Betrayed

Kelly Campbell sat on her bunk in the cell she shared with her five companions; formerly operatives in a successful espionage operation, now, condemned prisoners of the Northern Coalition. Karen Watson, her erstwhile lieutenant, lay on the bunk above reading the bible. The others were attempting to keep themselves amused while they awaited their rapidly approaching date with the Coalition firing squad. Holly Jones and Sarah Dunn were sitting at the table playing chess and Rebecca Garvin and Debbie Davis were sitting Indian style on the floor in the far corner engaged in somber conversation. Still a few months short of their eighteenth birthdays it was Becky and Debbie for whom Kelly still held onto a modicum of hope. The Coalition, though ruled by a military council, paid a lot of lip service to democratic ideals and due process. Consequently there had been an automatic appeal of their death sentences to the ruling council. Under the circumstances it was just a formality, they had after all, from the Coalitions point of view, been very bad girls, but she hoped that just maybe they would spare Becky and Debbie as a consideration to their youth.
She could scarcely believe it had only been three weeks since they had been captured. The whole venture had started out so well only to end in disaster. A war orphan, she had virtually been raised by her own government, The Southern Alliance. Like all of her peers in the government orphanage she was tested every few years during her education to determine how she might one day best serve the state.
Having been blessed with a quick mind she had always placed near the top of her class. Upon completion of her senior year of High School she was informed that she had been selected for the intelligence service. It was a great honor. The intelligence academy only accepted candidates from the top five present of graduating seniors and only if they possessed the correct personality profile. The training had been rigorous both physically and mentally but she had excelled. A week after her twenty first birthday she had been graduated with honors.
As had been the case for most of her life there was a state of cold war in effect between the Northern Coalition and the Southern Alliance. Both aspired to be the first super power of the new world order that was finally emerging form the long chaos that had followed the Third World War and the devastating global plagues that had come with it. Both factions' occupied portions of what had once been the United States of America and both claimed to be trying to restore that once great democratic union.
The Northern Coalition had the upper hand, generally having more of everything. Consequently the Southern Alliance was sure they would attack in the near future in a bid to settle the matter once and for all. There had already been a few sporadic skirmishes along their heavily fortified border. The need for good intelligence was paramount and it was with that in mind that the spy masters had given Kelly her marching orders.
Armed with false documents and the other paraphernalia of espionage she was to infiltrate into Coalition territory, locate her self as close as possible to the supreme council's headquarters, gather information on their intentions and capabilities and transmit same to her masters in the Alliance. In time she was expected to organize an intelligence gathering cell, recruiting agents from the local population as the opportunity presented itself.
It had been slow going at first but things had gradually come together. She had found work as a waitress in a bar and grill frequented by government bureaucrats and military officers. She was amazed how much you could learn just by listening to other people's idle conversations. Her good looks didn't hurt towards that end. She was a tall and solid. Her honey blond hair was worn in a shoulder length bob and she had deep blue eyes. It didn't take her long to realize that her own government's suspicions were misplaced. The Coalition was an armed camp to be sure, so was the Alliance for that matter, but there were no obvious preparations for full scale war. They were actually having a problem with domestic terrorists bent on some sort of Neo-Nazi agenda and that seemed to be where their attention was focused. There were those in the government that suspected that these terrorists were being financed form the South but no one seemed to be taking that very seriously. She had dutifully reported this to her superiors. They acknowledged her reports but, somewhat to her surprise, instructed her to proceed with her original orders. They wanted a network of spies working the Alliance capitol, they wanted a steady stream of data coming back to them for analysis and they wanted it ASAP.
She found her first agent in the form of Holly Jones. Shortages of everything were still a common headache of life. Consequently everyone had some experience in dealing with the thriving black market and that was where she found Holly. Of average build she had long black hair and freakishly pale blue-gray eyes. She also had two small facial scars; one at the left corner of her mouth where her upper lip had obviously been split at one time and a small fish hook shaped scar on her chin. They were both old scars that had long since faded to white. In a strange way they actually seemed to compliment her looks. It was her pale eyes that Kelly really noticed though. They conveyed both intelligence and ruthlessness. Her intuition told her that Holly had killed before, maybe more than once. Like herself, Holly was a war orphan, but she had not had the benefit of government sponsorship that Kelly had enjoyed. That was the Alliance's loss for Holly had a near genius IQ. She had been forced to grow up on the streets. It was a kill or be killed environment where only the very smart or the very tough survived. Holly possessed both traits in generous quantities, a fact that soon came to the attention of the local crime bosses. At twenty one Holly was already a major player in the underworld. The thing that attracted Kelly to her was her obvious hatred of the military government. She had seen nothing but abuse from them her whole life and their periodic crackdowns on the black market remained a constant threat to her livelihood. At first it was just business. Money for information, but as time went on and she had slowly gained Holly's trust. Over time Holly had expressed more and more interest in sticking it to the Alliance any way she could. In the end it had taken a promise of steady pay and eventual relocation to the Coalition to get her on board but Kelly was sure she would be worth it.
Kelly's next success had been an athletic looking brown eyed brunet named Sarah Dunn. Another product of the streets, at twenty Sarah's resume included the occupations of thief, hustler, pick pocket and prostitute. She sometimes worked the clients at the Eagle Bar and Grill where Kelly had found employment. Kelly knew from her training that prostitutes were a valuable source of all sorts of information and this one was sleeping with men who worked in ruling military council's headquarters. As it happened Holly was already acquainted with her, having fenced some stolen merchandise for her from time to time. She didn't seem to like her very much but she told Kelly she was confident that Sarah was what she appeared to be. Like Holly she had an almost pathological hatred for the government. Working largely through Holly she had slowly brought Sarah into the fold and she had indeed proved very useful.
Before long Kelly had more information flowing than she knew what to do with. It was really becoming a full time job and as useful as Holly and Sarah were proving to be they were also a real handful to manage. They were both cowboys, tough and independent by nature and they chaffed at authority. Over time the two had even started to work some joint operations which was strange since they still didn't seem to like each other. They bickered incessantly, insults were exchanged and sometimes it even came to blows, but they were definitely getting results. She didn't realize how close the two had actually become until the day she had to call Holly on the carpet for pursuing an overly risky operation on her own initiative. It had been a chronic problem with them. Both girls embraced the philosophy that it was easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Holly's play had admittedly paid big dividends but it could have well been disastrous. She was reading Holly the riot act when Sarah suddenly came ferociously to her defense.
"Holly took the initiative and got the job done. If you can't handle a little risk now and then maybe you don't pack the gear for this kind of work," she had said. It was an open challenge to her authority and she knew she couldn't let it go unanswered. She chose to answer it with a hard left hook to Sarah's jaw. The blow had knocked the tough brunet right on her ass. Kelly had had hand to hand combat training at the academy but this was the first time in her life that she had actually hit someone and she was rather surprised at her own prowess. She turned back to Holly and saw a murderous look in her pale eyes. She was wondering if she would have to hit her too when they were both distracted by the sound of Sarah, still on the floor, laughing her ass off.
"Ok," she said, still laughing. "Maybe I was wrong about that." They had all laughed then. It was an opening for her to salvage the situation and she gladly took it. She had invited them to sit down and poured them all a drink. She carefully explained her reservations about Holly's impromptu operation and the risks she saw in it. This time she had changed tact's and spoken to them more as equals. In the end they had grudgingly agreed to behave.
The incident had been peacefully resolved in the end but it had forced Kelly to face up to some facts. The operation was getting to be more than she could handle on her own. Holly and Sarah were producing a lot of data but not all of it was relevant. She had to sort through it and decide what should be encoded and forwarded to her own masters. She was also looking for new recruits and then there was the burden of maintaining her secret identity as a mild mannered cocktail waitress. She needed help. She needed Karen.
Karen Watson had been a year behind Kelly at the academy. She was something of an anomaly. A tall fair skinned red head with green eyes, she came from a wealthy family and she was a devout Baptist. She wasn't the kind of person you usually found in government service, at least not in the Alliance. People like her usually had a lot better options than engaging in hard, dangerous work on a government pay scale. Kelly had tried hard not to like her. She knew in her heart that it was envy for the things Karen had that had put her off. Her loving family, her money, even the comfort she got from her faith. But for some reason which Kelly had never fathomed Karen decided she liked her and she wouldn't be pushed away. She was one of those people that grew on you. In time they had become good friends, the first close friend Kelly had ever allowed herself, and the more she had got to know her, the more impressed she had become. She was of course exceptionally bright; she wouldn't be in the academy if she wasn't, but she was also surprisingly tough when she had to be. Friendly to a fault but she never let anyone push her around. Her real skill though was in managing human resources. She had a gift for getting people to work together and she could always match the right person to the right job.
Kelly had put in the request to her superiors and much to her surprise it was granted. Not only was she given Karen, they also wanted to know if she needed anything else. It seemed her little operation was enjoying a very high priority. Karen had arrived two weeks later. Kelly wasn't sure if her friend would be that happy to see her. After all she had just placed her life in jeopardy for the foreseeable future. Her fears had been unfounded though. Karen was quite please to have been requested. They had made her an instructor at the academy after her graduation. An assignment she suspected her father had had a hand in. She had been requesting a field assignment ever since but had been flatly refused until now.
It had taken a few weeks to get Karen settled in and to make sure that she was not being watched by the secrete police. Once that was accomplished Kelly had reviewed the whole operation to date with her asking for her thoughts and recommendations. After much discussion it was decided that Karen would take over the day to day administration of the operation while Kelly would work on prioritizing operations and scouting for new agents. Kelly would of course remain in overall command.
Holly and Sarah had viewed Karen with considerable skepticism at first. She was the unproven new guy or FNG (fucking new guy) as Sarah liked to call her. Karen's wholesome looks and friendly personality also did little to win their confidence. Karen, for her part understood how they felt. She had been patient with them and ignored their thinly disguised contempt. She had sat down with each of them individually and asked for their own thoughts and recommendations. She listened to their complaints and she offered some criticism of her own but she was never patronizing or condescending. She recognized great potential in them and always treated them like the professionals they really were becoming. Slowly she won them over.
Within two months of her arrival Karen had thoroughly fine tuned the whole operation. She even had Holly and Sarah starting to think like team players. The main problem they had now was that they needed more players on the team and Kelly had yet to find a suitable candidate. What they really needed were people that could go anywhere in the city and not get a second look from anyone. The big problem with Holly and Sarah was that they were known persons on the street. The police only new them as petty criminals and they were usually inclined to look the other way when it came to prostitution and even selling black market goods. In fact most of the police were being paid to look the other way. But, the fact remained that there were places they could not go without attracting unwanted attention.

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Now, as she sat in their communal cell staring at the two waif-like girls seated on the floor in the corner, Kelly thought back to the day Karen had come to her with the idea. What was the old quip? "It seemed like a good idea at the time." Now she wished desperately that she could go back in time and reject it.
In truth the plan did have a lot of merit. Karen had immediately noticed the large numbers of homeless children that roamed the streets like stray dogs. Unlike the Alliance the Coalition had no system of state run orphanages. There were orphanages of course but they were run by private institutions which were financed through charities. Unfortunately these institutions were notoriously corrupt and the orphanages were little better than medieval dungeons. Most children ran away form them as soon as they could. They grew up in the streets and ultimately wound up working for the crime gangs. At least the ones that survived long enough did. Holly and Sarah had been such children. The thing about these street kids was that the good and prosperous citizens took no notice of them. Neither did the police. The fact was people tried hard not to notice them. It meant they could go anywhere in the city without drawing undue attention to themselves. They would be prefect little spies.
Kelly had immediately expressed her concerns about endangering the lives of children but Karen's pitch had been very convincing. Since their capture Kelly had replayed that conversation in her head a hundred times.
"Look Kell, you know I'm the last person in the world that would put innocent kids at risk but their lives are already in danger every day they are on the street," Karen argued.
"So we should come along and make it even worse for them?" Kelly countered, the sarcasm heavy in her voice.
"It won't be worse. They'll have us looking out for them. We can pay them and arrange for a safer place for them to stay. They won't have to take any work the crime lords throw their way. Those guys don't care what happens to them. They're just fodder to them."
"OK," Kelly said. "I get what you're saying Karen, but what are we supposed to do? Go up to a couple of kids in the street, tell them we're secrete agents and ask them if they'd like risk torture and death by helping us spy on their ruthless military government?"
"I think I deserve a little more credit than that Kell," Karen replied, she was clearly annoyed by her friend's attitude.
"Impress me then. What's your plan?"
"It's like this," Karen had started. "Holly already knows a couple of girls that she thinks are good prospects." Kelly rolled her eyes at the mention of Holly's involvement. "Just hear me out ok," Karen said. "Holly's used them for things from time to time; just simple stuff, running messages, being look outs, casing places. Anyway, they already have some skills."
"Would I be wrong in guessing that Sarah is involved in this too?" Kelly asked.
"OK," Karen admitted. "Sarah's been teaching them some things too." This revelation really got a look from Kelly. "Not that kind of stuff! Pick pocketing, tailing people. Things like that," Karen explained. "God, I'm supposed to be the prude, when did you develop such a dirty mind?"
"When I met Holly and Sarah," Kelly countered.
"So they're not paragons of virtue," Karen said. "How useful would they be if they were?"
"Alright, point taken," Kelly conceded. "How old are these girls anyway?"
"That's the best part," Karen said. "They're both sixteen but they look a lot younger. They could pass for may be thirteen."
"Too young to merit serious attention from the authorities then?" said Kelly. "Exactly," said Karen.
"Have you seen them in person or are you taking Holly's word for that?"
"I've seen them. They haven't seen me."
"Very stealthy of you. Have you considered a career in espionage?" Kelly teased.
"Ha, Ha smart ass. Have you considered a career in standup comedy?"
"OK, OK, assuming I go along with this how do you plan to work it?"

"Through Holly. As far as they know they're working for her. We just tell Holly what direction to point them in. They report to her. She reports to us. They don't need to know that you and I exist," Karen explained.
"Much better that they don't know you and I exist," Kelly agreed. "In fact the less they know in general the better," she added.
"So it's a go?"
"Not yet. I want to meet these two future super spies. What are their names anyway?"
"Debbie Davis and Rebecca Garvin," said Karen. "How are you going to meet them if you don't want them to know you exist?" she asked.
