One squadron of elite Australian SASR troops had gained control of the airfield in Iraq's Western Desert. Prisoners were herded, bound and placed on the roadway at the airfield's entrance. Jay observed for weaknesses that he could later exploit during their initial interrogation. Around 60 of Saddam's 'Men of Sacrifice' to sort through.
And one little Iraqi girl.
Jay gazed through the swirling dust at a hardened trooper gently guiding the young girl toward him. The wind played at her tattered blue jumper and whipped her matted dark hair. She held a delicate yellow flower tight to her chest.
She stopped short of Jay and looked up with deep brown eyes, her gaze almost devoid of emotion; no tears, no smile, only a hint of vengeance buried deep within her young soul.
The little girl looked at her flower then back to Jay as he crouched. She started to extend her hand and offer up her precious possession. Her lips moved, but her voice was drowned out by the barking of an Australian .50 calibre machine gun.
Jay grabbed the girl and dived to the ground. His headset came to life: 'Incoming!'