[Write the Story] War on Foreign Soil
Prompt: War on Foreign Soil
Words: amputated, global, curtain, banana, carbonate, calisthenics, patriot, fixture, Bluetooth
Story
“Is this what you signed up for, Stratton?”
“What?” Doing calisthenics in a banana republic? Or being a patriot serving my country?” Stratton popped up out of his last push up, barely breathing hard.
“We’re protecting walnuts.”
“And until the brass back home tells us that walnuts are no longer important to global security, Porter, that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
The two soldiers double-timed it to their posts on the base perimeter, orders starting to come through Bluetooth devices. They had moments to reach the edge of the foliage curtain to wait for the next incursion.
Stratton thought about what Porter said. Was it worth guarding the last stand of walnut trees? Was this grove of nut-bearing trees really the fixture of civilization everyone made them out to be? Granted they were amazing in food, and the wood was versatile, and the shells could be ground up and used to carbonate stuff or some such nonsense. But was it really worth the bloodshed that came with war.
“Here they come!”
And just like that, the aliens swarmed the perimeter, their insect exoskeletons clattering into the electromagnetic field, zapping many, but others got through guns took care of them. The battle ended in a cloud of gas and smoke. Cries rose up as soldiers, including Stratton, found themselves wounded. The bugs’ laser weapons amputated limbs without pain or notice – only Stratton tried to stand did he realize he no longer had a leg.
Word Count: 244
Written: 2/13/19