"I don't want them to know Kelly Campbell spy master exists. Kelly Campbell who works second shift at the Eagle bar and grill they can meet," Kelly explained. "Have Holly bring them in for a meal. Joe's weekly shopping list is ready so I need to go over that with her anyway. It will be a good excuse for me to see them up close. If I get a good vibe from them we'll talk about your plan some more."
"Fair enough," said Karen.
Kelly vividly remembered that first meeting even though it had been more than a year ago. It had been set for eight o'clock the following evening and Holly, with her two street urchins in tow, had come through the door of the Eagle bar and grill at eight o'clock exactly. What ever her other faults Holly was punctual to the point of compulsion. She always had some sort of super accurate time piece strapped to her wrist. This trait had been the cause of several of her past tiffs with Sarah who was just as compulsively late. She had surveyed the room quickly looking for Kelly and spotting her, signaled for her attention. Kelly had indicated that they should take an empty booth in a dark corner of the room.
Holly, as usual, was dressed in a fashion that Kelly had come to think of as scary girl sheik. Tight faded jeans tucked into biker boots, a black roll neck sweater that looked expensive and a worn black leather coat that defiantly was. She had opted to wear her long raven black hair lose. The regular patrons of the Eagle were used to seeing her there but she still turned heads.
Holly led her little troop to the indicated booth and seated herself on the side that allowed her to survey the room. Her two charges sat together on the other side. Seconds later Kelly was at the table with her order pad out.
"Hey Holly. Who are your little friends?" she asked.
"They're my business associates. Becky and Debbie," said Holly, indicating each girl with her index finger.
"Pleased to meet you," Kelly said pleasantly.
"Hi." Both girls had responded almost in unison.
"So, what will it be tonight girls?" Kelly asked. Both younger girls looked to Holly as if seeking instructions.
"Just bring us three cheeseburger combos medium well with the works," said Holly.
"And to drink?" Kelly asked.
"Waters fine," Holly replied. Holly only occasionally drank alcohol.

"Coming right up." Kelly replied cheerfully. Ten minutes later Kelly was back with the three burger platters and set one down in front of each of the girls at the table. She noticed that the two waif's looked shocked as they surveyed the food in front of them. Kelly realized it was probably more calories than they normally ate in a week.
"Holly, do you mind if we go over the list while you eat?" Kelly asked. The list was the list of things that Joe Carstairs, owner of the Eagle wanted Holly to procure for him that week. Holly was Joe's source of all things not readily available through conventional channels. In addition to her normal fee for this service Holly got free meals whenever she wanted them. It was through this arrangement that Kelly had first met Holly.
"Sure, have a seat. Let's see the list," Holly said. As Holly was going through the list making comments about various items Kelly noticed that the two young ragamuffins on the other side of the table were still sitting with their hands in their laps even though they were obviously eager to start on their food. Holly hadn't touched hers yet being distracted by the list. Kelly gave her a discreet kick under the table and having gained her attention shifted her eyes towards the younger girls.
"Dig in girls," Holly said with a vague hand gesture towards their food. They dug in with a vengeance. The joy on their faces was obvious from the first bite.
"The cigars will take about two weeks and the price is up two credits a unit. The rest of the stuff is no problem. Tell Joe the prices on everything else are the same as last time." Holly said, handing the list back to Kelly. Kelly knew she had memorized it in the few minutes she had looked at it.
"Joe won't be happy about the cigars," Kelly said. "He's been out for a week. He's going to want them sooner."
"People in hell want ice water," Holly replied matter-of-factly. "Guess what Joe has in common with them." Kelly answered her with a look.
"Ok, I can maybe get them in a week but it's goanna cost him. Supply and demand kiddo, nothing I can do about it."
"I'll ask him what he wants to do," said Kelly.
"So, how are the burgers?" Kelly asked the younger girls, changing the subject. Both girls having their mouths full just nodded their approval. Holly picked up the plastic catsup bottle and squirted a generous amount on to each of her young charges plates.
"Dip the fries in it?" She said. Debbie and Becky each tried one and immediately smiled their approval. As she made small talk with Holly, Kelly was mentally taking notes on the two would be spies on the other side of the table. She was half expecting junior versions of Holly and Sarah but that was not the case at all. In fact they were more or less as advertised. Both looked to be no more than fourteen. They were both small girls standing maybe five one or two. They were scrawny little things and their eyes had that slightly sunken in look from malnutrition. Becky had ash blond shoulder length hair framing a round face with a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose. Her eyes were blue. She was wearing badly worn jeans with holes in both knees, a white tee shirt that was much too big to be her own and a faded denim jacket with several small holes in it. Debbie was a brunet, her hair worn in a pony tail that reached the middle of her back. She had a more angular face with high check bones and big brown eyes. She was wearing kaki cargo pants that had seen a lot of use and a ragged looking blue pull over sweater. Both girls were wearing cheap canvas sneakers. It was their eyes that she really noticed though. Poets say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Kelly had learned that there was a lot of truth in that old cliché. When she had met both Holly and Sarah she had noticed the hard look in their eyes. She knew that look well and she knew what it meant. They had been sorely tested and they had passed, at a price. She realized now that she had expected to see that look in the girls seated across the table from her. It wasn't there, not yet anyway. The main thing she saw in their eyes was sadness and maybe uncertainty. As she sat there conversing with Holly she noticed other interesting details. Kelly had thought something was slightly off about the way they looked when she first laid eyes on them. Now she realized what it was. Although their clothes were badly worn they were clean and pressed. They had obviously been freshly laundered. The girls themselves had also been scrubbed clean. Their hair had been shampooed and brushed. They were even wearing perfume, a brand she now recognized as being a favorite of Sarah's. There was something about their demeanor as well. The way they constantly looked to Holly for direction. They had been coached and they were clearly on orders to be on their best behavior.
As Kelly pondered the significance of these facts Sarah entered the bar. She was dressed to work. She had been wearing a full length black western style duster when she entered but she had doffed it with considerable flair, like a magician unveilings a clever trick, and hung it on the rack next to the door. Beneath the coat she was clad in black leather pants, western style boots and a black leather vest that showed a generous amount of cleavage and accented her full beautifully toned arms. She had also opted to wear her straight brunet tresses lose tonight. The tall healed boots combined with her lean muscular frame gave the impression of much greater height than her actual five foot five inches. As she entered a rather nerdish looking army lieutenant had signaled to her from a booth on the far side of the room. Evidently her "date" for the evening. Sarah had recently told Kelly that she might be onto something important with the young lieutenant. Sarah was one of those girls that moved like a jungle cat. Kelly wasn't sure if this was her natural gait or one she had learned to effect for her trade. Which ever the case it was unquestionably effective. Every male eye in the room had been glued to her shapely leather clad fanny as she sauntered over to the young lieutenants table.
Debbie and Becky having noticed the commotion looked over their shoulders and spotting Sarah, Becky excitedly whispered something in Debbie's ear. Debbie giggled and whispered back. It was the first natural spontaneous thing they had done all evening.
"It's rude to whisper at the table girls," Holly said, with a noticeable edge in her voice.
"Sorry," Becky offered contritely.
"Sarah's here," Debbie explained.
"I see her," said Holly. "Hell, blind Pete sees her!" she continued, with heavy sarcasm. Blind Pete was a regular, one of the many war wounded souls that could be seen all over the city. As usual he was seated at the left most bar stool, his white cane at his side.
Sarah sat with the nerdish lieutenant having drinks. The lieutenant having no idea that Sarah's drinks were just tea. Joe had a deal with the prostitutes he allowed to work his joint. While they were in the bar they were to hustle the customers for drinks. The girl's drinks were always tea or soda water. The customers of course not knowing that paid for alcohol and Joe pocketed the difference. After twenty minutes of small talk over drinks they left arm in arm. The lieutenant even gallantly helped Sarah into her coat. Sarah did not acknowledge the other girls at all. Kelly had a rule that no more than two of them should be seen together in public at any one time.
By the end of their meal the two younger girls had only managed to eat about half of the big burgers. Holly, who always ate like a farm hand and never gained an ounce, had cleaned her plate.
"I'll wrap up those leftovers so you can take them with you," Kelly offered. "Will you two be ok if I barrow Holly for a few minutes?" Again both girls looked to Holly.
"They'll be ok," Holly said. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Wait here and try not to destroy the place," She ordered the younger girls.
Holly followed Kelly into the hot noisy kitchen where Joe was helping work the grill during the evening rush.
"Joe can we use your office for a minute?" Kelly asked. "Yeah sure, just don't steal nothing," Joe answered.
"Sorry about your cigars Joe," Holly said on her way back to the office.
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Joe asked with obvious alarm in his voice.
"We'll talk about it later," Kelly answered. She could hear Joe muttering under his breath as she walked away. Both girls entered the cluttered office. It stank of stale cigar smoke.
"Have a seat," Kelly said offering the only chair to Holly.
"What makes me think I'm about to get another ass chewing?" Holly asked, her guard now up.
"It's not an ass chewing. At least I hope it's not," Kelly said. Holly accepted the offered chair. Kelly seated herself on the edge of Joe's desk.
"Holly I'm just going to ask you this straight out and I want a straight answer OK."
"Shoot," Holly said.
"Did you tell them?" Kelly asked.
"About you you mean? Fuck no I didn't tell them. Why would you even think that?"
"Did Sarah?" Kelly continued her interrogation.
"Hell no, we aren't stupid you know. What's this all about Kelly?"
"It's just that they're all cleaned up. There clothes are washed. They're afraid to move without your permission. It's like they're at a job interview. I don't want them to have any reason to think that I'm anything more than a waitress in a greasy spoon," Kelly said.
"Are you?" Holly asked sarcastically.
"I'm not joking Holly!"
"Oh, for the love of God Kelly!" Holly said her exasperation obvious.
"I'm sorry Holly. I really am, but it's my job. If I even suspect something is hinky I have to look into it!" Kelly explained.
"Look Kelly I know in the south things are a lot different for orphans but up here it's a pretty rough life. Do you have any idea what a big deal it was for them to come here with me and eat in a restaurant? On the street no one cares if you live or die unless you prove to someone that you're worth caring about. If someone takes you to their home or to a restaurant for a real sit down meal that's like saying you're part of my family now. It's a very big deal for them. I didn't want them to see people sneering and looking down their noses at them. Believe me I know how that feels and it sucks. So yes, we washed their clothes and cleaned them up and taught them some table manners and Sarah sprits some perfume on them. As for what I told them about you. I said you were a friend and I wanted them to meet you. I told them to be polite and make a good impression. If they seemed a little stiff it's because this is the first good thing to happen to them in a long time and they were probably afraid of screwing up," said Holly, concluding her diatribe.
"Ok Holly, I get it, but if I'm understanding you right you've made a big commitment to these girls. I need to know that that's not just about sympathy. You see real potential in them, right?"
"I'm not famous for my sympathy Kelly. They wouldn't be here tonight if I didn't think they had potential," Holly said with conviction.
"How does Sarah fit into this? I mean what do they know about her?" Kelly asked.
"They know that she's a hooker if that's what you're asking," Holly said a bit defensively.
"That much was obvious at the table. What I'm asking is what do they think of her and what dose she think of them? Do they get along OK?" Kelly explained.
"They're sixteen year old girls; they want to be cool and sexy. To them, Sarah is the goddess of sexy-cool. They think she can do no wrong," said Holly, obviously annoyed.
"Is that a problem?" Kelly asked.
"Nothing I can't handle," said Holly.
"And Sarah? Does she share your assessment of their potential?"
"She's had them in the field twice, just simple stuff, you know, leaning exercises. She said they were first rate though.They follow orders and they learn fast."
"Do you trust Sarah's judgment?" Kelly asked.
"About this? Absolutely," said Holly.
"OK Holly, they're your girls. Teach them well. When you think they're ready let me know, but we keep them in the dark unless I say otherwise. As far as they know they're working for you and it's just about business. No spy talk, is that understood?"
"Perfectly clear boss," said Holly, adding a sarcastic salute.
"I'll trust your judgment as to Sarah's involvement with them but I do not want them learning to turn tricks."
"Neither does Sarah! God Kell, you really think a lot of us don't you!" said Holly. Kelly was surprised by her vehemence.
"I'm not making moral judgments. It's just that Sarah is a big girl and she knows what she's doing. These girls are still kids," explained Kelly.
"Childhoods pretty short up here in the Coalition Kiddo. So's life sometimes," said Holly.
"Just be careful with them. That's all I'm saying."
"You know we will Kelly."
Their meeting being concluded. They returned to the kitchen where Kelly wrapped up the leftover burgers. She also threw in a bag of chips and a piece of chocolate cake for each girl.
Not much of a signing bonus but it the best I can do for them, she thought.
As they returned to the dinning area they could see Holly's charges still in the booth talking excitedly. They seemed much more relaxed than they had been during the meal. Kelly wasn't sure if it was the effect of having a full stomach or just the absents of Holly. Holly had a sort of presence that was naturally intimidating. Both girls were giggling about something when Kelly and Holly returned to the table.
"Did you guys enjoy your meal?" Kelly asked.
"Yes ma'am," both girls answered formally. They had resumed their almost attention like posture now the Holly had returned.
"I'm not old enough to be a ma'am yet. Besides, friends of Holly's get to call me Kelly. OK?"
"OK Kelly," said Becky
"OK," echoed Debbie.
"Here's your leftovers. I put in a few extra goodies on the house," said Kelly with a wink as she handed them their doggie bags.
"Thanks Kelly," they both said in unison.
"You guys are going to have a sleep over at my place tonight," said Holly. "We have a lot of things to talk about." Both girls looked excited and a little scared at Holly's pronouncement. Kelly wondered, not for the first time, at Holly's ability to make the most innocuous statement sound like a threat.
She had watched as Holly led here newly sanctioned protégés out the door, and wondered once again if she was doing the right thing.

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Kelly glanced at the clock on the wall of their cell. 14:00 hrs. Their sentence was scheduled to be carried out the following morning baring a reprieve from the Supreme Counsel, and there had still been no word on their appeal. She had to assume that the lack of any new information meant that their execution was still on for the morning. For that matter they had been told nothing specific about how the sentence would be carried out. Death by shooting was all they had said in court. She had assumed it would be a firing squad at the time but she supposed they might just have them kneel down and shoot them in the back of the head with a pistol. Would they be shot together or would they take them out one at a time and do it? Maybe their captors thought it would be more humane if they didn't tell them the details in advance.
