The Future-Dog (FD) program wasn’t working out. Implanted microchips massively elevated the IQ of the dogs. They could suddenly reason logically and hold conversations. Unfortunately for the Army, the dogs also got smart enough to run from pitched battles. Commanders started calling them Flee-Dogs.
During a horrific battle with ISIS, Lieutenant Makan’s platoon suffered 50% casualties. In the chaos, Corporal Vinton was captured and dragged to a well-protected ISIS position. Vinton’s FD, a labrador named Troy, started flipping out. Poole could barely restrain him from running. On comms Makan said, “They got two machine gun nests, sir. We’re outnumbered. Getting Vinton back is a suicide mission.”
“Troy got away!” shouted Poole.
“Let him go,” grated Makan. “They always run.”
At first, the militants smirked at the dog charging towards them.
Then the screaming began.
First one machine-gunner went down in a spray of blood, then the next one.
When Makan’s platoon finally arrived the ISIS militants were in full flight.
They never found the Master and his Dog.
Only two friends, relieved to see each other.
________________________
Written for the weekly Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers challenge. Look here for this week’s prompt and a blue link to many other stories: https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com/2016/03/14/fffaw-week-of-march-15-2016/
OH, I love it! The dog, Troy, saved his Master, not because of higher intelligence but because they were such good friends. Wonderful story, Eric!
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Glad it worked for you. Thanks so much! 🙂
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Cute ending. I’m glad the dog and his master found each other. Your program of making dogs smart would be quite interesting I think, to hear a dogs point of view when they speak . I couldn’t blame for running, many dogs are very afraid even though they seem mean. But I also think in the right situation many would be very brave.
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Actually, I think dogs would generally be braver than their human counterparts. I was just adding in a little commentary. For the right reasons, dogs will charge into almost anything. We’re lucky to have them. Thanks so much, Mandibelle! 🙂
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I so enjoy reading your stories. You have such a wild imagination. It’s great.
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Wow!! what an imagination! I was not expecting that great ending!
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I always try to catch surprise readers if I can. It’s like giving wrapped presents every week. Glad you enjoyed this. Thanks much! 🙂
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Well, you do it well and it is a fun read too.
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I don’t really need to say much. You already know how I feel about your “future dog” tales in all their forms. Which reminds me… 😀
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Haha! Don’t worry. Another Chummy story is always brewing in the back of my head. Thanks much, Lyn! 🙂
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Your perspective is always refreshing. Interesting and lovely read.
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Thank you! I appreciate that. 🙂
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My pleasure 🙂
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