After telling the captain to rest and not push himself, Dave signaled for the others to move. His gaze swept across the team as he began issuing instructions.
"Those of you who can still move, look for sturdy poles, about two meters long," he ordered. "The rest of you, strip the dead and tie their clothes together. We'll use them as the sling for a stretcher."
He paused briefly, his tone firm.
"Your captain can't keep walking with broken ribs. That'll only make things worse. We're carrying him out."
Dave knew that if he didn't make the decision now, the captain would try to endure it and keep moving on his own, pain or no pain. A soldier like him would push forward until his body gave out, and he might even continue fighting if needed. Without clear orders, the others might let him do exactly that.
So Dave didn't give them the chance.
Sure enough, the moment Dave gave his orders and everyone understood what he was planning, surprise rippled through the team.
