“General, sir?”
“Yes captain?”
“Sir, I’ve reviewed the battle strategy and the positions where my forces are to be deployed.
And frankly sir...”
“Go ahead captain.”
“Frankly, I don’t think we can protect him from these locales. The enemy we’re dealing with will see a clear opening and I just don’t think we can respond fast enough to protect him. Let me have one of my battalions move a bit closer maybe here and another one there.
That way we’ll be ready.”
“Thank you for your suggestion captain, but the battle plan is final.”

“Silence! Proceed.”
“General my advisors are predicting that target number one will be available within days.”
“Are you certain this time? The last forecast put us in a very difficult position.”
“General, there was no way to predict what happened last time but if our forces were only more trained.”
“More trained! Our forces just aren’t ruthless enough. They are weak. They try to enjoy the kill too much.”
“But if I may continue without interruption, sir. The enemy is positioning their forces in a haphazard fashion that leaves us an opening that we should be able to exploit. We estimate they will not be able to respond in time to counter our forces.”
“Are you sure this time?”
“Absolutely.”
“What should be the consequences if you are proven incorrect yet again?”
“General I suggest we deploy two divisions here and here. Once the target moves to this location in the battlefield I suggest we move the third division in immediately to flank the enemy forces here and here and to surround target number one and quickly destroy him.”

“If I may continue sir?”
“Captain?”
“Well my team has been reviewing everything meticulously as we always do. Two key factors have recently changed that could drastically effect the outcome of this battle. Number one, there is no longer any secrecy surrounding who our number one asset is. Secondly, up until yesterday, the number of forces that have been arrayed to protect him has been unprecedented. How is it possible that we can let him move into this battlefield where there will be certain opposition and without sufficient cover? He still remains our number one asset does he not?”
“Yes, captain that is correct. I see your team has done its typical excellent job. However let me assure you that both our commander-in-chief and our number one asset have already been apprised of our capabilities and that our positioning effectively puts our number one at risk. I was told that this was the plan and to go with it. The commander has never been wrong. There may be some new battle strategy that is being tested in this case. In any event, if the enemy moves in for a kill blow, your orders are as always, do the impossible without fail.”
“Yes sir. Absolutely Sir.”

“The strategy is sound but it does not quite look at the broad picture.”
“General, why mess around with division this and division that. I’ll assemble a small strike force just my special hand picked group. We’ll track the movement of target number one. If he does become available as so predicted, then my strike team will move in before the enemy can respond and eliminate him.”
“What about your team?”
“What about my team. They know the cost of battle. If target one remains target one then we take him at all costs. If not then let’s not waste anyone’s time. Oh, and I’ll remain back here just in case his analysis is wrong. Just to make sure we even things up. If you know what I mean?”
“Silence both of you! With undisciplined advice like this, time after time, it is surprising that we win most of our battles. Fortunately for you both, our commander is just so much wiser than the advisers on both sides. He’s never been wrong. Here is how he’s decided it will work. We will deploy the divisions as suggested but we will not move in for the kill. Do you understand? We will not move in for the kill.”
“What? Madness!”
“Quiet please! The commander himself would like to question target number one.”
“What!”
“We feel that we can win him over to our side and effectively throw the balance of power. The commander is a bit intrigued by him and wants to see what he’s made of.”
“I say kill him! Kill him! If the opportunity is there kill him.”
“Get this guy out of here!”
“Kill him! You’ll regret it if you don’t!”
“That’s the plan, anyone who varies from it in anyway will be severely punished.
Dismissed.”

Both sides watched in anticipation as the Son of God was led by the Spirit into the desert without angelic host protection to be tempted by the devil himself.

^ top