Huddled in the protective wrap of palm fronds, rain pouring down on them in a restless stream, two soldiers held binoculars glued to their eyes, straining to make out anything unusual on the surface of the water. After a pause, one of them lowered his binoculars and raised a mouthpiece to his face. Pressing a button he gave his report.
‘This is beach unit four calling in. Nothing out here, coast is clear. Neither sign of either men or any boat.’
‘Very well beach unit four you’ve done well. There has been a change of plans, you are to return to base and get some rest. Tomorrow we’re going to have to launch a raid party in our waters and we need you fit.’
‘Copy that General.’ He looked over at his partner and nodded silently. Together they got up and began the trek through the jungle back to their camp.
‘I’ve no idea what’s going on. It makes no sense,’ said one of the men.
‘I think it’s the Faction again. They’ve been getting bolder. It’s almost like they sense we’re nearing the completion of Rebirth.’ The taller of the soldiers replied.
‘Yeah? I heard it was a spy from ATIS who’s coming to do re-con. The General’s been having our best tailing him for a while. He’s good though, always gotten away so far. Inside Intelligences says he was going to land today on the island. Looks like the weather held him off though, thank goodness. From what I hear he isn’t the usual “cop type” spy. This one’s ruthless, no mercy. Don’t want to run into him for sure.’ The other soldier grunted in response.
‘Call you on that one. I just hope the insider knows what he’s doing. This betrayal could push the ATIS man over the edge and warrant our death sentence.’
‘Yeah, guess you’re right, we’ll have to see.’ They continued in silence as the jungle swallowed them up.