The survivors moved in a ragged line, men and women too weak to lift their heads. Marines shouldered them up like bundles of cloth, cradling ribs and thin limbs. The CH-53 crews leaned out of the ramp, hands taking weight, hauling bodies into the cavernous belly of the birds.
"All stations, all survivors are inside of the chopper, I repeat, they are all inside of the chopper.
"Copy that Major, board your choppers now we are heading out."
The Marines and the Atlas Operators boarded their respective helicopters. And once they are accounted for, it lifts off from the ground. They watched as the CH-53 helicopters headed towards the base. And just as the MH-53 pilots were about to do the same. He keyed in his radio.
"Eagle One and Two, Actual. Hold your hover. Do not leave until I clear you."
"Copy that Actual, Eagle One is on holding pattern," Eagle One pilot said.
"This is Eagle Two, wilco."
