“All right, soldiers, fall in line. We have a job to do here. This is what we’ve trained for and we’re going to succeed.”
Sarge marched down the line as his recruits scurried into place. They were young and they were green, but the soldiers were also pumped up and ready to go. Their stomping feet adding bluster to the chatter. Memories of his first reconnoiter stalked through Sarge’s mind. So many missions—success and failures alike—were part of his very being now. He remembered his first mission and the feelings that went with it.
Age had worn the sheen off him, but Sarge was determined to give all he had until the very end. And that meant getting these recruits into battle and doing their life’s work. One last mission.
As the old commander neared the back of the line a soft sniffling sound arose. He spun, looking for the source, but seeing nothing had to rely on his failing hearing. Listening closely, he drew close to a bush, there amongst the blades of trampled grass sat Simon, his youngest recruit. They seemed to get younger and younger each year.
Plopping down next to Simon, Sarge huffed at his aching joints. It was definitely time to retire, but oh, how he wasn’t looking forward to that. What was life if he no longer had the missions? And how long until the inevitable death knoll would toll for him?
Focus, man, this recruit needs you. Sarge nodded to young Simon. “A little nervous today, son?”
Simon sniffed, “I don’t think I can do this, Sarge. How do you go out there each day knowing that you have no control, and it could all end today? The thought of everything smashing down on me is too much. I can’t do it.”
“Well, Simon, there’re no guarantees for sure. How do I go out there each day? I think of my family, of the people we’re protecting and serving. If today is my time, then I want to know I’ve done everything I can for those back home.”
“Aren’t you ever scared?”
A small chuckle forced its way out and hung on the air between the old and the young. Memories of fear haunted his dreams but telling that to this youngster would serve no purpose. He needed to ease the burden this young man was feeling, not make it greater. I mean, really, who wants to go out into an endeavor knowing that the fear will always be with you after your escapades? No, now was not the time for brutal reality. Now was the time for giving Simon what he needed to face this hill today.
“Well, Simon, there’s a lot in this life that is scary. We can live in our fear, or we can march out knowing that we’re doing what we are called to do. I’m not going to tell you I’m never scared, because that would be a bald-faced lie. I’m going to tell you my secret.”
Simon turned his young face toward the old sergeant. Hope shone brightly in his eyes. “There’s a secret?”
“There is, and I’m going to entrust you with it today. Simon, life is not about never facing anything hard or fearful.” Sarge pushed up off the damp ground, joints creaking as he struggled a bit.
His thoughts came together better while moving. This had been his way for his whole life, and it certainly served him well as he mentored these young recruits into adulthood.
“Life is full of fearful and hard things. It’s just the way it is. Especially for our kind. Like it or not, we’re fragile. So many things can go wrong. But son, courage is what gets us through. It’s like part of our armor as we go into battle.”
Simon frowned. “Well, I don’t think I got any courage. Just plumb didn’t get any when they were handing it out. So, I guess I’m destined to be a scaredy cat forever.”
Sarge stopped in front of his youthful charge. He pushed the boy’s chin up so they were eye to eye. “Courage isn’t something you’re given. It just is. Right here, in your heart. Its fueled by your love for your family and the desire to be the best you can be. It’s knowing that this is what you were called to do. Courage comes when you take that first step, and it grows with each step.”
Again, Simon frowned, but he stood on the soggy ground. “I’m ready. I’ll find my courage as we go.”
“That’s a boy.” A tired smile covered Sarge’s face. His feet tapped the ground as they stood there. The rain yesterday would make this mission a little more challenging, but the sun shone brightly in the sky and Sarge knew in his heart that there were those people who wouldn’t let a little bit of sogginess stop them. He followed Simon as the young’un found his place in line next to Malcolm.
“All right, folks. The time has come. We march. Keep it tight. Stay together. Be alert. Watch each other’s backs. We can do this. Let’s complete this mission and get back to our families.”
In unison, hundreds of feet stomped the ground as the platoon moved forward. This would be an epic battle. They all were, really. Life hung in the balance on each mission for more reasons than one.
Sarge made his way to the front of the line. His position was at the front. He was the first watchful set of eyes. The sun rose as they marched, beating down and warming the ground. It would be a good day and Sarge had high hopes for the success they were seeking. He listened. Not only to the sound of his men murmuring to each other as they made their way to the battle ground, but also the sounds around them.
Listening and waiting. They would hear the tell-tale sounds from their destination before they could actually see their prey.
A bird flew overhead, casting a shadow over his troops. On the wind, he finally heard the soft murmurings from ahead.
“Shhhh.” Sarge turned and walked backwards facing his platoon. “I hear them. Time to quiet the chatter. We’re almost there. Godspeed. Don’t forget your buddies. We got this. We got this!”
As the battalion crested the last hill, their prey came into sight. There in the meadow was a couple. They’d spread their picnic blanket and were placing food out. Little did they know, but their fun was about to end.
Sarge hesitated just one moment. Then with a wave of his front leg, he gave the command to the those mustered behind him.
“We got this.”
A small, muted cheer went up among the ants.
“Bring home the bacon.”
“Prepare to lose your lunch, suckers.”
“We got this.”
“We are ants, hear us roar.”
Sarge smiled and yelled the word one last time. “CHARGE.”
The army of ants swarmed down the hill and into the meadow. Bee-lining for their mark, they moved as one unit. Well prepared and ready to take on this mission. There were hungry mouths to feed back home, and this happy couple was about to contribute whether they wanted to or not.
Sarge watched as his last recruits went into battle. Filled with satisfaction, his charge was complete.
Photo courtesy of Rocheli Tugera on Pixabay
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