From Texas to New York



  From Texas to New York

  Copyright 2014 Stephen Brandon

  Cover picture Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech

  ~ ~ ~

  Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

  Table of Contents ~(ToC)~

  Author's Note

  About this Collection

  From Texas to New York

  The Rock

  They Came out of the Sun

  About Stephen Brandon

  Other books by Stephen Brandon

  Connect with Stephen Brandon

  * * * * *

  Author's Note

  This book is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, incidents, and dialogue are from the authors imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  * * * * *

  About this Collection

  This collection of stories is uninspired by some of the bone-headed things I've seen in my life. Bureaucracy in its purest form is almost impossible to navigate. Just look at any government and try to get a straight honest answer from them. Wait a few days and put to them the same question and compare the answers. For further proof ask them again in a few more days. However, beware if you live under a totalitarian government, they may be knocking or breaking down your door.

  No matter how bad any situation seems, it could be worse. I wish to acknowledgment and thank the writers of the Constitution of the United States, the teachers I had in school, the men and women I've known, and last but not least my loving wife of forty-four years.

  One Day in Texas

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1 That shouldn't be happening

  Chapter 2 The motor pool

  Chapter 3 First Blood

  Chapter 4 Punishment

  Chapter 5 Interrupted Plan

  Chapter 6 Brass picker

  Chapter 7 The raid

  Chapter 8 Contact

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  Prologue

  The beginning of this story is fiction and I hope it remains so! It wasn't until modern times that an army was deliberately disarmed when it returned to its country of origin.

  Governments that are afraid of their military forces disarm them. That way they can control them. Soldiers are trained to obey the lawful orders of those appointed over them.

  Governments that are afraid of their citizens do everything they can to disarm them. Gun registration, background checks, and gun free zones are a few of the early indicators.

  Having law abiding citizens with no weapons create a target rich environment for armed criminals. It also creates a target rich environment for an enemy whether domestic or foreign.

  A national border that is easily crossed is asking for problems. One of the laws of nature dictates that a vacuum will be filled. What fills the vacuum at the southern border of this country is something that the beginning of this story assumes could happen, but I hope not!

  This is not an essay on border security or gun control, but a story of possibilities.

  ~ ~ ~

  Chapter 1 That shouldn't be happening

  First thing I was aware of was the floor coming at me. As I shook my head I realized that someone had dumped my bunk over. Having the top bunk had it's advantages, sometimes.

  Some scoundrel was yelling, “Get your asses up and gear up. Formation in 10 out front, full riot gear.”

  Stumbling out into the dark I heard trucks arriving. “Load up by squads” came a roar. A few minutes later we were bouncing around like bowling pins after a strike. Suddenly fear clutched my heart as we tumbled to the front of the truck and someone dropped the tailgate and started shoving rifles into the truck. A wooden box, I recognized as magazines followed. Then a few green cans of ammo landed with a crash. A Corporal climbed in as the tailgate slammed up and the truck lurched forward.

  His first words were, “Get that ammo and start loading magazines. We got no time to waste.”

  Fear really grabbed me because Fort Hood was in the middle of Texas, not some dangerous part of the world. Scrambling back I grabbed the clips on the magazine box and twisted them popped the lid up. As I grabbed several magazines hands started reaching over my shoulder, so I lifted my hand and passed them back. Soon my hand hit the bottom and I was able to grab several for myself. Someone grabbed the corner of the box and dragged it over my leg and I heard a box of ammo being dumped into the magazine box. Twisting I grabbed a few boxes. Spotting a loader clip in the bottom I snagged it and twisted until my back was against the tailgate and started loading my magazines. Loose rounds were rolling around on the bed of the truck and I saw an unopened box of rounds by my right foot. As I reached for it the corporal's foot hooked it and looking into his eyes I realized that he was as fearful as the rest of us.

  A few minutes later we heard a voice from the cab yelling at us to be at ease and listen up. He then told us that there was a situation in Belton. A mob had stormed the jail complex and released the prisoners. Another mob had taken over the courthouse and were shooting everyone in sight. The mayor and local police chief called the governor and he'd called out the state police. After half of the police had been killed he called out the Texas National Guard. Their local commander had called for his people to report, but told the governor that it would be a day before he could get a sufficient force in place to contain the mobs. When mobs attacked the capitol in Austin the governor had called the Ft. Hood commander and demanded support. Only then did he discover that this terrorist action was happening all over the country. The President had issued a national state of emergency shortly before a rocket blasted it's way through the oval office wall and killed everyone there. Some General in the Pentagon issued a full alert the orders stated in no uncertain terms that the military would restore order. Our rules of engagement stated that when fired upon we were to eliminate all enemy combatants. We would be in Belton in a few minutes, and form up by squads.

