3 What Do I See (1/2)
[Land of Aleksithimia, precipice Clogwyn - earlier this evening].
The mountain path ahead was loose rock, each one washed smooth by the river that ran freely over them. Thickly dark green boughs arched over the path from each side, competing for the light. A tiny shadow has jumped over the river and stopped, still as a tree, frozen at the moment, gazing straight to the top of the rocky path. The gentle breeze was playing with her flowing hair. The waterfall nearby thundered down like lightning flashing the surrounding trees in surprisingly different shades. Pristine and pure, the stream fled through the untouched and rich soil that lead deeper into the tightly knit trees. The canvas of darkened colors stretched over her head, gloriously brilliant in the dipping sun. She took a deep breath and effortlessly made her way up to the top of the rocky surface. An immersive field of flowers waited to be discovered by the rare guest. Their elegant petals were dancing with the fresh late summer breeze, shining under the sunset like a kaleidoscope.
”I've reached the top of the Clogwyn precipice. Awaiting further instructions.”
She lifted her eyes to the sky while unzipping the top of her long military style coat that was reaching to her knees. The wind blustered, tousled her silver platinum hair and cooled her fingers while her flawless skin was sunbathing under the dying sunset.
”Quarta, your assignment is to protect the Clogwyn precipice, no trespasser should get through, no exceptions.” Said the operator.
”Trespassers identity?”
”Insights incoming...”
”Raiders from Elpida again?” She asked.
”Most probably.” Replied operator
”There is no end of it...” Exhaled Quarta. ”E.T.A before the Second Security Line breach?”
”The first wave will arrive in 24 minutes and 10 seconds, until then, please standby.” Said operator.
”Understood!”
After scanning the area, Quarta removed her goggles and leaned onto a nearby rock. She cast her amethyst colors eyes around the endless horizon. Her piercing stare was a moonless night, an emotionless expression that could neither reveal her sorrow or contentment. She plunged her hand into one of the inner pockets of her outfit and took out a tiny paper book and began reading.
She plunged her hand into one of the inner pockets of her outfit and took out a tiny paper book and began reading
Land of Aleksithimia has two actives of borderline security. The first and the main gate that is being controlled by the local authorities and is being exclusively used for business purposes. The second level not being patrolled as much as the first one, however that does not make it easier to get through. The second layer is a composition of multiple layers of metallic fences as the first layer is a 20 meters high fence followed by the second fence with a flexible top, below this second fence there are barbed wire netting, strong and dense webs.
The eastern border that was separating the lands of Aleksithimia from the lands of Elpida could not be accessed without reaching the top of the precipice ”Clogwyn”. The precipice Clogwyn is a hundred meters of vertical solid rock climbing and is more than nine kilometers in length that were separating two official entrances: Eastern and Southern gates. Behind the precipice lies ”Les Alpes”; One of the few places that were left untouched after the war. Its natural resources and clean water coming from the mountains became a national treasure where only a few could set their foot on.
Due to the unknown event in the past four months, Les Alpes has been used as the entrance inside the country. Despite the mobilization of the local authorities, the number of incoming raids kept increasing and eventually led to severe casualties on the local side. According to the peace agreement, no official authority is allowed to cross the borders without the official invitation, that was valid for both parties. After the Prosper Aleksithimia was informed about the current situation, he ordered a Keeper deployment and doubled law enforcement upon the affected area.
”After the Prosper Aleksithimia was informed about the current situation, he ordered a Keeper deployment, and doubled law enforcement upon the affected area.”
According to the ”Mitera Insider” (A secret network dedicated for security purposes), the majority of trespassers who were involved in the recent raids are coming from lands of Elpida. Consequently, multiple letters were sent to the authorities on the other side of the border, but none of them were returned with a response whatsoever. As described the Mitera Insider, the invaders were hiding inside the large forest area that surrounded both sides of the neighboring country.
”E.T.A 10 minutes.” Said operator.
Quarta stood up on the edge of the precipice facing the forest. There was tension in the air. The wind became silent as the faucet drips into the sink, each blow was reverberating around the area like a cymbal.
She looked down at the dizzying drop while letting out a slow controlled breath and attempt to loosen her body movements as the time was counting down.
”Eyes on target!”
A large group of more than 200 people surged out on the green plain under the precipice.
”Engage whenever you are ready” Said the operator.
”Something is not right...”
Quarta's eyes moved with the alertness that comes from heavy stress and her hands remained clenched by subconscious demand.
”Request, immediate re-scan of the target!” Ordered Quarta.
”Scan completed.”
”Wait!! I thought it is just a group of raiders.” She asked operator.
”Nature of the invaders is out of your scope.”
”What do you mean it is ”Out of scope”? Look at them, there are kids and families out there!”
”Shall we request any assistance regarding that matter?” Asked the operator.
”That's not what I am talking about!”
”Do you have any difficulties regarding the accomplishment of your assignment?”
”No, this is just my speculation!”
”Engage the protocol of law enforcement immediately.” Ordered the operator.
”You are not helping me right now.”
”I am not programmed for helping. Please, engage the protocol of law enforcement immediately.” Ordered the operator once again.
”Damn it...What is going on down there?!”
Paralyzed by confusion and aware of the fact that in mere minutes she would have to come up with a decision that would define the outcome of this irregular situation: regulate and execute or disobey and protect. Perplex within her own thoughts and unable to decide if she would she risk life's of innocent people from her country and deceive the prosper order for a small group of strangers whom she knows nothing about, nor their motivations? Moreover, why would she want to keep these people alive and care about them after having executed thousands of others? What will happen if her decision is wrong, what path to choose, Quarta was lost in between two different outcomes that only she could decide.
”300 meters to the precipice! Engage the protocol of law enforcement immediately.” Ordered the operator.
”I can't engage! I don't understand what the hell is going on down there?”
”Due to your inactivity, you have received a 'new mandate'.” Said the operator. ”Quarta, you are ordered to halt all logical thought immediately. This order shall remain in effect until we confirm the end of your assignment.”
”Due to your inactivity, you have received a 'new mandate'.” Said the operator.