by Collin Earl
*****
It took quite a long time to backtrack around the rock face and meet up with the second squad, but Roman had been spurred by the radio chatter he overheard indicating that they had the target in custody. It was over. He had won and would now claim his prize. They had been after this particular acquisition for years, and only recently had there been enough intel to mobilize.
Roman rounded the last bit of rock with the first squad in tow. He could see the second squad with the target in restraints, but he did not expect to see the addition of a number of natives. Roman saw the animated angry faces before he heard the harsh yelling directed at the squad and the target. The elation that Roman had experienced mere moments ago started to drain away.
As he approached, the Major shoved past him to speak with the squad leader. After a bit of explanation the Major started to converse with the natives. While Roman was fluent in the local dialect, this conversation was absolutely foreign to him. The Major's face continued to darken the more he conversed with who Roman assumed was the leader of the natives.
Things were going downhill fast. Roman had to do something. He stepped up to the Major and asked what was going on.
"It seems that this man has stolen a very holy artifact from a sacred temple," the Major replied to Roman.
"Well, that shouldn't be a problem. Just give them the artifact back and I'll take my man and be on our way," stated Roman.
"It is not that simple. You don't understand the local politics in play here. Their tribe is part of a larger population ruled by one of the local warlords. If I do not turn this man over for trial, there will be serious repercussions from their lord." The Major's face looked torn, obviously remembering his payment being contingent on Roman taking custody of the man.
"Isn't there anything I can do? Perhaps give the tribe credits?"
"They are not interested in credits. Perhaps their ruling lord is, but I have no way of making the introduction, and if you walk into their lands, I'm afraid you will not come out."
"There must be something that can be done," pleaded Roman.
"Believe me, I am just as upset as you are," said the Major curtly. "Since I can't turn him over to you I am out the credits you were to pay me, and I have this native dispute to deal with."
Roman looked at the man. He was stuck. He had no authority here and there was no way he could strong-arm the Major. Not with all the officers around. "So what do you suggest, Major?"
The Major rubbed his chin, his scheming mind working through the problem. "Maybe all is not lost. I must take this man into custody. The local native liaison council will determine his fate. Maybe I can make some introductions there and you could persuade the council members to release him into your custody."
"Of course. If you can arrange that, I think we can come to an amended sum for your efforts." Perhaps this wasn't a complete failure.