  Suddenly we were all sliding toward the front of the truck as I head what sounded like a machine gun. A line of little holes appeared from the front of the canvas and ran down the sides. The corporal was laying on the side bench. I could see blood running down the side of the truck bed and toward me. I snagged an M-16 and slapped in a magazine. Even thought I knew I wasn't the ranking squad member I shouted, “Grab a weapon, lock and load. As soon as this truck stops everyone out and get down on the ground. Anyone firing at us, kill them.”

  I heard someone cry, “You ain't in charge.”

  I yelled back, “The corporal is dead, and I don't think anyone up front is going to object to my order.” Just then the truck slammed into something and we all tumbled to the front again. I lost my weapon and started searching for another as guys were jumping over the tailgate. Shoving the dead corporal off my legs I unhooked his web belt and fastened it over my shoulder. Then I spotted a weapon and snagged it. Jumping over the tailgate I hooked a toe and landed flat on my face. Looking to my right I could see another truck that had crashed into a house. Tapping the leg by head I saw him react and start to swing his weapon toward me. In as calm a voice as I could manage, I told him to crawl over to the other truck and see if anyone was alive. If they were get them off and get them back over here. Take someone with you. He mumbled something so I hollered, “Move it soldier and tell everyone you pass what you're doing so they can
cover you.”

  Looking then to my left I saw several guys laying in bushes and several hiding in a hedge. Crawling toward them I yelled for two of them to crawl back to me. Two privates arrived as I was tipping over a few lawn chairs to block a view of the road behind the truck. Twisting I could see the truck jammed up against a car that it'd shoved into a garage door. Looking at the first private to arrive, I told him, “Starting back where you were, crawl to the left and tell everyone to find cover and make a perimeter. Anyone approaching should be told to identify themselves. There was one truck behind us, we need to make sure it's our guys before we let them into our perimeter. OK move out and then report back to me how many guys you told and where they are.” I repeated my instructions to the other private, except he was to go to the right. I added, “If you find any NCOs or officers tell them to report back here. Now move out.”

  Looking around I saw a short brick wall with a BBQ grill not twenty feet to my left. Crawling over to it I found a SP4 whimpering beside the grill. Slapping him got his attention. As he started to sit up I grabbed his arm and jerked him toward me saying, “I need you to crawl over to the house and check it out. Grab that of the PFC over there and check all the rooms. Make sure anyone there are civilians. Have one of them come out here and report to me. If there ain't no one in the house make sure the front doors are locked and report back to me. Send the other PFC over to me. Now move it.”

  As a SP5 driver I knew I only had so much authority. Hopefully they'd find an NCO or officer to take charge.

  A few minutes later several guys crawled through the opening in the brick wall and over to me. One said, “I found these guys alive in the other truck, we got some of the ammo and magazines. Most of the rifles were destroyed because someone threw a grenade in the back. There is a sergeant in front, but he's shot in the chest.

  Thinking, I stated, “OK, take these guys and get that sergeant over here. While you're over there throw all the ammo you can back in the box and bring it along with all the magazines and weapons you can carry. There are probably a few of our guys still out there from the other truck, so use your common sense if you see anyone. Anyone not in uniform, make sure they ain't armed before you bring them in. If there's a radio in the cab, bring it also. Move out.”

  The SP4 from the house ran over and said all they'd found in the house were dead bodies. All had their throats cut. I told him to setup on the second floor looking out the front and keep watch. Anyone approaching should be identified and he could send out the PFC to check their IDs before allowing them inside our perimeter.

