Russell nodded to Sebastian when the lieutenant told him to basically put the massacre of the orcs behind him and remain focused on his duty. Or in the words of the Drill Instructor who had put him through Basic Training at Parris Island, "Shut up and soldier." With the Army officer's instructions to see to Niko and get ready to move out, the young Marine turned towards the vehicles to see to the elven girl's welfare before glancing back over his shoulder. "Hey Lieutenant, are we going to be conducting burial detail or just leaving the orcs where they are?" he asked "Maybe we should let the locals in the town know what happened. God knows they couldn't have missed the noise," Russell noted wryly.<br/><br/>He was halfway back to the Humvees when he heard the piercing whistle as Lt Black announced mail call. Russell shook his head in bemusement as most of the members of the 13th Recon bolted to gather around their leader with the eagerness of kids running for the sound of the ice-cream truck's bell.<em>What the hell - it's not like we can't wait until we make camp for the night before we read them. We're supposed to be professionals in the field,</em>he thought with a touch of irritation. A moment later Russell heard his own name called by Sebastian, and he trotted forward to pick up his own mail. The young Marine blinked in surprise when he saw he had received not one but two letters.<em>One from Mom and Dad is fine, but one each? Something's hinky,</em>he thought before turning to head back to Niko and the vehicles. Word from home could wait - right now he had to make sure the team's elven guide was doing well.<br/><br/>Sure enough, as he arrived back at the Humvees Russell caught sight of Niko, who looked at him then regarded the letters in his hand inquisitively.<em>"Letters from home,"</em>he explained.<em>"Probably from my parents back on the other side of the Gate. I'll wait until we've started on our journey again before I read them. And talking of our journey, are you packed and ready to go?"</em>the wiry Marine asked.<em>"Because my commander wants us to leave as soon as we've finished loading our supplies."</em><br/>