Page 1 of Duty and Desire
1
ROS
The rumble of engines filled the air as the convoy rolled through the gates of Fort Independence. The base sprawled across a mountainous valley, thick pines enclosing it at one end. The sky was so close, a cold crystal blue. General Rosalind Carson sat in the lead vehicle; her expression set in a familiar, stern mask that had long since become second nature over her illustrious career. Her sharp gray eyes scanned the base as they rumbled past rows of barracks, training grounds, and milling soldiers. A new command, a new challenge?
The convoy rolled to a halt outside the front of the command center, a sturdy, utilitarian building nestled in the heart of the base. Cold mountain air greeted Ros as she stepped from the vehicle, brisk and unforgiving, much like the reputation she had built for herself over the years. Tugging at her lapels, she straightened her uniform to get rid of any creases formed over the long journey. It would not do to appear scruffy when making first impressions.
She took a moment to survey her surroundings; the base was larger than she’d expected. She knew it was a critical outpost inthe region and its location was of strategic importance, but all that information would do nothing to actually prepare her for the work needed.
Awaiting her was a small group of senior officers standing at attention; their postures were rigid and expressions carefully blanked, but Ros could see a hint of caution. She knew what they were concerned about; stories of her rigidity had undoubtedly preceded her. It was no matter. She had never been one to concern herself with what others thought. Her job was to command, lead, and ensure the success of any missions that came their way. If her officers obeyed orders, they had nothing to worry about.
As she approached the officers, one stepped forward and saluted. The eagle pinned to his collar marked him as Colonel Hale, the highest ranking officer under her new command. He was a tall man in his late forties with a square jaw and serious demeanor. His eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness as he met Ros’s gaze.
“General Carson, welcome to Fort Independence,” he said, his voice steady. “I trust your journey was uneventful. We’re honored to have you here.”
“Thank you, Colonel.” She saluted with precision. “I trust everything is in order?”
“Yes, ma’am. We’ve prepared a briefing on the base’s current operations, as requested.”
Ros nodded. That was a good start. There was little time to waste on pleasantries, and she would much rather dive straight into the work.
“Well, then, let’s get to it. Lead the way.”
Without further ado, the officers led her inside the command center. The interior was as utilitarian as the exterior: steel-gray walls lined with maps, screens displaying real-time data, and a large table in the center of the room for briefings. Desks linedthe walls, each with three to four monitors. As Ros entered the room, the techs popped up their heads and scrambled to stand and salute. “At ease, soldiers. Don’t let me distract you from your work.” Ros took her seat at the head of the table, the other officers quickly falling into place around her.
Colonel Hale began the briefing, outlining the base’s primary objectives: monitoring insurgent activity in the surrounding region, coordinating supply routes, and maintaining the security of the nearby civilian population. Ros listened intently, her mind already running through strategies, potential weaknesses, and areas for improvement. She interrupted only to ask pointed questions, her tone sharp and direct, cutting through any unnecessary detail.
“The most pressing issue we’re facing, General, is the increasing activity of insurgents in the mountains to the north,” Hale explained, pointing to a cluster of red markers on the map. “They’ve been using the terrain to their advantage, making it difficult for us to track and engage them effectively.”
Ros leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she examined the map. “And what’s our current counterinsurgency plan?”
“We’ve been conducting regular patrols and aerial surveillance, but the results have been mixed,” Hale admitted, glancing at his colleagues for support. “Our resources are stretched thin, and the insurgents seem to be getting bolder.”
Ros considered this information, her mind racing. This was exactly the kind of challenge she had expected: complex with high stakes requiring a firm hand. “We’ll need to increase our intelligence operations. If they’re recruiting locals, we need to know who, where, and how. We need to know how prepared they are. Their equipment, numbers, and artillery. I want our best people on this. And double the aerial surveillance. I’ll personally review the patrol routes and adjust them as necessary.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Hale replied, taking notes.
The briefing continued much the same, each officer presenting the current numbers, state of their troops, and any issues they faced in personnel, training, or supply. It was mostly what she’d expected: recruitment was over, supplies were low, and morale was jittery with insurgents so close to the base.
A clear voice cut through her thoughts.
“Captain Bennett, company of four platoons.”
Ros focused on the speaker, a young woman with auburn hair tied neatly back in a bun and warm hazel eyes. She knew from reading the files that Captain Scarlett Bennett was a recent transfer and was highly regarded at her last posting as a rising star shooting up through the ranks.
She waved for the captain to continue.
“Troops appear to be adjusting to the new command well. My engineers have reported some potential issues, and having reviewed them, my primary concern is the integrity of the base’s communications infrastructure.
“The harsh conditions up here take a toll on our equipment, and with the recent increase in insurgent activity, we can’t afford any weak links. We’ve already begun upgrading the main communication lines, but it’s a work in progress. We need funding and equipment to continue.”
Ros listened carefully, noting the earnestness of Scarlett’s report. There was something about the captain that commanded attention—not just her intelligence and competence, but the way she held the room and the way she spoke with such certainty. Ros found herself intrigued, an unexpected spark of admiration flickering in her chest. She quickly pushed the thought aside and refocused.
“Captain Bennett, having reviewed base reports prior to my arrival, your assessment is accurate,” Ros said, her tone neutral but approving. “Prioritize those upgrades and coordinate withColonel Hale to ensure that all essential systems are fully operational. I want a status report by the end of the week.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Scarlett replied, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Ros watched as she quashed the smile, a blank expression coming over her face.
She must have been nervous requesting that after only recently arriving herself. Well, at least I know one officer is interested in the good of their soldiers more than the game of politics.