  My knee was feeling better so I started off in the opposite direction until I found the first member of our squad that I knew. He was a cook. I told him to follow me. As we came upon several soldiers whispering behind the hedge I told them to shut-up and listen. You two move over by that tree and dig a shallow trench for cover. Your field of fire will be in front of here to where you see me set the next guys. You two dig in here and keep an eye on the driveway. Set your fields of fire from in front of the tree to the the road. The last guy I told to follow me. In a crouch I ran past the tree and curved back toward the house. We picked up one more guy and I found a crepe myrtle patch. I told them to dig in behind the crepe myrtle and their field of fire would be from in front of the tree to the front corner of the house. If I can find anyone over there I'll have them dig in, so watch me and adjust your fields of fire. If I don't you have to keep an eye on the whole area. Pulling my notebook from my pocket I made a quick sketch of the area. Then we started off toward the corner of the house. Concealed behind another bush we found two more privates, so I told them to follow me. Whoever lived here liked their bushes spread out so I found another and told them to dig a trench for cover behind the bush and their fields of fire would be from the last position to the corner of the house. Turning back toward the last position I pointed down and then held my arms out showing where this positions field of fire would be. One of the guys back there did the same. At least his arm pointing in my direction wasn't pointed behind us. Reaching the corner of the house I peeked around front hoping to see the other truck and some more soldiers. No such luck. Then my cook and I ran back toward the back of the house and around the corner on the the roadside. Spotting several guys I headed over to where they were.

  When we got there I moved them to better positions and told them to dig in. After setting their fields of fire I asked them if they'd seen anyone between them and the road. They said they'd seen several guys between them and the road. I sent one of them to get them and bring them back. I heard him tell them that SP5 Kenric wanted them back toward the house. Just before they reached my position I yelled, “Halt and identify yourselves.”

  From the cursing I knew they were from our group. Then I said, “Is everyone in your group known to everyone else, no strangers” When they said yes I told them to come on in. I recognized two of the mechanics and several drivers, but one guy I didn't know. Pointing my M16 at him I asked him who he was. One of the mechanics piped up that he knew him, he'd just signed in yesterday. I told the stranger to undo his web belt and drop his weapon. Instead he grabbed a grenade off his belt, so I shot him on full auto. The grenade flew over his head and back toward the road. I yelled down and dropped flat just before the grenade went off. The guy laying beside me stuck his weapon in my side and said, “You just killed him.”

  I then stated, “We weren't issued grenades, someone disarm him and check him for ID.”

  My cook took my .45 and went over and unhooked the guys web gear and rolled him off it. Then he reached into the guys pocked and open his wallet. Then he announced, “No military ID, just a drivers license and lots of money. No dog tags around his neck, just this weird emblem. Let Kenric up, I don't think this guy is one of us.”

  I then got up and walked forward and took back my .45. Looking down I simply stated, “Anyone you don't know from back on post, don't trust until you verify that they are one of us period.” One of the mechanics didn't get up so I walked over to him and rolled him over. The whole front of his body was covered with blood. I reached down and jerked his dog tags off. Sticking one in my pocket I stuck the other in his mouth and jammed his jaw shut wedging it between his teeth. I heard gagging from my left. Turning I simply said, “We need to be able to identify the body for later recovery. Get their gear and move their bodies out to that tree by the road. Anybody you see out there, verify their identity and bring them back. If you don't know them take their weapons before allowing them back here. Tapping two of them, I told them to dig a shallow trench for cover and their field of fire would be from the bush on their right to the bush on their left.

  One of them said, “I'm not digging a hole in someones front yard.”

  I realized that it was the company clerk. Turning to her, I told her, “Whoever started those riots don't care that you are woman, they will simply kill or rape you because you don't belong to their group. Act like the soldier you are, or take off the uniform and walk. I don't think you'll stand a chance out there because all the civilians we've found so far have been butchered.”

  With a shocked look on her face she whispered, “I need a shovel and a gun.”

  “Take the dead mechanic's rifle and entrenching tool. Sorry, but they're the only spares at the present time.”

  The other guys were back so I took them over to the next position and told them to dig in and assigned them fields of fire. The last two I positioned so their field of fire was down the side of the house and back to the last position. Taking the web gear from the intruder I headed back to the BBQ patio checking each position and telling them that I'd send relief as soon as we had more soldiers rounded up. Back at the pit I found the guys I sent over to the other truck. They looked sick, but the sergeant leaned against the wall was instructing a soldier on how to place a field dressing on his shoulder. Looking at my cook I told him
to find any other cooks and then check the house for food. We need food for about 30. If there isn't enough check back with me and we'll check some other houses. I then turned to the remaining three soldiers and said, “Dig in a position between here and the truck,” and pointed over to my left. “You'll be the relief and security squad. That means I'll be sending you where you're needed. No questions, move it.”

  The sergeant just sat there and looked at me. Then he commented, “Ever seen combat?”

  “No,” I said, “but I just had to kill a guy on the other side of the house.”

  “Any other NCOs or officers survive the ambush?

  “You're the only one so far, we haven't located any other trucks yet,” I said as I pointed toward the two.

  He then said, “There were four trucks in the group, I was in the third so I assume you were in the second. What is this platoon made up of?”

