The Journey begin with a drink

A Chapter by newwriter2012

The streets are empty of life filled with corpses of some unfortunate victims.Once a beautiful city now lies in ruined.The people used to a live a happy life in this city without the knowledge of world beyond but Resistance has taken the fight to them.

I don't know why I joined the resistance?It was just a random decision I think.It doesn't matter anymore. I am one of them and I am taking part in the biggest assault in human history since the unification.We have already taken west districts of the cities while eastern district still remain under United front control.
UFS number had considerably be reduced.The fighting was intense in beginning day of seige but now-a-day it just moving forward to new area with small fightings.Without more supplies ,they will surrender in 1 or 2 days anyway.
My squad is one of the 9 squad taking part in today's assault.Our major objective is to take the control of news center which had been used by UFS to send message to their central headquarter for reinforcement.
Our squad leader is kinda strange.Instead of walking in covers,he has order us to walk in group formation.Some of the soldiers in our squad are young like 16 or 18 year old and lightly train.Fear is clear in their eyes but on the other hand we have seniors like Jacob or SC who have survived ton of battles and have no sign of fears.
We are clearly walking into an ambush.I sometimes feel like squad captain is using us as covers in case of sudden attack.It is still 3 in the morning.After 15 min of walk we reach near a park.We can cleary see the news center from this park.It is right in front of us.Squad captain halted us and sent two young soldier forward to scout while other soldier sat on the ground to relax.
It felt like today was the day when all of us will return to camp safely.We didn't talk much as to maintain silence so that UF doesn't know about our location.
After some wait, we saw our scouts returning.SC jumped up from the ground and starts his inspirational speech.
"Soldiers it seems that we have w.....uh...."
Suddenly his head blow up.I want to shut him up but it isn't the way to do it.Jacob is the new SC.All of us jump up from our position.Some ran towards the park while other move towards the huge building with pillars.I followed Jacob towards a wrecked car and took cover behind it.The last thing we heard was the scream of one of the scouts before snipers become silent.One scout survived and took cover with 3 soldiers behind pillar across the road.
While other take cover in the bushes inside the park.I pullout a metal rod from a nearby fence and place it below the car in a way that bullets can't hit our feet if some ground troops arrive.
It was a complete silence for some time.I don't want to be the first to break it but we gotta do something about this situation.As I was about to ask Jacob.He whispered in my ear.

"Someone has to distract them."

After saying he keep looking towards me.I don't know what to say who should distract them until I realized he was talking about me
"Me??"I said in shock manner.
"Yes! "he replied while turning his eyes around or I though he did that as I can not see through his sun glasses.

"Run towards the pillar it will draw them out"
I want to ask more question like why should i do that or why can you distract them or it is the oldest tactic in the book and they willnt fall for it but being my superior I have to obey him and in this situation I can only nod.
I waited for the go near the trunk of car while Jacob explain plan to soldier in the bushes through signs and after ok from them he went to position himself to spot the sniper.
"1 ....2.....GO GO GO".

It was clear sign that it is my turn to distract them.I ran as fast as I could towards the pillar.My distraction provided Jacob and other a chance to spot the sniper and kill two of them.

As I was about to reach the pillar a bullet from the sniper hit my shoulder.Its pressure was enough to strike me down.One of the soldier from the pillar jump in front of me to draw fire while other drag me into the cover.Soon everyone was again in the cover and there was complete silence.Only one sniper was left but it was no biggy as now we know that he is in the TV center.

I was majorly concern about my shoulder which was hurting like hell.I look through the half open eyes at the
dead Squad captain.Along with my own pain I was feeling sad for him.He doesn't deserve to die like this.He should have died fighting.After so many battles,at the end he died by the hand of sniper.

I hardly know any of the soldier in my squad.I have just move to Punjab branch of resistance from Afghan branch but I hate to see any of them die.While I daydream and cry in my agony.I heard another shot fire from our side and it was enough to kill the sniper.After Jacob confirmed the kill and amke sure the area was clear.
The medic came running towards me and injected me with some drug that clearly relaxed my body and lower the pain.The remaining soldier gather at side to rearm and chat while Jacob stand near the medic who was examining me.There was sound of short chitchat among the soldiers.A group of soldier took the body of SC to Park and start burying it.Some how atmosphere was casual or I feel it because of the drug.

