Major General Buonagurio's Broadcast
"This is Major General Buonagurio"
Static interrupts the transmission before the name is fully
heard.
"All stations... this message applies to every Allied unit still
receiving."
A pause. Distant explosions can be heard over the open
microphone.
"Enemy forces have achieved multiple breakthroughs. Communications
with Corps Headquarters have been lost. "Organised resupply and
reinforcement are no longer possible."
Another pause. When he speaks again, his voice remains calm.
Professional. Determined.
"To every soldier listening... For the past three years
you have carried this alliance farther than anyone believed possible."
"You have done your duty. You have held the line. Today... the line no
longer exists."
Several seconds of static follow.
When the General continues, his tone becomes more personal.
"Effective immediately, all subordinate commanders are
authorised to act independently according to the situation they face."
"Preserve your personnel. Protect your civilians where
you can. Continue resistance whenever it is practical. Do not sacrifice lives
for ground that can no longer be held.
Another long pause. Background gunfire can now be heard. Then
the final order.
"Your mission is no longer to win this war. "Your
mission is to survive."
The microphone remains open for a moment.
Someone nearby can be heard saying, "Sir... we have
to go."
The General answers quietly. "Understood."
Then one final transmission.
"To all Allied soldiers... It has been an honour. Good
luck. You're on your own.
The carrier signal disappears. Silence. No headquarters answers. No acknowledgement follows. Only static.