  “So far as I know, a couple of mechanics, a dozen drivers, one cook that I know of, and a clerk that's female. I've set up a loose perimeter around the back and this side of the house, two guys in the house plus the cook, and as you just heard a relief force of three. Is the radio working and what should we do now?”

  He looked at me and with a chuckle said, “Don't tell anyone but I'm personnel, never seen a day in a combat zone, and never killed anyone. You're doing a good job as far as I can tell, so you keep it up. I'll back you up suggest anything that I can think of. Consider me a butter bar as far as experience goes.

  “Now for the radio, it's got holes in it because I was using it as a headrest when we were ambushed. I suggest that we get the troops fed and watered. Then just before dusk we move to another location. You probably should send two soldiers out to scout the neighborhood and locate us another house we can spend the night in. Also have a mechanic check out both trucks and see if we can get one operational. Since we can't complete our mission we need to locate the others that were sent to Belton. Captain James was in charge, but I have no idea who is now.”

  After a few minutes I called one of the relief soldiers over and told him to go around to the far front corner and bring the two soldiers from there back here. Also tell the next position that they need to cover that positions field of fire. I then walked over to the remaining two relief soldiers and told the private to start checking the positions. When he found the SP5 mechanic he was to tell him to report to me and take up his perimeter position.

  When everyone got back, I sent the mechanic to check out our truck. The other four I gave the following instructions to. “In pairs I want you to check out the neighborhood. Stay far enough apart so you can cover each other. One moves forward while the other covers him. A bush ain't cover, however a tree or wall is. If you run into any soldiers, check their ID before exposing both of yourselves. Only after you're absolutely sure their Ft. Hood soldiers and friendly are you to send them back to our perimeter. Another part of your mission is to check the houses on both sides. One of you will remain under cover outside while the other knocks on the door. Find out if someone is home and who they are. If no one answers, try the doors. If you can get in be careful not to get ambushed by some scared civilian or the enemy. Do a quick check of the house and see how much food is in the kitchen. Make a quick map, I'm sure you'll find pen and paper. You need to be back here before dark because we'll be moving at dusk. We need someplace safe to hole up for the night. Any questions? I know you're probably getting hungry, but we'll have hot food just before we leave here. I think we have about three hours before it gets dark enough for us to move safely. OK pair up and head out. Oh, and by the way, don't try any John Wayne shit, stealth is our best defense until we locate where ever command set up headquarters. They looked at each other and headed out in opposite directions.

  I heard a grunt, looking at the sergeant I saw him trying to get into a more comfortable position. He then said, “Well that was as good a mission briefing as I could have given, however I'd have given them a password to reenter our perimeter.”

  “All except you are from our company and everyone except the cook and clerk live in the barracks. I'm not going to give them a password and countersign until we move out at dusk. What's your best guess as to the location of the other trucks and soldiers?”

  Scratching his jaw he stuttered, “My guess would be one on either side of us on this side of the road. They hit us in the curve. We really need to move to higher ground because if they blow Belton damn we could get washed away. I think we should head back to Ft. Hood. We're short on equipment and supplies.” Just then we heard a single shot and then someone yelling.

  I took off at a run around to the back of the house. I yelled, “Who fired that shot?” At the far corner I heard my company clerk yell “I did sarge.”

  Dropping beside her position I said “Why?”

  “The five guys out there didn't stop when I told them to.”

  I then yelled, “OK, you guys, this is how its going to go down. I want you to stack your weapons where they can be seen. Get out your ID and lay on your back with arms and leg's spread. You are within the field of fire from more than one position so running isn't an option. After you comply, I'll sent someone to check you out. Any of you still armed or if you try anything, we will kill because we don't have anyplace to hold prisoners. Any questions? If not, one of you stack the weapons and then lay down. Then the rest of you move to a spot to the left of the bushes.” I watched four of them move out into the open and lay down. I then said, “You are missing one of your group. Either he comes out now or you need to lie real still while we put a few bullets into his position.” Then I yelled, “Don't target the ones laying on their backs, but anything around them is a free fire zone upon my command.”

  I'd no sooner gotten the words out of my mouth than we all heard, “Coming out, don't shoot!”

  “Put your weapons on the pile and then your web gear. If any of your group is wearing web gear have them unhook it and roll off it. After you put their gear in the pile they can lay back on their backs, then you assume the position with your ID out. The soldier I'm sending out will be nervous. He'll approach you from the head, check your ID, then put his pistol under your chin and pat you down for any other weapons. When he clears you, he'll send you in one at a time for verification. We've already had one attack and casualties so a twitch from any of you will get a bullet. Am I clear?”

