Chapter 52: The Plan

"The situation had recently calmed down. It is time for us to make a move," Lucianna went over again, calming the anxious faces on everyone's faces, including Charlotte's.

"So, are we going to be attacking back?" Finnian clarified.

"Yes. We have received orders for an ambush. An all-out attack would follow after we take the enemy's base."

In short, the two side bases, one of which is theirs, would attack both sides, driving the force to the side while charging in from the center. So far, they have exchanged blows back and forth, with a few attempts of claiming their bases. They needed to create a rhythm and currently is the best time.

"What if we aren't able to?" Armand raised a question.

"They will send us back up from the forces around us," Eric explained.

"But we need them for defense. We can't just take them from their post, it would make us more vulnerable," Luna frowned.

"What they say goes. Besides, I am sure the General has more up their sleeve," Lucianna shrugged.

"But what if... what if, you know?" Finnian tried to reason.

"It's difficult to take risks but it is their job to do so. It takes courage and intelligence to do so while controlling an entire force. Don't blame them and trust their orders," Charlotte comforted, unsure of whether or not it was actually comforting.

It was true. People who stand behind the battlefield needed a great mentality to properly command. They can't dwell on the lives of soldiers, knowing any lives could be lost, and their bodies mournfully return to their families, if they could be found. It's a daunting task, something not many could do. The guilt will become unfazed. Their mentality adjust to make the best decisions with the force in mind. No one wants to cause a noble death. It just creates more burden by wishing it upon another. But soldiers have to accept their fate. So do generals. All they could do is making a decision that would most benefit all.

Although there were several deliberations, it was soon settled and decided. After all, nothing could be done. Days have passed, maybe more. It was an early morning, an extremely late night. There they were, standing in a line while going through the plans.

Informants were not required to be on the battlefield, but they usually stood there out of respect. All of their hands weakly landed on their hearts, praying for their safety. Goodbyes were said. Worried hushed voices could be heard. Hugs, even a few kisses were thrown. Then, they were gone. All Charlotte could see were tiny red dots, slowly moving forward on the screen.

It was cold, the heat lingers as it prepares to release its power later during the day. Charlotte was still drowsy, her eyes itched in tiredness, drooping her lids as each minute passed by. No voice sounded out. It could be from the worried mood she was too tired to digest or feel. Their brains might not have registered what had just happened.

Charlotte forced her eyes to blink in quick succession, creating the effect of being awake. She drank from a water bottle on the table, ridding of the dry throat she just realized bugged her immensely.

"We are near arrival," the distorted voice sounded out. It was Eric.

"Get in position, everyone!" Lucianna's voice cleared their atmosphere, driving them to act in response.

'Now was not time to daze. Lives are on the line,' Charlotte consoled herself.

Typing could be heard as they silently focus on the task at hand, slowly getting back into the mood, ignoring their thoughts.

All they could do is silently hope for the best.