I shut my eyes, expecting death, only to hear the sounds of men shouting and feet rushing into the room. Оружие clanked and a familiar voice shouted, "Captain Blowhole, you're under arrest!" I lifted my head. The blurry image of Leeland wafted from double leelands to just one, then back again. Leeland was alive! I wanted to spring up and fight at his side, but I could hardly move. I was too shaken. Suddenly a flipper grabbed my own and pulled me up to my feet. He threw my flipper over his shoulders to keep me from collapsing to the floor again. I looked over to see who it was, "Hans!" I exclaimed, my eyes wide. "Hello old chum, let's get Ты out of here". he replied. He started helping me towards the door, then I stopped, "Wait..Hans.." I gasped in pain, "We've gotta help Leeland..he needs us.." Hans rolled his eyes, "Leeland can take care of himself just fine, come on!" He tried to pull me towards the door. I resisted, turning the other direction, "Hans let me go!" I snapped. I saw hurt in Hans' eyes and his expression slanted into an offended glare. He let me go with a shove. I stumbled backwards as Hans turned to go. "You might as vell find yourself another chummy funpal Alexander! 'Cause THIS one's gone!" With that he vannished. I thought I'd seen the last of him. I turned back to Leeland. He was backed up against the wall. I could see the unhealed scars of his injuries staining the surrounding feathers red. I leapt to my feet, grabbing a винтовка off the floor, the name 'Brenna' carved crudely in the butt o the weapon. I took aim at Blowhole and fired. The дельфин stiffened, the pistol he held dropped from his grip and clattered to the floor. Then Blowhole fell with it. On the far side of the room, I heard Flippy gasp. I turned my head his direction. Our eyes met. I saw hate, anger, and loss in Flippy's eyes. I knew his mother was dead long ago. I had orphaned him. But he was nearly my age. I countered. He could take care of himself. I hurried to Leeland's side, "Leeland, are Ты ok?" I asked, helping him up. "You didn't have to do that Fahlcon." Leeland said. I had just saved his life! What did he mean? "Leeland, you're the closest thing to a father- to family I have. I'd do anything if it would save your life." I replied, standing tall. Leeland shook his head, "Boy, I'm not the only family Ты have." He was right. I DID have family. I'd risked my life for them. Why did I do that? I hated them. Something inside of me clicked. I'm a soldier. It's what I do. Leeland chuckled, "Fahlcon, you're quite the little skipper aren't you?" With that we left the battle station, but I still wondered what would become of Flippy.