  We all heard, yes sergeant.

  I handed my revolver to the PFC in the other trench and said, “You understand.”

  He whispered back, “I can't go, I peed my pants.”

  “OK,” I whispered, “I'll go out, but when I send them in I want you to have them sit separately with their hands on their heads. Keep your weapon on them and tell them no talking.” To my clerk I whispered, “Move over there and cover them, until I get back they are to be considered unfriendly. OK. Then I stood up and ran to the closest of them. Putting my revolver to his head I said where's your ID. He tilted his head back and I pulled his military ID out of his mouth. It looked like him so I asked his date of birth, and it was the same as on the ID. Then I stated, “I'm going to move my revolver to under your chin so I can search you, so don't move.” After patting him down I stepped back and told him to roll over so I could check his back. Then I said in a loud voice, “One prisoner coming in. I then told him, go in sit with your hands on your head where the PFC tells you. He's young and so scared he already pissed his pants so if you don't follow his instructions he'll probably just start shooting. I hope you understand and don't try anything.” I then moved from one to the next until I got to the last. When I place my pistol to his head he whimpered. Checking his ID I saw the ID showed longer hair. Then I place my revolver under his chin and said, “I'm going to pat you down for weapons, so lay still.” Starting at the left hand I checked the arm up and to the armpit. I felt extra clothing in the armpit, but not lumps
. Same thing on the right arm. Then I started at the collar and when I got to the chest I realized I had a small busted woman under my hand. I whispered, “Do they know you're a woman?”

  She whimpered back, “No.”

  “Lay still, sorry but I still have to check you for weapons, so I'll be quick.” After I had her roll over I found a knife in her belt. “Tsk-tsk”, I muttered, “by the rules I outlined before coming out here I should kill you, but I realize why you didn't expose it. On your feet, pick up all the web gear and when we get back on the other side of the perimeter take a seat and put your hands on your head. Also no talking.” I picked up five M-16s and marched her back.

  I had her move off from the others and asked her where she was from. After stating that she was from Ft. Hood I asked her how she got here. She said, our truck was shot up and then crashed into a swimming pool. I also asked her if she knew the four guys and she said no. I took her back and then motioned one of the guys over. I asked him the same questions and his only different answer was that he knew three of the guys but the shrimp was shoved on the truck just as they were leaving. I got the same answer from the guy that tried to hide from us. Then I took him back over and said to them all, “You story seems to check out, however, until our NCOIC clears you none of you will be given back your weapons. Get out your IDs. You,” pointing at the shrimp, “collect their ID's and follow me.” I picked up their M-16s and started back around toward the BBQ enclosure.

  After the sergeant checked the ID's and said they look valid he asked if I'd checked any of their dog tags. When I answered no the shrimp pulled hers off over her head and handed them to me. After handing them to him he pointed out a couple of things that I should check on them including the side they were imprinted from. He then handed me his and I check mine, hers, and his. They all matched. “This PFC will take up a position by the truck while I bring the rest around one at a time, or should I just check their dog tags and it they match give them their weapons back.”

  He said, “Use your best judgment and what's so special about him.” pointing at the shrimp.

  I said, “The shrimp is a woman, I think we can trust her, and that ain't my balls talking. Everyone knows my company clerk is a woman, but we'll just nickname her as the shrimp if she is OK with that. I think it'll be safer for her for now.” Turning to her I stated, “The enemy we're dealing with will kill or rape you just for the hell of it because you're not part of their group. So if the time comes that we're attacked I expect you to be a soldier and shoot to kill the enemy. Am I understood?”

  She simply answered, “Yes Sir.”

  I then walked back around and the first three I checked their dog tags were OK. When I turned to the last guy he said, “I lost my dog tags.”

  I shoved my revolver into his stomach and reached up and pulled the silver chain around his neck up and looked at the piece of jewelry hanging on it. There was a wedding ring and a Star of David. Dropping them back into his fatigue shirt I commented, “As soon as we get back to post get your ass to personnel and get another set made. Also I'm going to check with my NCOIC about the unauthorized jewelry hanging around your neck. Now you four take this and that position. No one enters our perimeter without authorization. Have them stack their weapons and lay down on their backs while someone comes to get me. Any questions? Oh by the way I've got two scouts out, so someone from the next position up can verify who they are. We're all from one company.” Then I told my to guards to follow me.