In her heart Kelly knew better than to expect mercy from the Council. It was largely due to their actions that the Council had recently had to fill several vacancies. The Supreme Ruler himself, General Hackman had not been seen since the ambush. The state controlled media reported that he had only received minor wounds. Full martial law was still in effect.
Kelly thought back now on the events that had set them all on this catastrophic course. All had gone smoothly for several months after Holly had introduced her to Becky and Debbie. The younger girl's talents had developed steadily. Holly had arranged for a very small one room apartment for them to live in. It wasn't much but the girls were resourceful and they had made it comfortable enough over time. Holly had brought them to the bar a few more times and Kelly had noticed that they had fleshed out a bit though they were still runts. All was going well. If anything was bothering Kelly it was the continued insistence of her superiors in the Alliance that the Coalition posed a clear and present threat to their security. Every scrap of data they had collected showed that the Coalition had its hands full quelling dissident groups within their own borders. Further there was no sign of any military build up. In fact Coalition security was so lax that almost nothing of a military nature occurring in or near the capitol escaped the attention of Kelly and her operatives.
Something was clearly spooking her bosses though and Kelly was increasingly worried about what that might be. It was a safe bet that they had other sources of information within Coalition territory though Kelly had no idea who they might be. She had started to get urgent orders to increase the operational tempo of her unit. They wanted to know about anything remotely out of the ordinary. Troop movements, shipments of military equipment on the rail lines, but they were especially obsessed with the movements of the key members of the ruling council. Kelly usually knew which members were in town at any given time and this was routinely reported but now they wanted information on their movements within the city. They were being spread very thin. So far the girls had risen to the challenge but the strain was starting to tell on them all.
The first crisis was heralded by an urgent request from Holly for a face to face meeting. Kelly had arranged to meet her at a hotel that catered to the local hooker population. Hourly rates, no questions asked. It was perfect for when they needed to hold meetings. Kelly had arrived at the arranged time to find Holly waiting in the room. She was surprised to see Sarah was also there. Both girls looked tense.
"This can't be good," she said looking at them both.
"Actually there's good news and bad news," said Holly.
"Bad news first," said Kelly.
"The kids know," said Holly. They had all taken to referring to Becky and Debbie as "The Kids." Their unofficial code name.
Kelly glared at them both, clearly thinking them responsible.
"We didn't tell them if that's what you're thinking," said Sarah. Sarah was in her civvies today. Sneakers, denim overalls worn over a half sleeve jersey style shirt. Her long hair in a lose ponytail. Kelly was always surprised at how wholesome Sarah looked when she wasn't made up for work.
"Then what happened?" Kelly asked, bewildered and angry.
"What the fuck do you think happened?" said Holly. "We spent the last eight months teaching them to be spies. You know, be observant. Notice the little details. Read between the lines. Dig dig dig. Now we've got them staking out the fucking Chancellery. They put two and two together."
"What exactly do they know?" asked Kelly, trying to get a grip on her anger.
"Well they know it's not just about business anymore. They know we're gathering military information and that we must be selling it to someone," answered Holly.
"Do they know about me?"
"Not that you're the head honcho, but they definitely suspect you're involved," said Holly.
"How did that happen?" Holly shrugged. "Intuition I guess. Shit Kelly, I told you they were good when I recruited them. Hell it's why I recruited them."
"So what did you tell them?" Kelly asked.
"That that kind of information was a commodity that you can steel and sell just like whisky and toilet paper."
"Were they satisfied with that?"
"Not exactly," said Sarah with heavy sarcasm.
"Will someone please bottom line this disaster for me?"
"They know what were doing is considered to be treason or espionage or something like that," said Holly.
"Actually Karen and I are committing espionage. The rest of you are committing both treason and espionage," offered Kelly.
"Thanks for clearing that up boss. Does that mean they get to shoot us twice if we get caught?" asked Sarah, her sarcasm even more obvious than before. Kelly glared at her until Holly spoke again.
"Look, you don't hear much about it now. Not for the last five years or so since the Council's been trying to clean up its act, but when we were all growing up here it was in the news all the time where the Council had convicted someone of crimes against the state. What they always showed you along with the report were pictures of people hanging by their necks or people tied to poles riddled with bullets. The message was clear enough. People who commit these kinds of crimes end up dead."
"So they want out?" Kelly asked.
"No they want in, but they want to know exactly what we're doing and what the risks are and they want to get paid accordingly. They both refuse to do anything else until that happens," said Holly.
"They've gone on strike?" asked Kelly.
"The little brats are really feeling their oats lately," offered Sarah.
Kelly sat on the bed and rubbed her temples with her finger tips trying to alleviate some of the tension that was building up in her skull.
"Well you know them best. What do you think we should do Holly?"
"I think they're right. If we're going to make them take the risks they deserve to know what the stakes are and they deserve to be rewarded accordingly. Besides we can't just cut them lose knowing what they know."
"Sarah, any thoughts?" Kelly asked.
"I'm with Holly all the way on this. They're ready and we can't afford to lose them."
"How long before they turn eighteen?"
"Four months for Becky, three for Debbie," said Holly.
"The Alliance won't sanction them as agents until they're eighteen. Until then we'll have to work something out with them. I'll get together with Karen and see what we can put together. I'm not sure what that will be yet but I'll let you know by the end of the week."
"OK," said Holly. "I'll tell the kids."
"I believe someone said something about good news when I came in, or did I dream that?"
Holly crawled up on the bed behind Kelly and began messaging her shoulders. It was strangely out of character for Holly but Kelly wasn't about to tell her to stop.
"That feels good," Kelly admitted.
"Look kiddo, I know that last part was a bitter pill but this next part will knock you socks off."
"Good. What is it?"
"Sarah, you're on," said Holly. Sarah reached into the pocket of her overalls and withdrew several sheets of folded paper.
"Think you can make use of this?" asked Sarah, handing the papers to Kelly.
Kelly's eyes widened as she scanned the pages.
"Is this on the level?" she asked.
"All the way," said Sarah.
"This is General Hackman's personal schedule for the next two weeks. Dates, times, places, who he's meeting with. How the hell did you get this?"
"You know the young lieutenant I've been keeping company with. The one I told you might be important?"
"Yeah, the one with the thick glasses right?" asked Kelly.
"Well he's Hackman's personal aid. The kids related to him somehow. Nephew I think, smart as a whip. Anyway, I found out he keeps all his notes for Hackman's schedule in this little notebook he keeps in his coat pocket."
"Go on," said Kelly.
"Well I noticed that he always kept it with him, even if he was just going into the John, so I figured it must be important. Anyway, one night when he got a little more tipsy than usual I lifted it from his pocket long enough to get a peek at it. I'm tellin ya Kel my heart almost came right out of my friggin chest when I realized what it was. The problem was that I couldn't figure any way to get it away from him long enough to copy anything from it without getting caught. That's when I got the idea."
"And the idea was?" asked Kelly, getting impatient.

"Well I couldn't have done it without Holly," said Sarah.
"Couldn't have done what? Holly, would you like to enlighten me? Sarah's narrative seems to have taken a turn towards the evasive."
"OK, but I'm going to tell you up front it was little risky; if you feel the need to punch Sarah again we'll both understand."
"Screw you Holly! She hits hard! I think it's your turn to get hit!"
"I'm going to hit both of you if you don't tell me what the fuck you did!" said Kelly. She knew they were having fun at her expense but she was really losing her patients with them.
"OK, OK, settle down cowboy. We'll tell you," said Holly, resuming her massaging of Kelly's shoulders.
"Tell her Sarah," said Holly, once again passing the buck to her partner in crime.
"You know how Holly can just look at shit and memorize it right? Well I thought if I could just get this thing long enough for Holly to give it the once over without him noticing we'd have it made. So I go to Holly and tell her what I've got in mind and we come up with a plan. A couple of nights ago we're in the Eagle and I manage to get a couple of extra drinks into the kid. That part turns out to be easy because the old mans really been on his ass lately and he's been kind-a stressed out. So on the way out I arrange to bump into Holly. I introduce them and Holly starts making like she really digs intellectual types. So we start fighting over him all playful like. You know, like we both want him so bad we can't stand it. Anyway the kid's eating it up with a spoon, so we kind-a hustle him into that pay phone alcove and I'm in front sucking his face and Holly's behind him running her hands through his hair and grinding her pelvis into his ass."
"She doesn't need all of the details," Holly interrupted. Holly was surprisingly prudish when it came to sex talk.
"Oh you were loving it and you know it," said Sarah.
"Can we get back on topic please?" asked Kelly.
"Right, well while we were both giving him the business I get the book out of his pocket and I'm holding it behind his back turning the pages while Holly looks it over. When she gives me the sign I put it back. The whole thing took like a minute and he never knew what happened."
"You're sure he didn't suspect anything?"
"I'm sure I wouldn't be sitting here if he did. This was a good score Kelly. Just try being happy, you'll like it," said Sarah.
"I really should give you both another lecture about the dangers of off the cuff risk taking," said Kelly.
"Oh God, please not the lecture. Here, just go ahead and hit me again," said Sarah. She knelt on the floor in front of Kelly her eyes closed and her jaw clenched in anticipation of the blow. Kelly reached forward and gave her a token chuck on the chin.
"I've decided this falls under the heading of no guts no glory. Well done Sarah. You too Holly." They didn't know it at the time but it was the beginning of the end.

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Holly and Sarah had finished their chess game. Holly had won. In fact none of them had ever been able to beat her. They had both joined Becky and Debbie in the corner, all four girls now sitting in a circle on the floor like children in school. Kelly thought briefly of joining them but decided she shouldn't intrude. It all looked very solemn; each girl speaking quietly in turn. She supposed they were sharing their feelings about everything that had happened and about what would happen in the morning.
Things had happened very quickly indeed after the meeting in the motel. Kelly had met with Karen to discuss the problem with Becky and Debbie. Karen hadn't really been surprised.
"They're smart kids. It was only a matter of time," she had said. Karen had arranged for Holly to bring them both to the motel for a meeting. Introductions were made and Karen had laid it all out for them. She was very impressed. They had asked all the right questions. Both had been clear about what they wanted. They were really very professional about the whole thing. Karen for her part had been very blunt about the risks. She explained about the problem with their age and offered to let them sit out if they wanted until they were eighteen. All of the cards were on the table. In the end both girls had agreed to keep working.
Kelly had sent the purloined information to her superiors in the Alliance. She received an immediate response asking her to evaluate the accuracy of the data. She had responded that her confidence was high. She was directed to stand by for further instructions. They had monitored the locations for the first three events on the schedule and General Hackman had in fact appeared exactly when he was supposed to. This had been duly reported. Kelly had asked for further instructions and was again told to stand by.
Two days later it happened. Kelly had been at work when they heard the sirens. Police and Army vehicles were moving all over the city. Loud speakers blaring the news that martial law was in effect until further notice. All citizens were to return to their homes. Eventually it was announced on the news that terrorists had ambushed several members of the Supreme Council as they were arriving for a summit meeting. No immediate word on casualties. Constant assurances that General Hackman was not harmed and that the government was in control of the situation. Kelly had known about the summit of course. It was included in the scheduling information that Sarah had stolen from the young lieutenant. All of the regional leaders were to be there as well as the members of the supreme council. They had sent Becky and Debbie to confirm who was in attendance. She prayed that they had been able to stay out of harms way.
It didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened. Her own government had taken the information she had provided and given it to one of the separatist factions within the Coalition. They had then used the information to set up this ambush. It would have been nice if they would have given her a heads up. Thankfully they had made contingence plans for situations like this. They all knew to go to ground, suspend all operations and make no contact with one another until the heat was off.
Kelly reasoned that it was unlikely that anything could be traced back to them. The terrorists would have received the information indirectly from some source within her own government. They surely would have no idea of the original source of the information.
Two weeks went by and things were slowly returning to normal. The curfew was lifted although there was still a very heavy police and military presence throughout the city. The news reported that all of the terrorists involved in the shooting were either killed or captured. Three members of the Supreme Council were dead. General Hackman was now said to have received a minor wound but was rapidly recuperating in an undisclosed location.
Just as Kelly was starting to breath easily again her worst nightmare came true. Her door was kicked in in the middle of the night. Something hard and metallic hit the floor. Just as she was jumping out of bed there was a blinding flash as the stun grenade detonated. The concussive force slammed her against the wall. She must have lost consciousness at that point. The next thing she knew she was shackled hand and foot on the floor of a police van. She spent the rest of the night in some sort of medical facility strapped down to the bed with guards posted in the room. By morning her head had cleared and she began to comprehend just how much trouble she was in. A doctor had come into the room around noon and examined her briefly. He asked her if she knew her name, what year it was, ect. Satisfied he had left the room. A few minutes later two soldiers came in and released her from the restraints on the bed. They hand cuffed her and lead her to a small room down the hall. It appeared to be an interrogation room. Just a table and several chairs. What was surely a false mirror on one wall. They seated her in one of the chairs and cuffed her hands to a ring on the back of the chair. They also secured her feet to the chair legs with leather straps. The soldiers then left the room. She sat there alone for several minutes wondering what was going to happen. Next a young women about Kelly's age entered wearing medical scrubs. She had a small tray of medical equipment. Kelly immediately noticed the syringe.
"Please, can you tell me where I am?" Kelly asked.
"Your at the state police headquarters. I'm afraid your in a lot of trouble dear." As the girl in the medical garb spoke she was swabbing Kelly's arm with alcohol. Kelly saw her filling the syringe with a solution from a small bottle. The girl must have seen the fear and uncertainty in her eyes.
"This is what laymen call a truth serum. It won't hurt you. It's actually quite pleasant." With that said she had injected the drug into Kelly's arm.
