Unchangeable Destiny

         “I didn’t imagine we would have to use violence,” she said – while watching Peter removing the guns from out of the bag.

         “I hope not,” he replied – expressing concern. “But if it’s necessary, I can’t see any other solution. The fate of many people in this country is in our hands,” he said – handing her one of the guns with ammunition, at the same time showing her where the security lock was positioned.

        “Don’t forget it,” he said – reminding her. “Down it’s unlocked, after that, it’s just point at the target and pull the trigger. The rest the gun does by itself,” he said – while smiling at his scared partner.

        “It’s just a precaution,” he said – trying to calm her down.

        “The object in your hands can save your life, so do not hesitate to use it, since you will be pointing at the right people,” he said – smiling, while distributing the other guns to the rest of the group.

        “Wouldn’t it be better to call the police? It’s more of an appropriate matter for them to solve,” said Dora – while scrutinizing the cold pistol resting in one of her hands.

        “Under normal conditions, I couldn’t agree with you more,” replied Peter – already closing the bag, while holding one of the machine guns.

        “But if we did as you ask, we would be placing ourselves at risk of being further interrogated by the proper investigative authorities for additional explanation, and our captivity would then only serve to aid those crazy guys by giving them  time to completely disappear.

        “So, what do you think?” he asked. The silence of the group was a sign that everybody agreed, a silence that continued in the helicopter for a time, while flying to their target. Yet, it was a brief introspective moment, thinking about the past, a common behavior among combatants in the final moments that normally precede each mission.

It was exactly what Dora was experiencing. Her real wish was to be far away at any beach with Mike, enjoying the sun in Florida, or partaking in any of their fun badminton matches with her friends, or even languishing in the calmness of her own home.

In spite of always being a determined and self-made person, there she was feeling uneasy. She was sensing an enormous desire to avoid the situation, something that could put a tragic end to the happiness she was having.

For her, they should have transferred the entire ordeal to the local authorities for resolution. After all that’s what they were paid to do. Ruth was surprising her with her calm behavior, although it was a precarious situation.

What Dora didn’t know, is that her partner in silence was praying all the time, asking for an end as soon as possible, while feeling guilty over the situation she had indirectly created.

        “Well,” said Mike – breaking the silence.

        “We are approaching the target. I guess we had better think about a plan of attack. The risk that those nuts detonate the explosives is enormous,” he said worried.

        “Wow!” exclaimed Peter – observing the image on the screen of a car following the suspicious van for quite a long time. “I guess they have company,” he said surprised.

Peter tried in desperation to prepare his mind for a plan of attack, and to take care to not placing their two friends’ lives in jeopardy.

***

Mike executed a long curve, landing behind a small hill, hiding then the helicopter. “We don’t have much time,” said Peter – already walking in advance with his machine gun in hand.

Mike followed him very close. Dora and Ruth were out of sight on the top of the hill to help them if they had to quickly run away.

Slowly both partners approached crawling, concealed in the thick grass that was predominant in the area.

Down on their knees atop prayer-mats, five people were giving reverence to Allah, turned to where supposedly Mecca was. For their good fortune, they were to their back. It was the opportunity they needed.

Dora could see as Mike approached the Muslim who had bent down to his knees away from the others