"O-Of course," stammered Melissa, who appeared perfectly willing to allow a complete stranger (and his friend) to handle the situation. Being around military personnel for so long, one became accustomed to leaving one's fate to someone who knew better.

Especially since the Captain seemed to respond to the man's touch, evident by the deeper, cleaner breaths. She wasn't sure what was being done, but the young woman refused to question. The sooner they could get out of this wretched mountain-scape alive, the better, and only an idiot would hinder the treatment of the injured.

It finally struck her, then. Something mentioned just a minute prior, but Melissa did not think to ask until the man's companion stepped into the shelter, blood and battle clinging to his form. "Who," she began timidly, looking between the two, "is outside?" What was going on?