Page 5 of Salute, To Bravery
“Yes, in a way,” he replies. “In order to find a resolution to war that ensures a lasting peace, it’s essential to look beyond the immediate hostilities. It requires both sides to recognize what led to the conflict and try to understand the perspectives of the people involved.”
I find myself nodding, despite myself. His words echo my own thoughts, thoughts I rarely voice. The room goes quiet for a moment, the only sound the rustle of my papers as I consider my next question.
“Haddad, if you were in my position, what information would you want to obtain from your prisoner?” I ask, genuinely interested in his answer.
“I would try to understand not just the strategy and tactics of my enemy but their motivations, their fears, and their hopes. Often, the solutions we seek aren’t found in what we’re fighting against but in what we’re fighting for.”
His answer is not what I expect, and it makes me pause. The direction of this conversation is unexpected.
“What are you fighting for?” I need to know more.
“Peace.”
This war, like all those that have gone before, is being fought for land, religion, and power. It’s rare to hear that peace alone is the end goal.
“I’m not sure I understand what you mean?”
“I’m not military, and I don’t support the current regime ruling my country. I am not prepared to share too many details, but I can confirm I’m working in secret with local leaders, trying to negotiate a new path for our country. Unfortunately, it seems my anonymity has been compromised. I was about to be taken by those four government soldiers who you captured me with.”
I’m sure Haddad must catch my look of surprise at that piece of intel. I thought the five prisoners were all together.
“I need my freedom so I can carry on my negotiations, and I also have to work with the US military to ensure everyone is on board with any demands,” Haddad continues. “At this point I don’t know who to trust, except maybe you, but only time can tell me that. I am hoping that your senior commanders will be aware of my existence and will agree to free me, but I can’t afford to wait for them to make their inquiries.”
I nod because I know it may take a long time for Headquarters to confirm Haddad’s story.
He leans forward in his seat and stares directly into my eyes. “Captain Riley, trust no one. You must not tell anyone else on the base about what I’ve shared, apart from your commanding officer. There are too many people, on all sides of this conflict, who do not want peace, and many lives will be at risk if the wrong people find out about my mission. I need to be given my freedom so I can carry on with my work. I need you to believe me. I am relying on you to persuade your superiors to let me go. Until then, I am unwilling to share anything more with you.”
Chapter Four.
Harper
I’ve informed Major Anderson of Haddad’s claims. The major is skeptical, but he’s agreed to contact HQ and ask them to make the necessary inquiries. While we wait for their response, he’s suggested I build more of a rapport with Rehan and gain his trust.
We’ve also agreed that no one else on the base is to be informed of these developments. My CO isn’t convinced that Haddad is on a secret peace mission, but he doesn’t want to compromise the negotiations if our prisoner is telling the truth.
Deep in thought, I make my way to the interrogation tent, mulling over the conversations I’ve had with Rehan Haddad. I’ve started to change the way I view not only him but the entire conflict.
It’s a shift that’s left me feeling unsettled, yet strangely hopeful. Everything I’ve done since my brother died has been about vengeance and continuing his fight, but now I’m being forced to reexamine my motivation.
As I near the holding area, a harsh shout snaps me out of my reverie. I turn the corner in time to see a group of soldiersdragging Rehan out of his cell. His hands are bound, and his face is stoic, but there’s a tightness around his eyes that speaks of pain.
“What’s going on here?” I demand, stepping forward with an air of authority that makes the soldiers pause.
“Captain Riley,” one of the guards, a young private named Collins, addresses me. “One of the other prisoners told us that this one is planning an escape. He was trying to get the others to help him. We’re taking him to the yard for discipline.”
Discipline. The word is a euphemism for a beating… or worse. It’s the kind of punishment that could easily turn deadly, and something in me rebels at the thought.
“No,” I tell them firmly, my decision having been made in an instant. “He’s under my charge. Any disciplinary actions need to go through me first.”
“But, ma’am, orders from above—” another soldier begins.
“I’ll handle this. Take him back to his cell,” I command, my tone leaving no room for argument.
The soldiers hesitate, exchanging uncertain looks. Finally, Collins nods and motions for the others to follow my orders. They release Rehan, who straightens his tattered shirt and meets my gaze with a slight nod of his head.
My heart is racing, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I know I’ve just crossed a line, risking my position and possibly my career for a prisoner who could be lying to me, and indeed, who could be planning to escape.
I watch as they return Haddad to his cell before making my way to the command tent. It’s been 24 hours since I spoke to my CO about Rehan, and I can’t wait any longer for the response from HQ.
