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WAR

Dianne Briggs

Chess is considered to be a very objective game; the
players plan their strategies with a certain detachment from
the lifeless figures, and all moves are made with the end
g~al in mind, rather than with concern for any particular
Piece. Most numerous and of least importance, the pawns
receive no compassion from the players v.>ho use them to bait
and confuse their opponent. A good chess player will often
plan for the loss of a knight or bishop if his queen can be
manipulated to check the opposing king. The chess master
must constantly regroup his strategies for forthcoming moves

and cannot be bothered with concern for figures lost. In a
general sense, war can also be called a very objective game.

**************

. A grey metallic beetle rushed through the water carrying
Its riders to their destination. Staring into the fog that enveloped
them, the six men hid their emotions behind set jaws and blank
eyes. For four the experience of killing and warfare was a
new one; their first assignment was the beach reconnaissance
awaiting them in the greyness ahead. One soldier shifted his
~eight uneasily and broke the silence with the hollow thud of
his combat boot striking the deck. A need for motion and
noise suddenly became necessary as the men were snapped
from their thoughts by this interruption, and the general
shuffling of equipment and positions began. A damp chill
Penetrated the heavy uniforms into the bodies and minds of the
soldiers and complemented the tension which already clung to
them with angry fingers.

Of the men the youngest could hardly be called a man.
Aged 19, he wa~ a thin timid-looking youth with eyes which,
not yet hardened by the 'sights of battle, sought to mask their
feeling in nonchalance. His attempts became less successful
as the craft neared its rendezvous, however, and with the
P~ssing minutes he became visibly nervous. He checked his
rifle several times and then fumbled through his pockets for
a cigarette.

"Hey, lemme have a match, someone," he demanded.

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