#5: The Silence of War

"When you're on the battlefield, everything is silent, deafened by the guns of war. Nothing makes sense until you confess your sins to God." -Anonymous

First Testimony

The fifth battalion stood up, alone, still as can be. A moment later, the fifth battalion joined the other four on the ground, huddling together. Then the first could be seen again, slowly peering out. Suddenly, all five were up, alert, waiting to strike. The first swiftly went back into hiding. Then, like well trained soldiers should, all battalions followed the first into hiding, except the second. To the enemy's surprise, all of a sudden the first battalion was facing the other four, waiting.

The commotion continued as the fourth and and fifth battalions ducked, the second stood up, and the third pushed forwards in the direction they were facing. As the enemy took their chance and opened fire, all battalions were once more ducking, huddling, hiding from the shots. After the initial shock, battalions one, two, and three stood up in response, and returned fire. The first suffered great losses, and went back into hiding, just as the fourth and fifth stood up to join the revolt. Soon, it seemed to the enemy as though the second battalion was the only one left standing. Shortly, however, the enemy realized their mistake when battalions 3,4, and 5 were once again standing in front of them, retaliating...

Second Testimony

All battalions were huddled, crouching, as the fifth battalion led them around the hill, first south, then west, the north once more. With the first battalion having suffered a grave loss, the second and third were covering them, while the fifth went back into hiding to regroup. Then, all but the second were down on the ground. Realizing it was temporarily safe, battalions 3, 4, and 5, joined number 2. As soon as the fire started, however, the fourth and fifth were back down on the ground, as planned. Then the fifth decided to stand its ground, while the fourth went to consult with the first.

After devising a new plan of action, the battalions formed their new battle line, with the first, fourth and fifth staying in hiding, and the second standing in front of the third. Following the new formation, the first battalion once again faced the other four. The enemy, seeing an opportunity, took fire upon the first battalion, causing all battalions to fall to hiding again, with the second, third and fourth covering the first. After assessing their losses the battalions separated again while still in hiding, and the second battalion rose to stand against their enemy. As the enemy approached, confused, the third, fourth, and fifth battalions stood up for an ambush. After long hours of glorious combat, and the defeat of the enemy, the three ambushing battalions hid to assess their damages while the second stood watch. When all battalions were ready to go, they all stood to fight another day, except the first and fourth who chose to consult regarding their next move.