A/n: Once again, massive thanks for your reviews, everyone.

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Chapter 19: Down to Earth

"Sky!" Mark yelled out, forgetting the audience as he broke ranks and ran towards his friend, but too late. Sky's tiny body hit the ground with a thud, splayed out unconscious on the dirt. Mark dropped to his knees beside him, reaching to check the boy's pulse. It was strong, and he was breathing; Sky was going to be ok. Before he could check for further injuries a voice called out his designation.

"X8 841!" The instructor shouted. "Get back into your rank!" Mark hesitated, gazing at Sky's white face, a trickle of blood staining the corner of his mouth.

"That was an order, soldier!" Still, Mark couldn't bring himself to leave his best friend; his brother.

"555! 434! Restrain 841!"

Two others grabbed Mark by the shoulders, dragging him away from Sky's still form. He struggled, but it did no good. Take him to psy-ops, Lydecker commanded. They'll teach him to follow orders.

"629 and 672, take 313 to the infirmary," the instructor commanded two others. "298, you're next," he called out, as the two friends were dragged away.

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"Well?" Asked Lydecker, looking at Sky's still recumbent form in his hospital bed. "What's his status?"

"Concussion, four cracked ribs, and a fractured tibia," the doctor treating him listed. "He was lucky not to break his neck."

"How long before he's operational?"

"Two to three weeks, depending on the leg."

"I want him sent straight to psy-ops as soon as he's cleared as walking wounded."

"With respect, sir, that could slow down his healing process…"

"Just do as you're told, doctor."

"Yes, sir," the man said, knowing when to shut his mouth. Lydecker walked over to the bed, seeing Sky's eyelids start to flutter. His clear blue-green eyes focussed on the colonel, filled first with alarm, and then pain as the boy tried to get up and salute.

"Don't move, soldier," Lydecker snapped, "you've done yourself enough damage today."

"Yes, sir," Sky managed, hoarsely. The colonel was looking at him strangely, half squinting, as if trying to see something else in his face. He seemed to shake himself, snapping out of it.

"Get yourself fit, 313. This facility cannot afford to have soldiers incapacitated for no good reason."

"Yes, sir," Sky replied. Lydecker marched away, leaving the injured child alone.

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What d'ya think? Does Lydecker recognising Sky go a bit far?