Battleground

Day 17, Xuhetti City

The war-torn town stretched out before them. Where once stood a bustling town, now lay a haunting expanse of rubble and ruin. It was now a desolate expanse of shattered buildings and crumbling infrastructure with a heavy silence hung in the air.

Elena's bulky camera, a constant companion in her field work, felt unusually heavy today. Each frame she captured was a stark testament to the human cost of war. The raw trauma etched on the faces of the civilians she photographed was a haunting reminder of the endless nights of terror, death, and displacement. The sight of children, their innocence shattered by the cruel hand of conflict, was particularly harrowing.

"This is the price of war," Albert said grimly, extinguishing his cigar with his leather boots on the dusty ground. He offered Elena a cedarwood cigar box, an amusement glint in his eyes. "Nah, you don't smoke?"

"No, I don't. Thanks…" Elena rejected his offer with a polite gesture.

"Mmm... suit yourself. Our jobs take a physical and mental toll, imagine covering reports on violence, disaster, and human suffering, ah…" He replied, lighting one for himself. Exhaling a hollow of smokes to the air, he continued, "The violence, the suffering... wears you down. I wonder how you survive? Enya is a heavy smoker."

Exactly as Albert had described, Ms. Enya was inseparable from her cigar, the accessory a natural extension of her persona.

"Alcohol is my vice," Elena admitted with a wry smile. "So, after all this, do you still find purpose in this work?"

Albert chuckled, smoke curling from his lips. "It's a complex relationship," he mused. "You love it, yet it haunts you. Like an addiction, really." His eyes narrowed, the intensity of his gaze mirroring the intensity of his smoking habit. "What about the new guy? Commitment is tough, isn't it?"

The question hung in the air, a challenge and an observation rolled into one.

A flicker of annoyance ignited within Elena. Ms. Enya, with her penchant for gossip, was overstepping a boundary.

How close were she and Albert to be sharing such details? Elena pondered her response carefully. "Hmm... His name is Theo," she said, her voice guarded. "We're...well, it's complicated. I'm currently out of town for work, so I can't really say for sure."

Albert scoffed. "Tsk, tsk, the classic 'it's complicated' answer. Sounds like a familiar tune. Anyway, Tony had been that way from the beginning." His tone was laced with a hint of sympathy, blowing out another puff of smoke to the air.

A wave of sadness washed over Elena. "I guess I'm drawn to the wrong people," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. The memory of Tony's betrayal still stung.

"Sometimes," Albert said quietly, "the universe tests us with a series of wrong turns before leading us to the right path," Albert replied, his voice filled with a quiet wisdom. "But remember, Elena, every end is a new beginning."

A small smile crept onto Elena's face as she met Albert's gaze. His words, though simple, held a comforting weight. "I'll keep that in mind," she replied, a touch of lightness in her voice.

"Cheer up, we'll find a way to make things work," Albert offered, his tone laced with genuine concern. "I've got enough material for the documentary. We can finalise it tomorrow."

Elena nodded, a sense of gratitude washing over her. The weight of the world seemed to lighten, if only for a moment. "Sounds good. Let's head back," she agreed.

The looming threat of danger was a constant companion in this war-torn landscape. As they made their way through the alley, the remnants of destruction were stark reminders of the human cost. Albert, with his years of experience, moved with a silent efficiency, his senses alert to any potential threats. Elena clung to his lead, finding solace in his steady presence.

Albert is eventually familiar with the instability of post-war conditions, he held a wisdom Elena respected. Elena nodded in agreement, following Albert through the alleyway they travelled previously.

At the end of the alley, a rugged, military-grade truck awaited them. Albert helped her climb into the vehicle, his strength and care contrasting sharply with the harshness of their surroundings. The engine roared to life, drowning out the sounds of the city.

The impending Independence Day celebrations offered a stark contrast to the city's recent history. The parade preparations were in full swing, a vibrant display of resilience against the backdrop of war-torn streets. Yet, the city's wounds were far from healed. The scars of conflict were etched into the fabric of its existence. The once joyous laughter of children, now muted by fear, was a haunting reminder of the trauma endured.

Freedom had come at a terrible cost, and the emotional wounds would take time to heal. Though the war at last offered independence to the country, the anxiety and uncertainty were the constant companions of those who had lived through the conflict.

But time, as it always does, would eventually soften the sharp edges of tragedy. The wounds would heal, leaving scars as reminders of a harrowing past.

The trip back to the military camp was a blur of activity. Two armed guards stopped them at the checkpoint, their eyes scanning the vehicle with a practised efficiency. After verifying their identities, they were waved through.

At the barracks, they were met by a military officer. "Ms. Elena Silas?" he asked, his voice sharp and direct. A crisp salute accompanied his words, a stark contrast to the casual atmosphere they had shared earlier.

Elena nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, that's me." she replied.

"You're requested at the infirmary," the officer informed her. "I'll escort you."

Albert's eyebrows rose in question. "What's this about?" he asked.

The officer hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "It's an order from the new Chief Medical Officer, Colonel Horatio. He requested a meeting with her."

"Theo?" Elena gasped, interrupting him. A surge of excitement coursed through her veins, igniting a spark of hope within her. "Did you just say, Theo? Theo Horatio?" she pressed, her voice trembling slightly.

Theo had an uncanny ability to surprise her, and this was no exception.

"Colonel Horatio, indeed," the officer confirmed, his voice steady. "Protocol requires an escort, ma'am. Shall we proceed?"

Albert's curiosity was piqued. "Theo, huh? As in...?" he asked, his eyebrows raised in amusement.

"I'm not entirely sure, but I hope so," Elena replied, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and disbelief.

"Sounds like quite the catch," Albert commented, a playful glint in his eyes.

Elena couldn't help but smile. "I'll keep you updated," she promised. "Let's meet up tomorrow to finalise the draft."

"Sure thing," Albert replied, taking a deep drag of his cigarette. "Good luck with your... infirmary visit."

As they turned to leave, Elena couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a coincidence. Unexpectedly being able to see Theo again was both thrilling and terrifying.