In this chapter of Len Deighton's novel, the Mission Commander and his army are preparing to march into battle. The Commander assures his soldiers that they are part of the best-equipped and most scientific army the world has ever seen, and that they were not sent there to retreat. However, the army's morale is shattered when a few soldiers return from the advance party, running for their lives and leaving behind one who is seriously injured.
The injured soldier accuses the Commander of lying to them about fighting against other men, as the enemy they encountered was not human. Despite the Commander's attempts to rally his troops, many of them become overwhelmed with fear and panic, running down the hillside towards their camp. Even the most experienced soldiers are unable to keep their composure, with some resorting to superstition and witchcraft.
The chapter ends with the realization that the enemy they are facing is Hannibal, the Carthaginian general who famously crossed the Alps with elephants during the Second Punic War. The Mission Commander reflects on the irony of their situation, being just two men standing between the invaders and the rich, lush land of Italy.
Overall, this chapter portrays the devastating effects of war on soldiers' morale and highlights the fact that even the best-equipped and most well-trained armies are not immune to the chaos and destruction that come with battle.