Page 4 of Salute, To Bravery
Harper
I ’ve informed Major Anderson of Haddad’s claims. The major is skeptical, but he’s agreed to contact HQ and ask them to make the necessary inquiries. While we wait for their response, he’s suggested I build more of a rapport with Rehan and gain his trust.
We’ve also agreed that no one else on the base is to be informed of these developments. My CO isn’t convinced that Haddad is on a secret peace mission, but he doesn’t want to compromise the negotiations if our prisoner is telling the truth.
Deep in thought, I make my way to the interrogation tent, mulling over the conversations I’ve had with Rehan Haddad. I’ve started to change the way I view not only him but the entire conflict.
It’s a shift that’s left me feeling unsettled, yet strangely hopeful. Everything I’ve done since my brother died has been about vengeance and continuing his fight, but now I’m being forced to reexamine my motivation.
As I near the holding area, a harsh shout snaps me out of my reverie. I turn the corner in time to see a group of soldiers dragging Rehan out of his cell. His hands are bound, and his face is stoic, but there’s a tightness around his eyes that speaks of pain.
“What’s going on here?” I demand, stepping forward with an air of authority that makes the soldiers pause.
“Captain Riley,” one of the guards, a young private named Collins, addresses me. “One of the other prisoners told us that this one is planning an escape. He was trying to get the others to help him. We’re taking him to the yard for discipline.”
Discipline . The word is a euphemism for a beating… or worse. It’s the kind of punishment that could easily turn deadly, and something in me rebels at the thought.
“No,” I tell them firmly, my decision having been made in an instant. “He’s under my charge. Any disciplinary actions need to go through me first.”
“But, ma’am, orders from above—” another soldier begins.
“I’ll handle this. Take him back to his cell,” I command, my tone leaving no room for argument.
The soldiers hesitate, exchanging uncertain looks. Finally, Collins nods and motions for the others to follow my orders. They release Rehan, who straightens his tattered shirt and meets my gaze with a slight nod of his head.
My heart is racing, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I know I’ve just crossed a line, risking my position and possibly my career for a prisoner who could be lying to me, and indeed, who could be planning to escape.
I watch as they return Haddad to his cell before making my way to the command tent. It’s been 24 hours since I spoke to my CO about Rehan, and I can’t wait any longer for the response from HQ.
Inside the tent, Major Anderson is poring over maps and reports. He looks up as I enter, his expression inquisitive.
“Captain, is there something on your mind?” he asks, his tone suggesting he suspects something’s amiss.
I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “Sir, I believe that Rehan Haddad has vital work he needs to complete. I need to know if you have had a response from Headquarters.”
Anderson regards me for a long moment, his expression unreadable, before he nods.
“I have spoken with HQ. They are aware of a negotiator who’s working on behalf of the opposition party and trying to broker peace in the region.
Until Haddad’s identity can be confirmed, though, he must remain our prisoner.
We have more senior interrogators on our side, but since Haddad is insisting on speaking only to you…
I will allow you to work with him as long as you report back to me immediately after each meeting.
However, it will be unofficial until we have something concrete. ”
“Yes, sir,” I reply, relieved that my senior officers are taking Rehan’s claims seriously.
As I leave the tent, the weight of my actions and what I’m about to do settles on my shoulders.
I’ve stepped into morally gray territory, driven by a conviction that there’s something worth saving in Rehan Haddad.
I am putting all my trust in a man who is not only a stranger but my enemy.
If he can bring something to the table to help broker peace, though, then I will do everything in my power to make that happen.
My feelings about Rehan are becoming confused.
I can’t deny that anymore. There is something that draws me to him.
The major has instructed me to gain Rehan’s trust, but that’s impossible within the constraints of an official interrogation.
Maybe it will help if I speak to him in a more informal way.
An idea hits me, and I head to the kitchen to pick up some fresh bread. I hope a well-intentioned gift will encourage him to trust me more. Maybe I’ll get the opportunity to understand the man who is invading my thoughts almost constantly now.