About Charlie

About Charlie

President Kissinger – It is with great sadness that I, the president of the United States of America have to tell you all gathered here and those of you at home, that a state of war exists between us against Russia and their ally Iran.

Vice President – Mr president I think you delivered the message very well; most Americans are on your side.

The vice president is seated with Kissinger in the Limousine, he is an aggressive character with all except the president. Kissinger looks out the limousine, he is reflective, there is no sign of doubt or worry in his mannerism.

President Kissinger – I think so too Nixon, they are on the side of American freedom, American democracy, I must have their complete trust, that’s where you have the key role. The American people must not under any circumstance be made aware of our involvement in the assassination of the Russian foreign affairs diplomat, or our military armament of the rebel Afghans.

Nixon – Don’t you worry, you have my word on that.

Kissinger makes a call from his presidential Limousine to the British prime minister; the prime minister has a private number reserved only for the president in times of national emergency.

Prime Minister – Mr Kissinger congratulation on your central park speech, you can be assured that you have our full support.

Kissinger – Thank you, congratulation on your newborn, I heard through my wife yesterday.

Prime Minister – Thank you, it’s a boy, I might name him after you.

The prime minister suggests in a half-hearted sort of away.

Kissinger – I’m flattered, I think it is time for a state visit, to discuss our joint plan regarding Iran.

Prime Minister – Sure, I’ll let the cabinet know and arrange for a state visit.

The conversation carries on for a while then comes to an end with the usual courtesy that is exchanged between the two heads of state.

A young man aged twenty-six visits his wife, he is dressed in his military uniform.

Charlie – You heard the news Rose, we’re in a state of war with Russia, I will be leaving this afternoon to Ukraine’s boarder. So, I’ve been given the day by my captain to spend time with family and friends.

Rose – Do you have to go, can’t you call in sick, say you have a bad stomach

Charlie – It’s going to have to be more than a bad stomach, way more serious.

Rose – Ok, well tell them that you’ve recently married, and your wife won’t let you go.

Charlie – Yeah, that’s a good idea that’ll work just fine, will you miss me

Rose – Are you crazy, I’ll miss you a lot, you will have to write to me every week. I want it in writing, not an email or text message.

Charlie – I promise I will write; I don’t think the war will last long, I don’t think it will be too serious either, I’ll be back sooner than you think.

Rose – I hope so, I’ve made lunch, I’m hungry.

The two spend the evening dining, walking their dog in the park, trying to make the best of each moment they have. “I’m worried you might get hurt” she say’s while holding back the tears, “the military is a health hazard, but that’s what I chose” Charlie doesn’t show any sign of worry or nervousness, on the contrary he appears optimistic. The evening is like any other autumn evening, life goes on as normal, people are generally uninvolved in the war, it’s somewhere very far away. People are either rushing to work, or bringing their children back from school, just an ordinary day. “Ok this is it, I have to go now” Charlie is at the front door of their semi furnished house, dressed in military uniform with a large bag on his shoulder, they kiss and say their goodbye’s.

Rose – Be careful Charlie, don’t do anything crazy, be safe.

Charlie – I’ll keep that in mind, I’ll be thinking of you all the time Rose, I’ll be back before Christmas.

Rose closes the front door and makes her way into the living room, she pours herself a glass of red wine, and calls her dog to the couch where she is seated for comfort. Charlie arrives at his army barrack; he is amongst a row of military men and women ready to board the military plane to transport them to Ukraine. The captain makes the order and off they went, “You want a cigarette Charlie” the soldier seated next to him asks, “Yeah why not, thank you” Charlie had quit smoking a few years back when he joined the army, like most do, but like all those ready to engage in battle the old habit finds its way back. “You married Charlie” Charlie smiles to Sam and replies, yeah, I’m first year into our happy ever after”, Sam shows Charlie a picture of his five-year-old daughter “That’s my princess” he says glowing with pride, “And that’s my wife of ten years now”, Charlie looks attentively at the photo, “she is beautiful, you’re a lucky man Sam.” The two seem to get along very well, like they’ve known each other from way back.

Captain – Ok listen up everyone, we are about to arrive at the enemy line, make sure you are ready to run as soon as we hit the ground, I want you all to be in groups of three, your weapons are located at the exit. Remember this is no longer training grounds, you’ll be dealing with enemy fire withing twelve minutes, good luck everyone.

Sam appears a little nervous, his fear stems from the fact that he has a family, but he is an experienced soldier, battle scarred, and respected member of the U.S armed forces. Charlie on the other hand has limited experience, he is mostly experienced in the security task force not ground to ground and ground to air warfare.

Sam – Yipy yay yae, are you ready Charlie, the Russians are just a mile away, with their long-range missile, we could be in a lot of trouble. Remember silence is bad news, if you don’t hear the bombs, the bullets anymore, you’re dead.

Charlie – Thank you for your wisdom, but I’ll do just fine.

Sam is older than Charlie by a few years, he sees Charlie as a younger brother in many ways, “Ok kid you’re with me and Mustafa here, hey Mustafa wake up man” Sam jokes with Mustafa, “Shut up man, I’ve been an insomniac all my life, that’s until you’re talking to someone,” Mustafa has a very deep voice, keeps himself to himself and follows order well, someone you could trust when the heat is on. Soon the three are facing Russian artillery, tanks are within eyesight, helicopters can be heard overhead. A few U.S soldiers are already injured and being taken to an emergency care unit, the battle intensifies, the order from the captain is very simple, advance, aim and fire anything they see ahead of them, to stop the advancing Russian troops.

Mustafa – Sam, give me cover on three, I’ll make my way to the building on the right, you open fire and I’ll cross the road, once I’m there, ask Charlie to give you cover to.

Sam – Yes sir, ready when you are.

There is heavy gun battle, Russin tanks are blowing up anything in their way, people are fleeing their homes, or are trapped in burning buildings. U.S armed forces are faced with heavy fire power, but the resistance is strong although Russians are gaining ground fast. “Now, give me cover” Mustafa runs like a trained athlete dodging bullets by inches, he reaches the opposite building and motions for Sam to follow him through. “Come on Sam, he shouts at the top of his voice, which is drowned out by the sound Russian helicopters and collapsing building. The whole scene is chaotic, nothing is planned, and no one really is a very fully prepared for the enormity of battle, Russian soldiers are killed, injured or captured, U.S soldiers are also killed, and injured at an alarming rate. “Follow me” Charlie instructs Sam, but Sam appears unresponsive he is lying motionless on the ground, Mustafa ignores an order from the captain to advance and returns to aid Sam, “He’s not responding, he’s not breathing” he tells the captain, indeed Sam died from his injuries. The captain is not happy with the situation and orders him to advance, but once again Mustafa fails to follow orders, and carries Sam to a nearby building.

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