The soldiers marched back toward the urban-fringe base along the desolate asphalt road, with Dmitri at the front and empty buildings stretching on either side.
As the road opened into the settled area, the repurposed structures came into view: the granary and warehouse, small farms and greenhouses, then housing for civilians and soldiers farther inside.
One of the residents noticed their approach, pausing his hands mid-air. He let down his hoe and waved to the soldiers.
"Oi, welcome back!"
His shout drove everyone's attention.
More residents gathered along the road and waved to the returning soldiers, who answered as they passed; the greetings followed the platoon until the last men disappeared behind the inner buildings.
"They sure are treating us like heroes now, huh?" Adrian grinned as he hung as his arm over Dmitri's shoulder.
"Keep your bloodied arm away from my uniform," Dmitri snorted.
