At the back of the pack, Alvin sees his father begin to step forward, ahead of all of the other Beta troops –
He sees the focus of the guns on the watchtower at enemy barracks turn as one towards his dad –
And Alvin throws back his head and screams, howling with all of his might.
The Betas on either side of him flinch, shocked at the noise, and Alvin uses the opportunity to dash forward –
His arm is caught, though, by one of the Betas assigned to keep him safe.
“No!” the Beta shouts, “your commands! Your father told you to stay here!”
The other Beta takes Alvin’s other arm.
“No!” Alvin yells in response, fear and desperation on his face. “The are going to shoot my papa! I have to help him!”
The Betas faces are sad, anxious – they too see their leader stepping forward -
“You wil