  The scout returned reporting one truck found in a swimming pool along with a bunch of bodies. There were dead bodies in all the houses they checked.

  About 6 PM the cook asked for two soldiers to help. They came out with a big pot of soup and a basket full of cups, bowls, and sandwiches. I walked the perimeter while they fed the troops. At each position I told them to come to the BBQ grill location as soon as the sun hit the trees to the west.

  My other scouts returned from the east and reported that all they'd found were murdered civilians. However they did bring in all the can goods they found in some civilian backpacks. The Sergeant gave them a password and reply and told them to use the same stealth that they'd used earlier to reenter all the houses to the west and gather dark colored blankets and any canned food they could quickly gather. Then he told them that there was a gas station about 2 miles back up the road. We'd rendezvous with them a hundred feet behind the station. Then he warned them not to approach the gas station because it could be a rally point for the enemy, especially if they were using vehicles.

  After everyone reported in I divided them into two groups. “OK now we are moving out to the west. I want two columns. Second man in the column keep you eye on the lead man in the other column. Quietly inform the lead man in your column it they get more than ten yards off. Lead man, you are the point man so if you spot anyone ahead of you crouch and hold up your arm to signal those behind to stop. Everyone else keep an eye on the point man and the outside of our column. Cook, you and your assistant bring the cooking gear you need and you'll be at the rear between the columns. Shrimp, you and the company clerk will travel with us between the columns and act as runners if we need to pass any messages. The Sarge and I will rove up and down between the columns. Now, if we suspect a trap or anything unusual the Sarge or I will give a whippoorwill whistle. If you hear that drop and assume a perimeter facing out. Stealth is our best defense because we're probably outnumbered. Now quickly check your and your buddy's gear to make sure you don't have anything that will rattle or shine. We move out in 2 minutes.

  We passed through three backyards before hitting the woods. An hour later we were at gas station. Out scouts joined us there. We went on up and behind the next gas station and over the hill. Coming down the hill almost at the bottom he had the lead turn right. He sent shrimp back to bring the last two men up from the rear of each column. He instructed them to position themselves on the other side of the road so they could see down the road. They were to give a woof whistle if they saw any vehicles coming. The other two he instructed to cross the road and check around the storage unit area and the other building and then signal from the road edge if everything was clear. He gave them 15 minutes to scout the areas and report.

  They gave us the all clear and we hurried everyone across and behind the storage unit area. As soon as the guys from the top of the hill arrived he explained that we needed to move about a mile off the road toward the lake before setting up camp for the night. After a ten minute rest we moved out again. Not a half hour later a dog started barking off to our left. Everyone froze except the sarge. He pulled his notebook out and tore a strip of paper from one page. He stretched it tight and started blowing on it. For a second I heard a high pitch whistle and then it got higher and I couldn't hear it. Dogs started barking all over the place and I could hear dogs barking so far away that I could barely hear them. Looking at the sarge I commented, “Neat trick, you got to teach me that one.”

  All he did was head for the head of the column and we started moving again. Shortly we stopped again and he quietly announced, “Rest in place, pass the word. We spend the night here. No fires, no smoking, no noise. Pair up, one man sleeps while the other guards, 2 hour shifts.” After a few minutes I could hear the crickets and other nightlife start making their noises. A few minutes later I felt a tug on my web gear. It was the shrimp and she whispered to me that she needed to go to the bathroom. I led her over to a couple of bushes and pulled out my entrenching too and dug a shallow hole. I whispered in her ear grunt like you having to shit. Wipe from the rear and dump the paper in the hole and then cover it up and tamp it down. I could see reflections from several locations on the perimeter. I stood up and put my entrenching tool back in its web carrier and turned and quietly went back to my position. Listening I could hear some faint grunts and then the shrimp came back to my position and whispered loudly, “I'll stan
d guard, so you can get some sleep.”

  When she woke me up I went over to pee at the same bushes and when I got back she was curled up using my web gear as a pillow. The only talking I heard for quite awhile was someone asking what time it was. I was getting drowsy so I went over the perimeter and started checking each pair of guys. The third pair of soldiers I checked started making comments about the shrimp. I replied, “He's still got mama's milk behind his ears. By time this is over he'll know how to shit in the woods and walk like a soldier. Who's supposed to be asleep? Get to it.” Then I worked my way around and met the sarge on the other side half way up.

