by Cliff Deane
Millard lay in a covering position, waiting to see if his friend would actually get shot. Millard knew he could do nothing to save his friend, but if he did take a bullet, whoever came to check the body was going to lie right beside him.
He watched as Tyler stepped out from his cover with his hands held high in the air, but he could not identify the location of his captors.
The hidden voice again spoke softly, saying, “Good job, now tell your buddy to do the same and walk slowly to your position. Any deviation from this will only get the both of you killed.”
“Yes sir,” said Tyler, “Mill, they got you marked, too, so stand up, with no weapon and walk carefully to me. Don’t screw up, now, just do it. Nobody needs to get shot, today.”
Millard decided to follow directions rather than seeing his friend die.
The two men stood side by side as the ROA soldier was suddenly, and quietly, directly behind them. He said, “Now, just stay loose, and we can get through this without anyone getting hurt. To make my point you may look down at your chest, do it now.”
Millard looked down at his chest and saw a red dot directly over his heart; he almost lost control of his bowels before regaining something akin to equilibrium.
The voice behind them gave short, direct orders as he guided them to Staff Sergeant Primm.
Harold asked if they had been frisked for weapons and was told that they had only been ordered to drop their rifles. Two other troopers then thoroughly searched both Tyler and Millard.
Once their sidearms were removed and cleared, Staff Sergeant Primm smiled and said, “All right, you may put your arms down. Now, I understand you want to help us; that’s good, we like friends. You are friends, right?”
Both men said, “Oh, yes sergeant, we want to be good friends.”
“Mother 1, Son 1-6: Over.”
“Son 1-6, Mother 1: Hear you 5 by 5, go ahead. Over.”
“Roger Mother, please get Kahuna 6. We got ‘em. Over.”
“Roger Son, wait. Out.”
It took Levi, (Kahuna 6) just two minutes to get to the Commo Room at Polk.
“Son 1-6, Kahuna 6, Assume Case, Blue 6, confirm. Over”
“Roger, confirm Case, Blue 6. Out.”
Case, Blue 6 directed the LRRP to assume a defensive posture and expect friendly contact within next six hours.
Akem’s Razor!
The simplest answer is usually the right answer.
30 October 1050
Fort. Polk
Gus was detailed to leave at 1100 hours, and drive to the LRRP site. He would have preferred to fly in, but he decided on road travel to ensure the Air Arm of the ROA was not accidentally revealed. Gus’ departure came with two LAV IIIs, one Infantry Squad, and his personal jeep.
Levi then called for a meeting with the remainder of the Command Staff. Once the staff was settled around the Fort Polk, Commanding General’s Conference Table, along with water, coffee, and muffins, Levi held his hand up for quiet. The attendees quickly became still and focused on their General.
“I require everyone’s rapt attention for this planning meeting,” said General Levins. “I am thrilled to be able to inform you that we have not only found Steiner’s Merc Battalion, but that they are no more than seventy, or so, miles ahead of us, somewhere near Beaumont.
Staff Sergeant Primm, leading the LRRP was having little success in finding anyone willing to speak with him, as the locals thought the LRRP could be a part of Steiner’s Rear Echelon. In a stroke of genius, he began leaving notes on doors of occupied dwellings, identifying him as a part of the ROA Force chasing Steiner’s band.
One of Staff Sergeant Primm’s notes was read by a two-man local guerilla team, out to gain some payback against Steiner and company. They made contact with our LRRP team, and it appears that our quest to destroy these killers could end very soon; as in a couple of days.
Excitement quickly grew around the table as the realization that the Steiner Hunt might soon be over.
Levi said, “Ok, here is my guidance; develop it into a workable plan by 1800 hours, this day.
Tentatively the attack is to commence on 2 November at 0355. Factor in potential weather snafus.
Utilize Air, Mortar, Tanks, Infantry, Snipers, ok you get the picture. This is all out, balls to the wall.
One company as the reserve/reaction force.
Prepare to attack an in-depth defense, possibly using hasty minefields.
No combat, intel patrols only, to identify enemy strong points.
Colonel Murtaugh will id a staging area for those assets able to utilize the Hueys, but far enough back to avoid detection.
Minimal prisoners, we’ll hang ‘em later.
There you have it, remember, no detail is too small. This battle is for all the marbles; keep in mind that these are not a bunch of thugs. They are an experienced and well-trained bunch of thugs, and we have to put an end to them.”
Levi wanted to speak with Susan, to see her portion of the plan, but decided not to interrupt to preclude any additional influence; mostly, Levi realized that he just wanted to hold her. He knew that there could be effective ground fire if a second strike was required, and he also knew that she would not send in someone else while she remained safely in the rear. If only the ROA Air Arm was even just a bit bigger, he could insist that she, as commander, must remain at headquarters. Levi knew she would remind him of his own words; this was to be an all-out, balls to the wall brawl.
Instead of whining and worrying about Susan and Katie, he decided to continue working on his own plan for the upcoming battle to use as a comparative tool.
Levi knew that this blink of the historical eye might decide the fate of this continent for perhaps a thousand years. An ROA victory could mean avoiding a New Dark Age, while a Steiner victory would, most certainly, ensure a bleak descent into a dark age of hell.
