Page 10 of Salute, To Bravery
Inside the command tent, the air is stifling, thick with the smell of sweat and stale coffee. Major Anderson and several high-ranking officers are huddled around a table littered with maps and documents. The moment I step inside, the room falls silent, all eyes turning to me.
“Captain Riley,” Major Anderson begins, his voice steady but his eyes sharp, “good of you to join us.”
“Sir,” I nod, approaching the table. “I came as soon as I was summoned.”
“If you would step into my office at once,” he continues, his arms folded across his chest. There’s a stern look on his face.
“Absolutely, sir,” I reply, my voice firm despite the flutter of nerves. I follow behind, scared of what is about to come.
Did someone witness my kiss with Rehan?
Could it be about to destroy everything I’ve been working for?
The walls feel like they’re closing in around me, but I maintain my composure, despite the sudden spike of adrenaline.
“How are your interactions with the prisoner Haddad progressing?” the major asks as he shuts the door firmly to the outside world.
“He’s been cooperative, and I’ve gained some valuable intel from him,” I respond.
He waves a hand at me. “Enough of that. I’ve seen the reports, I don’t need feedback. We have another serious problem.”
“Sir?” I question, confused.
“The enemy is approaching and will be here by tomorrow afternoon. We have a traitor among us. Someone has been giving away information about our prisoners, and it appears the enemy plans to try to rescue their soldiers and kill Haddad. HQ has confirmed that Rehan Haddad is a valuable commodity, and we can’t allow him to fall into the wrong hands. All the prisoners in the camp are to be transferred immediately before the base comes under attack. I’ve received orders from HQ, and I have a special mission for you. But it’s dangerous.”
The major pauses and then gives me a piece of paper. It’s a handwritten note addressed to me, and the signature on it catches my breath. It’s from the highest authority in my land.
“The intel suggests that the convoy transporting the prisoners is also likely to come under attack,” Major Anderson continues. “You must get Haddad to safety. He will tell you where to take him. No one else in the camp can know what you are doing. Someone will come for you when it’s safe to do so.”
“Sir?” I question in confusion as the subterfuge I’m being asked to perform begins to sink in.
He turns away from me. “The enemy is very skilled at disguising themselves as non-combatants and US military, so trust no one. I will make sure you know friend from foe when the time comes. Be careful, Captain Riley, and Godspeed.”
I leave the command tent trying to keep a look of normality on my face, even though I’m sure I must be the color of a ghost. I’m relieved that HQ has confirmed that Rehan is working for peace, but now I’ve been given a whole new set of problems to deal with.
The cooler air outside is a welcome relief, but the encounter has left me rattled. I walk back to my quarters as the implications of the meeting settle on me like a heavy cloak. It takes a few moments to catch my breath and fully realize what I’ve been instructed to do.
I lie down on my bed and allow myself a moment to massage away the tension headache throbbing at my temples. The challenges are mounting, but I know I can’t afford to fail in my duty to my oath or to my brother, and I am not ready to give up on Rehan and what’s developing between us. He has taught me, no matter the risk, I must seek peace first before choosing to fight.
Taking a deep breath, I resolve to navigate the treacherous waters ahead with as much grace and strength as I can muster. The rules of the game have changed, but I’m not out yet.
Chapter Ten.
Harper
The chill air of the early morning is more biting than usual as I stride purposefully across the sprawling camp. Its meticulously organized barracks and high-security zones feel like a prison to me now.
Guards patrol the perimeter with vigilant eyes, their rifles slung over their shoulders, and the clinking of their gear punctuates the silence of dawn.
As I approach the command tent, the radio chatter spills from inside. There’s a constant stream of situation reports and commands. I pause, taking a deep breath to compose myself before stepping into the fray.
“Captain Riley, you’re early,” Sergeant Miles notes.
“Couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d get a head start on the day,” I reply, keeping my voice even.
There’s a large map dotted with markers and notes spread out on the table in the center of the tent. Leaning over the chart, I pretend to examine the latest troop movements, but my mind is racing. I’ve spent all night thinking about how I’m going to extricate Rehan undetected. I’ve barely slept and am now running on adrenaline.
The plan forming in my head is risky. No, it’s downright dangerous. It isn’t just Rehan’s life at stake but my own and possibly the lives of thousands.
