The fights that need fighting (Present Crusade update)

With what was left of his men fed and sheltered finally able to rest raquel met with all remaining commanders to discuss the next step. Raquel was not accustomed to losing nor falling back, and while he knew it was the right decision it still did not sit well with him, they needed to press forward not backward.
Around the table which displayed illusion images of the army positions within and outside the camp sat the Allied generals. Lord shisimaru landstarr commanded the entire forces of the crystal empire.  He was a passionate man driven for victory determined and decisive, too decisive at times acting before considering all the options.  His primary executive officer lord Samuel worthington Beckett sat next to him stirring his tea casually as if the war barely concerned him.  He was a product of the imperial system wealthy educated in all military matters and coldly detached from the emotional and moral implications of his decisions, he wasn't amused or treat it as a game it was all just a math equation to solve brilliant and arrogant--imperial.
Captain trevor dorson represented the green lantern core. He was always more concerned with the wounded than the objective.  It was a needed role and the best for him since the lantern core, despite the keepers invitation, did not send many troops just a handful.  The rest troubled themselves with keeping peace and order in the rest of the world.
The general from cyrodil, another nation whose help was appreciated but too little.  They only spared what they thought they could and not compromise their other interests.  Seanchan commander whose forces had all left for home. And more down the line.
Raquel had sat with the keeper as he dictated cold letters of condemnation to the nations of the earth for their lack of support.  If only they would have been willing to sacrifice as was asked they could have won.  Now they were defeated only a small trickle of reinforcements all from Geneva, and a war council that wants to retreat.
Lord Beckett made a good argument, "further advance will only.kill us.  We can not win.  If victory can not be achieved resources are better spent where we can win.  Perhaps in the future more nations will be willing to help. If our forces retreat here we can combine forces with them later therefore increase chance of victory."
Raquel stood up and checked his sword. "Then leave.  Come back when you can.  I'll take as many as want to go and restart the march."
"My lord?"
"I have never entered or exited a conflict based on probability of victory."
"We fight the fights we can win"
"We fight the fights that need fighting. And more than any other this fight needs fighting.  Ishmael can be stopped we have to try."

All forces who could walk marched on the heart of darkness to fight what needed fighting.