[ WP ] `` We do n't have to be competent . We just have to be more competent than the enemy . ''

“ We ’ re going to do this, “ croaked Rogers. 
 
 “ This… will… never work, ” wheezed Jones. “ There are nurses everywhere. That… kid… doctor… paces the corridor… like he thinks… he ’ s a warden. It ’ s a… fortress… I say! ” 
 
 Rogers reached a gnarled hand shakily into his chest pocket and pulled out the tiny metal box. With some difficulty, he opened it, and showed it to his friend. His most prized possession rattled faintly in his tremulous hand, although neither of them heard it. 
 
 Jones gazed at them through the cataracts in his eyes, and continued to wheeze. 
 
 “ Them ’ s me last two, ” Rogers croaked. “ Me own pa left me these. I ’ m not going to be around soon. And yer want these but the doc ’ d never say yes. Nobody else wants ‘ em. If we don ’ t use ‘ em, that ’ s them wasted. Up In smoke. ” 
 
 “ We… have to… do it... ” Jones was solemn at the realization. 
 
 “ I have a plan, ” said Rogers. `` Everyone will help.'' 
 
 - 
 
 At 11am on Saturday the 18th of March, 2015, Mrs. Edith Rogers slumped over in her wheelchair, not responsive. 
 
 As two nurses ushered into the room in concern, Mrs. Marison sobbed hysterically incoherently beside her. “ She ’ s gone, she ’ s gone! Gone the poor darling… ” 
 
 Nurse Jane put her fingers gently under Mrs. Rogers ’ nose. Nothing. She reached for the old lady ’ s pulse – 
 
 “ My heart! My heart! ” gasped skinny little Mr. Beales, on the opposite end of the lounge. “ Somebody help. ” 
 
 Old Mrs. Jones began to howl inexplicably in the third corner of the room. 
 Jane was, most understandably, alarmed. Presently more nurses rushed in, trying to see what was wrong with the residents of the old folks ’ home. 
 
 “ The doctor, ” bellowed Mr. Beales. “ I don ’ t want to see anybody but the doctor. ” 
 
 The young doctor in question eventually did enter the room, at which Mrs. Roger ’ s eyes peeled open, and she looked surprised to see young Jane trying to find her pulse. 
 
 “ Oh my, ” she said quite calmly. “ Are you alright, dear? What are you holding my arm for? ” 
 
 The very surprised young nurse almost jumped, and all the staff were nonplussed as the commotion seemed to right itself almost immediately. 
 
 `` I must have been feeling quite spirited,'' Mrs. Jones chirruped cheerfully. 
 
 The swinging doors to the lounge swung shut, a little motion from someone having just left the room. 
 
 - 
 
 “ We… did… it, ” wheezed Jones, under the big oak tree outside. 
 
 “ We showed them, ” crowed Rogers. Like raising a flag of victory, he raised the small metal box in triumph. 
 
 And as the medical team began to burst through the front door of the old folks' home several yards away, the two men, like the joyous young soldiers they were in their day, lit and enjoyed Rogers ’ last two cigars. 

