Downriver

The story is set against the backdrop of a fictional war between two unnamed countries, filled with tension and uncertainty. This war creates the circumstances that lead our characters into a perilous situation, setting the stage for the unfolding events.

A military-issue civilian truck carrying four soldiers breaks down six miles behind enemy lines. This unexpected malfunction complicates their forward observing mission and forces them to strategize their next move.

Pvt. Avery, a Combat Correspondent, joins the squad but struggles to gain acceptance. His role as a documentarian makes the soldiers skeptical about his safety, as his only weapon is a combat camera.

Led by Lt. Harp, the squad devises a plan to reach a nearby river, where they intend to build a raft and float back to friendly territory under the cover of night. Tension within the group builds as they navigate their precarious circumstances.

Upon reaching the river, the soldiers encounter a native of the land, which complicates their mission. The group decides to take turns guarding the native while simultaneously working on building a raft.

Pvt. Mills, during his turn on guard, taunts the native, displaying a cruel streak. His actions lead to disastrous consequences when he decides to cut the native loose, prompting an unexpected violent confrontation.

The native fights back fiercely, stabbing Mills in the femoral artery. Despite the soldiers' attempts to save him, Mills succumbs to his injury, resulting in a somber mood in the group as they contemplate their next steps.

Later that night, Sgt. Silva leads Avery to a nearby enemy camp where they infiltrate and kill two enemy guards. They take advantage of their situation by consuming the enemy's remaining food, temporarily alleviating their hunger.

The next morning, Silva discovers an enemy camp occupied by a General. He convinces Harp to embark on a dangerous assassination mission to eliminate the General and seize a boat for their escape.

Under the cover of darkness, the team successfully assassinates the enemy General and his Lieutenant. However, the victory is bittersweet as Silva sustains a fatal injury during the operation.

With their plan unfurling amidst chaos, they set off on the raft down the river. However, the somber reality that they are still deeply behind enemy lines hangs over their heads.

As they float, Harp abruptly halts the boat and expresses doubt about their location, suggesting they might be on the wrong river. His uncertainty adds to Avery’s anxiety and sense of disorientation.

Avery soon realizes that Silva, who had been a stalwart companion, is no longer breathing. This loss weighs heavily on Avery as he faces the harsh realities of war and the cost of their mission.

Overwhelmed by the events and the loss, Avery decides to throw away the SD card from his camera into the river. He reflects on the futility of documenting their harrowing experiences, believing that the images are no longer valuable.

With uncertainty surrounding their destination and goals, Harp admits he does not know where they are heading. The two soldiers reluctantly continue their precarious journey down the river, disappearing into the ominous darkness ahead.