Author: Chris Lihou

The parking lot was empty. Its single light projected a cone of semi-darkness, beyond which shadows could stealthily move.
As instructed, I deposited the package at the base of the light and quickly retreated. In the light’s glow, I knew I’d make for an easy target. My handlers were aware of the risk, but I was assured the exchange was mission-critical. Somewhere in the gloom, I was told a sharpshooter was positioned, ready to return fire if necessary.
I didn’t know the parcel’s contents, nor the identity of the intended recipient. My final instruction was to observe from the darkness to see if the parcel was replaced by another, which I should then collect.
Dressed in near-infrared camouflage for urban and industrial operations, it would require a sophisticated assailant to see me crouched in the shadows. Time slowed to a crawl as I waited and watched for anything that might signal danger.
Something moved. Short, black, but definitely not there moments before. My thermal imaging binoculars detected a shape moving towards the light. Damn. Just a dog. It had something in its mouth.
Under the light, it dropped the object, cocked its leg against the lamp post, then picked up the package I’d left. I followed its path until I could no longer detect its heat signature in the dark.
How bloody clever! Why risk a human when a dog will do it for you?
I collected the object and returned to base.
“Well done, Major. The project has been a success. The dog’s training has been confirmed, and Rover has been given his treat. You may stand down. Enjoy your weekend.”