The C-130 Hercules transport aircraft made its descent towards Iswahyudi Air Base in Magetan on a cool, dew-covered Monday morning.

Inside the plane, Assegaf was reviewing the plans he had made before departing for Magetan. He would start the day by having breakfast together with his men. Once finished, he would attend the military briefing to discuss the situation in Mojokerto before heading off to survey the front and plan his attack.

Seated across Assegaf was Second Lieutenant Harish Chaniago, his new aide. Prior to his departure, Assegaf had reviewed the candidates whom General Atmojo had chosen as potential officer aides for the upcoming mission. Two of them were staff officers whose expertise lay in artillery warfare and urban operations respectively, while Chaniago specialised in battlefield intelligence and logistics. Of the three candidates he seemed most ill-suited to the task; being of prim and proper disposition far more suited for a desk job than leading troops in the field.

But Assegaf knew appearances can be deceiving sometimes.

"Sir," Chaniago asked. "Is it true you personally led an attack against a rebel position in Palembang?"

"Partly true," Assegaf replied. "It was not a move planned in advance. My convoy ran into what we assumed to be a rebel patrol group, while we had in fact stumbled across their forward positions."

"I see." Chaniago did not speak afterwards, the memory of his first meeting with Assegaf still fresh in his mind. The Arab had examined him intensely during his interview, trying to coax him into revealing his strengths and weaknesses at every turn. Chaniago had noted before how the two other candidates had emerged from his office with downturned faces, perhaps having been cajoled into revealing an embarrassing weakness or two.

His next encounter took place yesterday at the basement gym inside the officers' mess. He had just returned from his daily jog and was about to head into the shower when he saw Assegaf doing a set of deadlifts. Though he did not manage to get a good look at the barbell, he guessed there must have been at least five plates attached onto each side.

No wonder he likes getting his hands dirty at the front.

"Attention," said the announcer, interrupting Chaniago's train of thought. "We're about to arrive at Iswahyudi Air Base. Please check your items and fasten your seat belts."

Assegaf returned the plans to his briefcase. "Our next assignment lies before us," he said. "Let us accomplish it mindfully."

-----------

Assegaf and Chaniago were received by Major Agung Laksono of Brawijaya Command along with a pair of SRC troopers upon arrival.

"Brigadier, it's an honour," Laksono said. "We're all expecting you."

"Thank you, Major," Assegaf said.

Chaniago tried to keep up with their conversation. Three months earlier he had just completed his officer aide training, unsure of what his next assignment will be. Now he and Assegaf were days away from waging a decisive battle against the rebel forces. Understanding his superior's plans and his own role within them would give him an extra edge in his performance as an aide.

Breakfast was chicken confit and vegetables topped with peanut sauce, a local specialty of Magetan. After eating, Chaniago, Assegaf and Laksono all headed to the war room, where they were received by a few other mid and high-ranking officers.

"Brigadier Assegaf," said a man's voice. "Welcome to our base. We've been informed of your coming."

"Honoured, General," Assegaf replied.

The man who spoke earlier was Major-General Sudharmono, head of Brawijaya Command and the Republic Tenth Army. He was standing over a large map of Mojokerto spread across the table in the middle of the room. A series of flags and arrows indicated the positions and movements of both Republic and Fascist Alliance forces across the battlefield.

"We have much to do," Sudharmono continued. "Earlier this week we just seized the main highway connecting Surabaya and Mojokerto. Though we've cut off the rebels' primary supply route, the combined forces of the Fascist Alliance and the Islamists have done everything possible to make our control over those lanes difficult. Added to that is our persistent failure to break through the rebel defences within the city itself."

Chaniago trailed closely behind as Assegaf moved to take a closer look at the map. Based on the arrows and flags, he could see that the rebel forces were strongly entrenched on the other side of the Brantas River. Most of the rebel units concentrated around the railway station and the city centre belong to the Fascist Alliance, while further north they were replaced by Islamist militias.

"A textbook example of urban warfare," Assegaf remarked. "Just like Stalingrad. Tell me, General, has anyone here ever considered the use of spies and infiltrators to soften up the enemy's defences?"

"We do have spies within the enemy ranks, Brigadier," Sudharmono said. "But for some reason they're not as effective as they once were."

"Is that so? Curious."

Chaniago decided it was his turn to speak. "If I may ask for a wee bit, sir, what's the matter with the enemy forces in Mojosari and Sidoarjo?"

Sudharmono did not expect someone with a strongly-accented West Sumatran brogue of being present inside the room. "Ah, I forgot to notice. Assegaf," he turned away from Chaniago. "Is this your aide?"

"Yes sir," Assegaf said. Chaniago could sense that he was holding back some strong emotions. Anger? Frustration? Or some combination thereof?

