The American civil war
The revolt between the Republic and the Democratic armies was going on. The Democratic army had put up their tents in the Lanchaster district of California. The battle had been carrying over far too long. The outcome was dead people, abandoned homes, broken buildings, disfigured parks, neglected gardens, bloody battlefields. The two wars at Texas and Mexico were unparallel. The defeat had come as a slap on the face of the Democratics. General Macdernal was walking up and down the tent in frenzy. The plans were nearly clear in his mind. But there was a problem. Chartering the path of attack, he had come across a missing link. He was delighted when the consequence of that discovery dawned on him. He realized that if the Republic camp at Fromber could be seized within three days, there was a fair chance of easily winning over South California. Finally, Captain Torster entered the tent. He was a skeptic who never rejoiced till the victory was complete. Captain Torster Ray reported. “Captain, you would not believe it but our victory in this battle in invariably sure.”
*
Outside the tent, a man was listening to the conversation. His name was Lucius Menyl. He was a well-built, gaudy man. His appearance revealed that he was meticulous. In the short time he had found after laying in wait for more than twelve hours, he had managed to put in a transmitter in the tent. Breaking in the security of the Democratic guards was like fixing a meeting with the sharks. Lucius, however, had no trouble at all. Guised as army personnel, he had skillfully done his work. It had been his forte. The only thing left was to hear the bird talk about catching the worm.
*
Captain Torster was taking the orders when he heard a continuous dull beating sound. His career had taught him to distinguish a transmitter from any other sound. He knew they were being heard. Indicating the general to stay silent, he went to the window sill. There, crudely hidden beneath the shelf was the microphone.
*
Lucius had not carried a walkie-talkie with him. He knew that in the enemy’s territory the signals would easily give him away. He had taken a big risk but he knew it would ensure his safety. He had come in a chopper. Landing it in the valley at the forest floor, he had ventured into the enemy’s domain. The mutilated sound and the rustling of grasses told Lucius that the transmitter had been detected. Without further delay, he set out towards the helicopter.
*
The army was set on red alert. Their most profuse war plans had been leaked. The instructions were clear- ‘Find and kill’. Trained German shepherds, who were famous for detecting the enemy out of any shell, were put to task. There were some questions in everyone’s minds. How had their location reached the Democratics? How had a transmitter come into the general’s tent? Was there some infiltrator in the army? What if their plans had already fallen in the wrong hands? The simple solution was to find the man. Yes, the army had shown some slackness but they were quick to realize their enemy. The man had not taken much care to clear his tracks. It seemed he had been sure of his escape. Or say, he had wanted the army to find him. Whatever it was, the dogs soon tracked their victim down.
*
Lucius remembered exactly where the helicopter was. In no time, he had found the helicopter but before leaving he wanted to see the final trap he had left for the Democratics. He unveiled the helicopter and looked at his watch then he turned towards the tree. He knew what he wanted would happen any time.
*
The enemy was right in the shot of the army. There was no way of escape for him. While there was a surging gleam in everyone’s eye, Captain Torster’s face did not manifest the same. His instinct was not going with the reality. Something about the enemy was wrong. A person to break into the general’s tent could not be that careless to leave behind such a conspicuous trail. At once, he gave orders to the army to go back to a safe distance. Then he rolled down a boulder towards the enemy. There was a rolling sound followed by a deafening blast. The soldiers hid behind the boulders as the rocks were blown off towards them.
*
Lucius smiled. He would be worshipped when he got back. After four months of planning, finally the mission would be over. The injuries and the excruciating pain he had undergone was nothing compared to the happiness he felt at that time. But the mission was not yet over. He had to return to the camp. But he could some time. He went into the helicopter and turned over the drawer. There was some meat left.
*
Captain Torster called up at the centre. “Chief, some of our soldiers have been injured. Yes, it was an ambush. The enemy is conniving. But I assure you he will be rounded off soon. You need not take change. The situation is under control. And please send some first aid for about ten soldiers,” Captain Torster ended the call. His determined face told that things had just started.
The veteran German Shepherds were put back on the trail and the commandos set on the trail, vigil and confident. They were going at a slow pace, when the news from the centre confirmed a helicopter only a mile away towards north-north-east.
*
The calm forest had suddenly stirred up by the barking of wild German Shepherds. Lucius was taken aback. It only meant one thing. Torster had again proved himself the smartest officer of the Democratics. Lucius remembered their childhood days, when they were the coolest, unbeatable duo. At camp, they were the best. The barking of dogs alerted him and at once he pulled off the helicopter.
*
Captain Torster could hear the engine of the helicopter. He darted towards it. As the helicopter rose in air, their eyes met, Torster and Lucius Ray. For a moment, they were transfixed. The pranks of childhood, their laughter, their punishments, their long faces, the memories came rushing outwards. The reality seized them faster than when their memories poured out. Now they were fighting for different armies. Captain Torster pulled out his gun and shot at Lucius. The aim was unmistakable. With the last look at his friend, Lucius pressed the red button, starting the self-destruction mode. Five, four, three… The helicopter whizzed towards the ground. Two… Torster closed his eyes. One… There was eternal silence. Zero.
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