Survival: Watch Your Six

Chapter Eight

The search for Officer Leila Espion must stop!

A few weeks have already gone by, and we still do not know where she is. Where could she go? I have no idea. But her sudden disappearance is causing a little panic amongst people around me and also becoming a roadblock, which I do not need right now. We are on the brink of a vicious war with Banks and life itself, and I rather not have another headache thinking about her.

I know times are difficult, but I only have two shoulders to lend for people to cry on. There is not enough time for emotional therapy to comfort everyone while also dealing with many impediments at hand, and worrying about missing people, too.

My priority now is laying out a viable blueprint that keeps us alive for another day.

There are always hurdles standing in the way of progress, however, with a good strategy, we can be well-prepared to fight enemies within or foreign. We are battling for survival, and that real combat will be tough and requires sacrifice. It demands a sharp and focused mind of peripheral vision to see the abrupt issues ahead of time that could hinder our mission. I want to keep on moving forward.

Things are looking upbeat reconstructing the City of Angels, trying to mimic what once used to be a shining and vibrant city full of promises, beauty, and mystery, where many people yearned to get lost in their dreams. All we need is a clear road map that could save most lives, so we can enjoy the sunset later on the beaches whenever the chaos is over.

I hold an emergency meeting about Leila’s disappearance. I know everyone is getting tired of these gatherings but this one is critical.

The room is crowded as usual. I clear my throat and speak with a fiercely loud voice to not show my exhaustion and fear of the unknown. Leaders must suck up setbacks and implement resolutions; they’re thought to never show fear or failure or hesitation. You cannot win a war with that kind of attitude or tactic, especially the unknown battles that are lurking in the shadows.

“Listen up everyone, with the inadequate manpower and resources we’ve got, we’ve exhausted searching for Leila, and as much as I hate to say this, we need to stop searching for her, and use that time for our work. We have a lot to do. I know it’s not something you’d like to hear from me but that’s all we can do now.”

I am not a statesman or a guru of motivational speakers, but a grit of pressure can do justice today. Looking around the room at all the sullen and worn-out expressions, I resume. I need to be honest and transparent.

“It’s been a few weeks where no one has seen or heard from her. She has either joined the rebels, given up her responsibility, or the worst-case scenario; is dead, lying in a ditch somewhere. No one knows her location. But we cannot afford to be distracted in repairing our city by wasting another minute, day, or weeks looking for a dead or deserting soldier. For all we know, her disappearance might be another Lionel Banks’ doing. We just don’t know anything.”

I can feel a dread of smoke filling the room when I mentioned Banks’ name. I do not blame them though; the man is a ruthless sociopath and a killer.

“From this point on, we’re going to be paired with someone to watch our six in a group of two or three at most. We are in this for the long haul until this thing ends. More than ever, we must be true soldiers; that way, we can stay vigilant and stay safer until everything becomes normal again. Can I get a volunteer to take Leila’s place, please?”

I can see the disappointment on their faces, but everyone nods to show their support on this decision.

A young girl, Haley Kings raised her hand.

“I can help. I’ve watched how Leila worked and I’m pretty sure I can do what she did.”

“Haley, if you know what to do, then you’re in. Your friend there, Veronica, can be your wing woman. Watch your backs, both of you, please!”

“Yes,” both say.

“Good. Before we are adjourned, can I also get two other volunteers? I have a mission of vital importance.”

Miles Thomson and Sue Jenkins signaled their desires to be involved. Both were young teens when things went down. They lost their parents and many of their friends, but the two remained close and are very much in love with each other. Where one goes, so does the other. In these times we live in, they still have that look of youth on their side.

For now, everything seems to be taking shape.

As a marine, carrying responsibility on my shoulders is nothing new. I got used to it. I have the scars to prove it. The weight only becomes heavier and burdensome when I lose soldiers on the battlefield. That is something you can never get used to or get over. It haunts your soul, searing your entire being from the inside out. Now, I am about to send Miles and Sue into Banks lair with no experience at all. I can only hope the idea I have will work. Otherwise, I’ve sent them to their death.

I can’t stop the eerie feeling inside my head. The mission is quite deadly, especially when I’m planting such untrained and ill equipped people.

It’s like feeding them to a pack of famished wolves; anything could go wrong

unexpectedly. A slight slip of the tongue from Miles or Sue could get their heads cut off, if not bullets between their eyes. Thinking of such kinds of outcomes makes the worried feeling in my guts even worse; I know the risk, but it must be done under the current circumstances, even though I can’t guarantee their well-being—or their safe return.

A good shepherd keeps his herd safely in the barn. With Leila missing, we are down to 1,999 people and possibly more I don’t yet know about. That is not a good badge for a leader. It could also cripple or slow down the pace of our advancement.

Thus, every breathing soul is vital to repairing a brighter future, our future, and I cannot afford to lose another person on my watch again.

We must open our eyes and ears and stay alert because there are many sharks in the shallow waters. Lionel Banks is planning on waging a dangerous war with what is left of our lives. We cannot let that happen.

“Okay, this meeting is adjourned for now.” Turning , Bryan says, “Miles, Sue, stay here. I want to go over the plan I have for you both.”

Written by:

MidnightInk