Sudharmono nodded. "I see. Now back to your question, Lieutenant...ah, I forgot to ask your name."

"Chaniago, sir."

"Ah, Lieutenant Chaniago," he continued. "Those are Leftist militias. For now, they are not our enemies, because they're helping us take back the area from the Fascists and their allies."

"General Atmojo informed me of their presence," Assegaf said. "Were there any problems between them and our forces?"

"None so far," Laksono said. "Though at times they get too ideological for our liking, the Leftist militias are very effective against the Islamists in control of the northern sector."

"Even so, I'd caution you from getting too close with them," Sudharmono said. "Once this war is over, we'll have to deal with them eventually."

Assegaf looked at the map once more. "When's the earliest I can depart to the front?"

"Well...we'll have to get you settled first," Sudharmono replied. "Tomorrow morning your convoy will be ready for departure."

"There is one other thing," Assegaf said. "I'd like Major Laksono to accompany me for the duration of my assignment."

"Noted. Any objections, Major?" Sudharmono turned to Laksono.

"No, sir," Laksono replied. "I'm glad to help in any way I can."

"Then everything is settled. Meeting is adjourned."

-----------

Assegaf and Chaniago headed out of the war room towards their assigned quarters.

"You know sir," Chaniago said. "I can't help but notice how upset you were when I asked General Sudharmono about the map."

"One doesn't simply forget to ask for someone's name," Assegaf replied. "Especially when that someone was sent here by High Command."

"Surely he must've committed an honest mistake."

"I see you're still new to this," Assegaf said. "You're a West Sumatran Malay. The officer corps is mostly dominated by the Javanese. Sudharmono has every reason to snub you for not being one of them."

Chaniago tilts his head slightly downwards. His voice is low and guarded, but his tone holds a hint of curiosity. "I don't believe it. If what you say is true, then what about Colonel Hakim? Or you, for that matter? You are both of Chinese and Arab descent, yet you climbed far up the ranks. There must be some other explanation."

Assegaf turned his head and forced a thin smile. "It's complicated. I hate to say this, but I think I only came this far because I had a Javanese grandmother. As for Colonel Hakim, he and I worked together on an important operation once and made a name for ourselves. That allowed us to remain on good terms with the officer corps despite its petty politics."

Chaniago raises his eyebrows – his eyes widening, his expression curious. "I didn't know that. Regarding the operation you both worked on..."

"Some other time," Assegaf said. "Details are still classified."

Chaniago fell silent. This is going to be a long day.

-----------

The car went down the alley and stopped in front of the Fascist Alliance headquarters.

Exiting the car was a man dressed in field-grey tunic, soiled brown by constant exposure to grime and dust. The rank insignia on his uniform indicated his position as a senior commanding officer. He was Colonel Ivan Febrianto, commander of the Fascist Alliance's elite 21st Armoured Brigade.

For months Ivan had been defending Pulorejo in West Mojokerto right before the Republic launched its newest offensive. When Republic forces finally broke through his lines, Ivan successfully halted their advance through a series of pitched battles, allowing the rest of the Fascist Alliance forces in the area to retreat safely. Though they were forced to abandon Pulorejo, Ivan's forces suffered relatively few casualties, while helping to account for the majority of Republic losses at the same time.

For his actions, Ivan was summoned by his superior, General Gama Kuntadhi, to his office to receive an accolade.

General Kuntadhi's office was barely furnished, consisting only of a simple wooden desk and a rickety bookshelf which looked as if it was about to collapse anytime soon. The General himself wasn't in any better shape; his uniform tunic was blotched with coffee stains, and he reeked with the smell of stale coffee and tobacco smoke.

Ivan tried to keep a straight face as Kuntadhi stood up and walked towards him.

"Congratulations Ivan, for what you did back at Pulorejo," the General said. "The Supreme Leader awards you with an Iron Cross for your skill and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds."

"Thank you, sir, and thank the Supreme Leader too," Ivan replied. With a deep breath, he took a few moments to regain his composure before continuing, "Despite our loss, we will fight on until we win this war."

"I wish I could share your optimism," Kuntadhi said as he fitted the Iron Cross around Ivan's neck. "The Republic has just expelled us from Sumatra, and we're barely holding on in East Java at the same time. Only Borneo remains secure. Even so, I fear it won't be long until the Republic finds a way to dislodge our forces there."

Ivan straightened himself and looked Kuntadhi in the eye. "That will not happen. We shall emerge victorious in spite of everything. Just as the Supreme Leader promised."

"I hope that is indeed the case."

