The war was in its infancy but skirmishes were happening daily and outright battles weekly. The enemy made it all the more difficult by attacking from multiple directions using seemingly unrelated tactics. Ground attacks were mostly strategically hidden traps along the transportation lanes. The air assaults were few but effective causing all to scatter for safety. The most effective attacks were carried out by the infiltrators. They camouflaged themselves with utmost precision. Even when their attempts to blend in were not effective, they managed to use their individual size and abilities to remain unnoticed. This enemy was an exceptional battle force made all the more terrible because they did massive destruction without any identifiable leader.
The ceasefire lasted just four days. A decision - made by people unaware of the daily attacks - allowed the enemy to co-exist with the inhabitants of the land. At first it appeared to work; no destruction or loss of life was visible. Nevertheless in the early hours of the fifth day it was obvious that the enemy was not abiding by the terms of the agreement. Destruction sprang up overnight and the inhabitants showed signs of mistreatment by the enemy. An exploratory unit sent to the area accessed the problem and what was found wasn't good. While some of the inhabitants were beyond saving, the rest needed immediate treatment. An air attack was the only call possible if further destruction was to be avoided. Some inhabitants were moved to safety. Those left behind knew the risks but also knew the benefits.
The airstrike only took 3 minutes. Was it effective? Had the infiltrators been destroyed? Had their reign of mindless destruction been stopped? It would be 24 hours before the inhabitants would know if they were safe once again to live on Cucumber Hill. They only hoped that by saving themselves they had not sent their enemy in search of other places to conquer. Should they warn the town of Bean or Tomato Towers? Would the enemy go beyond their neighbors and seek out Corn Condos or Squash Valley? It was too early to tell. 24 hours. A lifetime.
