The Target (A Cooperative Writing Adventure - Join Us)

A simple rumor can wreck a promising legal career jumped out at me larger than a eighteen wheeler hauling computers to Las Vegas going 80 MPH. The message was encrypted, yet my years of experience allowed me ease of reading it. That opening line always meant someone had to be taken out.

Not ready for another mission my emotions teetered on anger, disgust and intrigue. Who was the rumor monger I pondered. And, why was I to take this person out. My skills with M40A3 sniper rifle would have to do, since that is all I had at my home. I knew who Sarah was and the work she did for the agency in Australia over the past four years. Seemed that a security clearance was being compromised by underground rumors.

Stopping at the grill just outside the mobile home backdoor, I set the message afire. Upon entering through the front I noticed an annoying blinking red light. Everyone who knows me well knows I don’t answer phone calls.

The message was from Miss Olive. She seemed calm, although a sense of frantic frustration echoed in her voice saying, “Get this done Mitch!” My mind was reeling like a freight train running out of control. Was she upset I hadn’t learned the lessons. Then I caught the message speeding like a 90 MPH slider. “Silence the rumor monger plaguing Sarah ASAP! The corps will fly you in a F-14 Tomcat.” Her final instructions emphasized to call when I was leaving for Miramar Naval Airstation.

I was met at the gate, then escorted directly to the Tomcat ready for flight. Grinning, shaking Maverick’s hand I was assured of a quick flight. His expertise as a Top Gun as well as recent years as an instructor there left no doubts. "Is your radar rusty, Mitch?" he inquired. Raising my arm while bending at the elbow, making a squeaky sound, I replied "Naw!"

The flight ended with a quick taxi off the runway to an awaiting car. General Marshall was there waiting for me along with a high ranking official of the Australian consulate. It was brief, to the point, and left me pondering while walking away with a map, compass, and the only luggage I brought – the M40A3 rifle.

Unfamiliar to the city I was assigned a military envoy. The countries uniform fit her snuggly showing her long, shapely legs nicely in her military khaki shorts. Taking a deep breath I wished I was not fifty-seven. I giggled aloud only to be broken by her cute Aussie accent questioning, “Do you know where we’re going?” I just smiled while walking about pace or so behind her.

Arriving downtown, instructing her to wait with the car, I began the trek toward the rooftop. My mission instructions assured me the target would be in the office down the street about 100 meters or so. I trusted my hand loaded cartridges for the wind, although the clouds above may hint at velocity. An adjustment to the scope would be needed

Setting my baby up on its bipod, affixing the Schmidt & Bender scope atop I was ready. Soon, long brazen orange arms stretched outward. The puffy darkened clouds morphed into tranquil, subtle shades of lavender. Stealthy eyeing down the scope I monitored the fifth window down and three from the left. The movement showed three individuals drinking hot, steaming drinks.

Taking a moment away from the weather, the target, my weapon, gently tearing the envelope, pulling the picture free, my heart jumped. Getting up I was confused. I knew the target. I remembered the last time we were together in Hawaii some twenty years back. That was the only time we had met. Drifting in thought a moment I remembered , , ,

Writing is fun, fun, fun. Jump onto the band wagon and write something from the leader prompt at the end of the story. Go here to see what it is all about - - - > > > Relay Writing by Miss Olive. It won't take long. Take a look a this hub Myth Busting Proves One Hour Internet Article is Truth and then go for it.

Drifting in thought a moment I remembered , , ,

(There is only one guideline. Use the prompt. Your story can be anything you desire. It does not have to follow my storyline.

Maybe it will be about , , , ,

• A childhood memory
• A first date memory
• A Christmas memory
• A writing experience memory
• A ____________ memory

I know you can do it. Post it then watch it grow like a great oak in a forest of hub articles. Just remember to have fun, fun, fun , , ,

And if you would like to know who inspired this awesome, fantastic adventure in team writing, well, I'm not going to tell you!j

Just kidding - Sunshine625 wrote an article that inspired Miss Olive. Monday is Magnificent explores optimism and its outrageous power. A great read highly recommended. It is as good as orange juice poured fresh early in the morning.

Note: I hadn't written a hub for some time (like about 4-weeks). Sunshine625's hub and missolive's creative idea was the fuse. Like the character in "Finding Forester" Barryruhterford's writers prompt got me going.

Forester, was portrayed by Sean Connery teaching a younger writer. One method he introduced his protege to was beginning a writing project prompted by an opening from one o his many writing project hidden in old wooden file cabinets. Excellent film, Five Star Rating, which is highly recommended for writers.

, , , for Allowing Me to Share

Do you feel there is a desire to write and share? Thought of sharing a favorite recipe or know a great How-To. Then you may like HubPages. Take a walk around and explore. Read the FAQ Page. Take a look at what the community has to offer. Or, take a small step or a giant leap and sign up. And, remember to smile and have fun, fun, fun, , ,