After closely examining the wound, Medic and Jacob went to the side and start discussion about something.Jacob clearly does not see please with the medic advice.I feel that I am in no position to fight further.I couldn't heard them for some reason.After nod from both, Medic help me stand While he explain situation to me with somewhat fake smile

"You should be careful.It could be worse but you will survive." Why he is smiling and how it is my fault.Jacob ordered me to do it.I don't want to jump out of cover."We have decided that I will take you back to the camp while other continue the assault." He continued
And so he did take me to the camp.15 minutes journey to the camp was covered in complete silence while I walk with medic supporting my arm.
Camp was an old UF military camp which was taken by Resistance in starting assault . Unfortunately I wasn't present when it was taken by the resistance.Now-a-day it house 1200 resistance soldier, hundred of refugees and General Yusuf leader of this theater military activity and governance.
When we reach the camp medic admit me into the infirmary.Armor was soon removed and surgery was performed to remove the bullet and clear the wounds.It was still 5 in the morning.Remaining day was spent in infirmary with other injured soldiers while doctors checked up upon us after every hour or 2.I found my self focusing only on the metal roof of infirmary.
It seem like it is going to fell on us.It might be the effect of drug or the injury.At 6 i was discharged from the infirmary due to shortage of room for critical patients.
It is still early for bed so I decided to read my book in the quaters.The quater is a huge building whose inner walls are destroyed to turn it into a huge hall with dozen of bags lying about.As I entered the hall, I see dozen of soldiers standing in the form of groups at the corners.I make my way to my bed where my stuff was lying below it.I might overhear some soldiers mentioning the UFS surrender in the city.Though it is not confirm, I got to ask someone about but first I have to get my book.
I carefully walk through the extensive maze of beds, making sure I don't disturb any stuffs near it.Quarter are filling up with soldiers.It is past noon and many soldier has to rest for their morning shift.
I finally reach my bed.It is near a window nearly in the middle of the hall.I take out my book from a trunk under the bed and turn towards the exit.As I started to walk towards, I feel a slight touch on my shoulder.I abruptly turn around to find Salem there looking at me with a huge smile as he has some amazing news.Salem is a tall fellow in his middle ages.He is from turkish orign.We are the last two soldier of the squad who were transfer to the punjab branch from Afghan branch.Rest of the died in the assaults.
"Marhaba akii Bayzeed! How are you?More importantly how's your shoulder?".It mostly feel like he is going to tell some joke.He is too excited or happy to ask such a question.I respond while slowly walking towards the exit with him.

"Yeah, it is grea...."
"Yes, it is seems great too."He cut me mid sentence and this wasn't the respond I was expecting.He continued with another question"So, how the assault went?"

"Pretty great but I got shot before I get to fight."Maybe Salem will know about the result.He is quite good at gossip or he may heard the announcement when I was in infirmary. I asked him a question before he get a chance to speak."Though I heard that we have won the seige.The UFS in lahore has surrendered.Is it true?

"Yeah you didn't heard.We won, it was one of the good thing happen to me today."He replied with a shock in his voice while we step outside the quarter making our way towards cafeteria."As soon as Jocab and his squad capture the news center.UFS just surrender.No resistance was made."
"So what the other good thing?"I replied while noticing the ton of arrested UFS around me.They are number of them but no enough to rebel or tale back the city.
"YEAH, I thought you will never asked.I just got promoted to commander level and being transfer to Russian branch of resistance"
"WOW!That's amazing but why Russia.Didn't afghan or turkish branch need more commanders."

"Somehow most of the russian commander died in a drone strike.Those who survived were impaled by Vlad for being weak so they ask for more commanders to lead the assaults."Vlad, The general of Russian branch is a ruthless person.He has killed more of his own soldiers than enemies.Salem is definitely doing it for a promotion.He has always been a promotion hunter.

