Innocent War

Ben crouches in his room placing small plastic figures into their proper places on the wood floor. He makes no sound as he carries out his meticulous placements, sound will come later. Each figure has its own point in the battle ahead and so has to be placed perfectly, in order for them to perform correctly. Ben has been known to spend hours placing everything in their places before then picking them all up and starting over again; as a new plan came into his mind.

Every now and again he will pause and survey his floor, his mind racing over all the impending eventualities to ensure placement is perfect. His hand scrapes the bottom of his plastic box and he pulls out the last figure and places it next to a small plastic hay bail. Sitting back he looks over the arena of battle again and a small smile creases his lips.

Ben jumps back excitedly and picks up a small plastic box. Opening it carefully he removes the mass of folded kitchen roll within. Placing it in front of him he slowly and gently unwraps the figures inside. He holds each of the six, small yet perfectly painted, figures up to look at them and ensure they are still pristine. He then leans forward carefully to place them next to the headquarters of the heavily outnumbered 'Good guys'.

--


"What's the sit-rep?"

"Bad boss. Reports coming in of heavy losses east of our position. We have bogeys in front and to the west. Suggest retreating and saving what we can."

"Your position is noted Captain but retreat really isn't an option here. We are told to hold and hold we will. Get the Lieutenant in here."

"Yes Sir!"

--

Figures are laid down as Ben moves amongst them. Some figures scream as they fall whilst others accept their fate silently but for the noise of explosions around them.

The enemy troops moves closer to the Headquarters and yet more figures fall onto their backs.

A group of six small, perfectly painted, figures move into the 'Good Guys' Headquarters.

--

"Boss?"

"Frank we have a problem."

"You don't say? Looks like hell out there. My boys are anxious to get in and give some payback. What do you want us to do?"

"Well we need someone to take out their artillery up on the hill. It's hitting us damned hard. Take that out and we probably have a chance to hold out for our reinforcements. I'm asking you to give us 2 hours Frank."

"Will do boss. If you could get our boys to lay down some fire in the west whilst we get out that would be a bonus."

"I'll see to it Frank. Good Luck."

--

Six figures move from the Headquarters and move swiftly towards the 'Enemy' ranks. Sounds of explosions are heard as artillery fire is aimed towards the massing ranks of the 'Enemy. Screams of plastic figures rebound around the walls as Ben pushes figures over to make a path for Six small, perfectly painted, figures.

He moves them closer and closer to the box covered with his towel, to create a hill. On top sits the 'Enemy' artillery guns and its protecting figures. The six small figures are moved behind an upturned truck at the base.

--

"How we doing boys?"

"Good skip. Haven't had this much fun for weeks."

"Right. You know the drill. John & Garry give us some cover. The rest of you sorry looking lot come with me."

--

Ben makes a cheeky smile on behalf of his figures to show his Lieutenant that they are all behind him. He licks his lips nervously as he moves the figures carefully up the towelled box.

--

"I can see them skip."

"Good, signal John and Garry and get them up here."

"They're already on their way. Damn! I think I've been seen skip."

"Pull back to us Monty. Pull back now."

"I'm pinned down."

--

Ben ducks his head as he slowly turns the figure to face his five comrades. He then stops the figure and slowly releases his hold."

--

"Oh Christ MONTY NO! Let's get them lads. Garry be ready with the explosives, we aren't going to have long up there."

--

The five remaining figures are moved passed their fallen comrade and reach the top of the box. 'Enemy' figures fall left, right and centre. Another of the five falls and the four remaining reach the artillery guns.

--

"Try and hold them off boys whilst we set up the charges."

--

Ben licks his lips as he knows the ultimate sacrifice his 'Elite' team are just about to make. He leaves the box for a moment and carefully moves the 'Reinforcement' figures up to the headquarters from their hiding place under the bed. With the reinforcements in place he moves one figure into the headquarters before moving back towards the towelled box.

Before he gets there the door to his room flies open and a rush of feet move across the wooden floor. He realises what is about to happen too late and so slumps back on the floor and watches in what seems like slow motion as the foot of the intruder catches the towelled box.

Small plastic artillery guns fly across the room followed by small plastic figures. Ben's eyes are drawn to four small, yet perfectly painted, figures twisting in the air as they fall.

"Oh my god! Ben I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking my darling. Here let me help you pick them up."

"That's okay mum. No please don't touch them I will sort it out."

"Okay, I'm really sorry my love. Dinner will be ready in about half an hour okay?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

The door closes behind her and Ben sets to work putting the battle back together again.

The moment is lost for now but he will set it out again and start over. Tomorrow his small 'Elite' force may take the hill.