When Olive Leaves Beckon

A battle ensued with the rat-tat-tat of automatic weapons. It was clear one side had the advantage over the other. It wasn’t merely an issue of weaponry, although this was a factor. The Kalashnikov provided the firepower for the Mandakans. The AK-47 was developing a reputation in Third World countries as a replicable weapon, relatively easy to construct. There was a negative associated with the weapon; it had a tendency to jam at inopportune times. The Uzi, used by the mercenaries, was more dependable all around. However, the most important contrasts were in training and commitment. This was an African version of ‘The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight’. The Europeans were outnumbered better than two-to-one, not unusual for them. Both sides were shooting with no clear view of their targets. The lunar lighting had dimmed, making silhouettes difficult to detect. The Europeans gained the upper hand with their maneuvering. Those behind the fountain focused their firing on the doorway to the guard quarters to restrict egress. Crossfire by the three mercenaries at the edge of the palace kept the soldiers who had emerged at bay. The dynamics of the battle changed when the four guards, who had scampered around the back of the building, began firing from the right side. The mercenaries became the target of crossfire. This drew the attention of three mercenaries: one behind the fountain, another near the front stairway of the palace and the third standing out on a balcony. The latter had entered the palace but François no longer needed him. The four mercenaries at the fountain discussed their situation. One voiced his concern. “We can’t get in a piss-fight. Need to end this quickly.” The others shared their thoughts. “Darkness is our ally. Let’s use it to our advantage.” “We’re eight. Three are focused on the new position on the right. Two others at the front of the palace are keeping the left side covered. Three of us are here at the fountain.” “As you said, let’s use the darkness and sneak up on their positions by the guard house.” “That sounds good. I’ll stay here and keep firing, giving cover while you two crawl forward to get closer. Hug the ground and keep your arses down if you don’t want an extra asshole.” Undetected by the mercenaries in the darkness, two guards had the same idea. They advanced toward the fountain, crouched off to either side to stay out of the line of fire. They kept their eyes on the fountain as they anticipated catching the mercenaries by surprise. Unfortunately, these soldiers paid no attention to the ground beneath their feet. They stumbled on the two mercenaries who were crawling toward them. The mercenaries grabbed the soldiers by the lower legs as they attempted to pass. The soldiers hit the ground with a thud and were dazed by the fall. The mercenaries were quickly on their prey, slashing them with their knives. The diversion on the right side of the palace continued with exchange of fire. The guards spread out and lay prone on the ground, using logs as shields. While they had protection, so did the mercenaries. This skirmish ended when a mercenary appeared behind the guards. The mercenary, who had been on the balcony, found a side exit from the palace. He advanced on the guards undetected. With his Uzi within ten feet of their backs, the decision was a no-brainer; the guards conceded. Wiping bravado aside, the remaining soldiers became mindful of their situation; their numbers were diminishing and they were pinned down. Several guards had elected to sit it out in the guard quarters. The soldiers had no idea how many mercenaries there were. It was evident to them capitulation was the only option, other than annihilation. « Nous nous rendons! » They repeated their surrender. They saw five of their brothers fall in addition to six by the fountain, and three others suffered severe wounds. One of the mercenaries called out, “Drop your weapons and come forward to the fountain. Those of you in the building come out now if you don’t want to be killed.” A guard replied, “Don’t shoot. We’re coming out.” « Ne faites pas de bêtises! », a mercenary forewarned the soldiers not to do anything stupid. “We have you covered. Be sure you’re unarmed.” Julio came over to assist, leaving Mario with the Koreans. “I’ve got them covered. Get them manacled.” Speaking to the soldiers, “Give us no trouble. Put your hands behind your backs and you’ll be spared.” Mario told Julio to be sure the guardhouse was secure for confinement. Julio took two mercenaries with him to conduct the inspection. When they were fired upon from inside, they quickly backed away. One of the mercenaries pointed to himself, indicating he would leap back through the doorway while firing his Uzi and dive onto the floor. Julio whispered in his comrade’s ear. “There’s more than one shooter and they’re behind chairs to the left. Direct your fire there. We’ll follow in, spraying the room. ” The mercenary did as he said and drew return fire, but his lunge was good enough to land behind a divan. While the soldiers were firing at the intruder, the other two mercenaries poked their weapons across the threshold and let loose. The hail of bullets brought quiet to the room. Julio moved toward their targets; their guns were silent. “We’ve got two more dead soldiers. A pity they didn’t trust us.” “Yeah, too bad for them,” one of the others responded. “They probably thought we’re butchers, gunning down anyone we can.” The third mercenary commented, “We’re so misunderstood!” Julio reminded the two men of the inspection. “Be thorough. Check it out and let’s be sure all weapons are removed.” “Where will we assemble them?” “Let’s pile ‘em outside, away from the door.” With the guards in bondage and incarcerated, Julio returned to Mario and escorted the Koreans to another room in the guardhouse, keeping them separate from the Mandakans. The quarters were a suite of rooms lavishly appointed to curry favor with this ‘elite’ force. The premise being loyalty could be bought through special treatment and privileges. Mario gathered Julio and the eight other mercenaries. “Some of you were struck in the fusillade. I see flesh wounds but nothing major. Look after each other to cover your wounds for now. Be careful, there could be other surprises. You two stay here and watch the prisoners. Don’t allow contact between the Koreans and the guards. The rest of you scour and clear the grounds. Julio, come with me.”