Leave No Men Behind?

For months, the band of men had been meticulously crafting their escape plan, so the resolution to abandon West was not taken lightly. However, they were backed into a corner of few options. Attempting to enlarge West’s tunnel on the spot would have been like setting off a flare for the guards to see.

West gallantly allowed his comrades to venture forth without him, accepting his destiny as a prisoner. This selfless act of sacrifice may have been the key to their survival. The absence of his weight made the escape raft lighter, increasing their chances of a successful escape. The silver lining of his captivity was the hope of his friends’ freedom.