"I have to leave now. You just relax and let the drugs do their work." It didn't take long. Almost as soon as the girl in the scrubs left the room there was an odd taste in her mouth and she was overcome by a warm peaceful floating sensation. The girl had not lied. The drug caused a wonderful euphoric feeling. Two men entered the room. One wore a military uniform and the other was in a suite. Latter as she sat in the small isolation cell she only had a vague recollection of their conversation. It seemed like she had been in and out of consciousness several times as the spoke. They had not spoken harshly. They were both very calm, almost gentle. The only thing she remembered for sure was that they seemed to know all about her already. They knew she was from the Alliance. That she worked for the intelligence service, her place and date of birth. Possibly she had told them these things under the influence of the drug but she didn't think so. It was all very confusing. She had lost all track of time. She wasn't sure if she had been in custody for days or weeks. During the time she was there she had been taken to the interrogation room once more. Again she was secured to the chair and given the drug. This time a different pair came to talk to her. One was a woman. Like the first time she had little recollection of their conversation after words. For the next two days nothing happened. On the third day she had been taken to the interrogation room again. This time she was cuffed but they did not secure her to the chair and there were no drugs. The two men that had come the first time entered. The one in the suite informed her that she was being charged with espionage on behalf of a foreign power and that she would be tried by a military tribunal one week from the current date. Council would be appointed for her at that time. Until then she was to be transferred to a maximum security facility.
The facility was a large prison complex adjacent to a military base just outside of the capitol. It was used to house political prisoners only. Dissidents and others charged with crimes against the state. She was taken through the usual in-processing. An embarrassing medical examination, delousing, ect. Once that was done she was led through a maze of corridors finally stopping at a large steel door with a small square window at eye level, her new home for the foreseeable future. The door was opened and she was directed to step inside. Her heart sank as she did so for Karen, Sarah and Holly were all there. Sarah was still showing the effects of what must have been a serious beating. Until that moment she had believed she had been the only one captured.
Once the guards had departed they had all compared notes. Their experiences were all very similar. They had all been taken the same night, probably within minutes of each other. They had all been subjected to the truth drugs. It was possible they had been held within feet of each other at the state police headquarters, each oblivious to the others presence. Sarah injuries had been incurred during her capture. Having managed to avoid most of the force of the stun grenade by rolling off the opposite side of her bed, she had put up a horrific fight using anything she could get her hands on as a weapon. They had finally subdued her with some kind of stunning device. Only Becky and Debbie seemed to have evaded capture. None of the others had seen them since the night of the ambush. Kelly considered the possibility that the younger girls had betrayed them to the authorities but quickly dismissed the thought. Her own interrogators had known things about her at the outset that they could not have learned from Debbie or Becky and Karen confirmed that they had the same information about her. All signs pointed to the fact that they had been sold out by someone high up in the Alliance. Possible one of her own immediate superiors had been turned. It was even possible that they had been sacrificed to protect some more valuable operative. Espionage was a very dirty business. She had known that going in but it still made her blood boil.
Having related their individual experiences they took stock of their surroundings. Their quarters while not opulent were surprisingly comfortable. It was a large rectangular room arranged like a military squad bay. There were three sets of bunk beds arranged along one wall. Between each set of bunks were two upright lockers. There was a long wood table in the center of the room with six heavy wood chairs. There was even an attached bathroom with sinks, toilets and shower stalls. The wall opposite the bunks had a large rectangular window. There were no bars but the glass was very thick and had some sort of wire mesh embedded in it. Kelly guessed it was unbreakable. They had each been issued two sets of clothing. They were similar to military fatigue uniforms only they were kaki in color instead of camouflage and they had a large white stripe sewn down the front and back of the pants legs. The top had a prominent white P sewn on the back. Kelly assumed that was to designate them as prisoners. They had also been issued a military style pullover sweater, black with the same white P on the back and a field jacket which matched the pants and shirt, also with the requisite P. A pair of chukka boots completed the ensemble.
Their first day passed uneventfully. They had been given an hour to walk around in a sort of exercise yard which their only window overlooked. There evening meal was served in their joint cell. The usual institutional fair. Not fancy but it was filling enough. The following day Kelly's heart sank even lower when the door to their cell was opened and Becky and Debbie were marched in. Each carrying their extra issue of clothing in their arms. Kelly had hoped that the six person configuration of the cell was just the standard but now she began to wonder if they had know they would have six prisoners all along.
Once the younger girls were settled in they all gathered around the table and Becky and Debbie had related the story of the ambush. It had happened just as the motorcade had arrived at the meeting site. The first two cars were hit almost at the same time by some kind of rockets and exploded. The third car sped around the wreckage of the first two and accelerated. A rocket had hit the trunk and it was caught in a hail of machinegun fire but it kept going until it was out of site. They never saw who was doing the shooting. They had run as soon as it started and spent the next few weeks on the street moving constantly trying to avoid the police and military patrols. Once the situation had calmed down they decided to risk returning to their apartment. Everything had been just as they left it and they decided the danger had probably passed but that night they had been taken in the same fashion as the others.
Latter that day Kelly had been summoned to the commandant's office. A good looking captain had come to their cell with two guards. They had handcuffed her and escorted her through the maze of corridors. Kelly noticed that the captain limped on his right leg. Arriving at the door marked Commandant the captain had knocked, entered and announced that he had brought detainee Campbell as ordered. The captain and the guards were dismissed. Kelly found herself face to face with Colonel Harris commandant of the detention facility. A distinguished looking man in his fifties, he was quite tall. She estimated six foot two or three. He was standing behind a large oak desk, the only elaborate furnishing in the otherwise rather Spartan office.
"Miss Campbell, please have a seat," he said, indicating one of two chairs facing the front of his desk. Kelly took the offered seat.
"I trust you and your comrades are all settled in."
"Yes sir," she said evenly.
"As I'm sure you've been told you and your party are to be tried for your suspected involvement in the assassination attempt on members of the Supreme Council." He had a commanding voice.
"Yes sir."
"A captain Goldman has been appointed as your defense council. He will be coming to your cell this evening to start preparing your case. I've not met him but my friends in the Judge Advocates office tell me he is quite good."
"I'm glad to hear that sir," Kelly replied.
"While you are at this facility you will act as liaison between my office and your group. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir."
"Would you like to make any requests at this time?" Kelly thought for a moment.
"Could we have a bible?" Religious answers had never worked for her but she knew that Karen, Becky and Debbie all had strong Christian beliefs. Karen was a Baptist and Debbie and Becky were both Catholics having been raised in a church orphanage. If Sarah or Holly had any religious affiliation they had never mentioned it.
"Of course. I'll have one brought to your cell. We also have chaplains on staff. If any of your party would like to see one it can be arranged."
"I'll ask them, thank you."
"Is there anything else? Please tell me, you will find I am a reasonable man." His tone was somewhat more conciliatory now.
"Anything that would help us pass the time would be appreciated Sir."
"I'm sure we can find something to help alleviate the boredom."
"Thank you sir."
"Miss Campbell I want you to know that as long as you and your companions are in my custody and obey the regulations of this institution you will not be abused or mistreated in any way. That being said, should there be any attempts at escape or if any of my staff should be attacked in any way, the perpetrator will be dealt with very harshly. Am I understood?" The commanding tone was back in his voice.
"Yes sir."
"I refer specifically to Miss Dunn. It seems she damaged several of our elite tactical officers during her arrest."
"Are their injuries serious?" Kelly asked.
"One won't be eating solid food for several weeks. Another has a broken leg. Numerous lesser injuries. They were quite impressed with her ferocity."
"She likes to hit," admitted Kelly.
"I repeat Miss. Campbell; if she hits anyone here the punishment will be swift and severe. Do you understand?" The look in his eyes made it clear that this was no idle threat.
"Perfectly clear Sir," she said.
"Please share that clarity with Miss Dunn and the others."
"Yes Sir."
"You may have noticed that you are the only prisoners housed in your wing."
"Yes Sir. I did."
"I've been ordered to keep you isolated from the general prison population. For this reason all of your meals will be served in your quarters," he said.
"I understand Sir."
"Do you have any other questions?"
"No Sir."
Their interview being concluded she had been escorted back to the cell. After the evening meal the promised Captain Goldman had arrived accompanied by a guard carrying a cardboard carton. He explained that the contents of the box were compliments of the commandant. They found it contained two bibles, a chess set, a backgammon game, a deck of cards, poker chips and several paper back pulp fiction novels. Captain Goldman for his part was very professional and very blunt. He told them that the evidence the state had against them was incontrovertible. The best he could hope for was to avoid the death penalty and he was honest enough to tell them that that was a long shot, especially for Kelly and Karen who were clearly agents of a foreign government. He felt that he could probably get some leniency for Becky and Debbie because they were still minors and because their involvement seemed relatively minimal.
The trial had commenced on schedule and lasted three days. Each morning a troop of guards would arrive led by the good looking captain with the limp. They had learned that his name was Ramirez. They were all shackled hand and foot and marched to a van which transported them to the courtroom located on the adjacent military base. The tribunal consisted of a General and two Colonels, all of whom looked extremely pissed.
The trial had gone exactly as Captain Goldman said it would. The evidence against them was overwhelming. They had seized all of the espionage equipment from Kelly and Karen's respective residences. They had their drug induced confessions and most troubling of all, they had all manor of very accurate information about all of them from sources that could not be identified for reasons of national security. Goldman had in fact put up a spirited defense. He had pointed out that although the defendants had been engaged in espionage there was no direct link between their actions and the attack on the Council. Once again the court had invoked the mysterious source, claiming they had confirmation that the information the defendants gathered had been supplied to the attackers.
At the end of the third day the tribunal had deliberated for a little less than an hour before retuning with their verdict. The girls had been ordered to stand as the findings were read. As each name was called off the same pronouncement was made.
"Guilty; death by shooting. Sentence to be carried out one week from this date." They weren't surprised of course. The outcome had been clear from the first day. They all stood tall and did their best to look defiant as the sentences were read. Oddly, Becky and Debbie succeeded better in that than any of the rest of them. Kelly thought they looked down right proud of themselves. Maybe that was the Catholic martyr in them, or maybe in their weird little minds they considered it an honor to be sentenced to death like the big girls. She wondered if they'd still feel that way when they were standing in front of the firing squad.
It was odd how the human psyche worked. Kelly had expected the mood in their cell to be somber that night but if anything it was more relaxed than it had been before. There was something about being condemned together that had given them a heightened sense of camaraderie. She had to admit that it was sort of a relief to have the trial over and to finally know their fate. At least now they could prepare themselves mentally. Of course there was still the appeal. Captain Goldman had explained that it was automatic in the case of death penalties. He showed up that night after their evening meal to discuss it with them. They had all gathered around the table and he had explained that the appeal would be reviewed by the Supreme Council who would make the final ruling on their sentence. There were three potential outcomes. They could confirm the sentence, they could commute the sentence for any or all of them to some lesser punishment or they could pardon them completely.
"Let me make sure I've got this straight," said Holly. "We're condemned to death. The only thing that can save us is this appeal, and it's going to be ruled on by the men we've just been convicted of plotting to kill."
"That's correct," said Captain Goldman matter-of-factly. Holly started laughing. It spread rapidly to the other girls. More than a minute passed before they were able to regain their composure.
"I'm afraid I don't see much humor in your situation," said Captain Goldman. He seemed genuinely perturbed by their mirth.
"If we didn't laugh we'd cry," explained Karen.
"Look, I'll be blunt with you," said Goldman.
"Oh shit. You mean you're not going to sugar coat it like you usually do?" said Sarah, with her customary sarcasm. Goldman glared at her for a moment before he spoke again.
"Kelly, Karen; as agents of a foreign power there is no chance that your sentence will be commuted. You're right about that. Holly and Sarah; you've both been up to your eyeballs in this for a long time now and your extensive criminal records certainly do nothing to improve your case, so yes, you're both screwed too. But Debbie and Becky do still have a chance. They're both still technically minors, they had no criminal records before now and they've only recently become involved. If the rest of you will swear out statements to the effect that you duped or coerced them into helping you, that they had no idea what was really going on, they just might get off with a prison term. After all, that's more or less what you did, isn't it?" His words struck the older girls like a dagger through the heart. They had all been carrying a lot of guilt over Becky and Debbie's involvement.
Both younger girls however strongly objected to this plan.
"That's not what happened and it's not fair! We aren't little kids! We knew what we were doing!" said Becky. They were quickly overruled by the others and both went off to their bunks to sulk. The others had spent the next several hours with Captain Goldman preparing the requested statements. Once Goldman was satisfied he had said goodnight and left.
After the Captain had departed Kelly decided she should try to patch things up with Debbie and Becky. They were both sitting on Debbie's bunk brooding.
"May I join you?" she asked. Both girls scooted to the left to make room for her.
"Look guys, there's nothing honorable or heroic about what's going to happen to us. We're going to die."
"So who said anything about it being honorable or heroic?" asked Debbie.
"You heard the Captain. The rest of us don't have a choice. There's still a chance for you. Why don't you want us to help you?"
"If you don't know then we're not going to tell you," said Becky.
"Guys, please. I'm trying to understand."
"This is the closest thing we've ever had to a family and now you guys want to go away forever and leave us in some fucking prison! Do you really expect us to be happy?" said Debbie. She was nearly in tears.
"I know it sounds bad, but you never know. Maybe it will only be for a couple of years. You'll still have you whole lives ahead of you."
"To do what?" asked Becky.
"Get married, have a family of your own, grow old. The things the rest of us are never going to get to do," said Kelly.
"We're small Kelly; in prison we'd always be on the bottom of the heap, just like we were at the orphanage, only prison will be ten times worse. I don't want to think about the things we'd have to do just to stay alive. I just can't do it Kelly. If I'm going to die I want to die with my friends. I want it to be quick," said Debbie.
"It's how we both feel Kelly. We've had to fight hard our whole lives and every time we get ahead a little someone kicks us back down. We're tired Kelly. If we're going to lose everything we care about, every one we care about, then just let it be over," said Becky.
"I understand what you're saying guys, I do, but it's wrong to just throw your lives away. As long as there's any chance at all you have to fight for it. Anyway, it's out of our hands now. I'll understand if you want to be mad at me." Neither girl replied and Kelly decided to leave them to their thoughts.
The next day there was noticeable tension in their cell. Becky and Debbie spent most of their time apart from the others talking between themselves. Sometimes they had the bible open. The others respected their privacy. They had finally approached Kelly just before dinner. They told her that they hadn't changed their minds but they understood what she and the others were trying to do for them.
"In the end its God's decision and we'll all have to accept it either way," said Becky.

************************************************************************

Kelly's reflections were interrupted by the sound of their cell door being opened. Captain Ramirez entered with two guards. Ramirez spoke.
