Adrian remained near the reinforced window for a few more seconds before finally turning away from the medical ward.
The wounded soldiers behind him continued resting quietly while doctors and nurses moved nonstop between beds. Some soldiers slept from pure exhaustion while others simply stared silently into space.
The battle ended.
But the scars were still fresh.
Adrian eventually stepped out of the medical building and into the colder night air outside.
Basa Air Base remained active despite the fighting ending earlier. Recovery operations continued beneath bright floodlights while engineering teams repaired damaged fortifications around the perimeter.
Further across the tarmac, helicopters continued arriving from cleanup sectors carrying scavenged supplies and recovered personnel.
As Adrian walked through one of the inner roads, he noticed something different ahead.
Civilians.
Dozens of them.