Three squelches!
30 October 1600
LRRP Camp
I-10
Gus’ convoy received the three-squelch radio signal, telling him that the LRRP had spotted them, and to hold in place. He responded with one word, “Roger,” and ordered a halt to the convoy. Gus also ordered his people to clear weapons.
Gus heard two squelches and the message, “don’t shoot,” followed immediately by Corporal Shaw emerging from the tree line just in front of the halted convoy.
Sergeant Lew Kramer dismounted his LAV and moved forward to meet Corporal Shaw. After greeting each other, the two men turned and walked back to Gus.
“Sir,” said Shaw, “approximately one-hundred meters ahead, you will see a dirt road crossing the I-10 access road. Turn to the right, and after fifty meters, you will be met by Staff Sergeant Primm. Welcome to our little piece of heaven, sir.”
“Thank you, Corporal, let’s make this meeting happen.”
“Roger, sir, I will remain behind for a few minutes to make sure you’re not being followed,” and with that, Corporal Shaw turned and retreated back into the tree line rejoining his rear security detail.”
The convoy turned right at the designated dirt road, and fifty meters farther on they were met by Staff Sergeant Primm who led them to a tree covered parking area.
Staff Sergeant Primm introduced Gus to Tyler and Millard, then received a briefing, primarily from Tyler, outlining the situation among the mercenary force.
“Well, sir, now let’s see, oh yeah, we been watching these catbirds since they pulled in to the Days Inn, just up the road at the Jennings Airport.
Colonel, they got sickness there. Why, we probly seen a hunnerd or more bein’ hepped inside.
I can’t rightly say what they’re sick from, well, you know, sir, we didn’t want to get no closer, not wantin’ to get sick ourselves and all.
Anyway, things just settled down and it appeared everone was just restin’ up. Then, early this mornin’ the camp activity picked up right smartly. We don’t know what’s up, but it must be important.”
Gus asked, “T
yler, are you two able to guide an intel patrol to the Days Inn?”
“Oh, yes sir, whenever y’alls ready.”
Gus then asked Sergeant Primm when he could have patrols out.
“Sir, I sent out four patrols, with PRC 77 radios about five hours ago with orders to gather intel, but there have been no reports of any activity outside of their established perimeter, so far.”
Gus was silent for several seconds as he considered the information he had just received. “Sergeant Primm, I believe that things will get very active, very soon. Please point out the locations of your patrols as you best know them.
Sergeant Primm, what do you think is going to happen?”
“Well, sir,” said Staff Sergeant Primm, “I think they are stuck in camp because of sickness, probably food poisoning, or, more likely, the flu. I know if I was in charge, I certainly wouldn’t want to leave my rear exposed; especially with all the crimes committed in their wake. Sir, I think they will begin prepping a defensive rear guard, and probably, in-depth.”
“Very well put,” said Gus, “I agree completely with your assessment.
Tyler, what I want you boys to do after viewing the Days Inn, is to act as guides to gather intel on both enemy activity in prepping this supposed defense, along with LAV and mortar placement. Are you up for this?” asked Gus.
“Oh, yes sir, we’ll sure do it, but we do have one request.”
Gus became wary as he responded, “Yes, and what would that request be?”
“Well, um, ya’ see, it’s like this; we ain’t got nuthin’ but deer rifles, and well, um, dang it sir, we need better weapons to protect our families. Will you help us with this?”
Now Gus smiled as he answered, “My friend, I am pleased that you made your desire for better weapons a request, rather than a demand, and I appreciate it. So, here’s is my response; once the battle is over, I pledge to you that you will receive up to two-hundred upgraded rifles, and sidearms for each member of your village over the age of ten, along with the training manuals. I also promise to provide a total of twenty thousand rounds of ammo for both the rifles and sidearms. Will that fit your needs to help defend your village?
Millard managed to look both excited, and sheepish at the same time as he added, “Will we get holsters and magazines, too?”
Gus laughed loudly as he said, “Deal! Would you like my signature, or will my handshake and word be good enough?”
“Well, shoot,” said Tyler, “in this new world paper don’t mean squat. A man’s word is what matters, and I got a feelin’ your word is good. So, yes sir, let’s shake on it.”
The entire meeting lasted no more than forty minutes before Gus was back on the road to a landing zone, five miles north of the LRRP position, where he was met by a Huey to return him to Fort. Polk.
His jeep, the two LAVs, and the troops remained behind to join the LRRP force. Gus was not happy to leave his beloved jeep.
The Merc Plan!
30 October 1800
Mercenary HQ
I-10
The Charlie Company Commander was the briefer on the agenda for the in-depth rear defense of the Merc encampment.
“Good evening sir, my portion of the brief is to outline our plan for an in-depth defense of our encampment, against a determined enemy force moving west along the I-10.
Charlie Company currently has one-hundred and ninety-six combat effectives after the reallocation of personnel. At this time approximately twenty-five are showing the early symptoms of this accursed influenza. Our battalion medics inform me that in two days we will have an additional twenty who will be well enough to put on the line. Unfortunately, this number presents a loss of five effectives as the twenty-five displaying symptoms will need to come off the line and enter the hospital.”
