Monday, September 20, 2004
Blue Skies:
Prologue
"Sir! Wake up! You're not suppposd to be sleeping on duty." A distant voice seemd to be telling Winston. He hated being awakened from his sleep, though he was not supposed to be sleeping at the sentry post.
He stared at his partner and cursed under his breath. He should not be putting up with this, he silently grumbled. He hated having to be on guard, and he also detested having such an uptight partner. "Stinking rookie," He mubbled.
Making matters worse was the fact that he would be missing the graduation parade, particularly the graduation parade of his pal. The Royal Ashgarn Army held it's officers in high esteem, for the army was severly in shortage of leaders. No expense would be saved for the lavish ceremony, and Winston knew that, that is why he felt even more furious.
Winston picked up the newspaper on the desk, and flipped though a few pages. "Soldiers missing from border patrol," "6 soldiers found dead," "Sentry post found raided." Random acts of violence again. It's becoming increasingly frequent, and a little too predictable to be random. Winston took out his notebook and noted the incidents in his log.
Dismayed that his superior was not carrying out his duties properly, Winston's partner politely asked him to concentrate on the task at hand. That of course was greeted with a rahther impatient rebuke. "Hey! Look at the rank, and then tell me if I should be ordered around by a corporal."
An awkward silence filled the sentry post. Putting down the papers stared blankly into the grey skies as the corporal shifted his attention towards the horizon, somewhat dejectedly.
He felt slightly remorseful, and a compelling need to relief some of the tension, prompted him to start some conversation. So he asked his partner, "Corporal, ever wished some fighting would break out? Just to have some action. Or maybe even war "
The corporal was taken by surprise, but was quick in his answer. "Captain, you know what I really think? I think war is already here."
Winston was impressed, and his resentment towards the corporal ebbed. In fact he kind of liked him now. He only got that answer from one other person, the very person whose graduation he was about to miss. The rest of them, they were just content to be in the army that sits around and enjoys the peace.
Winston put his hand on the corporal's shoulder, "know what? that's how I feel too. What's your name corporal? Tell me."
Travor at your service, sir! I've just joined the army not too long ago.
"Travor, you should learn to relax a little." Winston suggested.
"Sorry sir, but when ever the dark clouds approach, I can't help but feel uneasy." Travor answer.
Winston shared the same sentiments, and today, those feelings were unusually strong. He hoped that the heavens would not pour it's tears down, marring an otherwise joyous occasion.
In the distance, the rumble of thunder could be heard.
Gavin
pondered @ 10:59