"Now," Kuntadhi continued, "let us get to your next mission." He took out a map of the Surabaya metropolitan area and spread it across the desk. "Republic forces have tightened their hold on Mojokerto ever since they seized the Surabaya-Mojokerto highway. Your task is to prevent them from gaining more ground until we can push them out."

Ivan stared at the map for a moment. "It'll be a tough fight. Recent reports indicate they're pouring more troops into the city."

"Yes. Which is why you have to move quickly."

Ivan nodded. "Is there anything else about the mission that I should know?"

"We have some intel on the Republic's battle plans," Kuntadhi said. "The same General responsible for our defeat in Palembang has been sent here to lead the Republic forces."

"Who is he?"

"An Arab by the name of Zack Assegaf," Kuntadhi replied. "He's said to be a rising star in the Republic military. You will face him and his forces in your upcoming mission."

Ivan raised his head. "I look forward to it. It's been a while since I had a decent opponent."

"Then prepare and wait for further instructions. You're dismissed."

"Thank you sir. Hail Victory!" Ivan saluted.

-----------

"The Book of Proverbs says: Do not withhold him from doing good, who is able: if thou art able, do good thyself also. Say not to thy friend: Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give to thee, when thou canst give at present. Practice not evil against thy friend when he hath confidence in thee, and strive not against a man without cause, when he hath done thee no evil."

Father Paulus closed his eyes briefly before continuing: "Today's reading leads us to examine one of the greatest problems facing our society today; namely the lack of trust in relationships, along with betrayal which almost always comes with it. At a personal level, my own journey to the Catholic faith has been fraught with such problems. My embrace of the faith has cost me many friendships, most of which I've made and gained over the years.

"Speaking from a greater standpoint, it is easy to forget how betrayal and mistrust have contributed to the situation we find ourselves in today. Recall that one of the greatest reasons behind the War came from mistrust, when people came to believe that the politicians who are supposed to represent them have turned back on their promises. Those lacking ordinary means to deal with the pain of betrayal and mistrust will almost always choose extreme ways to overcome them. But as Catholic Christians, we must look instead to our source of faith; which is Christ crucified and risen from the dead – not just as an inspirational event, but an eternal assurance that He will always remain with us until the end of time."

Father Timo sat quietly in his chair and listened as Paulus continued with his homily. Once the latter had finished, he headed towards the pulpit to lead the Prayer of the Faithful, while the altar boys began to arrange the liturgical objects around the Altar. Having led the congregation in prayer, he walked back quietly towards the altar, upon which he said his prayers quietly in Latin.

The Mass ended a little more than thirty minutes afterwards. The congregation began to disperse one by one, greeting and thanking Father Paulus for his strong and heartfelt preaching as they exited the cathedral. Those with larger families approached Father Timo and his wife Connie Ramlie, with some inquiring him as to how one can be a Priest and remain married, while others wondered what could have led him and an entire congregation of Anglicans to want to come into full communion with the Catholic Church.

"That was tense," Paulus said, after the entire congregation had left. "Never thought I did quite well on my first day."

"Don't worry. You'll get used to it," Timo said. "I once felt the same way myself. When I first preached as an Anglican Priest, hardly a word could ever come out of my mouth."

"I see," Paulus said. "Now that Mass is over, how would you like to spend the rest of the day?"

"We'd better get ourselves some lunch. Why don't we try the chicken stew down at Wonokromo district?"

"Sounds good," Paulus remarked as he headed towards the door. "Let's go."

"Not yet," Timo replied. "We need to take off our cassocks and collars first."

Paulus' eyebrows jumped in surprise. "Why?"

Timo took off his glasses and slipped them into his shirt pocket. "Lately there's been a spate of attacks against Christian clergymen by rogue elements with ties to Islamic extremist groups. Last month a Lutheran pastor was killed in such an attack. His attacker had not only tried to kill him, but he had also wanted to bomb the café the pastor was eating in as well. Fortunately some people managed to stop the attacker and call the Police just in time for them to make an arrest, though the pastor was already dead by then."

Paulus furrowed his brow, wondering if the man who died in the attack had been any of his father's friends or associates. "I am sorry to hear that. Do you happen to be acquainted with the late pastor?"

"Indeed I was. His name was Gary Pramono, a young man about our age. I met him once during an interfaith meeting in Malang last year. He would've had an excellent future ahead of him had this tragedy not happened."

"I see." Paulus tried hard not to show his relief. Fortunately, Gary Pramono was someone neither he nor his father knew.

Both priests headed off to Wonokromo aboard Timo's car. Unknown to Timo, Paulus had carried with him a 9mm Makarov hidden inside his coat pocket. If conditions in Surabaya were as dangerous as Timo had described, he would need the gun to defend themselves against any potential attack.

Lord, let it be that no harm will come upon us today, he prayed.