   "WOW! You really want to die fast."I has to say it.He might be a good commander but Vlad don't care about it.
   "No way I am going to lead my own squad.I could have rejected the offer but then I will be stuck a soldier just like you."That hurts he really think being soldier is that bad.But if I think about it I just took a shot on shoulder for my commander so yes we are expendable.He continued while we take a turn towards the cafeteria

"A general is nothing without his commanders and mark my word, I will be the one to raise resistance flag on Moscow and leaving tonight so I got to attend the commander meeting with general Yousuf."He really has high hopes about himself.We walk in an awkward silence until we reach the cafeteria.We say our farewell and I turn to enter the cafe.I look back one last time to see Salem.I didn't notice it before but he wasn't wearing usual military uniform.It was a blue sweatshirt.I feel like this the last time I am going to see him.He has been a good friend.
I turned back and entered the cafe.My shoulder is still hurting but I deserve to treat myself after the rotten bread that I have for lunch.Cafe is nearly full with soldier drinking beers and playing games.Some female soldier are also present even though they have a separate section in the back.I found a empty bench in the corner and decided to sit there.I ordered a hot coffee and some pasta.As I wasn't in mood to eat something heavy.I opened the book and start reading it while my meal arrive
   It is an interesting story of a boy trapped with a tiger on a boat.I got so much interested in the plot that I didn't even notice the person standing next to me.
   "Is this seat taken?"
   I look up from my book to realize that cafe is nearly full and i am the only one sitting alone so I have to say yes.
"No, feel free to have it."I replied closing my book.'Have it' what I was thinking.It doesn't make sense but he doesn't seem to mind.He joyfully sit next to me.After small silence, he starts talking
"Hey, I didn't introduce myself.I am Ibrahim and you must be Bayzeed the forgotten the person who got shot today."Yeah some people called me forgotten because I have no memory of incident that happens to me during 2 months before I joined resistance.
"Yes , I am that unfortunate fellow"
   "It is great to meet y...."waiter interepted him before he could complete the sentence.
"Sir,we don't have coffee do you want to order something else."
"Get us two beers.They are own me."
Before I even get a chance to understand what waiter was saying Ibrahim has already ordered a beer for me.I don't want to be rude so I just nod and we get back to our conversation.
"so I was saying that it is nice to meet you, i heard a lot of about you.I want to meet you before but you are quiet a loner.What happen to your other friend?Salem right?"
   "Yeah he get promoted to commander and get sent to Russia or moscow. I am not sure about it."As I was answering his question I notice him smoking weed."hey hey,Isn't it illegal to smoke here?"
   "NO!!"he replied shockingly in somewhat aggressive manner. "You know what resistance mean.Itean freedom we are free to do every thing we want. WE ARE THE FREE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD.It may ban in slave country like UF but we are free no one can stop me or tell me to do anything.You heard me .........."
And he continue his idiotic babling for sometime.I try to ignore him best I could and I saw people around us doing the same thing.
   As I was ignoring Ibrahim chatter a group of 2 girls enter the cafe.One of the was long and blonde while the other was Burnette and shorter than the other.Blond one was talking to short one.The burnette somehow realized that I was stalking them and wink at me this causes me to blush while looking down at my feet.
   "Hina and Anna."
   "Huhhh!!" Ibrahim sudden change in topic shock me and I don't realize what he was talking about.
   "Blond one is Hina while short one is Anna."Was it to obvious that I was stalking them? Even Ibrahim was able to realize it and he was busy explaining something that I ignored.
   "No no I was just looking at the group there."
"We are men!! you didn't need to hide anything from us but I should warn you that blond one is a f*****g monster.She once broke the arms of two of our best soldiers."
   Our conservation ends here and silence prevailed.Soon our beers arrived and we start drinking it.Ibrahim it first and start smoking.While i drink it slowly.As I take another sip,three or four soldier rushed in cafeteria followed by a sergeant.Every soldier in the cafeteria stand up to salute him along with me and Ibrahim while Ibrahim find some difficulty in hiding his weed.
"At ease, soldiers" the sergeant said in a rash voice