"Miss Campbell, your presence is requested in the Commandants office." Her stomach tightened at his pronouncement but she got to her feet and approached the Captain. She held her hands up so he could cuff her in accordance with the usual procedure. She knew what was coming and so did the others; she could see it in their faces.
Once again Captain Ramirez was leading her through the maze of corridors.
"You're limp isn't as bad now. Is your wound healing?" she asked.
"It's a prosthesis. I lost my leg just below the knee."
"I'm sorry. I didn't know," she said, genuinely chagrined at her faux-pas.
"That's ok. It's not a secret. The vehicle I was riding in hit a mine. It is getting easier to walk on. Eventually I shouldn't limp at all. I was lucky really. Worse things can happen these days."
"You're preaching to the choir Captain."
"Oh Christ Kelly, I'm sorry. I can't believe I said that."
"Actually it's kind of creepy the way you guys try so hard not to mention it when you're around us. Like you said it's not a secret. We know we're condemned." Suddenly they were standing in front of the door to Colonel Harris's office. Captain Ramirez raised his hand to knock but was blocked by Kelly's cuffed hands.
"I need a couple of seconds, OK?" she asked.
"Of course," he said. Kelly took a moment to compose herself.
"OK," she said. Captain Ramirez knocked. When he heard the electric lock on the door open he entered with his charge. Colonel Harris was standing behind the big oak desk just has he had been at their first meeting. His face was tight and drawn. He dismissed the Captain and motioned Kelly to approach.
"Miss Campbell, please be seated," he said, indicating the chair in front of his desk.
"I think I'd prefer to stand please." She tried hard to keep her voice even.
"As you wish," he said. They locked eyes. Kelly knew in that instant that her worst fears were about to be realized.
"Miss Campbell, I am directed to inform you that your appeal has been rejected. I am ordered to carry out your original sentences of death by shooting at 09:00 hrs. tomorrow morning." His voice was firm but not harsh.
"All of us?" she asked. She was surprised at how thin her own voice sounded.
"Yes. I am sorry Miss Campbell. I had hoped that Miss Davis and Miss Garvin at least would be spared. It seems the Council is intent on making an example." Even though she had expected it the words hit her hard. She could feel a cold numb sensation coming over her body. Colonel Harris saw the color go out of her face. He came around the desk and took her gently by the shoulders.
"Miss Campbell, please take the chair," he said. He helped her into the seat then took his own behind the big desk. Once seated Kelly took a deep breath and fought to regain control of her emotions.
"I'm sorry Colonel. I thought I was prepared for that but." She didn't finish the thought.
"No ones ever really prepared for that Miss. Campbell. To be perfectly honest with you I spent the last hour getting ready to tell you."
"So what happens now?" she asked. She felt ashamed at the quiver in her voice.
"There are some things I need to discuss with you. I'm sure you have questions for me as well. It is my policy to be completely candid in these matters. I hope you will be also; it will make this easier," he said. Kelly was still visibly pale.
"Miss. Campbell I don't make a habit of drinking during working hours but under the circumstances.. would you care to join me?" Kelly nodded her agreement. The Colonel reached into the lower left draw of his desk and extracted a bottle and two glasses. He only filled a third of his own glass but Kelly's was full. He pushed the glass to the front of the desk where she could reach it. He also took a small key form his pocket and motioned for her to extend her hands so he could remove her hand cuffs.
"Thank you Sir," she said. Still feeling shaky she picked the glass up with both hands and took a long swallow of the amber liquid. It was Bourbon whiskey. Good Bourbon, not the bootleg swill she used to hustle at the Eagle. She closed her eyes and felt some of the warmth returning to her body.
"Feeling better?" the Colonel prompted after a minute had passed. She managed a weak smile.
"I'm feeling embarrassed to tell you the truth. This is the part where I'm supposed to be all cool and stoic. Instead I almost fainted."
"Miss. Campbell, men twice your age have stood in front of this desk and wet their pants when they got the same news you just got. You have nothing to be ashamed of." Kelly took another long drink. She was starting to feel more relaxed now.
"Will our ." Her voice faltered for a moment. "Will our execution be here, or will they take us somewhere else?"
"It will be here. There's a court yard on the far side of the wing you are quartered in," he explained.
"Will they shoot all of us at the same time?" The Bourbon was starting to reach her brain. She felt more at ease now.
"For reasons relating primarily to logistics the executions will be carried out in pairs at roughly fifteen minute intervals." Kelly thought about that for a moment. At least no one would have to face it alone.
"In what order?" she asked.
"You will need to be one of the final two. This is a matter of protocol that I will discuss with you shortly. As to the rest I am prepared to let you chose the order and the pairings amongst yourselves. My recommendation however would be that you let the youngest go first. I think it would probably be easier for them that way." Kelly considered that and slowly nodded her approval.
"Becky and Debbie first, then Holly and Sarah. Karen and I will go last," she said.
"Are you sure? You don't want to discuss it with the others?" he asked.
"I'll ask them but I don't think it will change. I'll get word to you if it does." Colonel Harris made some notes on a large legal pad.
"How exactly will this be done? I'm sure the others will want to know," said Kelly.
"At 08:30 the guards will transfer you to a holding cell that is adjacent to the execution site. Please be sure that everyone is ready at that time. The chaplains will of course be on hand for those who wish their services. At 08:50 the first two prisoners will be taken from the holding cell and be escorted to the execution site. There are two posts at the end of the court yard about six feet high and four feet apart. Each prisoner will be positioned in front of a post. At that point I am required to read the charges and the sentence. I must tell you Miss Campbell that the wording is rather blunt." He paused to gauge her reaction to this news.
"I understand. Please go on," said Kelly.
"Once I've read the charges each prisoner will be given the opportunity to make a statement. If they do so I ask that they keep it relatively brief. I find that once the process is started it's best to move things along to completion as quickly as possible, no filibustering." He paused again.
"I'll tell them. I don't think they're much on speech making anyway," she said.
"Once they've made their statements the prisoners will be secured to the posts."
"Do we have to be tied?" Kelly asked.
"It's in your best interests really. I don't speak specifically of you or any member of your group, but should a prisoner flinch, faint or throw their arms up at the last moment, well, there could be.. unfortunate consequences." Kelly shuddered as she took his meaning. They might be horrible wounded but not killed. She nodded her agreement.
"The prisoners will be blindfolded. This will not be optional." Kelly
started to object. She suspected that Sarah and or Holly might have a
problem with that.
"It's not a refection on your courage," the Colonel assured her.
"The fact is the blindfolds are as much for the benefit of the firing
squad as they are for the prisoners."
"I don't understand," said Kelly.
"Miss Campbell, its one thing to shoot another soldier on the battlefield. To shoot someone who is bound and helpless in front of you is quite another, and in this case I'm afraid your relative youth and gender makes it even worse. My fear is that were you not blindfolded it might prove unsettling to those in the firing squad. This could lead to."
"Unfortunate consequences," Kelly said, finishing his thought. She drained the remains of her glass.
"Yes," said the Colonel. "Once the prisoners are blindfolded the medical officer will mark the prisoner's heart with a white circle of paper. This is so the firing squad will know exactly where to aim. The sergeant in charge of the firing squad will then give the orders."
"Is it ready, aim, fire, like in the movies?" Kelly asked.
"That is the usual procedure, however if you would prefer not to hear it they can use hand signals instead." Kelly closed her eyes and tried to imagine it both ways.
"I think it would be scarier if I didn't hear it. I'll ask the others. Each pair will have to decide for themselves," she said.
"Death is usually instantaneous. In any case the medical officer will immediately check each prisoner. If there are still any signs of life he'll have an injection that will end it quickly," said the Colonel.
"How many in the firing squad?" asked Kelly.
"There will be twelve in all. Six for each prisoner."
"The guys who have been guarding us won't have to do it will they?" During the three weeks they had been there they had come to know their cadre of guards fairly well. At least they knew their names and their personal quirks. They had bummed smokes from them and shared the occasional joke with them in the exercise yard. On the whole they had treated them decently.
"No; the actual firing squad will be drawn from one of the regular infantry companies at the base. Your current guards will however serve as your escorts. Will that be a problem? Please tell me if it is," said the Colonel.
"No; they're decent guys."
"Please know Miss Campbell that no one here takes pleasure in what must happen tomorrow. We'll try to make this as easy for all of you as we can."
"I understand Colonel. Thank you."
Colonel Harris paused to refresh his own drink.
"Would you care for some more Bourbon?" he asked. Kelly sensed that he was uncomfortable. She wondered if this was actually about to get worse.
"Yes please, but just a little," she said, extending her glass.
"As I mentioned earlier there are some protocol issues I need to discuss with you," said the Colonel.
"I'm not going to like this, am I?" said Kelly.
"There is one particular aspect I think you may find troubling. We will get to that in a moment. Once again I ask that you be completely honest with me. I do have some leeway if changes are needed."
"Go ahead Colonel."
"The written order for you execution stipulates that it is to be carried out according to what is essentially a military type protocol," he said.
"What does that mean exactly?" Kelly asked.
"In essence it means that you will all be granted certain courtesies that would not be afforded to civil criminals," he began. "In the case of civil criminals the assumption is made that you are dealing with persons of low moral character. People who can be expected to behave in a cowardly or dishonorable fashion. For this reason we must confiscate their belts, shoe laces, ect to prevent suicide. When the time comes they must be shackled to prevent their struggling with the guards. These things are inevitably degrading," he said.
"I'm following you so far," Kelly offered, sipping her drink.
"In your case the opposite assumption is being made," he continued. "It is assumed that you will conduct yourselves in an honorable fashion. That there will be no attempts to cheat your executioners, that there will be no fighting or hysterics when it is time to go to the execution site. In short Miss. Campbell, you are being given the opportunity to die with your honor and dignity intact. I don't know how much value any of you place on that, but I can tell you that the other individuals the Counsel deemed to be at fault in this matter were given no such consideration."
"I'm not sure how much value I place on it, but I'm sure it's important to the others and I'm grateful. I don't understand how we rate special treatment from the counsel though. Last I heard they were pretty pissed off at us."
"You would have to ask General Hackman Miss Campbell, and I'm afraid it's unlikely you'll get the opportunity."
"You said earlier that I had to go last for some reason," said Kelly.
"Yes." The Colonel paused as if collecting his thoughts.
"The order stipulates that you are to witness the executions of your subordinates," he said. Kelly was stunned.
"May I ask why?"
"I know you must think this very cruel, but I don't think that is the Counsel's intent." Kelly clearly didn't understand. The Colonel continued.
"They are military men and so think in those terms. You were in command. The others acted on your orders and will now pay with their lives. It is your place to be there when they die. To do otherwise would be disrespectful." Kelly closed her eyes for a moment and seemed to be deep in thought.
"As I said Miss. Campbell, this is a military concept. I don't think it's fair that you be held to it. If you wish I can probably get this rescinded."
"No," she said. "Their right, I'd hoped we could all go together, but if we can't then I should at least be there with them at the end. It would be disrespectful if I wasn't."
"As you wish. Please let me know if you change your mind," he said.
"I won't change my mind."
"Do you have any other questions?" Kelly thought for a moment.
"Holly told me that they used to show pictures of this kind of thing on the news." The Colonel grimaced clearly finding the memory distasteful.
"Yes, I'm afraid that's true," he said.
"Are we going to be on the news Colonel?" she asked.
"Some of the executions that took place earlier this week were shown. I have to tell you it's possible yours will be as well. As I said, it's clear the Counsel is intent on making an example."
"Several examples it sounds like," said Kelly.
"Yes, I'm afraid so," said the Colonel. He had never approved of the practice.
"It doesn't matter for most of us but Karen has family in the Alliance. If there are pictures in the press here they'll find there way to the Alliance eventually. I don't think her family should have to see that."
"I'll see what I can do but I can make no promises," said the Colonel.
"She would like to write to her family of course," said Kelly.
"The letter would have to be screened by our intelligence annalists to be sure it contained no codes or sensitive information. As long as it is clean it will be forwarded through diplomatic channels. Her family will also receive official notification through your government."
"I'm sure they'll want to claim her body," said Kelly.
"They will have to make the request through diplomatic channels. I see no reason why it would not be granted," he said.
"Is there anything else I should know?" asked Kelly.
"I think that's everything," said the Colonel. "Do you foresee any problems? I must warn you, if anyone is uncooperative we will do what we must," he continued.
"I'll explain everything to them. I don't think there'll be any trouble."
"You're sure? I'm concerned about Miss Dunn in particular," said the Colonel.
"I'm sure," she said.
"We will intrude on you as little as possible for the remainder of the day. You are entitled to a decent meal this evening. We'll try to put together something nice for you. The chaplains will be on call if anyone wishes their services. You will have no official lights out tonight. I would however advise you all to get some rest before morning. We will make sure you're all up by 07:00 so you will have time to prepare. If you have any requests within reason between now and then please tell the sergeant of the guard." He stood indicating that the interview was over. Kelly stood and extended her hands so he could replace her hand cuffs.
"Thank you for the drink Colonel. I'm sure you were breaking the rules for me."
"One of the privileges of command is that you get to bend the rules occasionally," he said.
"It helped. Thank you again," she said.
"I know this was difficult Miss Campbell but I think it is best that we have everything out in the open now."
"I agree," she said. Captain Ramirez had returned in response to some unseen signal and escorted her out the door.
Kelly was silent as they made their way back to her cell.
"I gather that was not good news," said Ramirez.
"Tomorrow morning, 09:00. All of us."
"I'm sorry," he said.
"At least it'll be over," she said. They had returned to the cell. Ramirez opened the door. As Kelly stepped through she could see that the other girls were already gathered at the table looking at her expectantly. She took a seat at the head of the table. No sense beating around the bush.
"Our appeal was rejected," she began. "They're going to shoot us at 09:00 tomorrow morning." She looked at Becky and Debbie. "You got your wish guys. You get to join us."
"It's ok Kelly, you all tried. It's just God's will," said Becky, with a shrug.
"I have all the details. If any one doesn't want to hear them tell me now." No one spoke up.
"They're going to shoot us two at a time about fifteen minutes apart. It's going to be in a court yard over on the other side of our building. At 08:30 the guards are going to take us to a holding cell next to the court yard so we all have to be ready by then," she said.
