Beyond the Checkpoint

by Addison M. Conley

  Plopping down, Ali jokingly stuck out her tongue. She snapped her fingers then jumped up and called across the room, “General! Can I have a minute, please.”

  “What are you doing, Ali,” Vicki whispered. “Walk up and ask him. Don’t shout it.”

  “Yes, Ms. Clairmont?”

  “Sir, I’d like to monitor the mission as a JETT member.” She thumbed to the JETT workstations in the back of the room.

  “How will that be more helpful?”

  “With all due respect, sir, you have a robust team, including Major Abbott.” She swung her hands out at Vicki. “I know the NSA systems, and frankly, Sergeant Henderson needs me because Corporal Webster isn’t up to speed. I’m afraid he’ll jeopardize the mission.”

  Ali turned to Vicki. Say something! Don’t sit there.

  “Ah, yes, sir.” Vicki finally stood. “I concur with Ms. Clairmont. We’re only as good as our weakest link.”

  He eyed them both. Ali was hoping he wouldn’t fight her. “Very well. Hop to it.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Ali crossed the room to the JETT stations. “Webster, you’re relieved. I’m taking your place.”

  “Ah…but you’re not—”

  “Snap to it!” Henderson shouted. “She represents the general and outranks you in position and experience.”

  “If you need me, I’ll be at the gym training for my upcoming PT test.” Webster pelted his empty water bottle at the trash can and walked out.

  “What do we have so far, Henderson?”

  “Force is about three hours from King Viper’s compound. If you don’t mind, ma’am—”

  “What happened to you calling me Ace? I may have been promoted, but I miss that nickname.”

  “If you don’t mind, Ace, I wanted to grab a meal to go earlier. I hadn’t done so because I was worried Webster was going to fuck up.”

  “Go, and grab me something too. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

  “Roger.”

  Ali logged in and reviewed the data and source reports. The sick feeling in the pit of her stomach grew. It was disturbing how the others were relying on two human sources. What are they doing? That’s not enough HUMINT. Alliances often flipped, and the latitude of trust that Special Forces had in one particular source seemed too wishy-washy. But the op was approved at the highest level. All she could do now was monitor and pray like hell.

  With the lack of windows, the air was stifling. The small thermometer at the station read almost eighty-five degrees. She hoped the AC wasn’t malfunctioning again. The JETT chat screen lit up, and her attention snapped back. Lynn was checking in early.

  Lynn: Any status change?

  Ali: No change.

  Lynn: Where’s Webster?

  Ali: I’m taking his place. No margin for error.

  The cursor blinked but no answer. Ali mumbled, “Come on Lynn. Don’t be upset. Answer, damn it.”

  Lynn: I heard they’re planning a cookout next month for the Air Force birthday! How’s the Viper?

  Ali: Nice. Keep on point. All quiet. Only three guards.

  King Viper was the code name given to a high-valued target located in Tagab, halfway between Bagram Air Force Base and Surobi. Evidence pinned him as the brains behind the entire network that manufactured and planted IEDs along the route from Bagram into Jalalabad. His roadside bombs had become more sophisticated. He was also a top recruiter of suicide bombers.

  King Viper was a master of evading detection. It took longer to figure him out. Hopefully tonight, the months of hard work would have Viper rolled up and on his way to prison or eliminated by dusk.

  Ali: Lynn? Did you copy?

  Lynn: Hold on.

  “Got us some BLTs. Even chow can’t screw up bacon.” Henderson tossed Ali a bag.

  “Thanks. Hey, how many pings did we get on the computers and cell phones at Viper’s compound?”

  “Excuse me.” He bit off a chunk of a sandwich and reached for the keyboard. She moved back. With food in his mouth, he said, “The major’s got a great little device to match cell phones with users.” He pointed at the report.

  “How much time do they have to confiscate the technology?” She took a small bite as she watched half of his sandwich disappear into his mouth.

