The next morning, the Vols' 1st infantry unit prepares to move out onto the battlefield. As they prepare to march, they hear the sound of a "silver cryler," a machine gun, being fired. The Vols wonder if the soldier who fired the shot was a "swarmer," or a high-ranking officer, who moved the machine gun in order to send a message to the enemy. The officer who shot the soldier is described as "the stalker" and "the silver cryler" .