Serving in the Honor of The Queen

I landed my hand on his shoulders. His shoulders were broad, The type people have when working outside.

: Thank you

:: You'd do the same

I knew he was wrong.

: Shoot in the head, otherwise…

Encounters with the local population became frequent. The locals were becoming powerful…confident.

I once was surprised by one.

The meetings with locals became less frequent. They had overcome us by tactical methods involving suicide at times. It was noted they showed no remorse, no fear.

:You deceit and cause fear among us. Your father would be ashamed if he was to witness this. I propose me and my men attack tomorrow. We will need any support we have.

:: Your aggressive initiatives are not welcome. We must consider giving in to their demands.

::: Stop the killing! Innocent women and children die everyday because of your terrorist acts.

:: So far the locals are acting aggressive because we attack them and want to seize their land. The land belongs to them. Generations back…

: They are looking to prolong the chance for peace only to inflict more pain and suffering. The land has been handed to us for centuries.

: We all want peace and prosperity, yet not with the terrorist. We won't negotiate! We must act decisively and strike. They're not humans. They use civilians as human shields.

I stormed out the meeting. I did my best to press the matter at the council. Some powerful force is pulling the strings, but who? or what?

My lord, please watch my men in battle!

I approached a seemingly empty complex. A man wearing a cap and smoking nodded. I nodded and went inside.

Avery was observing a map.

: No luck. They are very stubborn about opening their arms.

:: Look here. A latest image detected movement in Area A.

: I thought no living was in Area A, ever since the nuclear reactor….

:: They're coming in a angle we never suspected..

: How are they always one step ahead?

::

: I want you guys geared up by 8 P.M sharp. Wear only the necessary for a short raid.

::: Are they wanted dead or alive?

: If they open fire shoot to kill. If they surrender take them in.

I headed to my office. It was small with a big map of the middle east. There was a small desk clean and organized. Two chairs in front of the desk. He sat behind the desk, laced his fingers behind his head, and inhaled loudly.

He picked a picture of a smiling family. Him and his wife with his brother and his boy. It always brought good memories. They went boating in a lake with many trees and vegetation. The lake was cool and they jumped in. After some swimming they beached the boat and ate sandwiches that she made. They were partying with his brother's promotion.

She was a mystery. Somewhat conservative yet inside she had a spark of spontaneity. She never asked him to have a child. He tried, they … maybe having treatment would have helped. The army subsides some. His brother said the army probably wanted their officers married with children to have them well balanced. A single Soldier tends to find trouble.

: Hi

:: Are you available? Tell me everything…

: Nothing tonight.

We both knew that was a lie. Talking about missions was strictly prohibited over the phone. It put the soldiers at risk of being ambushed. It happened though it seemed they fought an enemy wearing shorts sport shoes.

:: Your brother misses you . I miss you.

: How is your boss doing?

:: Business is… the car dealership is busy, you know..

I pictured her bending over the kitchen counter. She probably just got home and tossed the keys, poured herself cold water and called. She believed in habits.

: Did you stop by the gym?

I knew the answer. It was Wednesday and she always did. A yoga class.

She was holding the phone. Her hands sweating. What he didn't know was her affair with the yoga teacher. The pressure about him. He had a taunt yet lean body. The first time she participated he pressed one hand on her lower back and one under her breast.

: I have a class weekly and it is popular.

:: (me breathing heavily)

The next class I was wreck. I couldn’t stop feeling his hands on me. In my dreams they weren't static. They moved and covered my body… for support.

It wasn't long before he asked me out.

: I can't I'm married

He kissed me.

: It's for your position. I'm always making sure about you. It's very healthy to have intimacy.

We ordered some drinks. His eyes were tearing my clothes off.

: You have good genes. Strong but thin and your skin is soft and firm.

Did I say that out loud?

He was gentle. He showed experience and I didn't care. The night dragged on. After that we laid in the car for a bit.

: Your husband is lucky, he finally said. He dug in his pocket and pulled out his phone.

: I'll see you next lesson, He got out the car and left.

I called you to tell you it's over. The distance, the stress. I'll sit my ass down on the chair. I must tell him. He must know.

: Hey you

:: (Me crying on the phone)

: (Him being quiet)

:: I…

: I know, he said. It's okay.

Life isn't fair. My husband is brave and his job is demanding… I never felt part of it. The plan wasn't supposed to be like this. Many wives are understanding, and the army tries very hard to include the whole family to give not just the soldiers but their kids and wives a sense of being part of something bigger.

Working in the gym reminded me of the soldiers. My husband coming home sweating and dirty. Men wearing tight clothes. Something inside was denied for too long. The time to share my bed with my husband was never perfect. Either there wasn't enough time, and I denied him one important way to normality. I closed him outside. We were strangers to each other.

: You understand, you knew…Why didn't you say anything? I felt worse. I felt my husband didn't care about the very basic of a relationship.

:: Don't do this. We can still be together, he said.

I felt sick. My husband miles away and giving his dignity right after I betrayed him. Serving his ego on a plait for me to eat and share. Share myself with other men…