  “Don’t know. They ordered her to get it all.”

  Ali whipped around. “That’s nearly impossible. The longer they linger, the more risk and…” She couldn’t bring herself to say chance of failure.

  He patted her shoulder. “Let’s hope the Special Forces tidy things up swiftly so JETT can make a fast sweep. I’m going to grab us coffee from the conference room before things heat up.”

  Ali wanted this night to be over. She pushed away her worries and tried to raise contact with Lynn again.

  Ali: You there?

  Silence. Her mind began to spin as several seconds passed by. Why hadn’t Lynn answered?

  Ali: What’s going on?

  Lynn: Sorry about that. Comms keep cutting out. ETA is now 0410. Guards moving around much?

  Ali: Barely. Source reports the situation remains the same. Since your comms are on the fritz, I’ll check—

  Her fingers hovered above the keys. The Operations Lead overrode all channels, and his chilling message flashed on everyone’s screen.

  Ops Lead: ALCON. Double cab pickup arrived at the compound’s rear exit. Three males. Weapons in bed.

  ALCON stood for all concerned and put everyone on alert. This compound had been under surveillance for months before making the connection to King Viper. The front and rear entry control points were guarded 24/7. Weapon deliveries became somewhat predictable, about three to four weeks apart. One occurred last week. Why now? Seconds passed but seemed like forever.

  Ops Lead: Two more double cab pickups. Six males. Unloading RPG-7s, assault rifles, and ammo crates.

  Ali prayed those weapons went into storage, and the extra men went to sleep, but her quivering insides told her otherwise. The JETT chat line lit up again. She struggled to breathe and control her pounding heart.

  Lynn: Guess they know we’re coming. So, how do you like your burger?

  Ali: Medium.

  Ali’s eyes misted, but she held back the tears. The Special Forces and JETT were now in imminent danger.

  Lynn: And what kind of beer?

  Ali: India Pale Ale.

  Lynn: I look forward to seeing you soon. When we go home, I’ll buy you that beer.

  Henderson set a coffee and a water in front of her. “What’s wrong?”

  She pointed a shaking finger to the Ops Lead messages.

  “Oh, dear Lord.”

  “Attention on deck!” The battle captain boomed as the general marched to the front of the room.

  “As you were.” The general scanned the group. “Bagram and J-Bad have come under attack. This mission must be completed. Do your best. Let’s get back to work.” He walked back to his private office.

  Ali slumped into her chair. “There won’t be any backup left for this mission with the country’s critical hubs at Bagram and Jalalabad’s FOB Fenty under attack.”

  Another message from the Ops Lead scrolled across the screen.

  Ops Lead: Continue. Surobi blocked, Bagram and J-Bad getting hit. AH-64 in flight.

  Special Forces: Roger.

  “Shit,” Ali pounded her hand on the desk. “One Apache attack helicopter isn’t enough. King Viper’s compound has nine buildings spread out in two groups. This isn’t Hollywood or some video game.”

  The American public expected near perfection, but success was a combination of hard work and luck. Tonight, they would need a lot of luck.

  “Ace, you have to keep the faith that our guys are going to be okay. I’ll check with Fort Meade and see if they’ve got anything on their end.”

  She scraped her upper lip with her teeth, biting back the tears. “Thanks, Henderson.”

  “Anytime. One team, one fight.”

  Ali watched the nightmare of the crumbling
operation. The soldiers were extracted and she was desperate to hold Lynn in her arms. As soon as the general released her, she sprinted across the base. She tapped on Lynn’s door several times. There was no answer.

  A sound made her turn around. Lynn was plodding down the hall in a bathrobe. Ali had never seen this look on Lynn’s face. It was the vacant look of loneliness, sorrow, and failure.

  “Got your favorite.” Ali held up a jar of Nutella, packets of cocoa, and an apple.

