Project Eclipse
by Spiro Mamaligas

Somewhere in the foothills of Stonecliffe, Ontario…Colonel John Outlaw quietly surveys his surroundings as he
meticulously inventories his supplies.  
His survival and the safe return of the Secret Documents in his possession are paramount to the
National Security Forces of the United States.  
Should any of these documents fall into the enemy’s hands. . .
(silently he thinks back to his years of training, thoughts of being a POW during the Desert Sword campaign,
intrude his thoughts.)

 Never again!

A rustling sound brings him back to the present as he slips behind a tree tuning his senses to the direction of the sound.  

He spots an enemy patrol.  “I wonder if my message made it through in time?” He ponders.
 Silently as to not reveal his position, John Outlaw begins digging a hole to bury the documents.  

Phoenix, AZ . . . “Sir, the final message received by Colonel Outlaw was weak.  
He retrieved the documents safely, however, he was spotted and had to initiate ‘Project Eclipse’,” informs Captain Kingsington.  
General Stockton looks at his watch.
 “Captain, mobilize the troops.  If those documents fall into the wrong hands we will have bigger problems on our
hands than some *&#^^ political disaster! I want them mobilized and enroute in one hour.”  
General Stockton turns to leave then turns back to Captain Kingsington and asks,
 “Bill, Colonel Outlaw was the right man for a mission of this magnitude, wasn’t he?”

 “Yes sir, I truly believe that.”  

 As the General walks away he hears in the background,
“Major Podry, this is Captain Kingsington from the National Security Force, we have a problem. . .”  

Big Falls, MN. . . Major Podry hangs up the phone.  “Gentlemen, ‘Project Eclipse’ has been initiated!  Saddle up!”