"Do we know the order or are they just going to pick two at random?" asked Karen.
"Becky and Debbie go first, then Holly and Sarah. You and I go last," said Kelly. No one objected.
"I have to witness the first two executions so they'll probably take me straight to the court yard."
"What!" said Karen. "They're going to make you watch?"
"Colonel Harris said it's because I was in command. Protocol, he called it. They weren't trying to be cruel. He said it's about being respectful to you guys."
"None of us expect you to do that Kelly. Tell the Colonel we don't want you to," said Holly.
"He offered to try to get that changed. I already told him I'd do it. I want you to have at least one friendly face out there when the time comes. I've made up my mind so please don't argue with me about it," said Kelly. They were all obviously upset but no one said anything further.
"At 08:50 they'll take Becky and Debbie out to the court yard. The Colonel said the Chaplain will be there with you guys if you want. Their going to put you in front of some posts at one end of the yard. Colonel Harris has to read the order out loud. He said it's kind of harsh so be ready for that. After he reads it you can each say something if you want. He said to keep it short if you do."
"What are we supposed to say?" asked Debbie.
"You don't have to say anything; it's just that you can if you want to," Kelly explained. Debbie nodded that she understood. She was looking a little pale.
"After that their going to tie you to the posts and put blindfolds on you. Once you're blindfolded the medical officer is going to pin something over your heart so the firing squad will know where to aim." Kelly paused to let them digest it all.
"You guys have to make a choice here. They can give the orders to the firing squad out loud or they can use hand signals so you won't know exactly when they're going to fire." Becky and Debbie looked at each other for a moment.
"I'd rather know when it's coming," said Becky.
"Me too," said Debbie.
"Holly, Sarah, any preference?" Kelly asked.
"In my nightmares it's always out loud. I think I'd feel cheated now if it wasn't really like that," said Sarah.
"Holly?" Prompted Kelly.
"If that's what Sarah wants. It doesn't matter to me," she said.
"Karen?"
"I'll have to think about it," she said.
"The Colonel said it's quick. If it hurts it will only be for a second."
"Did he say how big the firing squad would be?" asked Sarah.
"Twelve, six a piece," said Kelly.
"Why so many?" asked Debbie. "I mean wouldn't one.." she trailed off. Sarah reached across the table and took Debbie's hand in her own.
"It's just to make sure sweetheart, so we don't suffer," she explained gently.
"Oh," said Debbie. She was not looking well.
"May I please be excused?" she said. Kelly was a little surprised at the formality of her request.
"Of course," said Kelly. Debbie stood and headed for the washroom. Sarah started to follow but Becky motioned her down and went instead. After a moment they could hear Debbie retching violently. They all felt a renewed sense of guilt over having involved the younger girls. After a few minutes both girls returned from the head. Debbie looked better though she was still noticeably pale. She grinned ruefully.
"I'm sorry," she said, taking her seat once more. "I guess I just hadn't really thought about it until now." She looked over to Becky.
"Thanks for holding my hair."
"What are friends for?" said Becky.
"I'm sorry guys, I know this is hard stuff to hear, but I think it'll be easier if you all know what to expect when the time comes," said Kelly.
"You're right," said Karen. "And don't be embarrassed Debbie. We all feel that way," she continued.
"I almost fainted when I was talking to Colonel Harris about it," admitted Kelly.
"I guess that explains the Bourbon on your breath," said Karen.
"Bourbon, I hope you brought enough for the rest of the class," teased Sarah. They all laughed.
"There's something else we have to talk about," said Kelly, getting serious again.
"The Colonel said we're being trusted to be brave about this. That no one's going to make a fuss when it's time. They're not going to make us wear shackles or anything like when we went to the trial. He said it's so we can die with..well, dignity and honor is how he put it." She let that sink in for a minute.
"I gave him my word. If anyone's going to have a problem with this tell me now. He said if anyone does make trouble they'll do what they have to do."
"I don't think anyone's interested in wearing shackles again," said Karen.
"I know I'm not," said Holly.
"Sarah?" prompted Kelly. "You're not planning to hit anyone are you?"
"I'll behave," she said. "I can do without one last good beating before I die." Kelly looked to Becky and Debbie.
"Are you guys going to be ok?" she asked.
"I won't fight. I might throw up again," said Debbie.
"Try to do it before you get out side if you do," said Kelly.
"We'll be ok," said Becky, putting her arm around her friends shoulder.
"Colonel Harris said they'd put together something special for dinner tonight. He also said we can stay up if we want. No lights out."
"Is that it?" asked Karen.
"Pretty much. Nothing to do now but wait," said Kelly. With that she had adjourned the meeting. The girls drifted off to different parts of the room.
Kelly sat down with Karen for a few minutes to tell her she could write to her family, explaining that the letter would be screened by Coalition sensors. She also told her that her family would be able claim her body and that the Colonel would try to keep her picture out of the press. Karen had retired to her bunk to work on what she knew would be the hardest letter she had ever had to write.
Kelly had remained at the table. She didn't feel like she had the strength to move. She rested her head on her folded arms and actually managed to doze off for a while. She was awakened after an hour by Becky shaking her shoulder.
"What is it Becky?" she asked.
"Debbie and I have to go to confession," she said. It was only then that Kelly noticed the Catholic Chaplin standing in the open doorway to their cell.
"Ok guys, go ahead."
"We'll be back in about an hour," said Debbie. Kelly watched as the guards cuffed them and they left with the priest. She checked the clock on the wall of their cell. 16:05. Holly and Sarah were sitting on Holly's bunk playing Backgammon. Karen was still working on her letter having rejected several earlier drafts which were now crumpled on the bed around her. Kelly walked over to the cardboard box that held their meager collection of amusements. The girls had taken to calling it the toy box. She retrieved the deck of cards and returned to the table to play what was probably her one thousandth game of solitaire since arriving at the prison. At 16:53 the door was opened and Debbie and Becky were returned to them with freshly scrubbed souls, courtesy of Father Kinney. He had also given each girl a small rosary.
Another hour had passed uneventfully when the cell door was suddenly opened and two soldiers with sub machineguns entered. Kelly realized immediately that they were not part of the prison garrison. They were wearing the uniform of the Counsels personal guards unit. The meaner looking of the two spoke.
"You will all place your chairs on the side of the table opposite me, be seated and place your hands flat on the top of the table!" he said. The girls all defiantly looked to Kelly for conformation of the order. Both soldiers leveled their weapons at her. She deliberately held her tong for several seconds to put the machinegun wielding asshole in his place.
What's he going to do anyway, shoot me? She thought.
"It's ok guys. Do what he says," she said finally. They all took their seats and placed their hands on top of the table. At that moment Colonel Harris entered the room.
"I thought we had until morning Colonel," said Kelly. There was venom in her voice.
"Nothing has changed Miss Campbell. It seems you have a visitor. I apologize. I was given no prior notice of this. Please do what these men say," said the Colonel evenly. Another soldier entered carrying a folding canvas director's chair. He set the chair up in front of the table and stood behind it at parade rest. Several seconds passed, and then another man appeared in the doorway. He was about six foot tall wearing a general officers uniform. Bandages covered the right side of his head including his right eye. His right arm was casted and worn in a sling. A full length leather coat was slung over his shoulders like a cape. He made his way slowly to the director's chair. The soldier removed his coat and he carefully seated himself. It was clear from his movements that he was in considerable pain.
"Good evening ladies," he said. "I am General Hackman. Supreme Commander of the Northern Coalition."
"We know who you are," said Kelly.
"Indeed Miss Campbell. I understand that you know a great many things," he said. "When I was eventually made aware of the extent and duration of your activities I must admit I was deeply chagrined."
"Your security was a bit lax," she said, nonchalantly.
"I've made several personnel changes lately which I hope will correct that problem." His tone made it clear that the previous personnel were no longer among the living.
"Good luck with that," said Kelly. The General looked down the line of girls on the opposite side of the table, his good eye boring into each of them in turn as if he were looking directly into their souls. They all found his gaze uncomfortable. Even in his current sorry state there was a powerful charisma to the man.
"Do you have any idea how much trouble you have caused me?" he said with obvious anger. They were all startled by his sudden change in demeanor.
"Three of my oldest and most trusted associates are dead! My doctors tell me that I will never regain the sight in my right eye or full use of my right arm!" He paused to look at each of them again.
"In the last twenty years there have been nine attempts on my life; nine! This was the only one to even come close to succeeding, and what are you? Two wet behind the ears agents from the Alliance, a thief, a whore, and two street urchins. The audacity! I had to see you with my own eyes, before I could believe it."
"Its eye," said Sarah. The General looked at her, puzzled by her remark. "The singular form is eye. As in, you had to see us with your own eye," she continued, punching the word eye with each statement. The General glared at her for several more seconds. Sarah smiled sweetly. Kelly was sure the General would have one of the soldiers shoot her right where she was. Instead his anger seemed to subside and he smiled back.
"Miss Dunn. It was you of course, with the assistance of Miss Jones here, who stole the information from my foolish aid. That was what made this particular attack so devastating was it not? Your assassins knew exactly where to be and when to be there, and they knew well in advance."
"Sorry," She said flippantly.
"Why don't I believe you Miss Dunn?"
"Because I'm lying," said Sarah. The General indulged her with a chuckle.
"I blame him more than you of course. He really was a fool. I told him so just this morning, right before we hanged him. It was sad, his being family and all." Sarah lowered her head and swore under her breath.
"Miss Dunn. Am I to understand that you had actual feelings for him?" asked the General. Sarah raised her head and looked at him with hatred.
"He was alright. He never treated me like."
"Like the whore that you are?" he prompted. "And you got him killed. How terrible you must feel." Sarah continued to glare at the General.
"Well you shouldn't Miss Dunn. As I said, it was his own stupidity that killed him. He had no reason to trust you. In fact he had every reason not to. You preformed your duties admirably. He failed in his."
"Is there some point to this visit General or is this just a social call?" asked Kelly. She was feeling very tired.
"Oh there are several reasons for my visit Miss Campbell. To begin with, I really did want to see you, with my own remaining eye, as Miss Dunn was good enough to point out. Second, I thought you might all enjoy an opportunity to confront me in person, instead of paying people to shoot at me from the bushes."
"For the record we didn't know that was going to happen. We just sent the information," said Kelly.
"And why did you think they wanted the information so badly Miss Campbell? So they could send me flowers on my birthday? Really, such naivety does not become you; and while we're on the subject of naivety, why did you remain in the area? Did it never occur to you that we might have spies in your capitol, your own intelligence service even," said the general.
"I figured that part out, thank you," said Kelly.
"You figured it out a little late though didn't you." It was Kelly's turn to glare.
"Yes, fate really sticks it in and breaks it off sometimes doesn't it Miss Campbell. Here you are faithfully doing your patriotic duty at great personal risk to your self and your friends and some son of a bitch from your own country sells you out for nothing more than a fat payday."
"They say there's a special place in hell for traitors like that," said Karen.
"Ah, you've read Dante. Do you believe that Miss Watson?" he asked.
"Right now I'm really hoping its true," she said.
"Well I suppose I should excuse your innocence. You're all little more than children."
"As it happens some of us are children," said Holly. She was looking at Debbie and Becky.
"You mean Miss Garvin and Miss Davis. I think you're mistaken Miss Jones. I saw their birth records just this morning when I signed their death warrants. They've both been eighteen for months now."
"You changed our birth records," said Becky. She actually laughed.
"Yes. I thought it would look better in the history books that way." The General admitted smugly.
"And it surprises you that people try to kill you?" asked Kelly.
"No Miss Campbell, I expect people to try to kill me. It surprises me that you and your little rouges gallery of friends here nearly succeeded. This brings me to the third reason for my visit."
"And that is?" asked Kelly.
"Motive Miss Campbell. I know Miss Watson and yourself are both professionals. I assume you acted out of duty. But you four," he said indicating Holly, Sarah, Becky and Debbie. "Surely it wasn't just for money. Please, tell me."
"You killed our parents with your wars! You let us grow up in the streets like animals and when we did the only things we could do to survive you put us in jail and let your policemen robbed us, or worse!" said Holly.
"There were orphanages. You didn't have to live on the streets," he said.
"Oh let me tell you about your orphanages," said Debbie. "Do you know I was twelve years old before I realized that cereal wasn't supposed to have bugs crawling in it? I remember one day when we were about ten Becky and I were jumping on our beds the way kids do. Becky fell and cut her scalp. When the floor mother found out how it happened they held us both face down on the bed and whipped our asses with a leather strap until we screamed ourselves horse. Then they took Becky to the infirmary and held her down again while they stitched up her head without anesthesia; and that was one of the really good days when no one molested us."
"So this was personal for you? You were motivated by hatred? He asked.
"Yes," said Debbie. "Lots and lots of it."
"So that's two votes for patriotism and four for hatred," said the General.
"No, we all hate you," said Kelly.
"You may rest assured that the feeling is mutual Miss Campbell. I hate what you've done to me personally and I hate the extraordinary trouble you've put me through," he said, with ice in his voice.
"We're not too keen on the way you're having us shot to death in the morning either," said Sarah.
"You should thank me for that really. There are much worse ways to die. Most of the others I've held accountable got death by slow hanging. Do you know how long it takes to die that way Miss Dunn, how painful it is, how degrading?"
"So why do we rate mercy?" asked Kelly.
"The good Colonel here told me you were puzzled about that. Shall I enlighten you? It's really very simple Miss Campbell. The others who have been held accountable in this matter failed to perform their duty. However much I hate the results I must admit you and your associates excelled in yours. You demonstrated skill, courage and resourcefulness. As a soldier these are traits I respect and admire. Still, I could not possibly spare you. That would only invite further attacks. All I can do for you is give you the opportunity to die a quick, honorable death. I think you've earned that."
"I suppose you'll be there to watch us die honorably," said Kelly, with obvious contempt.
"No. As much as I would enjoy that I'm scheduled for another surgery in the morning. My fifth since the attack by the way. Rest assured that I will be thinking of all of you when I go under the knife." They all suddenly became aware of the smell of food coming from the corridor.
"Well ladies I think your dinner is ready. I'll say good night now and of course.. good by." The soldier who had stood behind the General's chair had stepped into the corridor and returned with a large cardboard box. He set the box on the floor halfway between the Generals chair and the table. The General got painfully to his feet.