  Lynn nodded and fiddled with the key to the point where she stopped and handed it to Ali. “I’ve been up for over thirty hours.”

  Once inside, Ali busied herself with the electric kettle and slicing the apple while Lynn dressed. Lynn slumped on the bed with her back against the wall and one leg bent.

  “At one point, I thought we’d all die. If it hadn’t been for that Apache gunship…”

  Ali crossed the room, knelt beside the bed, and stroked Lynn’s hand. “It’s over now. When did you last eat?”

  “Lunch yesterday…I think…oh…an energy bar, um, in the convoy.”

  “Do you want me to get you something at the chow hall?”

  Lynn gripped Ali’s hand and pulled her in. “Please, don’t leave.”

  The teakettle whistled.

  Lynn melted into her embrace.

  The high-pitched whistle grew harder to ignore. “I’d better get that.” Ali gingerly unwrapped from Lynn’s arms and made their hot chocolate.

  Other than the snap of biting into the crisp apple pieces, there was silence. Lynn probably wouldn’t have eaten at all if it hadn’t been for Ali’s ingenuity. Remembering Lynn’s fondness for everything dipped into the chocolate and hazelnut spread, Ali had traded a bottle of hand lotion for it.

  Ali rose to wash the cups, but Lynn snatched her by the forearm and stopped her. The empty cups rattled in Ali’s hand. Barely above a whisper, Lynn said, “Sorry. Please. Leave them for now. I need to talk.”

  “Sure.” Ali placed the cups on the nightstand.

  Lynn’s strong shoulders slumped, and tears welled in her eyes.

  “His name was Dustin. He was only twenty-four. His birthday was last week. I participated in one previous op with his unit, but…” Lynn stared at her hands, which twisted a tissue. “He bled out. In my arms. He’s the fourth person I’ve seen die.” She blew her nose. “I wasn’t the one in charge of the overall mission, but it doesn’t matter. It’s the worst feeling in the world. I can’t describe it.”

  Ali placed her hand gently on Lynn’s knee. “I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do for you?”

  Lynn sniffled. “You have already. Thank you for the snack.”

  “I guess I should let you get some rest.”

  “Ali, will you stay with me?”

  Ali caressed the side of Lynn’s face. “Sure. Let me get out of these heavy tactical pants.”

  “You can wear one of my T-shirts and gym shorts.”

  Ali worried that Lynn’s current condition was more than exhaustion and sorrow. She might be in a bit of shock, but surely the medics wouldn’t have released her like this. Ali lifted the covers and spooned against Lynn. Her arm slung over her side and rested on top of Lynn’s. She whispered, “I think this is the best position. Are you comfortable?”

  “Yes…thank you.”

  Ali delicately rubbed Lynn’s hand until she drifted off to sleep. She couldn’t take away Lynn’s pain, but she’d be there when Lynn woke up.

  Chapter 11

  September 2008 – Kabul, Afghanistan

  Major Vicki Abbott stood as Ali released the ball. Judging from the sound that resulted, the ball had knocked over the trash can.

  “Sorry.” Ali went back to typing but could sense Vicki glaring at her.

  “You have a bad habit. That almost hit me. Let’s take a walk, teammate.”

  “Maybe after lunch.”

  Vicki leaned over, “That wasn’t a request, Ali.”

  They walked out back, past a group of soldiers playing cornhole. No one was at the picnic table. Ali sat on top with her feet on the bench. Vicki leaned up against the wooden pole that held up the gazebo roof.

  In a low voice, Vicki said, “Ali, what the fuck is going on with you and Lynn? And skip all the bullshit. I don’t give a rat’s ass that you’re a lesbian and if Lynn is or isn’t your girlfriend. DADT is such crap.”

  “Excuse me, but that’s a hell of an accusation.”

  Vicki blew out air, making a raspberry sound. “Don’t play stupid. You loaned me your external hard drive so I could download music. Besides my favorites, I noticed songs from the Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, and Lucie Blue Tremblay. All classic lesbian artists.” She laughed. “They’re all pretty awesome in concert.”