  “Any problems?” he asked. “All clear up front, we'll move out at dawn, in about two hours. Get some rest.” We walked back over to where the shrimp was sleeping and he told the clerk to wake us as soon as it started getting light. I told her that if I started snoring to just give me a slight shake on the shoulder. I gently lifted the shrimps head and pulled out my poncho and lowered her head back on the pack. My poncho wasn't the most comfortable pillow, but it worked. I was just getting real drowsy when I felt someone throw their arm across me and scoot right up to my back. Opening my eyes I was looking right into the company clerks face. She whispered, “Is he queer?”

  I whispered back, “No, he is a young woman and feels safer if no one knows. I discovered the fact when I searched her before allowing her and the guys into the perimeter. They didn't know, and she prefers that we keep her secret. I guess she thinks I'm a big teddy bear, so wake her if anyone appears to be approaching.”

  Then we heard the shrimp mumble, “He already taught me how to shit like a bear.”

  I heard the clerk chuckle as she stood up. Then I was out.

  I felt someone shaking my shoulder. As I opened my eyes the shrimp said, “Kathy went to pee and she's been gone a long time.”

  “Which direction? Wake the sarge.” Grabbing my pistol belt and M16 I headed off in that direction. Two of the new guys had her stretched out on the ground and one of then was humping her. I just butt stroke him with the butt of my M16 behind the ear and swung it back hitting his partner in the neck. He fell back and grabbed his neck. If he hadn't jerked his head up it probably would have cracked his skull instead of ripping his throat open. A couple of guys came rushing up from opposite directions with their weapons at the ready. The sarge arrived a moment later. I simply stated, “Rape is a capitol crime in some cultures. What do you want done with this scum.”

  He looked at the three soldiers and said, “I need three volunteers to bury this scum deep.” By then Kathy, my company clerk was crying. That drew a larger crowd. He repeated, “Rape is a capitol offense, I need some volunteers to bury this scum deep and remove all identification from them before you bury them.” Several guys each grabbed the rapist and started dragging them off and telling others to get their entrenching tools.

  I stood up and said, “Situation is handled, reform the perimeter facing out. Shrimp get my poncho.” Then I squatted by Kathy's head and called her name. The third time she answered so I said, “Give me your hand and let me help you up. We need to move you over by the bushes so you can clean yourself.” Shrimp arrived with my poncho and I put it over Kathy's head and led her over by the bushes. The I told the shrimp to run over to the cook and get some water and a towel. Also grab a couple of field dressings off our gear. She was back in no time at all.

  I then asked Kathy, do you want any help, I can leave the shrimp here for awhile. She replied, “No you help.”

  “Shrimp, grab a weapon and guard the other side of these bushes.”

  The sarge walked back and handed me their ID's and dog tags. “Handle this while I get the cook to make something for breakfast.”

  Looking at my company clerk, I told her I'd be back in a few minutes. When she asked why, I simply stated I needed to dig a latrine to make several deposits in. Then we heard off to the side, never mind sarge we'll have a nice hole dug in a minute. Several of us will use the facilities after Kathy. Kathy just said thanks guys and grabbed my hand and squeezed.

  When the guys announced the hole was ready Kathy walked over to it. I handed her the ID's and dog tags. She dropped them in the hole and then squatted and peed on them. After she got up several of the guys shit on them and others just peed in the hole. Then they covered the hole and tamped the sod back in place. She started crying again as she thanked the guys. The shrimp took her by the arm and led her back toward our position.

  The sarge came up with the cook and said, “You know its dangerous to bunch up in combat zone. Spread out so the cook can give you a light breakfast. We move out in half an hour.” Looking around he again open his mouth and stated, “I was going to take a shit in this hole, but I see it's full. I guess I'll have to wait. Hopefully we won't need to dig another shit hole like this one.”

  After what the cook called breakfast we moved out and got the lake recreation area about noon. The sarge took 10 guys and headed down to the swimming area. After circling the building they broke in. A few minutes later he sent guys into the latrine areas and they reappeared with several rolls of toilet paper. We then moved to the far west end and set up a perimeter. The cook used one of the grills and made a pot of what he called stew. After seeing beans, corn, what looked like spinach, and a few other unidentifiable cans dumped into the pot I turned away and went to check the perimeter. As I crossed near the barbed wire fence I spotted the shrimp point at me. Suddenly Kathy jumped up and ran over and hugged me and thanked me again. Then she ran back and dropped into her position. I said, “You OK shrimp? The cook thinks he'll have what he calls food ready in about half an hour. Pass the word we'll bring it around and then move out. Also all the canteens need to be topped off. Pass the word that one man at a time cane come back to fill his and his partners.”

