Preparations For War
Chapter 2



        The large, green pickup truck moved at a slow, steady pace along a dirt road. The road, which was rather narrow, lead to what appears from far away as some kind of castle wall. Not that it was a castle or anything, but because it had thick concrete wall that appeared high. The walls weren’t extremely high, just high enough so you can see over them. At the top were two crow’s nest like perches with roofs over them. There was a man in each perch, holding what looked like large rifle guns. They were there to guard against anyone who thought about trying to sneak up to the enclosed camp-like compound.

        When the driver arrived at the gate, he stuck his left arm out of the window. He pointed his thumb in the air and awaited the answer. The guards nodded in approval and let driver in.

        Inside, the camp had the appearance of an old, abandoned military base. There were manly one-story buildings with small windows, flat rooftops and front doors that all faced the same general direction. The truck drove past the building until it made it’s way to what looked like the main building. It was two stories high and had a large windows and a double door exit in the front. Also, it had a flag waving in the front of the building. The flag was red, with a sword and a rifle forming an “X” through the center.

        The driver finally exited the vehicle, parking it right in front of the flagpole, and walked though the double door entrance of the building. Inside, the man walked down a long corridor, passing by a number of closed rooms, until he came to the end of the hallway. He came to a door on the left with the words “Meeting Room 9” on the door. He entered.

        “What the -?” The man said to himself. “Where’s he at? I thought Commander wanted to meet me here?


**********
Elsewhere, on another part of the camp, a large group of people where standing in an open field. They were all standing perfectly still, there arms at their sides and feet together.
Their chests’ out, chins up and heads facing forward. All of them were dressed in the same thing green and brown pants with military-like camouflage patterns on them and white, sleeves shirts.

The group of soldiers were listening to an important speech by their commanding officer. He was facing them all, dressed in the same uniform they wore except for a black beret resting on his head.
        “All of you should know that one of the most important and invaluable aspects of warfare is terrain strategy. You should know everything about your location of combat. Even the most minute details . Not only the strengths, but the weaknesses.” He told them.

        “That is why we are wearing green. Had this been our urban operations base, we would be wearing gray or red. The right kind of camouflage will save your life. The wrong kind will end it. But, the camouflage itself is not enough. Knowing how apply it to your surroundings is just as important.”

        Before the Commander could finish his speech, a soldier came running carrying a letter was running toward him. The soldier stopped in front of the Commander and promptly saluted.

        “At ease, soldier.” The Commander said. The soldier handed him the letter. “What’s this? The Commander asked.

        “It’s from your benefactor. It’s a check, to cover the expenses for the next month.” the soldier answered. The commander looks over the check. He smiles approvingly.

        “This should cover everything.” He said. “You can go, you are dismissed.”

The soldier nodded and left. The Commander turned towards the other soldiers.

“We’ll resume this tomorrow. You are all dismissed.”

The Commander quietly walked back to the main building.


*********

“O.K. My men will be their at Twenty-hundred hours(8:00pm). Don’t worry, they’re some of my finest. O.K. then. Good Day.” And with that, the Commander quietly placed the phone on the receiver.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

“Come in.”

Four people walked into the room. All four of them arrived dressed in similar green camouflage clothing. They each stood side-by-side, simultaneously saluting the Commander, who was seated behind his desk in the room.

“At ease.” The Commander saluted back. “Lieutenants, have a seat. I’ll speak with you in a minute.” Two of the people standing sat down in the two chairs in front of the desk.

“Hollywood, Firebrand,...” the Commander said to the two standing soldiers, “I have something important to tell you. As you know, we have to hire ourselves out as mercenaries, assassins, gun-for-hire, that sort of thing. I have just been contacted by a client who needs a rival dealt with. You two are the best I have at assassinations, that’s why I’ve chosen you to take this job. Do you accept?

“Sure!” one of the men said. “We can do it. How does the client want it done?”

“He wanted the target incinerated. That your specialty, isn’t it.”

“Hell yeah, it is!” the man answered. “It’s been too long since I’ve gotten a chance to ‘play’.”

“What about you, Hollywood?”

“Sure, why not.” he shrugged, with a smile.

“Okay then. here’s the location and the instructions. You have 7 hours. I trust that you won’t fail me.”

“Don’t worry. We got this covered.” Firebrand said, before both men saluted their commander again and left the room. The Commander turned his attention to the two soldiers sitting down.

“Roxy, Damnd, I have your pay for the month. Since you have the highest rank, you should receive yours first. The Commander handed them two envelopes.

“Thanks, Rollie!” Damnd said. The Commander sighed a bit, then stared intently at Damned.

“What have I told you about calling me that. Always address me as Commander, Rolento or Sir. You were allowed to pull that s*** with Belger because he didn’t give a damn. I am your commanding officer NOW. You’ve been my Lieutenant for almost a year now.

“Relax, Commander Rolento Sir. We cool. Just tryin’ to lighten things up a little.

“Whatever. Don’t let me hear it again. Agreed.”

“Yes, Commander Rolento Sir.” Damnd laughed as he walked out of the office.

“Roxy, this is the pay for all of the men. Give Firebrand and Hollywood their pay when they return.”

“Yessir.” she said before taking the box of envelopes and leaving the room.


Rolento leaned back in his chair and thought to himself...

"Rollie!?".