Mission accomplished

In the beginning there was silence. Almost in servility, small puffs of dust rose haphazardly into the still air just ahead of where I'm lying. Do not move a muscle-nor twitch-nor sweat from the exhausting heat.

Looks like thirty possibly forty - appear to be searching - looking - making no effort for silence or surprise. They seem to know that they have superiority. They have moved to both sides of the tree line. They have a purpose about them.

The mission target is among the group. He has formed with the left flank as they search the underbrush. Will have one shot. All I need. Carefully, slowly, move my left arm into position. Throat shot. About 300 yards and closing slowly, methodically, looking, searching.

Hold your breath, let it gather itself, eye to sight, let the air ever so slowly ease out as the target is acquired, firmly pull the trigger. Move quickly away. The report thunders loudly across the clearing and down towards the river. Confusion - my best friend. Move quicker as they look for where it came from. Stay off the path. Take advantage of the spooked animals. Random fire, they do not know yet. Almost to the river edge. Slip into the water and move with the river bank. Need to move 15 klicks to first rendezvous point. Must move quicker without giving my position away. They are searching angrily, firing at ghosts and goblins. Must have hit target.

"Charlie One" will wait 15 minutes on station before abandoning to next co-ordinates. Must chance moving out into the channel to pick up speed. Eyes only above the water. Take short breathes. Current moving faster. Three short bursts. Pretty close - not sure that they have found me or just firing wildly. Keep moving. Something has my leg. Can't see it. Slip my knife from the sheath and move carefully under the surface. Caught in an underwater tree limb. Lungs hurt - slice pant leg. Freed but must be careful as the surface is just above. Lungs burning, must have air. Feel light-headed. Stop just below the surface. See light, gently break the surface and rejoin the current. Carefully look at both shores. See no one. Hear no boat.

Round the bend the river broadens. Need to move back in close to the bank. Too exposed. Time to examine my leg. Nasty cut - need to move out of the water. River grass ahead - slip silently into it and crawl carefully farther into the grass. Be aware of snakes.

Clean wound - apply quick dressing and lace river grass over the bandage to avoid bleeding when moving. Leave no trails. Mission complete.