Whose truth do we believe in? Short Story

He was all charged up, his dream of serving as a soldier to the unit was finally coming true. All these years he desired to be noticed, to make a difference, contribute to his community and avenge for the wrongs done to his community. The dreams of gaining a revered place in the heavens filled his mind. He looked up at his leader, the one man who believed in him with utmost devotion and paid heed to his every word and command. The leader had every detail planned out intricately and the soldiers were the vital keys to the success of the plan. The leader had left his well standing position as Vice President of a leading Pharmaceutical company to dedicate his life to the community and religious sect and ensure freedom for all. He was the epitome of leadership and the soldier felt blessed to be under his guidance. Together with his other team mates they pledged their lives for this mission and moved towards the goal.

Armed with body suits filled with bombs, they huddled themselves in the car to be driven towards their target, a school with innocent children and dedicated teachers. He had felt a pang of uneasiness but quickly erased it out from his mind. The leader that mentioned that people needed to be pierced through their hearts. Only then would myopic world be enlightened; and what better than seeing their young flesh and blood strewn across the floor in pieces. 

Few minutes along the way, the vehicle died down and the journey paused. The soldier was chosen to run along and drive in with a new vehicle as he was young and agile. Feeling important he jogged quickly to the site and see his leader the last time and take his blessings. 

When he reached the site, no one glanced up to him or acknowledged him. The keys were handed and the people moved towards their work. The soldier was momentarily taken aback but got in the vehicle and started driving towards the leader’s station. Knowing he had only a few precious moments, he ran quickly towards the leader’s cottage. 

As he stood outside he heard laughter, he moved towards the window and saw his leader toasting drinks with other supervisors. The leader in high spirits mentioned, "As long as we have educated fools willing to believe in us, our mission of ruling the world will be successful. For a few seconds of self-importance, they are willing to trade in family and friends, keep building their self-esteem friends, it works for us". All the members cheered and he saw a group of young girls, scared and nervous been let in. He saw the lust filled men pouncing on the young girls and felt miserable and cheated.  He hadn’t bargained his life for this debauchery.

He walked towards the vehicle with mixed emotions running through him and drove towards his comrades. The comrades looked happy to see him as they shared the same devotion towards their mission and today they were going to be martyrs. 

The soldier started the car but drove back to the outpost. The comrades surprised, started questioning him but the soldier paid no heed. He drove the vehicle straight to the leader’s cabin, looked up at the sky and pressed his bomb button. In a minute, explosions were all around and the entire outpost was in flames. Bodies burned, screams were heard but no one was spared. No one had realized what was coming towards them. The soldier had finally achieved his mission.