Captain Samson of the West team ordered a table set up in the middle of our base

Captain Samson of the West team ordered a table set up in the middle of our base. Given the number of people already crammed in the room, added to the size of the table added to the claustrophobia effect.

The table was constructed and Samson unraveled a map of our surrounding area on top of it. It consisted of battle trails, enemy bunkers and bases, flag locations, outposts and spy stations.

"We're here." Samson said. "And the ground we need to obtain, carefully mind you, is around here. We need to quickly set up a few bunkers along this area en route to East's flag."

His expertise in the area of battle inspired everyone in the room as we watched him gesture to various points on the map as if he showing you where everything was in his house. We were proud to have Samson as our captain.

"We're going to need some volunteers to set up an outpost near the edge of the forest. This should provide you decent cover as well as plenty of snow when needed. Do we have anybody who would like to do this?" Samson finished.

I saw that nobody was making an offer, so my hand shot up and I was proud to be the only one in the room who had the guts to do so.

"Ahh, Private Curt from the Bravo squad. Glad you could be of service! I'll enlist an assistant for you... how about Derwin?"

My eyes glanced over to the small, blue duck sitting in the corner with his nose pressed deep into a book. Streams of cold air wafted out of his nostrils as he turned the page.

"Derwin..." Samson repeated.

His pupils shifted from looking down, to shooting out the corner of his glasses frames.

"Sir?"

"You're going to help Curt on an assignment."

"Right, right... hang on."

The group laughed at Derwin's innocence.

The expression on his face showed he was rushing to finish the page and/or chapter he was on, and this was confirmed when the last few words were read aloud.

"Alright!" he said, smacking his book shut. "All good!"

"The book or you?"

"Uhm... yes?"

"Ugh..." Samson sighed. "You two best be on your way before the brunt of the dirty work is upon us."

I nodded, walked over to Derwin, grabbed him by the arm and exited the base. The cool December air brushed against my face and cries emanating from the battle field found their way into my ears.

I was home; in the middle of a war.