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We’ve been on duty for eight hours now, guarding the war-torn country’s airport against attack from suicide bombers wanting to stop aid coming in for the needy. It’s a tense situation, but one I’m used to, having been deployed several times before in Afghanistan. The group of young lads take one look at us dressed in full army gear and scamper away quickly.
“Big, bad soldier.” I shake my head at Ben.
“What can I say, Captain? I’m just a bully.”
It’s the furthest thing from the truth. Ben’s one of the sweetest guys I’ve had the pleasure to serve with. Just like me, he’s married and has one son. It’s hard being away from our partners on tour, but it’s a life we chose.
From the moment we first met, Julia, my wife, always knew I wouldn’t walk away from the army, and she accepts it. I know she worries, especially now we have our son, Noah. I don’t want to leave him without a father, but this is my calling. I want to protect people and serve my country.
The men in my family have enlisted ever since my great-grandfather signed up during the Great War. I’ve now have the medals he won, and when I’m on parade, I proudly wear them next to my own. My father is still working for the Ministry of Defence but isn’t on active duty anymore after he injured his leg.
I love my job, but I do think about the future. I’ll be able to retire by the time Noah’s eighteen. Julia and I plan to find a quiet little cottage in the country somewhere. We’ll grow vegetables together and take long walks in the surrounding fields. It’s my long-held dream, which one day I look forward to achieving.
“I’ll be glad to get back to camp tonight. It’s been a hot day, and I’m in desperate need of a shower. Any sign of our relief?” I question.
“They’re late.”
“I’ll be having words when they get here.” I wink at Ben.
As a newly promoted captain, I’m responsible for around sixty soldiers in our platoon. The soldiers we’re waiting for will know before they even get here, they’re in trouble. I expect higher standards from my men.
The sound of an armoured Land Rover rumbles from around the corner.
“Finally!” Ben cheers.
“Better late than never,” I grumble as the vehicle pulls up and the doors open.
A lieutenant steps out of one of the vehicles and orders the replacement soldiers to take up position. He then turns and acknowledges me.
“I’m sorry we’re late, Sir,” the lieutenant apologises. “We had trouble with one of the vehicles on the way here, and it slowed us down.”
“Is everything all right now?” I question.
“Yes, Sir.”
I spend the next few minutes handing over the current situation at the airport to the lieutenant.
“The CO has asked to speak to you when you get back to camp, Sir,” the lieutenant informs me once the handover’s completed.
“Not a problem. Thanks for letting me know,” I respond, wondering why my commanding officer wants to see me.
I get into one of the vehicles alongside Ben.
“I can’t wait to get back to camp and talk to Emma. I want to find out how Zak got on today. It’s his school assembly.” Ben’s son is playing the piano in front of the whole school. Zak’s only six, and it seems he’s something of a child prodigy.
“Make sure she sends you footage. I want to see his performance. I don’t think I’ll ever get Noah to play an instrument.”
My son only started school this year, but he’s already establishing a love of sports over music and almost everything else. Maybe he’ll have enough skill to be a professional footballer, one day. I don’t mind what he does in the future. It’s up to him if he wants to continue the family tradition and join up—I’d never try to force him.
“He’ll find his niche. You never know, he might be artistic like Julia.”
“I don’t need someone else filling up my house with art boards, paints, and various brushes.” I laugh.
Julia and I met when I was asked to pose for a life drawing class for one of her friends. We hit it off straight away and were married a few short months later. We’ve been together for eight years now. She’s my soul mate, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her.
We pull up to the camp and get out of the vehicle.
“Home at last!” Ben exclaims.
