A Battle Unseen

[Elena1012]

Operation: Redemption 
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Alkenne, Rildanor
June 3rd, 5677
01:18AM
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The military truck went down the highway, following the convey. Alphonse Celice sat at the back of the truck, surrounded by other soldiers. Celice had his hands occupied, trying to write into a small personal notebook, despite the shaky ride. Besides the sound of the convey, the truck was silent, save for the occasional cough and small talk. Celice and everyone knew the orders they had received from President Solé. Surround the National Assembly, arrest anyone who enters or exits, and lockdown the city. It was a coup. They all knew that. Solé wanted reformists in the Movement for National Reconcilation to be targeted specifically, and placed high priority on Lucas Lajoie, Fabrice Pascal, David Astier, Néo Auch. Key reformists within the government, and treasonous traitors. Celice kept writing in his notebook, his writing shaky because of the transport. He was writing his thoughts. He felt conflicted about this. He never really bothered much with ideology. He just wanted a job that put food on the table. The military was the best avenue. He wouldn't write it down, but he kept it in his head that he was glad the war was over. So what if Meriath broke off a decade ago. They're much happier and better than Rildanor is. It's good that there's peace now. Even if there was no fighting for a decade, proper peace is good. On the other hand, if he didn't do his job, he would be without anything. And how would he provide support for his daughter? He stopped writing, closed the notebook and put it into a chest pocket. He sighed, and shivered a bit. It was late and cold. He looked to his right, outside of the transport. More conveys following behind.

Another soldier spoke up but Celice didn't pay much attention. He knew the orders, everyone did. No point repeating them. The truck made a turn and slowly stopped. Once it came to a stop, Celice jumped out, stretched a bit and got his rifle. They arrived at the National Assembly. As other soldiers left their trucks, he was ordered to join other soldiers in setting up a perimeter around the National Assembly. He sat posted at the road, helping other soldiers set up razor wire on the street and redirected traffic and curious bystanders. Pop. Pop. Pop. He heard what sounded like gunshots from inside the National Assembly, before the radio on his chest quickly fizzled to life, a squad reported to have cleaned up troublesome Assembly Members. It was a good thing Celice was wearing a mask. He frowned underneath it.

He was cold, and he didn't like this much. But he didn't have any other alternatives. The President ordered it. And the reformists were said to have done treason. A military coup was the only solution. All of Alkenne was going under martial law until Solé gave the order to go home. He didn't like that this had to happen so early in the morning but it could've been worse. More innocents could've been hurt. More than already. He was snapped out of his thoughts as he heard the breaking of a window behind him. Two other soldiers turned around and raised their rifles. He raised his cautiously and turned on the flashlight attached to it, seeing two Assembly Members trying to flee. He didn't immediately shoot, and instead ordered for the two to comply. He kept his finger off the trigger and repeated himself, ordering the Assembly Members to put their hands up slowly and step forward. 

One of the Assembly Members identified themselves as Émeric Peltier and while his voice was shaky, he seemed genuine in simply wanting to go home. Celice lowered his rifle a bit. This didn't seem right. The other soldier spoke up in his place, demanding the Assembly Members step forward or they will be shot. Celice paused for a moment. Shot? No no, this wasn't.. sure maybe the first few gunshots from that squad earlier were an accident, or it was the key targets Solé wanted dead. But these two? These two weren't important Assembly Members. This would be murder, even with military authority. He shook his head and spoke up, saying that the orders were to arrest and detain, not kill! The other soldier disregarded him, saying accidents happen and made the threat again. He started counting. Celice didn't like this. He had to do something. Before he could do anything, two shots rang out and the Assembly Members fell to the floor. Celice's heart fell.

The other soldier confirmed the kill on the radio, checked the bodies and then returned to his post. Celice stayed still. He could've done something. Anything. But he didn't. If he did anything, he would've lost his job or life. But... He has to do something. He moved his hand to the small radio on his chest, changed the channels and moved into an alleyway, feigning a quick patrol. He swapped the channel to the main military channel and spoke the truth.

"This is Sergeant Alphonse Celice in Alkenne, I.. I can confirm, President Solé has ordered Operation Redemption illegally and is conducting an illegal occupation of the capital and coup. Several Assembly Members have been shot and murdered already, and positions have been established across the city. This is a message to anyone, do something."

He hoped someone would listen to his message, and he left the alleyway. If someone in the military found out about this, then surely getting the rest of the military mobilized against Solé would be enough to make amends. It has to.