A symbol of hope
hive-170798·@tomiajax·
0.000 HBDA symbol of hope
____ ###### I'm participating in Inkwell's fictional contest for the first time, so please excuse my lack of narrative prowess. ___ ###### [Source](https://pixabay.com/photos/finland-soaplinna-fortress-chateau-905706/) ___ Captain Roberts burst into the control room, shouting, *"Fortress!"* *"They are rapidly approaching us and firing at us. How soon will those defensive systems be operational?"* The defense systems of the stronghold were swiftly checked by Lieutenant Johnson. *"Five minutes, please. Nearing our destination."* As he turned to face his men, Captain Roberts nodded. *"OK, everyone. You are aware of what to do. As you arrive at your stations, be ready for combat. They must not be able to get past these defenses. We are only separated from them by this stronghold."* The group gave a quick nod before dispersing and hurrying to their assigned positions. In an effort to calm himself down, Captain Roberts inhaled deeply. It ended here. The last stand. Everything would be lost if they couldn't defend the stronghold.  Captain Roberts could feel the fortress's walls wavering and the earth underneath him quaking as enemy fire poured down on it. He bowed his head and prayed for courage. He opened them once more to discover that the defensive systems had come online. He shouted via his headset, *"Fire at will!"* The cannons of the stronghold screamed to life and fired back at the enemies with a fury that rocked the very earth. The enemy's firing slowed, then abruptly ceased. As he observed the enemy ships slipping away into the distance, Captain Roberts exhaled with relief. They'd finished it. They had control of the stronghold. Captain Roberts could not help but feel a sense of pride sweep over him as the team roared and celebrated their triumph. They had put up a valiant fight to protect this location, and in the end, they had prevailed. The strength and fortitude of the fortress's defenders were demonstrated by the fact that despite being beaten and damaged, it still remained tall. Captain Roberts was certain they would be secure as long as it was intact.  It didn't take long for the celebration to end in the command room. The pain that sat heavily on Captain Roberts' heart was impossible to ignore. His fellow soldiers' broken and wounded features could be seen as he moved through the fortress's corridors. The battle to protect the stronghold had cost many of them friends and loved ones. He couldn't help but think about the fallen people's faces as he continued to walk. He recalled the sound of their screams and the stench of burning flesh as they were put to death by enemy fire. He recalled how they had looked at him in their dying moments, their eyes pleading with him to save them. He was helpless, though. All he could do was watch as they exhaled their last breath and disappeared. As he considered all the pain and suffering they had gone through, tears began to form in his eyes. But as he turned a corner, he was greeted with a sight that brought a smile to his face. ***"A bunch of kids were laughing and smiling as they played with a ball right there in the centre of the hallway."*** Captain Roberts's heart swelled with joy as he watched them. They were the future of their people, and as long as they were safe, there was hope for a better tomorrow. Captain Roberts experienced a sense of calm as he continued his stroll.  ***Although they had won the fight and successfully defended the fortress, the conflict was far from done. There would be more battles to fight and more sacrifices to be made. But as long as they had one another and the fortress to keep them safe, they would always manage to survive.*** Captain Roberts made his way back to the command room, ready to plan their next move and defend their home with all his might. **The fortress may have been battered and scarred, but it was a symbol of hope, and as long as it stood, they would always find a way to carry on.**  # Thanks for reading!
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