"Dad, you can't be serious."

"Like a heart attack, Van."

"We can't attack now, its 22:30. It's dark, as far as I know humans can't see very well in the dark. What if, one of us get killed?"

"We are going and that's final, Sergeant. As far as I know, I am still in charge."

"Yes sir." With that I storm out of his office.

I hate him and his stupid orders. But that's me, Ivanna the trustworthy and loyal, army bred daughter of Lieutenant Colonel James Gutierrez.

I walk into base camp where the soldiers chill during down time. I walk up to Rick. Aw Rick Hendricks, the man my dad chose for me. He always tells me how perfect husband he would be. But Rick is my best friend, he is like my brother, we have known each other 5 years already. It would just be wrong.

"He did it again, I swear he is trying to get us killed." I fall down on Rick's bed.

He looks up from his revolver. "What did the LC do this time?"

"He is planning an attack."

He doesn't even look surprised. I guess he is used to dad's impulsive decisions. "When?"

"Right now. He says the enemy would never suspect it. Rick, I still think we should elope."

He gives me his famous 'I think you are crazy' smile.

"Come on Rick, we just don't return from the mission and disappear into the woods."

"Yeah and become Wrong turn's next cannibals. You know your dad will definitely come looking for you. What do you think will happen to me? He will think I kidnapped you."

I sigh at Rick's remark. He is right; dad would come looking for me. Since mom past away it has always been dad and Van against the world.

"Did you clean Pixie? You can't go into war without your favourite 9mm."

I shift from his bed to mine, which is right next to his, and pick up my bag from the floor. I take out Pixie and aim at the wall.

"I always clean her first, you know..."

Our conversation was cut short by the screeching sound of the sirens. Damn I hate that sound.

I get up, place Pixie in my bag and zip it closed. I pick up the bag and place it at that familiar resting place on my back. I turn around to find the rest of the soldiers still very relaxed.

And then instinct kicks in. I clear my throat and start yelling. "Come on soldiers, this is not a drill, it's the real thing. Come on, move it."

"Alright people, you heard the lady. Let's do this"

That's the thing about Rick, he is always so serious. Just like daddy. No wonder he is daddy's favourite.

We all assemble outside where dad stood war ready as always. We get into formation and salute him.

*I look up from my shoes and see people moving around. People dressed in black walking around with bowls of food and flowers. Everybody looks upset. I got up and started looking for someone I recognise. I found dad on the couch dressed in his uniform. There is a big photo frame with a photo of mom in it on the big brown piano that stood in the corner of the house. I walked around the corner and appeared in the big mirror that hung in the hallway. My six year old self was looking back at me from the mirror. I was wearing a black dress with white polka dots and white shoes. It is the day of mom's funeral.*

I was pulled from my train of thought by Rick's sudden touch to my arm.

"Are you okay?" He looks at me, his eyes full of concern.

"I am fine. Why do you ask?"

"You completely zoned out. You looked like you've seen a ghost."

"What? Do you think someone else saw me?"

"No I think everyone is focusing on your dad. He is briefing us for our mission."

"Oh, yeah, right. Why do I get a feeling this is going to end very badly?"

"Shh, he is looking at you."

"Okay people, let's move out. Sergeant Gutierrez, a word?" Dad said turning around and walking off the pedestal.

I push past the soldiers to get to him.

"Yes dad?"

"That's Lieutenant to you."

"Sorry, Lieutenant, what seems to be the problem?"

"You are staying behind."

"What? No."

"You are staying behind and that's final, Sergeant."

"Yes Lieutenant."

I turned and walked back to the base camp. I sat on my bed and waited 'til they left.

I got up and made my way through the back. I stood there a moment staring at the perimeter watch guards. I could definitely sneak past them. I look up at the star filled sky and breathe the fresh air.

I finally realise that I have to go and support my troops. I turn and walk in the direction they left earlier.

Before I reached the troops I heard a few shots fire. I quickly rushed towards were the shots were fired.

I entered the clearing to find Rick full of blood.

"Are you okay?"

"It's okay Van, it's not my blood. Look, see?"

"If it's not your blood, whose blood is it?"

Rick steps aside and I see the two war casualties lying there, lifeless. I can feel the fear, the sadness creeping up inside me.

"Rick..." I looked up at Rick with tears in my eyes.

"It's okay Van, it's okay." Rick pulled me closer to his chest and folds his arms around me. I can feel everything inside me tearing apart.

We finally let go of each other and I wiped away stray tears on my cheeks. We carried the two bodies back to camp and the whole way I was thinking of how I hated the army. I really needed to escape from this hell hole.

"Rick."

"Yes, Van?"

"I want out. I am escaping as soon as I get a chance."