OOC: The funniest thing is, ofcourse, that I wrote this rather automatically and on impulse. Certainly didn't think that I could write a love story, but if NK could...
IC:
"The terrorists are deceitful and cowardly, but they, at least, have the excuse of being a different people, and a one at war with us. The traitors in our own ranks have no such excuse; they are our real worst enemies."
- ha-nasi Aleksandr Levitsky.
---
"..."Castro" isn't really a Cuban; he isn't even from Spain, although his ancestors were Moroccan and could be considered Sephardic. His real name is Yariv Tumaleh. He is called "Castro" for his great beard, naturally, and indeed his face does bear a stunning resemblance to the late Fidel. Aware as he is of our operations, he seems to be the least suspicious, and probably that is why I believe that we need to keep a close eye on him. We must never trust the unsuspicious, for it could just as easily mean their innocence as it could their incredible skill...
...I realize the military significance of this operation, and agree that we mustn't subordinate strategic considerations to tactical ones, much less those of intellegence and security. Not in our situation, anyway. But I must say that it is quite hindering to my operations here, as is "Castro" by the way...
...I will, ofcourse, try to use all the opportunities; and perhaps indeed the fighting will provide just such an opportunity. As opposed to sitting at the HQ, anyway. But with all due honesty I doubt that the traitor, whoever he is, will betray us to the Arabs. If not out of patriotism or common sense, then at least the instinct of survival should tell him not to betray us in such a war, as no matter who will win, he will lose. And if for the traitors do intend to go all the way, then we will simply stand no chance at all. So in this one case, I believe that we mustn't think of the worst-case scenario, if only because there is nothing we could do about it.
Regardless, I will do my best. With respect..."
---
I cursed soundlessly and quickly hid the letter I was writing in my pocket. Just as I was about to finish it, too... I quietly redeployed my body to the bed and closed down my eyes. Thankfully I avoided to make any sounds throughout it all, so unless Castro - for it was, doubtlessly, him - had phenomenal hearing he wouldn't suspect anything.
Hmm... I didn't have phenomenal hearing myself, but I always could hear Castro's lumbering. I heard these footsteps too, but they were much quieter than Castro's. Who could it be if not Castro?
"Be-uyn tahbulot yipol 'am." - somebody said softly and knocked at the door.
"U-teshuah be-rov yo'uts." - I replied and stood up, relieved - "Come in, Sarah."
A sun-tanned, petite pretty young woman in uniform came in and quickly closed the door. I tried not to ogle her too much, as even in the Israeli army men, most often being in separate units from the women, quickly begin to long for them once more.
"Do you have the letter?" - asked Sarah.
"Hmm? Ah, almost finished, only need to sign it..."
Sarah stared at me queerily. I realized what was the problem and took out the letter.
"No-no, I don't sign my real name there ofcourse!" - I explained apologetically.
"Ssh." - she said, clearly disapproving my incompetence. I realized it and went red-faced.
"No need to, I suppose..." - I said and put the letter in an envelope, which I immediately handed to her. I was quite uncomfortable and secretly wished for her to go away. I also felt rather bad about the first impression... and about feeling so bad about it. Its not like I wanted to court her or something!
"Good." - she said as she hid the letter in her pocket - "Now, what is this about Castro's briefing?"
"I... Hmm?" - I said, again cursing my clumsiness. Damn it, why couldn't my uncle have sent Itzik? We worked quite well with him...
Sarah sighed in exasporation.
"Why did you request to be in the front?" - she asked.
"To avoid sabotaging trust and to see what... to look after the suspects."
"Suspects?" - she querried.
"The ones I've been watching here." - I waved my hand, trying to hide my unease.
"Do you think they'll betray us on the battlefield."
"They could."
"Very well then." - she smirked - "Good luck - I must hurry now."
When she extended her arm I resisted an impulse to kiss it - and by the way she smirked again she probably noticed it - and shook it. She saluted me, we exchanged good-byes, and then she walked away across the outpost troop quarters corridor, while I quickly closed and locked the door, thanking YHWH yet again for the small number of troops here and the availability of many quarters. I wouldn't have wanted such an embarassing moment to happen amongst my fellow troops...
I lied down on my bed again, suddenly feeling very tired, and suddenly realized that though I always felt uneasy around women - well, those that I didn't get used to anyway - it never was quite as bad as this. I tried to shake off the insistant thought, but couldn't. They really should've sent Itzik...
To be continued.