Word: Foray

 

foray

\ FAWR-ey, FOR-ey \  , noun;

1. a quick raid, usually for the purpose of taking plunder: Vikings made a foray on the port .

2. a quick, sudden attack: The defenders made a foray outside the walls .

3. an initial venture: a successful foray into politics .

verb:

1. to make a raid; pillage; maraud.

2. to invade or make one's way, as for profit or adventure: foreign industries foraying into U.S. markets .

3. to ravage in search of plunder; pillage.

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The small squad of five slumped with their backs to the off white wall, each of them breathing heavily from their narrow escape from the enemy.  They cradled their weapons like their lives depended on them.

                “Anyone hurt?”  Asked Derrick, the leader of the squad.  All members present said that they were all in one piece.  “Good.  How are we on ammo?”  His troops were much less willing to answer that one.

                “I got five rounds in gun, and five spares.”  Said Kelly, the lone female on the squad.  She pointed out the spare rounds for her two pistols tucked into special loops on her belt.

                “My mags half empty, but I got a full one ready.  Thirty total.”  Said Henry, the largest man on the squad.  He lifted his large weapon, a full auto that was the major muscle in the group.

                “Three shots.  No spares.”  Said Leo, one of the smaller members of the squad.  His shotgun was resting on his lap.  The thing wouldn’t help much with such a small number of shells, but anything would help at this point.

                “All I got is what’s in my gun.”  Said Chris, the squad’s marksman.  Derrick knew that was probably only one or two rounds.  But if the guy could pick off two high profile targets, that would be enough.

                “Great.”  Derrick said.  His own ammo was running low as well, having only five rounds left himself.  He did have a blade strapped to his back, but it probably wouldn’t do much good in a fire fight.  “Any ideas?” 

                The members of the squad just looked at each other with worry in their eyes.  They all knew they couldn’t win.  It was just a matter of time before the enemy got to them.  Then Kelly’s eyes lit up.

                “Wait, what about Josh?  He should be back soon.  Maybe he saw something?”  She said.

                “I’m already back.”  Came a voice from around the corner.  All members of the squad turned to look.  Josh, the smallest member of the squad had just returned from his scouting mission.

                “You alright?”  Derrick asked.

                “Yeah, I’m fine.  They didn’t see me.”

                “Good.  Anything to report?”

                “Yeah.  The enemy’s reclaimed all the ammo in their territory.  Which means they got pretty much all of it.  Thing is, there’s too much for them to carry on them.  They put the rest of it in one place.”

                “Show me.”  Derrick said, pulling out a map of the battlefield. 

                “Here.”  Josh said, pointing to a large, rectangular room.”

                “Guards?”

                “Only one.  But, he’s using the terrain to make the place into a fortress, and he’s got enough weapons to arm a small nation.”

                “But there’s only one?”  Derrick asked.  Josh nodded.  Derrick looked over the map one more time.  “We need that ammo.  So, here’s what we’re going to do.  There’s two entrances to that room, and we’re going in the farther one.  We can cut across this pass, bypassing the enemy’s main force.”  He pointed out a path through the angular area that went from their position to the target area.  “Then we go in fast, hit as hard as we can.  Hopefully take the guard out before he takes us out.  Then we grab the ammo and get out before they know what happens.  After that, we should be able to hole up somewhere and maybe even pull through.” 

                “You know it’s probably a trap.”  Chris chimed in.  “I mean, it’s too good.  A large stockpile of ammo with only one guard?  No matter how well armed he is, it’s still only one guy.  They’ll probably be waiting for us.”

                “Well then, what do you suggest we do?” Derrick asked.

                “No idea.  Let’s just think about it a bit more before we go into this little foray into a place where we won’t be able to get out easily.”

                “We don’t have much of an option.  Besides, even if it is a trap, we’ll at least go down fighting.  Now let’s get going.”

                The other members of the squad looked at each other nervously.  Derrick started down the hall, with the others walking in silent single file behind him.  Each had their respective weapons at the ready, keeping a sharp eye and ear open for any signs of the enemy. 

                They soon reached their destination.  The room was closed by a single door that all knew wouldn’t be locked.  Derrick peered in through the glass window in the door and immediately saw the guard.  He was firmly entrenched in a large pile of what had once been usable objects.  They had all been converted to protect this one man, and it would make him difficult to get to.  Derrick couldn’t see any weapons, but with all the cover the guard had, he could have quite a number of guns back there.  They’d be spotted instantly, and there was no cover.  It wouldn’t be easy to get him.  But, it had to be done.

                “Ok, I see him.  It looks bad, but I think we can do this.”

                “Really?  And how is that?” Josh asked.  Derrick ignored the sarcasm that dripped from the scouts voice.

                “Ok, so here’s what we do.  We all rush in there and spread out.  He won’t be able to get all of us at once.  Chris, keep a bead on his location.  When he comes up, get him before he ducks to reload.  We’ve gotta make this quick before he calls for backup.  All clear?”  Everyone nodded and braced themselves.

                Derrick kicked the door open and rushed in.  He heard the battle calls of his troops, and knew they were close behind him.  They scattered, just as planned.  But the guard didn’t come up to shoot.  At least, not right away.  As soon as they entered the room, the loud, ear piercing wail of an air horn issued forth from the guard’s location. 

                Not a moment later, the enemy rushed in through the other door and filled the air with gunfire.  Long, sleek rounds poured down on them like a silent hailstorm.  None of them were left untouched by the sudden onslaught.  As he fell, Derrick heard the cheers of his opponents as they celebrated their victory.

                “Next time.  I’ll get you next time.”  Derrick muttered into the floor. 

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Hopefully everyone can figure out what's going on without having to be told.  Personally, I think I said enough that most will get it, but then again, I'm a bit biased.  And even if you don't immediately know, hopefully you still enjoy the story.