1023 General Karstly's Plan - Part 9

He asked that question, despite knowing the answer already for himself. The Yorick men had been hit hardest during the first battle, and the continued march through the night had been tough on them. They were barely able to keep on their feet.

"They're… struggling, Captain," Yorick said, making an effort to remain cordial, though it was clear that he was afflicted by a similar sort of exhaustion. Even such rudimentary conversation

 with his superior was coming as something of a struggle.

"You fought well in our battle with Khan, regardless," Oliver said.

"…I do not think we fought quite as well as the other members of the Patrick forces," Yorick said slowly, as if supposing that he might have walked into a trap.

"That is to be expected. You have not been with us long, and you have not battled as often as we have. For your first battle with us to be a battle of that size – I say you did well, despite the positions that we put you in," Oliver said.