  After eating and packing everything up the sarge called everyone in. “OK we'll move out in the line formation we've been using. When we reach open area we'll split in half. One group will cross while the other covers them. After the first group has secured the forward area they'll signal and the rest of us will follow. If we come under fire only half will return fire while everyone else maneuvers to flank then, and then open up with everything they got. Just hope it isn't our soldiers. I'll try to make contact with the opposing force and verify who they are before we open fire on them. Lets move out.”

  Two days later we arrived at the airfield perimeter fence. We could see two choppers, one looked like it crashed and the other looked like it burned on the ground. After a quick conference the sarge ordered us back. After crossing the road again we turned north over the ridge line and then west again across east range road. Approaching one of the small arms ranges we could see motor pool road and a line of burned motor pools. We retreated back over the ridge and kept moving west. Our scouts kept an eye on the motor pools. Down near the west end we heard a firefight. Cautiously we spread out on the ridge line. A motor pool was under attack from our side. We sent in two scouts to see if they could tell who was who. They returned with an unconscious man. When he opened his eyes we could see the fear on his face. He started pleading for mercy in broken English. The sarge just kept asking him who was inside the building until the prisoner said Yankee solders. Then he tried and managed to break free. He made it less than 10 feet before one of the guys dropped him and then said, “Well sarge, what direction are we going in from.”

  With a smile the sarge knelt and drew a rough map of the area. It showed us attacking at a 45 degree angle against both ends of the enemy line about a quarter of the way in from both. Then he said, “We will move into position and each of you will take a single target from the ends toward the center. When everyone is in position we'll all fire at the same time. After that first volley pick your targets until none of them are left. Then I'll make contact with the soldiers inside the motor pool. Move out.” It t
ook us almost an hour to get into position.

  We were stretched out and sighted in when the sarge fired from the far right end of our line. Almost instantly everyone else fired. Half the enemy line was down before they realized we were behind them. Then they broke and ran, although that didn't help them. We didn't find any live ones as we advanced to take up their position. Then the sarge yelled across the road, “We're US Army, send out someone to verify us so we can come in.”

  A couple of dozen soldiers stood up behind vehicles and started cheering. One yelled, come on in, the gate is just pushed shut.

  Looking at me the sarge said, “Take five guys and verify they're our guys and then find out what happened.”

  I pointed at 5 guys and started forward. Suddenly two of the guys stopped and the shrimp and my company clerk Kathy took their places. We approached the gate and two guys jumped up and dragged it open. As soon as we were through they pushed it closed. One of them said the sarge is in the conex, but he's shot up. I looked at the corporal and said, “Lets see some ID and then lead the way.”

  He pulled out his dog tags and showed them to me. When I said, military ID card he turned and called one of the other soldiers over. Show them your military ID he ordered. The specialist pulled out his ID and showed it to me and I showed mine to them. Then I said, “Can't be to careful, they've already tried to infiltrate us once. Can you vouch for everyone here.”

  I could see the realization hit him. He turned and said, “Take six guys and disarm the two newbies at the front gate and march them back here. Anyone not from the company disarm and bring back to the conex. Tell Jones to take a few guys and sweep the motor pool and round up anyone not from our company. Now SP5, if you'll follow me I'll lead you to the sarge.”

  Over my shoulder I said, “One of you guys get back to the sarge and inform him of the situation here and prepare for a firefight to get out of here. Also scouts out a few hundred yards including the ridge.”

  As we entered the conex I heard, “Kenric what are you doing here. I saw you get in a truck for Belton.” Turning I saw my First Sergeant. He was covered with blood from the waist down.

  I replied, “We were ambushed this side and had to return. 32 survivors out of the four trucks. We now number 30.

  After spitting blood on the floor he said, “Corporal, Kenric will be ranking man here shortly. Bust open the deployment conex and load as many MRE and all the water those mules can carry. Don't forget a few cans of fuel. Take our guys out of here. Kenric, I suggest you head up east range road and pick the best range you find to defend. Get the corporal to get a few radios out of the deployment conex and then burn everything on the way out. Don't waste time or wait for me to die, I'm entrusting these soldier to your hands.” Then he started coughing up more blood.

  The medic looked at me and said, “Nothing more I can do for him. What do you want me to do.”

  “Grab all the medical supplies you can carry and load them on the mules. We leave in fifteen minutes. Inform the corporal send the supplies out as they are loaded.”

  ~ ~ ~