Part 4/9:
In an effort to improve relationships with the local populace, Captain Keating organized a “shura” – a traditional council meeting with village elders. The soldiers entered the meeting unarmed to symbolize their peaceful intentions. Yet, the meeting quickly turned tense when a guard’s connection to a previous attack was revealed, stirring fears among the locals.
Despite moments of strained diplomacy, Keating’s effort appeared fruitful when the elders agreed to a weapons drop in a symbolic act of trust. As night fell, revelry erupted among the soldiers, providing a brief escape from the daily trauma.