TAPS COBB LOOKED down at the body of the man he had killed. It was partially frozen and nearly buried in snow, but it was there. Dried blood clung to the surrounding snow, giving the immediate area a reddish-brown coloring akin to fresh rust. Taps felt a little sick at the sight but fought off the feeling as he Mad ordered Gil and another squad mate, Lyle, to dig the man out.

"Any sign of his rifle?" Mad asked Taps.

"No, sir," he replied.

"Damn. We could've used ...