"Please except these small tokens of my respect. I assure you they have not been tampered with," he said indicating the box. With that he and his soldiers left. Minutes later three large steam tables were rolled into their cell. They were loaded with a wide variety of foods.
"Ladies, please enjoy your dinner and the Generals gifts," said Colonel Harris as he turned to leave.
"I'm sorry I snapped at you Colonel," said Kelly.
"It is I that owes you an apology Miss Campbell. The Generals visit could have been handled better. I hope you realize I had little say in the matter." He turned and left the room.
The girls sat staring at the mysterious box for a moment. Finally Sarah got up and approached it. Suspecting a booby trap she put her ear to it and listened then felt around the lid and cautiously started to lift it.

"Oh for God's sake Sarah, if he wanted to kill us tonight he would have just had his soldiers shoot us," said Holly. Sarah looked at her for a moment then suddenly flipped the lid up off the box. With the exception of Holly the other girls all jumped, half expecting an explosion. Sarah and Holly smiled at each other, part of their familiar I'm more contemptuous of death than you are ritual.
"So what did he give us?" asked Kelly. Sarah examined the contents.
"Well, there's a carton of cigs, four good cigars, a box of fancy chocolates and." Sarah paused for effect. "Four bottles of wine."
"What kind?" asked Karen.
"Two red, two white," said Sarah.
"Is it any good?" asked Kelly. Sarah picked up one of the bottles and examined it briefly.
"Holly's the expert," she said. Without warning she tossed the bottle to Holly who just barely caught it before it smashed into her face. Holly gave Sarah a withering look before directing her gaze at the bottle.
"Jesus Christ, this stuff's ninety years old. It's pre war French wine," she said.
"Valuable?" asked Kelly.
"Only about a thousand credits a bottle on the market," said Holly. They had to have one of the guards open the bottles with a corkscrew on his pocket knife but the wine was soon flowing. Initially no one showed much interest in the food tables although they represented quite a smorgasbord. There was beef, poultry and seafood, fresh vegetables, breads and soups. Even a cold table with fruits and several pieces of cake. They sat at the table drinking the wine, telling stories and making jokes about General Hackman. Soon the mood was considerably lighter. The girls eventually started picking their favorites from the food tables. Before long it was like a real party. Once they had all had their fill. Kelly had gotten permission for them to smoke in their cell, which was normally forbidden. The guards had even brought them several ash trays. Sarah and Holly split the cigars between them the other girls all preferring cigarettes. After a while Kelly noticed Karen by her bunk reading over the latest draft of her letter and shaking her head.
"How's it coming?" she asked.
"Terrible," she admitted. "I just can't find the words."
"The chaplains supposed to be on call all night. Would you like to talk to him? Maybe he can help." Karen nodded. Kelly had him summoned. When he arrived he took Karen to another room so they could work in private. The other girls continued their impromptu party. Karen returned an hour later. Kelly could tell she had done some crying during her time apart from them.
"How'd it go with the reverend? Was he able to help?" Kelly asked.
"Yeah, he's really good. We got the letter done. He told me I should put a lock of my hair in with it, you know, so they'd have something, incase they couldn't get my body back. I wouldn't have thought of that on my own." Kelly looked at her friend.
"God, I'm so sorry Karen. If I hadn't asked then to send you up here."
"No! Stop right there Kelly. This is not your fault. I'm a grown women and I knew what I was doing. Hell, I couldn't get up here fast enough. I'm not sorry I came either." They were both silent for a moment. Kelly put her arm around Karen shoulder.
"Thank you," said Kelly.
"For what?"
"Being my friend."
"Oh, that, don't mention it," said Karen, with a chuckle.
"Why were you? I know I didn't make it easy for you."
"I don't know," admitted Karen. "It seemed like a good idea at the time." They both laughed.
The party was winding down now. Becky and Debbie were once again sitting on the floor in their corner talking quietly and fidgeting with their new rosaries. Holly and Sarah were both smoking their cigars and staring out the window, neither of them talking at all.
The early morning hours passed slowly. They had all tried to sleep some but no one had managed more than an hour or two of fitful slumber. By 05:00 most of them were up and about again. They had showered and dressed and made up their bunks. Just after 06:00 they had stood together at the window and silently watched their last sunrise. At 07:00 Captain Ramirez had come by as promised to make sure they were all awake. The guards had wheeled in a cart with coffee and pastries for them. Kelly was amazed at how calmly they all went about the business of preparing for their date with the firing squad.
Having checked the weather with Captain Ramirez they had opted to wear the black military pullover sweaters they had been issued. It was early fall and not quite cold enough for the heavier field jackets. At 08:00 Kelly sat at the table drinking coffee. She surveyed the others. Karen was sitting on her bunk reading from her bible. Debbie and Becky sat in chairs facing one another. Sarah was behind Debbie carefully arranging her long brown hair into a single thick braid down the center of her back. Holly was behind Becky brushing her shorter hair. Sarah was telling a typically raunchy anecdote about one of her more colorful former clients. Once they had finished the girls had switched places, Sarah and Holly taking the seats and Debbie and Becky assumed the roll of hair dresser. Holly and Sarah also opted to wear their hair in a single braid. At 08:20 Captain Ramirez entered to make sure they were ready to move to the holding cell.
"Are the guards out there?" Kelly asked, indicating the corridor.
"Yes," said Ramirez.
"May I speak to them please?" she asked.
"I guess that would be ok," he said. Kelly stepped into the corridor with him. The six guards that would be their escorts stood along one wall. She recognized all of them from their usual cadre of guards, no new faces. Their uniforms were neatly pressed and their shoes were shined but they were all noticeably uncomfortable. God, Kelly thought. They look like a bunch of school boys at their first dance; like they don't know what they should say or how they should act.
"Good morning guys," she said.
"Good morning," they all mumbled self-consciously.
"Look, I'm sorry you guys have to go through this with us. I'm sure it's not the way you wanted to start your day." They all nodded their agreement. "Please know that we don't hold this against any of you personally. We know you're just doing you duty. You've treated us decently while we've been here and we thank you for that." She paused to take a deep breath before continuing. "As far as today goes, we're going to try to do this with some class. We won't give you a hard time or anything. We just want to get this over with as quickly as possible. I do ask you to please remember that we are obviously nervous, so give us a little space when you can. If there's any conversation please let the girls initiate it, Ok?" They all nodded again. Kelly turned to Captain Ramirez.
"I guess that's it," she said. He opened the cell door and entered with Kelly and two of the guards. The other girls were standing around the table waiting.
"Ladies, if you would all line up here with Miss Campbell please," said the Captain. The girls all complied forming a single line facing the Captain.
"You'll have to be cuffed but only while we are moving to the holding cell. You won't have to wear them when you go out," he said. The girls knowing the drill all held their hands out as the two guards went down the line putting the cuffs on them.
"You're just doing this because you're afraid of Sarah aren't you?" said Holly as the cuffs were closed around her wrists.
"Well you've got to respect a girl who disabled two tactical officers with a dust mop," said the guard.
"I heard she killed three of them with a potato peeler," said the other guard.
"Guys, please, you're embarrassing me," said Sarah. "Besides it was six and I only had a nail clipper," she added, playing along. They all laughed nervously, and then there was an awkward moment of silence. Finally Captain Ramirez spoke.
"Are you ready girls?"
"Lead on Captain," said Kelly. They followed the Captain into the corridor, the girls walking in single file down the center with three guards on either side of them. They eventually arrived at another corridor with a door at the far end. There was a small window at eye level and they could see it led to the outside. They stopped at a door immediately to the right of the exit. Captain Ramirez punched a code into the electric lock and opened the door. The girls were marched inside. It was a small room with some well worn couches and chairs around the green painted walls. It had an attached wash room with a toilet and sink. A coffee pot and cups were set up on a small table. Kelly though it was disturbingly similar to the waiting room in a dentists office. Both chaplains were present drinking coffee. The Catholic Father Kinney and the Protestant Reverend Thompson. The guards removed the girl's cuffs as promised. Kelly looked at the clock on the wall and noted the time was 08:40. Becky and Debbie had twenty minutes to live, the rest of them only a little more.
They all settled in for their short wait. Becky and Debbie were talking with Father Kinney and Karen was reviewing something in the bible with Reverend Thompson. Holly and Sarah were sitting on the couch quietly sipping coffee. At 08:45 Captain Ramirez approached Kelly and told her it was time for them to go out to the courtyard. Kelly turned towards the other girls.
"Guys, I have to go with the Captain now. I'll see you out there OK?" she said. The girls all nodded. Captain Ramirez led her through the door to the courtyard where her life and the lives of her friends would soon be ended in a moment of violence. It was a large rectangular area with high gray walls. Looking to the left towards one of the narrow ends she could see the two wood posts set into the ground. Sandbags had been piled against the wall behind them, evidently to prevent ricocheting bullets. The long wall directly opposite her had a large steel gate that opened to either side like barn doors. Parked near the gate was a large white trailer with tinted windows. She guessed that would be the film crews and members of the press. At least they're being discreet, she thought. Only three other men were in plain site. Colonel Harris, the medical officer, Captain Miller and a General officer she did not recognize. Captain Ramirez led her towards the others.
"Miss Campbell," said the Commandant nodding to her curtly. She returned the gesture.
"You know Captain Miller of course," he said indicating the medical officer. He had ministered to all of the girls during their first week when a cold had swept through their cell. He was a gentle soft spoken man and he was clearly not looking forward to the morning's activities. He looked like he could use a doctor himself.
"Good morning Kelly," he said. She noted the emotion in his voice.
"Good morning Doc. I'm so sorry you have to be a part of this," she said with sincerity.
"Thank you," he said. He could barely get the words out. She turned towards the unknown General.
"This is General Becker, the new director of State Security," said the Commandant. Little question what happened to the old director, thought Kelly.
"Miss Campbell," he said, nodding curtly like the Commandant.
"I hope you have more luck with the job than your predecessor," said Kelly.
"Rest assured I intend to Miss Campbell," he said affably.
Kelly had just noticed that the firing squad was conspicuously absent when the large steel gate opened. The column of twelve soldiers marched through in single file with their rifles at port arms. The sergeant in charge marching along side. Once again Kelly recognized the uniform of the Counsel's personal guard's regiment. They were wearing their camouflage battle utility uniforms but they were pressed and starched and their combat boots were spit shined to a mirror finish. The gold Napoleonic eagle, emblem of the Coalition, stood out boldly on the front of their black berets. She studied their faces. No young boys, she noted. The guards regiment only accepted men with combat experience. Admittance was highly competitive. These were hard men. Men who presumably would not flinch at the prospect of shooting to death young girls who were bound and helpless in front of them. The irony of course was that Kelly sincerely hoped that they were such men. That they would not flinch. That their aim would be sure and true. That her friends would be dispatched quickly and efficiently. The sergeant was a barrel chested man with a prominent scare on the right side of his face. He positioned his grim detail in a single line about twenty paces in front of the posts and put them at parade rest. Kelly assumed that their participation was another token of General Hackman's respect. She turned to the Commandant.
"I'd like to speak to the girls briefly when they come out," she said.
"Please do keep it brief Miss Campbell," he cautioned.
"I will," she assured him. Captain Ramirez was dispatched to instruct the guards. Kelly looked around idly while they waited. It was a cool gray day with a heavy overcast befitting an execution. She could smell the smoke of wood fires burring. She had always enjoyed the smell. Shortly the door opened and Debbie and Becky emerged with two guards on either side of them. They looked a little pale but they kept their chins up and were even walking in step with the guards. Father Kinney and Captain Ramirez had also emerged and were following behind them. They were marched up to where Kelly was standing with the Commandant, Captain Miller, and General Becker. Debbie and Becky were allowed to step out from between the guards and approach Kelly. They stopped and stood shoulder to shoulder in front of her. Kelly stepped forward and embraced Becky. She was surprised to smell Brandy on her breath.
"Have you been drinking young lady?" asked Kelly.
"They gave us a little Brandy before we came out," said Becky.
"Did it help?"
"It didn't hurt," said Becky, with a nervous chuckle.
"Becky I'm so sorry. We never should have involved you guys in this."
"It's not your fault Kelly. We wouldn't have lasted this long on the street. At least this way it will count for something."
"Will you be brave for me?"
"I'll try," said Becky. Kelly released her and embraced Debbie.
"How's your tummy?" She asked.
"I threw up again in the holding cell. I'm OK now though." Said the doe-eyed brunet.
"I'm so sorry Debbie."
"It's OK. I've thrown up lots of times."
"Don't be a smart ass Debbie, you know what I mean."
"This was the best year of my whole life Kelly. I don't regret a minute of it, even now, honest," she said.
"Be brave for me, OK."
"I will," said Debbie. She released the embrace. Becky offered her hand and Debbie took it. They placed themselves between the guards again and the sad little entourage made its way towards the posts at the far end of the courtyard, now joined by The Commandant and the medical officer. When they reached the posts Becky and Debbie turned, embraced briefly and kissed each other on the cheek, then each girl took her position in front of one of the posts. Becky on the left and Debbie on the right as Kelly faced them. Two guards had placed themselves behind each post and assumed the position of parade rest. Colonel Harris stepped forward and stood in front of the two girls. He said something to each girl directly. Kelly was too far away to make out the words but both girls nodded as if agreeing to something. The Colonel consulted a clipboard he was carrying then began reading the charges in a voice that could be clearly heard anywhere in the courtyard. It was harsh. There were words like terrorism and murder, then the final chilling pronouncement.
"Having been found guilty off all charges it is the judgment of the Tribunal that you shall be shot to death by firing squad." It was hard for Kelly to watch. The two small statured girls looking up at the tall Colonel with those pale, somber, forlorn faces. The harsh words of the charges. It struck her how much they looked like two school girls being bawled out by a principal for some misdeed. Having read the charges the Colonel turned to Becky and asked her if she wished to make a statement. Becky shook her head in the negative. He repeated the question to Debbie who also declined to speak. Colonel Harris again addressed each girl in conversational voice. Kelly saw them smile a little and make some brief reply. I wonder what he said. She thought. Probably some conciliatory remarks meant to take some of the sting out of the harsh statement of charges. The Colonel then gave the next official order.
