StarGaze

Another Time & Another War

It takes almost two months to increase the camp area to support people from three states. After the citizens and troops from all three states reach the Ajmer camp, I decide that one-third of the troops will stay behind and strengthen the wall while the others will mobilize in the surrounding areas, killing bonies and rescuing people. We have five thousand men, including the rebel soldiers. I decide to lead the mission because that’s the one rule I have to inspire my soldiers in the field- be the first one to step in and the last one to step out of the battlefield.

The bonies were getting smarter. They lingered in groups and responded to even the slightest noise in the surrounding. This made it impossible to sneak upon them. They were faster than ever before and had learned to dodge attacks. The only advantage we had was that their bodies were still weak and most of them were deformed. Also, we had an organized army with weapons.

We start by bombing surrounding towns and cities and them raiding them using jeeps and armored vehicles. I had many close encounters with bonies during these sweeps. They would hide in the rubble and pounce when a soldier was in range. That’s why I always order soldiers to stay in groups of three. Our quickness and efforts paid off really well. Within one month of the start, we had got rid of seventeen thousand bonies and covered an area of twenty thousand kilometers. The soldiers were hyped and wanted to increase the frequency of raids. The only problem was that the increased radius of the recovered area led to less soldier density per kilometer.

Finally, I decided to build a wall on the border of the area we had taken and hold it in case of bonie invasion. The area was big this time, so I allotted two-third of the troops for construction and one-third to sweep the area. This wall was my dream project. It would have watchtowers on every one kilometer and no exit points. The only way in or out would be helicopters. The surrounding states were also influenced by our plan and made peace with the rebel forces because both sides were losing more and more men to the smarter bonies. But it was too late for them. Most of the bases went dark in the following two months.

The wall was almost ready and the ‘Sweepers’ were reducing in number each day, so I decided to shut down the sweeper program and defend the area. We were on the back foot now, it was time to play defensive. But some of the rebels disagreed and wanted to go and clean up the mess to show me that the bonies were still dumb and could be killed with force. None of them lasted more than a day.

Suddenly one day, I got an unexpected call from Rome. Unfortunately, I was in the field at that time and one of the soldiers picked up the phone. I was immediately informed saying that it was urgent business. I knew right then that it was trouble calling me.

“I heard you were building a wall,” Jeter says from the other side of the phone.

“Yes, that’s right,” I say.

“With rebels?”

“Yup. We don’t have time to fight each other when a greater threat is about to wipe out our species. So do what you can, but I’m not taking my program down.”

“Who told you to take it down?”

“So you don’t have a problem with this?”

“It doesn't matter. We are busy fighting an army ourselves. I wish we could have a plan like you. Then our soldiers wouldn’t be slaughtered like this. Anyway, I called to tell you that the high command has summoned you for a top-secret mission.”

“Well my friend, you're not in the position to summon me right now.”

“I know, that’s why they told me to convince you. Listen, I would have never tried to convince you, but this is not about me or you. This mission defines the fate of humans. I cannot talk about it on the phone.”

“Why? Because the bonies will hear us?”

“Yeah, you're right. Listen, sit down if you're standing. This thing goes beyond this mess.

They want to send a team to Enceladus, Saturn’s moon. Apparently, they found out that it can sustain life. So they want to send humans there to confirm it. if they confirm it, all survivors will immediately leave this planet and settle there. It’s the best chance we have in these times.”

“Why didn’t they discover that before?”

“Because it was always covered with clouds. But the clouds scattered all of a sudden and it turned out to be a perfect system to support human life.”

“I don’t know. Why does this fancy story sound like a hoax to me? I mean even if I started my journey now, it would take months for me to reach Saturn.”

“Don’t worry. They are using new engines now. We will get there in seventeen days.”

“Is this a setup?”

“I would never set you up. Just think about it. We are already on the verge of falling. You can’t hide behind that wall forever. Eventually, all of us will die. And you will be responsible for it.” he says and hangs up the phone. I collapse on the chair.

“Are they dissolving us?” Rishabh asks after seeing my tense face. I don’t give a reply. He figures out that it is better to leave me alone and goes out.

SATURN! I had become a runaway, a street fighter, a killer, a super soldier, and a general. And none of these decisions broke a sweat on my forehead. But going out in space where no sign of life was present for billions of kilometers scared me. I spent the afternoon thinking about it. Jeter was right. We can’t hide behind this wall. But we stood a chance if I was here to keep them together.

“Sir! They are attacking us from all sides. All the attacks happened at the same time. We don’t have enough men for all parts. What do we do?”

I remain silent for a few minutes.

“Sir? What do we do?”

“Ask him. He is in command now. And arrange me a helicopter.” I said, pointing towards Rishabh. I had made up my mind. I couldn’t just take away the life of millions for a few of us.

“Why?” Rishabh asks.

“I’m going to Saturn, that’s why,” I say and get up.

“What?” he said. It was clear from my face that I wasn’t joking.

“Saturn’s moon has the potential to sustain life. I am going to check it out. If it’s true, we are all going to Saturn.”

Rishabh doesn't say anything for a minute.

“Fuel the choppers and torch the areas outside of the wall. Take the machine guns and grenade launchers to the front. And get him inside a helicopter.” He finally says.

“I love you, my friend,” I say, overwhelmed by emotions.

“We are counting on you. You better make it worth it,” he says and runs along to pass orders. It’s time to venture into the unknown.

"Huh? What?!" Raghav said, awakening from his sleep, next to Pinky.