Was sent to run a message from an outpost to a base. Okay. Simple enough message, reads more like a shopping list than military missive. But a civilian (me) is courier, this is coded.
Whatever. Not my business.
The outpost can send me only halfway to base. Once I step out of the transport tube, I’m on my own. I’m unarmed and in unknown territory. Again.
Exit transport tube and start jogging. I hear noises following but see nothing. Up ahead I see the base gate come into view. But something about it looks wrong. Before the guards spot me, I duck into the forest and hide.
The sounds that had been following me cease. Silence. A shout. Metal on metal. Conflict. More shouting.
Silence.
“It’s safe now, Weaver! Come on out!”
An armored and armed soldier comes straight to my hiding place. He places his weapon behind him and extends a hand. “Quick eye to see the imposters. Quick action to duck and hide. We were following and tracking you, thinking the enemy would try to waylay you enroute.”
I ignored the hand and crawled out of the bush. “And how do I know you’re not imposters yourselves? I was told I would have no escort, that I was alone.” But as much as I expressed doubt, I knew deep within they were legitimate.
“Good question. We arrived at the outpost after you left. We got to the transport tube exit before you. We knew you were expecting solitude so we hung back out of sight and shadowed you. The best way to settle this is to enter the base.”
By now, base troops have arrived. They confirm my shadow troop is legitimate. They offer to escort me to the base commander but I refuse.
“These guys have come with me this far. Let them finish their charge.” The base troops understand and we are allowed entry.
I arrive at the commander’s tower and start to pull on the door…
***
The sound of an email notification wakes me. Dammit. Maybe I’ll find out later. I still remember the message.