The Doom - Broken Front

The young captain ran through a thicket of trees which presented him with numerous branches, leaves and wild animals-- all imepeding his speed and further panicking him as shots rang in the air and shells landed all over the woods. His breathing was desperate and heavy, dry and hot from a lack of hydration. Once he reached a large mound, he turned and hopped into a trench where his commander was waiting.

"Captain. " The colonel folded his hands together behind him, returning a salute to the lad who had hopped into the trench, out of breath and snapped into attention.

"Colonel, suh. The lines all across the front have been broken as we suspected and I could not find B Company, or C and D. " He began to slowly catch his breath as the colonel lit a cigarette.

"We will all be falling back towards the northern coast soon enough. The Italians and portions of the Turkish armies have already cut us off from southern france, and the French and British forces stationed down there have probably all evacuated to the Spanish border if not captured." He let out a thick puff of white smoke before pursing the cigarette between his lips again.

"Colonel? Yes -- I mean, why tell me? Where is General--" the captain began, but was then interrupted by the colonel.

"There is no more communication. The General hasn't responded to any of our attempts. If you cannot find the rest of our battalion then it is only wise that we try to head north with what is left of us. With the Russian surrender last year, I won't be surprised if 1918 turns out to be the year this war finally ends. I think we all just want that now. " He was being candid with the captain, with a taste of defeat.

"Yes suh. Perhaps. " The captain slid off his helmet and ran his forearm across his damp forehead. In the distance, the shells continued to land, splintering trees, devastating shelters and shaking the earth.