   Every one slowly take the seat but their eyes are still focused on the sergeant.He take a quick glance around room and his eyes stopped at our bench.He start walking towards our bench with guards following.Everyone is still throwing curious glance at him.It is not common for sergeant to be in a cafeteria.Soon he was stand right next to our bench while Ibrahim and me try not to make eye contact.
"Bayzeed, right?" He asked me in somewhat humble manner.
"Yes sir" I replied while standing up from bench with one hand supporting my shoulder.
"Can you follow us? General Yousuf wanted to see you"
What General want from me.I am a ordinary soldier. I give him an affirmative nod and start follow him as he move towards the door.I requested the waiter to cancel my order on the way.As I reach the door, I looked back one last time to find Ibrahim giving me a thumbs up.I smiled back to him and entered outside.
It is dark outside.Most soldier who aren't on guard duty have gather around the fire for celebration.Some are dancing while other are either singing or playing songs.I silently followed the sergeant thinking about possibilities of my sudden summon.Only possibility came into my mind is my injury making me unfit to fight further.
Soon we reach the other side of the camp where Generals office is located. Sergeant stop right in front of the entrance and throw a somewhat rude glance at me and say
"You go ahead .I have something else to do."
   "Yes sir" I replied and turned to the door.
"Remember" He stopped when I was about to open the door."whatever general tells you remain between two of you.You don't need to tell about none about it unless General order you to."
"Yes sir " I replied again in somewhat aggressive manner and entered the room.As I enter the room, I see a old man about age 40 to 50 sitting in a somewhat comfortable chair writing on some book.I guess he must be general yousuf.He has a huge scar on his right eye and a ton of medal on his coat that are shinning due to the light from hanging bulb making them obvious. I salute him which was quickly gestured back with a nod and polite sign to take a seat.I only see a small stool in front of his table.So I take it that it is my seat.It is still comfortable than our bed.
General Yousuf is still writing something so i take it as a chance to observe his office.It is small room just like our quater with books lying all around.I can recognize the two of them.One is art of war and other is a biography of napoleon. I remembered that I have left my book in the cafe with Ibrahim.I have to get it after the meeting.
   There are also some broken shelf and a one way mirror right next to the door.It may be use to observe soldiers training from the office.He eventually stop writing and looked up towards me.
   "So Bayzeed, How's your shoulder?" The spread quickly here.I am just an ordinary soldier but still even the general knows about my injury.
"It is great.I can't move it right now but I hope it will heal."
   "It will heal in 2 days we are using new regeneration drug.It speed up the regeneration power of your cells."He is quite a knowledge about my treatment and drug used but I am now sure we arent here to talk about my injury."but this isn't important right now.Do you know anything about ryders?
"THE RYDERS, SIR" The ryder is a group of some thieves hacker and assassin who work for money.If you want something done just connect them and they will do it for you but I don't resistance have any relation with them.
   "Yes the ryders."
   "Yes sir I know about them.Every one do."
   "Good you are going to take our message to them."He continued in his same formal tone."You are going to Kabul to deliver the message to them.Our task force D will make sure your entrance into UF territory......
"He stopped for a second to take a breath and continued."you will reach Kabul through UF public transport. As you are well adapted to afghan region we have chosen you for this task.You can take some of other soldier for this task anyone you want.Once in Kabul you have to deliver this letter to Ryder member there and he will tell you about remaining plan.You can go now."
He didn't even give me a chance to me to ask a question and I can't complain he is my superior after all.I stand up from my seat and walk towards the door.
"Please tell us the name of soldiers you have planned to take with you we may informed them to be ready at morning.You leave tomorrow early morning don't forget about it.Ok" he order me before I was about to reach for the door.I turned around to answer the question.I don't know many soldier so I decided I will only ask for 2 soldier.The people I can trust my life with.So I give him their names and returned to the quaters.