Republic Reborn: Against the Stars and Stripes-Chapter 87: Young

"Oh... to be young," sighed Colonel Abad, his gaze fixed on the scene unfolding below.

From our vantage point on the ridge, we watched the young soldiers enjoying themselves in the river. They splashed and chased one another, disturbing the fish and creating waves in the otherwise serene water. I wouldn’t be surprised if, before long, their playfulness turned rough, and we’d have a repeat of the brawl that had broken out during their first week of training. It was surreal to think that had been only a month ago.

Others were more content to remain on the banks, where they gathered around fire pits, roasting generous portions of fish and pork I had provided for the outing. Dimalanta, ever the instructor, hadn’t shed his military mode. In a quiet corner under the shade of a tree, he sat with a group of recruits, animatedly lecturing as he scribbled notes and diagrams into his ever-handy paper pad.

Vicente was there as well, but due to his obligation, he had to invite Isabela. They found a spot for themselves that, at first glance, looked like a couple enjoying a picnic. But upon closer inspection, it was clear the teniente wasn’t enjoying it as much as my daughter. Perhaps he wished he were in a library instead, reading another boring book.

Altogether, about a hundred recruits spread across the riverbank, covering a broad stretch of the waterway. The local women, who had come to wash laundry or fetch water, found themselves entertained by the half-naked young men frolicking in the sun. Some blushed, others giggled, and a few exchanged whispers behind their hands.

Meanwhile, my senior officers and I had set up our own camp on an elevated patch of land, just before the slope dipped sharply toward the river. Beneath an old acacia tree, we sat on large stones—courtesy of the rocky terrain—and gathered around a small wooden table where platters of roasted meat, cooked by the soldiers below, had already been laid out for us.

This first batch of recruits had worked hard since the beginning. They had served as trainers, patrolmen, peacekeepers—and nearly a fourth of them had already tasted real combat. After completing the two-week training of the incoming replacements for the three towns, I decided to reward them with a much-needed seven-day break.

They would need the rest. After their short reprieve, these men would be the first to undergo advanced training in Santa Cruz. Upon completion, they would resume their roles as instructors and demonstrators for the next waves of recruits. There would be no rest once things picked up again.

"We are still young, Colonel," I uttered absentmindedly, enjoying the sunny weather and the picturesque view of the emerald waters. I especially felt young when I remembered that I had been twenty years older before I came to this world. That I shouldn’t be enjoying the gentle touch of the breeze, the soothing music of rustling leaves, or the company of friends—because I should be dead.

"That’s true," Capitan Roque agreed, spearing a thick slab of roast pork belly with his fork and dipping it into a bowl of vinegar and crushed chili. "We’re still young. Old is bitter and grumpy—like Don Contreras. Young is like the gobernador: energetic and ambitious."

The officers chuckled at the remark. Chuckles turned to full-bellied laughter when we saw Roque struggle to fit the tough slab of meat into his mouth—only to succeed with a triumphant grunt.

"You couldn’t be more right," Pedro chimed in, laughing the hardest of us all and wiping tears from the corners of his eyes. "Don Contreras... what a joke he is. I don’t understand why you gave him that post. Just a few weeks ago, he was resisting us—and now you’ve given him the authority to suppress resistance?"

As my brother-in-law, Pedro had the privilege of speaking freely, but I could tell the others shared the sentiment, even if they dared not voice it.

I had my reasons. Maybe guilt was one of them. Maybe, deep down, I was trying to make amends.

"If we isolate him, he and his allies will remain our enemies," I replied, my voice steady and serious—cutting through the merriment like a blade. "Let’s extend a bridge. If we can win him to our side, we’ll have a stronger grip over the province."

There was a moment of silence. Then I turned to Pedro, looking to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Anyway... how’s Severino doing in Santa Cruz?"

Pedro pursed his lips thoughtfully. "To be honest... he’s been doing well. He’s strong, smart, quick with the drills, a decent marksman... If it weren’t for his misdeeds, I would’ve considered him for an NCO position."

I sighed. A familiar pang of guilt twisted in my chest. I still couldn’t forget the sight of him in the cell—bruised, beaten, and bleeding.

"I wouldn’t mind promoting him... if he’s earned it," I murmured.

Pedro raised an eyebrow. "But isn’t that his punishment, Heneral? Being enlisted as a common soldier?"

He was right, of course. And for a moment, I had no answer.

"Well... an NCO isn’t that much of a promotion anyway," I tried to reason aloud.

The expression on their faces told me they weren’t convinced. Rape was a serious crime. Some of them already believed the punishment had been too lenient. And now I was floating the idea of rewarding him?

"I think we should give the boy a chance," said Señor Alcantara, breaking the silence. All eyes turned toward him at once, given the topic. "We were all foolish and impulsive once. Maybe the beating and the training knocked some sense into him." frёewebnoѵēl.com

There was no immediate reaction. But if the father of the alleged victim was willing to give the offending boy a chance, who were they to object?

"You have a point..." Capitan Roque was speaking again, this time there was a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Have I told you that when I was young, I carved a hole into a banana tree—and my father caught me trying to hump it?"

"No, you have not, Capitan Roque," I said, shaking my head as the officers erupted into renewed laughter. "And I wouldn’t reveal that kind of story, even if you had me at gunpoint."