“Yes, yes, Captain, we know and understand the disease progressions, but what I want to hear from you, is your plan to defend those who are sick. Please continue.”
“Yes sir, my apologies. I have distributed the force allocated to me, as follows:
Total:
Men:
Required Personnel
Observation Posts:
8
2
16
Fire Teams:
10
4
40
Squads:
8
10
80
Reaction Force:
2
30
60
Total Combat Effectives:
196
As per your guidance, I have placed my command in a thirty-degree arc, using the access road as the crux, and precisely two miles east of the Jennings Airport. The OPs will lay down hasty minefields sufficient to take out both enemy ground forces and damage Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) accompanying them. We have also prepared IEDs in four locations along the enemies projected route. They will be wire detonated once the convoy is in position to receive all four IEDs, at once.
The IEDs will force the convoy off the road and into our minefields. Upon detonation of the IEDs, the Mortar Crews, using prepared, laid-in targeting, will commence firing on the enemy convoy.
Using the confusion of the enemy, during the IED, minefield, and mortar engagement, our OPs will withdraw laterally and westward. There, they will take new positions west of the end of the arc to provide defensive flanking positions. Each man will carry two LAWS (Light Armored Weapons System) rockets to engage enemy vehicles.
The second layer of defense will be ten, four-man fire teams. These teams will also lay down hasty minefields forward of their positions. This layer will also be issued two LAWS per man to disable, or destroy, any vehicles surviving the minefields. Once the LAWS are fired, the fire teams will withdraw laterally and westward to join with the OPs reinforcing our flanks.
The third, and final layer in our defense will also employ a hasty minefield, forward of their position. In addition, layer three will also contain our four 60 mm mortar crews, who will begin firing on the first vehicles entangled in our minefields upon initial contact.
This third layer will not be withdrawn; they will receive reinforcement from the Reaction Forces consisting of two, thirty-man Platoons, as needed, to fill in and hold this line. Our LAVs will be prepared to conduct a counterattack to destroy the attacker.
However, should layer three be breached, our surviving forces will independently withdraw to the prepared positions surrounding the Days Inn. Weapons have been issued to the sick for the additional defense of this final position.
Sir, this concludes my briefing, are there any questions?”
Steiner was most pleased with the defensive plan and said, “Captain, your plan is excellent in its scope and attention to detail. I especially like the OP and Fire Team plan to reinforce our flanks. Well done; now, please tell me what you believe to be any inherent weakness in your plan.”
The Charlie Captain said, “Sir, our force is woefully short on personnel. This plan seems the only possible way to create an in-depth defense of our hospital.
Sir, even with the flank reinforcements, our ribs are nearly wide open to an enemy pincer attack; assuming, of course, that they know where our forces are located. Ultimately, it comes down to the hope that our enemy will stumble blindly into our kill zones along the I-10.”
“Ja, Captain, I suspect your concerns are well founded; fortunately, the evidence indicates that if, and I repeat, if our enemy is actually bearing down upon us, I see no reason to believe that they could know of our trap. Hopefully, I am just being paranoid in my old age and there is no one behind us at all. I may, of course, be paranoid, but my paranoia does not mean they are not there.
I approve your plan. Have you already begun laying the minefields, and preparing positions?”
“Yes sir, as I agree with your assessment of an enemy armored force in our wake, I took the initiative to begin laying our trap some two hours ago.”
“Excellent, please continue. Gentlemen, if there is n
othing else, I suggest we adjourn and get on with our work,” said Steiner.
…The best-laid plans…!
30 October 1800
ROA HQ
Fort Polk
Upon Gus’ return Levi quickly briefed him on the progress at Fort Polk, “Gus, we’re flying Sergeant Primm back here to Polk as quickly as possible. About an hour ago we received a Case Red alert from him. Since we don’t want to chance being overheard by Steiner’s commo rats, he is coming here to brief us. I just spoke with Susan, and she has directed a Huey, and a Cobra for security, flown by Kate to fly him in; she says that he will be here in about five minutes. I have a jeep waiting at the helipad to rush him over.
I can’t help but worry that we are wasting precious time by using a radio blackout, but this is just way too important to risk it being monitored by the mercs.”
“Yeah,” said Gus, “you are dead on target there. We have to take every precaution.” Gus then gave Levi an overview of what he knew from his trip to the LRRP camp.
The ROA planning session began at 1800; Gus was tasked to introduce Staff Sergeant Harold Primm, and the two vigilantes, Tyler and Millard.
Gus looked around the table before introducing the briefers and said, “Well, boys and girls, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is now in sight. Unfortunately, that pot of gold is heavily guarded, by competent, professional soldiers.
I would like to introduce Staff Sergeant Harold Primm and the two men who have helped, and guided us to the rat’s nest. Sergeant Primm, I think we should allow Mr. Tyler Green to give a backfill of the events which have allowed us to finally catch up to these rogues. Mr. Green, please fill us in on your exploits.”