Omar Reports to Ammar
A window popped up on the screen indicating that a video conference was about to begin. Omar clicked on the window and a new window popped up. It contained an image of Ammar. He was in the characteristic Supreme Party uniform.
“Omar, report,” instructed Ammar.
Smugly, Omar replied, “Haven’t you seen the news reports on television?” He didn’t feel himself to be anything less than a warrior today, and he had his injuries to prove his accomplishment. He had made sure not tie his robe so that the bandages were visible to Ammar. According to Omar, whatever the Establishment was doing for him was well deserved. He had worked hard to earn it.
“Yes, I did see it,” Ammar replied, “but that’s the American press. They are so easily manipulated. I want to hear it from you. How did it go? Give me the details. You have been out of touch for days!”
Omar looked back at the women who, in turn, smiled at him.
Omar made a face to show that he was uncomfortable because of the pain. “I was…recovering from my efforts. As for the mission, it did not go exactly as planned.” His voice trailed away. He didn’t want to let Ammar dwell on his failure for very long, so Omar immediately added, “There was a man there. He knew me! He raised the alarm, and…” Omar paused for a few seconds. “Things did not go well after that. I lost my team, but we did manage to eliminate all of the targets.” He was conscious of his failure but there was no regret in his voice. He knew that Ammar wouldn’t be happy about this news and he could create problems for Omar.
“What you have to tell is no different from what the news channels have to say,” replied Ammar. He went quiet for about twenty seconds and then demanded, “What of Ali? Did he truly die in the blast? Tell me.”
Answering this was not easy for Omar, and he wanted to avoid answering the question at all costs. He knew it was essential for them to get rid of Ali. He also knew there was no way he get away without giving Ammar an answer. “I am… I am…not sure,” replied Omar with slight hesitation in his voice.
Ammar’s face registered both surprise and frustration. “You are what, Omar? Not sure? What do you mean by that? You better get sure and it better be soon! If he is dead, I want his ashes; if he is alive, I want his body. Is that clear? Do you hear me, Omar?”