Decommission - Part One

____A tepid May wind brushed against the weed spotted hill, creating an audible whir in the night air signaling the coming of summer. A man was at the top of the hill, surveying an isolated, stately manor that housed one of the most reviled dictators in the world. Behind the man was a specially selected cadre of rebel soldiers, making final preparations to storm the ‘Presidential Estate’, and remove President Holland from power. Charlie Brand continued to survey the security detail around the building, and shivered in spite of the warming breeze.

____“There are only three teams of two stationed around the perimeter. They’re all smoking and talking to each other.” Charlie lowered his binoculars and looked back at the small group of armed rebels huddled together. “It’s as if they don’t even care about who they’re there to protect.”
____“They don’t. They know the current regime is on its last legs, so why bother with loyalty? It just makes our job tonight that much easier.” Lien Walgren spoke with an agitated tone, anxious to get the mission underway.

____Lien held a high position in the rebellion, and was the first, and only, choice for mission leader. He had long been prepared for tonight, but it was all so unreal now that it was falling so quickly into place. He’d heard the rumors that Holland had become so suspicious of those around him that he kept his all of his advisors and security forces at arm’s length, but was sure it was only spreading propaganda. The barebones security detail should have been proof enough, but it all seemed too easy.

____“Alright. Charlie, come over here.” Charlie put away his binoculars and retreated back to the group.
____“This isn’t what we expected. Should we go over the plan again?” Scott Gibson said hesitantly, and backpedaled, “Y’know, just to be safe.”
____“No, our plan still works with what they’ve got down there. Just remember, non-lethal force is what we’re aiming for. We’re better than Holland and this is our way to prove it to the population.” Lien met the eyes of his squad mates as he said this, wanting to make his intentions plain.
____“The population is out for blood Lien. They’ll only view us as weak if we don’t spill it.”
“They’re the ones responsible for putting Holland in power. They need to see change is possible without a massacre. We get in and out with minimal casualties.”
____“Minimal, huh?” Charlie cracked a smile at Lien, “Well I’m glad you’re being realistic. Is Holland what you would call minimal then?” The squad shared a subdued laugh at this.

____Lien looked at the faces of his comrades in arms, all eager and ready to free the country they loved. His heart swelled with pride, and pushed away his hesitation and mild paranoia. They had all suffered under Holland’s tyranny for years, and this was the opportunity they had all been dreaming of. Lien wasn’t about to squander a chance to galvanize his troops.
____“Yes. Holland is what I would consider ‘minimal’ Charlie.” This was met with enthusiasm, and Lien knew they were ready for anything. “Now, after we neutralize the guards at the gate, Hinckley and Stolitz will split off and take out the others.”
____“Right.” Hinckley and Stolitz spoke in abrupt unison, while Scott wondered why they were going over the plan again.
____“Berkey will stay at the gate while the rest of us enter the manor. Once inside, we’ll split up into the designated teams and lock down every room. I’ll go straight for Holland. Sources put him on the third floor of the east wing. He’s been isolating himself, so I should get to him no problem. Communicators on?” Lien quickly looked at his friends in turn once more, as they all nodded in confirmation.

____They were going to succeed. He could feel it. “Okay. Go.”