30 Desperate Maneuvers
POV - Sara Kamaruddin
[Day 2, March 2002, 3pm]
After taking my lunch towards my table in the bustling cafeteria, I couldn't shake off the weight of the recent meeting. The suggestion to cool off felt superficial, considering the gravity of the matters discussed. My mind drifted to the ongoing operation, aimed at capturing Lady Sautereau, a figure crucial to our nation's conflict. The success of this mission could mean a significant step towards peace, yet the uncertainty gnawed at me.
My chief of staff follows close by before setting her food and munching on them. Absently poking at my food, I stole glances at my phone, hoping for updates on the operation. The silence seemed deafening, each passing moment without news adding to my apprehension.
That damn Jordan again, trying to undermine my efforts, insinuating that my men are bothering our countryman with our mission, his subtle jabs we have not made any progress. I was glad to think that at least I put in a few jabs as well that his intelligence is not up to snuff.
Suddenly, a commotion at the cafeteria's entrance diverted my attention. It was Caldwell, the governor's chief of staff, making an unexpected announcement.
"Everyone, may I have your attention please?" Caldwell's voice echoed, as our eyes turned towards them. Caldwell then held up the Secretary's hands for everyone to see, "I am pleased to announce that Abigail and the Governor have resolved their differences and will be joining together in matrimony," she yelled.
As I scanned the room, I caught glimpses of varied reactions – surprise, skepticism, perhaps even relief. Yet beneath it all lingered an undercurrent of uncertainty, a shared suspicion that there was more to this marriage than met the eye.
For me, the announcement only deepened my sense of unease. I knew all too well the intricate games played within the governor's office, the fact that the Governor is only here for 2 days and this ploy does not seem right just moments from a sexual abuse rumor to one of marriage.
With a heavy sigh, I pushed aside my food, my appetite lost in the wake of Caldwell's bombshell. None of this seems right and something is at play. I must investigate this, ugh the thought of needing to ask that fat disgusting man for information.
In my own deep thought, would I ever find someone to share my life with? The question lingered in the back of my mind, a constant companion in the midst of my duties as Defense Minister. But as I pondered the prospect of marriage, memories from my past came flooding back – memories of my time as a former death squad member in the Athena Guards.
Those days were behind me now, but the scars they left behind still lingered, a constant reminder of the person I used to be. My face plastered all around the region which provided me high status and also the personal favorite of the previous Dictator. I commanded respect but I resented it, I couldn't shake the feeling of being haunted by my past.
My eyes felt that it must have rolled towards the back of my head thinking of useless stuff. I turned to my Chief of Staff, filling her face with food, enjoying the food.
I hope the hastily deployed troops can handle their own, coalition troops partnered with ex-soldiers of the previous regime in squad level leadership positions handling recruits who had undergone a mere one-day crash course in basic soldiering.
I rub my forehead thinking of the disaster that may unfold from my live inspection done today morning. Undisciplined recruits, disoriented and unenthusiastic, found themselves thrust into checkpoint duty, a task for which they were ill-prepared and ill-equipped.
Supervisors, aware of the precarious situation, hovered nearby, their vigilant eyes scanning for signs of insubordination. Rather than scanning for the enemy, they are more afraid of the recruits that may just point their guns the wrong way.
Many among them had never envisioned themselves in military roles, and the resentment simmered in the ranks. Assigned to enforce order and screen incoming traffic, they grudgingly shouldered their rifles, their fingers awkwardly fumbling over unfamiliar mechanisms.
As vehicles approached the checkpoint, the untrained troops attempted to carry out their duties but their lack of experience was glaringly evident. Each interaction was fraught with hesitation and clumsiness, amplifying the already heightened nerves of both the soldiers and the civilians they were tasked with screening.
Amidst the chaos and unease, one thing was abundantly clear: these reluctant soldiers, thrust into duty against their will, were ill-suited for the task at hand, and their presence only served to compound the sense of unease that pervaded the checkpoint.
I let out a sigh praying nothing eventful might happen. Before I could ask her to make an inquiry about the rumors, my chief of staff was full of food trying to tell me something.
Her muffled mouth full of food in an urgent face "Radi! Sastru!", confused, I inquired, "What are you saying, Rasima?"
She says it once more "Rady! Satureau!", hearing it again and my heart skipped a beat at the revelation. "Do you mean Lady Sautereau?", Rasima nodded her head trying to bite and swallow down her food.
"Where is she? Is she unharmed?" I inquired, my concern for her safety.
"She's in custody, attempting to flee the city and nearing the border!" Rasima's voice, now composed, carried a sense of urgency. "But..." She hesitated, the gravity of her next words lingering in the air.
"But what?" I pressed, my apprehension growing.
"But there's been a shooting... Lady Sautereau is unharmed, but her driver is killed," Rasima disclosed solemnly.
"Goddamnit!" I cursed inwardly, my expression contorting with frustration. "Gather all available information and mobilize a team," I instructed my chief of staff firmly. "Do not notify the Governor and General, I will let them know later that Lady Sautereau is in custody and I will bring her to them personally." I continued, urgency lacing my words. "Her safety is paramount. We need her alive and fix this fuck up Rasima. We cannot afford to waste a single moment."