"Prepare the prisoners." With that he had walked over to the side of the court yard just to the rear of the firing squad. Father Kinney and Captain Miller had moved up to the posts and were standing just behind them. When the Colonel gave the order Becky backed up a step and put her back firmly against the post. Debbie however was staring towards the sky seemingly lost in thought. One of the guards stepped from behind the post and placing his hand on her right shoulder gently guided her backward into position. Both girls' hands were pulled behind the posts and secured there with hand cuffs. Next the guards produced some straps that looked to be made of canvas or nylon with a buckle at one end. They looped one around each girl's feet and synched them firmly to the post. Another strap was tightened around their waists. Finally The guard behind the post looped a third strap over a peg in the back of the post and passed the two lose ends over each girls shoulders to the guard in front who passed them under their arms and back to the guard in back, who again secured the lose ends over the top of the peg forming a sort of sling. Kelly guessed its purpose was to keep them upright incase they fainted. The Coalition was nothing if not efficient. She continued to watch as the guards tied the blindfolds over each girl's eyes knotting them securely at the back of their heads, the black clothe of the blindfolds accentuating how pale their faces were. The guards now having finished their work left to take a position near the Colonel. Captain Miller stepped in front of Becky and pinned the white circular target maybe five inches in diameter directly over her heart, then did the same for Debbie. Kelly watched him join the Colonel and the guards on the sidelines. Finally Father Kinney stepped up to Debbie. He placed her rosary in her cuffed hands then whispered some final words of comfort in her ear. He performed similar services for Becky then made a sign of blessing on both girls before he also retired to the sideline. Kelly knew it would only be seconds now. Please let it be quick, she thought. She was startled by the sound of the Sergeant calling the firing squad to attention. She could see both girls' lips moving. She guessed they must be praying. She sincerely hoped for the first time in her life that someone was listening to their prayers.
"Ready!" the rifles were brought to port arms with drill team like precision. There was a loud CLACK as the bolts were operated chambering the rounds that would soon tear through her friends bodies ending their short, tragic lives.
"Aim!" The rifles were leveled at their chests. She could see both girls breathing hard now as they anticipated the final order. It came quickly.
"Fire!" The volley was deafening and seemed to echo endlessly off the high walls of the courtyard. She saw their small bodies stiffen for a moment as if they had been startled by the report of the rifles. A shower of splinters flew from the back of the posts and a cloud of dust came up off the sandbags as the bullets slammed into them. There was no question that real bullets had been fired and had passed through her friend's bodies, but for a few seconds afterwards both girls remained upright, as if they had somehow been immune to their effects, then, as she watched, Debbie's head gently fell forward onto her chest as if she had nodded off. A few heartbeats latter Becky's head fell onto her right shoulder then slowly rolled forward onto her chest. Finally, both girls' bodies went limp, like two rag dolls, only held upright by the straps binding them to the posts. The rosaries dropped from their cuffed hands and fell to the ground. Captain Miller immediately came forward to check them for signs of life. Stopping first at Becky he listened for a heartbeat with his stethoscope then he pushed the blindfold up on one side and shined a small light into her eye. Satisfied he preformed a similar examination on Debbie. He turned and faced the Commandant.
"Both prisoners are dead," he said. His voice was noticeable horse. It was hardly unexpected but somehow the stark finality of his statement hit Kelly hard. She wasn't able to stifle an audible sob and the tears spilled out. Captain Ramirez started to approach her fearing she might collapse. Kelly put her hand up to stop him.
"I'm OK," she insisted though she was still crying. Captain Ramirez offered her a linen handkerchief which she reluctantly accepted.
"Thank you," she said as she used the hanky to staunch the flow of tears. The guards had returned now and were busy freeing the girl's lifeless bodies from the posts. They had uncuffed their hands and their arms now hung loosely at their sides as the guards undid the straps. Kelly was surprised how gently they handled them, as if it still mattered what happened to their lifeless bodies. The big steel gates opened again and a three wheeled motorcycle drove in pulling a low trailer upon which were perched two plain wood coffins. The guards carefully laid each girl in a coffin. They were about to nail them shut when one of the guards remembered the rosaries and, retrieving them, placed them in the coffins with their erstwhile owners. Kelly watched the little motorcycle pull them out the gate and disappear around the corner. That's it, she thought. Becky and Debbie are gone; Holly and Sarah will be next.
Kelly bummed a cigarette from Captain Ramirez while she waited for round two. Colonel Harris and Captain Miller had returned to her position. The medical officer had quietly assured her that both younger girls had died instantly. He looked badly shaken. Even the Commandant was looking ashen, only General Becker looked unmoved. She noticed Captain Ramirez heading back to the building and realized that Sarah and Holly's time had come. She dropped the remains of her cigarette on the ground and snuffed it out with the toe of her boot. A moment latter they came through the door. Unlike the younger girls, Sarah and Holly both looked perfectly composed, like they were just out for a stroll. The guard detail halted when they reached Kelly's position and Sarah and Holly stepped forward to stand in front of her. She started to embrace Holly but hesitated remembering that Holly had always been funny about being touched. Holly sensing Kelly's uncertainty opened her arms inviting the embrace.
"I'm sorry Holly, this wasn't the deal I promised you," said Kelly.
"Everythings got to end sometime kiddo. We rolled the dice, we crapped out."
"I know, but we don't have to like it."
"We really shook um up though, didn't we?"
"We sure did," she agreed. Holly stepped back and Kelly turned to Sarah.
"Do we hug?" asked Kelly.
"Unless you'd rather punch me in the face again." said Sarah. They embraced.
"I'm sorry Sarah, about everything I mean."
"Don't be. It was quite a ride while it lasted. I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Besides, can you really see me dieing in my bed of old age?"
"I really can't," admitted Kelly.
"Me either," said Sarah. She stepped back. "See ya on the other side Kell. Where ever that is," she added. Both girls turned and resumed their position between the guards. Kelly watched them walk down to the posts. She marveled at first at how calm they seemed, but then the more she thought about it the more she understood. Holly had gotten as far as she had in this life by taking a lot of dangerous risks. She had never had any expectation of a long life and she had long since made peace with that. It was more or less the same for Sarah and, of course, Sarah had the soul of a warrior and this would at least be a warrior's death. The same protocol was followed when they reached the posts. Colonel Harris read the hateful statement of charges. Both girls declined to speak. The guards set about securing them to the posts. While that was being done Sarah turned her head towards Holly and looking her up and down made some remark. Kelly couldn't make it out though she thought she picked out the word bondage. Holly smiled and Kelly read her reply clearly. What ever Sarah's quip had been "Fuck you Sarah." was Holly's response. She was still smiling when she said it though. Christ, Kelly thought. Moments from death and they're still pushing each others buttons. Their blindfolds were tied on then and Captain Miller made his grim contribution to their preparations. Once again Kelly watched as the grizzled sergeant with the scar on his face called out the orders to the firing squad. Again the rifles roared and again she saw her friends die, their bodies hanging limp and bloodied from their bonds. Captain Miller confirmed the efficiency of the firing squads efforts. She saw no need to watch the rest. She turned to the Commandant.
"Colonel, with your permission I'd like to wait with Karen now," she said.
"Of course," he said. He signaled for Captain Ramirez to escort her back to the holding cell. When the door was opened she found Karen in prayer with Father Thompson. They both looked up when Kelly entered and the reverend excused him self, assuring Karen that he would be waiting outside.
"I didn't mean to chase him away," said Kelly.
"I asked him to leave when you got back," said Karen.
"Are you OK?" asked Kelly.
"No," admitted Karen. "Why? Are you?"
"Not really."
"Were they brave?"
"Yes, very."
"Debbie and Becky?"
"Like two little soldiers," she assured her friend.
"Weren't we supposed to save the world or something?" asked Karen.
"Yeah; I guess it could have gone better."
"I keep asking myself if we fucked up somehow. If this was all our fault."
"We didn't fuck up Karen, we got fucked over. There's a difference."
"I guess it doesn't matter much now. God, I just want to get this over with," said Karen.
"I know the feeling," said Kelly. As if in response to Karen's wish the door opened to reveal Captain Ramirez. He entered with a guard baring two full snifters of Brandy on a small tray.
"Compliments of the Commandant," explained Captain Ramirez. They both stood and took a glass.
"To absent friends," said Karen, in salute to their recently departed comrades.
"Absent friends," repeated Kelly. They both drained their glasses.
"I guess we're ready Captain," said Kelly. They followed him out the door. The guards formed up on either side of them and they made the short trek to the posts at the other end of the courtyard. Once they reached their grim destination they embraced one another. Neither could find adequate words for the moment. They separated and each took her position in front of a post. Kelly noticed the bullet holes as she approached hers, two separate groupings, one higher than the other, denoting the difference in height between their first two victims. Colonel Harris took his position a few feet in front of them. Captain Miller and Reverend Thompson Stood off to the side. Colonel Harris cleared his throat and turned towards Karen.
"I have to read the charges out loud. As Miss Campbell has probably already told you the language is not flattering," he said.
"I understand Colonel, please proceed," said Karen. The Colonel launched into his reading of the charges. Kelly wasn't really paying attention to it. It was mostly propaganda anyway. Bla bla espionage, bla bla terrorism, bla bla conspiracy, bla bla murder. It just seemed to go on and on like that. She was looking at the faces of the men in the firing squad. She couldn't help wondering what they were thinking. She noticed that they all seemed to be looking at some point a couple of feet above her head. She thought about what the Commandant had told her; about what a hard thing it was for them to do. Maybe it was easier for them this way. If they didn't actually look at the victim until the moment they had to fire. The old Sergeant with the scar wasn't looking over her head though. When her gaze settled on him he looked her right in the eye. She was surprised that his expression seemed to convey approval and maybe a little sympathy. "Soldiers respect courage." General Hackman had told them during his bizarre impromptu appearance in their cell. Apparently the grizzled Sergeant was impressed with what he had seen this morning. She realized that the Commandant had finished reading the charges. "Now for the big finish," she thought.
"Having been found guilty of all charges it is the judgment of the Tribunal that you shall both be shot to death by firing squad," the Commandant concluded his reading.
"Karen Watson. Do you wish to make a statement before the sentence is carried out?" he asked.
"Our friends are waiting. Please get on with it," said Karen, curtly. The Commandant turned to Kelly.
"Kelly Campbell. Do you wish to make a statement before the sentence is carried out?" he asked again.
"I'd like to thank you for the fair and considerate treatment we received here Sir. It was more than we expected," she said.
"You conducted yourselves honorably and so were treated honorably," he said.
"Will you do me one final favor Colonel?"
"If I can," he said.
"If at some point in the future you should happen to meet the son of a bitch that sold us out; will you tell him about today, and don't spare him the details?" she asked.
"On that Miss Campbell you have my word," he said.
"Thank you Sir," she said.
"You're both fine brave girls. I'd have been proud to serve with you. God's speed to you both," said the Colonel.
"Thank you Sir," said Kelly.
"Thank you Sir," echoed Karen. With that the Colonel gave his final order.
"Prepare the prisoners." He turned and walk out of the line of fire. Knowing what was expected; Kelly set her back firmly against the post and held her hands back so the guard could cuff her. Almost immediately she felt the cold metal of the cuffs being closed around her wrists. The other guard was kneeling next to her fastening the strap around her feet. It was soon cinched tight. She glanced over at Karen and saw the same preparations under way. Karen sensing her gaze turned her face towards her.
"Lord for that which we are about to receive.." she started
"Let us be truly thankful," Kelly said, completing the blessing. It had been an old joke from their time in the Academy. It was something Karen like to say whenever she knew their instructors were about to subject them to some new harrowing ordeal. It was just nervous gallows humor now of course but Kelly was gratefully for the momentary distraction. She felt them tighten the strap around her waist and realized that she was now quite securely pinioned. The one guard was standing directly in front of her now. He was a shy red headed fellow. Kelly remembered his name was Tommy. The guard behind her had laid the two ends of the straps that would form the sling over the tops of her shoulders. Tommy had blushed and mumbled and apology as he passed the ends under her arms and back to the guard behind her. Kelly felt the slack being tightened until the strap seemed to be taking some of her weight.
"Is that too tight?" the guard behind her asked. She wasn't sure which one he was.
"No, it's OK," She assured him. Suddenly he came from behind the post and was standing next to her. He had the blindfold in his hand. She remembered him now; a lanky, taciturn fellow that the others called Slim.
"Are you ready Kelly?" he asked quietly. She realized he was talking about the blindfold. She looked over to see Karen's blindfold was already being knotted. She took a deep breath.
"Go ahead Slim," she said. He stretched the heavy black clothe over her eyes and knotted it snugly at the back of her head. It was amazing how comforting it actually was. The logical part of her brain knew that the firing squad was still there. That she would be shot dead within the minute, but standing there in the darkness she could almost convince herself that she was alone in the universe. She became aware of the smell of bread baking. Lunch was being prepared in the prison kitchen. She could hear Reverend Thompson reciting some prayer with Karen. Something from the Psalms probably. Karen had always been partial to the Psalms. Then she was suddenly startled by someone touching her chest.
"I'm sorry Kelly. I didn't mean to scare you." She recognized the medical officer's voice and remembered about the targets.
"It's OK Doc. Just make sure that's in the right place please," she said.
"It is," he assured her. Just then she remembered she still had Captain Ramirez's handkerchief in her pocket.
"Doc," she said.
"Yes?" he answered.
"There's a handkerchief in my left front pocket. Could you take it out and return it to Captain Ramirez, please?"
"Sure," he said. She felt him reach in and extract the hanky.
"Tell him I said thanks."
"I will," he assured her. She heard him walk away and she realized that she and Karen were now alone in front of the firing squad. No sooner than she had finished the thought she heard the commanding voice of the Sergeant with the scar.
"Squad, aten hut!" She heard them snap to attention.
"Ready!" She heard the distinctive CLACK of the bolts being worked. Her heart was pounding now. She could almost hear it.
"Aim!" Please don't let it hurt too much, she thought.
"Fire!" For the third time today she heard the thunderous report of the rifles, only this time it was accompanied by a firm punch in the chest that seemed to knock the wind out of her. Immediately her ears were ringing and there was a sensation of free fall, as if she had dropped into a bottomless pit. A warm peaceful feeling washed over her. It was like when they gave her the truth drugs only better. She understood now that everything would be OK. She could put her head down now and rest. Then came the comforting embrace of oblivion.