The Small Army

Lieutenant Oscar Hale was a desperate man, half of his platoon wanted to desert while the other half were insistent that they would kill themselves before their enemy was given the chance. Their traitorous thoughts weren't unfounded in fact both thoughts had crossed his mind but as the lieutenant, he knew it was his duty to stand strong so others could lean on him. The enemy they faced was strong. So strong they had destroyed the countries entire front line. Oscars platoon was never meant to fight they were stationed in a town that never saw action; their only job was to oversee the movement of supplies to the front line. now they would face the full force of the army as they progressed further into the land that his comrades had sworn to protect. This town was a vital piece for the enemy, should they take it they would have the means to take the rest of the country something his seniors had overlooked when stationing a platoon with no experience in the town. They never thought the frontlines could fail so completely, because of his senior's cockiness he would soon see civilians and comrades alike drowning in their own blood and the town swarmed by the enemy, they were not allowed to surrender so Oscar would ensure that every man fought until his last breath.

He stepped onto the soapbox positioned at the front of his platoon, looking as dignified as a man in his situation could, despite his dirty face and uniform his eyes where clear and full of confidence that he did not possess. He looked at his men in neat lines, they did not look like they could fight for chips; many looked as though they would vomit, and the rest looked ready to bolt much like a dear in the sight of a gun. The civilians that lined the outside of the streets looked even more afraid they had no training and nowhere to run, their eyes were filled with tears as they searched the men in uniforms for some sort of reassurance. Oscars heart stuttered at the thought of these people dying but he did not let his expression falter.

"in a day the enemy will be upon us, our front lines have failed, and we are the last line of defense for our country." Lieutenant Oscar says looking at the ever-greener faces of his men.

"Despite the experience and the number of men on the front lines they have fallen and now the country relies on us, a platoon of men with no experience. the front lines had reinforcements, we do not, everything our armies had went into holding those lines," he says knowing that his words are destroying any of the hope that his men still clung to, but he knew the words had to be said so that his men would enter the battle knowing that they were all that was left, knowing that they would soon be the last men who dared stand against the might of their enemy.

"But we have something the frontlines didn't have we have our desperation, our skills that have been refined through the excruciating training we have endured while stationed here and most importantly we have the people of this town who rely on us" his words are building force booming through the streets as his passion fills his voice, the soldiers listening stand straighter, they know the words they are hearing come from the heart, they await his next words hoping they don't disappoint. 

"and with that I say: if they stand behind you, give them your protection; if they stand beside you, give then your respect; if they stand in front of you, watch their back; and if they stand against you..." he pauses to give his platoon a vicious grin enforcing his next words and lighting a fierceness in his men that God himself didn't know they had. "Show them no mercy" the viciousness of his voice leaving the men silent for a moment.  In that moment they see the great general this man could be. they forget about their current situation clinging to his words. The faith that he is placing in them makes it seem as though their skills are far greater than the reality, but they don't care for now they feel like a great army being addressed by a seasoned general.

Eventually, the soldiers shout their bloodthirst back at their leader while the civilians clap enthusiastically in support of the small army. As Oscar looks out across the crowd, he sees a fierceness that was born of words he doesn't remember saying. As he steps off the soapbox his bloodthirsty grin does not falter almost everyone here would die but he knew these men would not be restrained. None would leave alive unless it was over the body of their enemies and if they were to be annihilated then they had the fierceness to fight to their last man and the strength and pride to save at least one civilian, so they could share the story of the 16 men who faced an army of 400 and not only saved a life but fought with the fierceness of barbarians each with the strength of 10 men. His platoon prepared for the futile battle and he spurred his confidence putting his faith and his life in the hands of these fierce soldiers. 

A/N

I'm currently trying to get my writing level up so I can pass my exams, I know this was pretty bad and I'm grateful to anyone who read it to the end any feedback would be appreciated and if you want to impersonate me for my exam I will pay you.

Thanks xx