still-warm blood pooling on the sand.

With the comfortable stride of a career soldier, Sgt. Timmory approaches his advanced unit as they dry themselves by the fire. His glad eyes magnify the broad smile on his face.

"Corporal. Privates. Didn't expect to find you alive."

He turns to the rest of the squad, motions to the group of about 15 beached sailors and barks, "Get those men blankets and water."

With an experienced sweep, he surveys the situation. The ship is gone from sight. Artillery spotters remain perched on the very edge of the bluff above, now illuminated by several bright but unseen camp fires. Some officer is making a speech, and occasionally the men cheer. Beyond satisfaction at finding his men alive and victorious, he has no discernable reaction. A man who has seen everything can't be expected to tend toward the dramatic.

Well, almost everything. Letting his gaze slowly settle from the bluff, he sees the bears for the first time. His face hollows and, without a word, he jogs to the nearest one. The bear lies on his side, half of his snout curled in agression, the other half clenched in pain. He fell on his morningstar, which Timmory manages to pry from under him with some concetrated effort. He hefts the weapon, impressed with its weight, then crouches to study the monster more closely. A long moment passes before he stands, holds himself motionless for a moment to conclude his thoughts, and turns back to the camp fire.

"We have to get up top," he says, gesturing toward the bluffs with a snap of his head. "Tomorrow you tell me what the hell these things are. Tomorrow I recommend the four of you for decoration. Right now, we chuck these fuckers in the nearest cave and leave them there."

Over his shoulder, Timmory shouts to Private Hajj: "Hajj! Find the lieutenant. She should be in the woods with the rest of the unit. Move as fast as you can, and don't bring anyone back but her."

Hajj sizes up the sarge, surprised by the sudden gruff determination in his command. With a salute, Hajj breaks into a run; he follows the wall of the bluff back toward the woods.

"Corporal, is there a good spot nearby to stow these...things...until Lt. Tolla gets here?"