  Ali’s head whipped around. “I never guessed.”

  “I’m not. My sister is. Now, let’s get back to you and Lynn.”

  “I don’t know. I hardly see her, and she’s using work as an excuse.”

  “I think she took the op failure pretty hard.” Vicki sat next to Ali.

  “We talked afterward. I’ve never seen Lynn so fragile. Now I can’t get anything out of her. She acts tough like it didn’t even happen.”

  “Did you know she’s going home to Sacramento for four weeks.”

  “When?”

  “Next week.”

  Ali jumped down. “I have time coming. I’ll ask for overlap—”

  “Whoa. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Shutting me out is a form of avoidance, and she’s more likely to open up at home than here.”

  “Since she didn’t tell you—”

  “The travel roster’s open. I’d know if I checked it more frequently. After the checkpoint attack, the agency said I had some downtime.”

  Vicki shook her head. “I’m worried about Lynn too, but it’s not a good idea.”

  “I have to try. I don’t want to lose her.”

  The day after Vicki and Ali talked, Lynn told Ali about the trip and said, “I wish you were going with me.” Ali convinced herself that those words were a silent call for help. She applied for leave without Lynn knowing, and now Ali was on the last leg of the journey and would arrive in California soon.

  You’re hurting. We’re going to get through this. I’m not going to let you go.

  Chapter 12

  September 2008 – Sacramento, California

  The sound of the metal knocker thudding on the front door reverberated through Lynn’s skull. She sat up, and a wave of dizziness pulled her back down. Why am I sleeping on the couch? The clock on the wall read 0845.

  Panic set in as she remembered bits and pieces of last night—lots of alcohol and the friend of a friend. What the hell did I do? I’ve only been home for a week.

  Dustin…

  Her eyes squeezed shut, but she couldn’t stop seeing his face. He lay in her arms as she comforted him, knowing there was nothing to stop the massive bleeding. His beautiful smile and deep brown, innocent eyes faded in seconds and burned a hole through her soul.

  The banging grew louder. “I’m coming.” Her mouth and throat were like a desert with a bitter, nasty aftertaste. God, I promise to never do this again. Just get me through the day. Since she hadn’t installed a peephole, she hid behind the door and cracked it slightly.

  “Ali? What are you doing here?”

  “Do you think that only soldiers get R&R? Aren’t you going to let me in?”

  Panic woke Lynn faster than any cup of coffee could have. She hesitated, and then disentangled the chain. The door creaked open.

  Ali flung herself into Lynn and hugged her tight. The loving gesture hastily ended, and Ali pushed her away. “You smell like beer,” her eyebrows were pinched together in a deep furrow, “and something putrid.”

  Ali’s eyes widened as she scanned the room. An open box of a half-eaten pizza and empty beer cans were on the coffee table. She stepped toward the kitchen where clutter and dirty dishes lay strewn about.

&nb
sp; “This place is a mess and stinks.” Pointing at the overflowing trash can, she said, “When was the last time you emptied it?” Her foot kicked a bottle, and she picked it up. “Wild Turkey! What the hell?”

  “Yep, we closed the bar down last night.” A woman’s voice cut through the air.

  Lynn wasn’t sure whose head snapped around the fastest.

  The woman wore jeans but was pulling her shirt down over her considerable breasts. Before another word was spoken, she propped her arm on Lynn’s shoulder. “Who’s your early-morning guest, Lynn?”

  Ali’s lip quivered.

  Lynn flicked from the woman’s grasp. “I can—”

  “No need to explain. I shouldn’t have stopped without calling. Obviously, you’ve found ample rest and relaxation.” Ali ripped open the door and ran to the car.

  “Ali, wait!”

  Lynn caught up with her and grabbed at her arm. Although Lynn’s touch was light, Ali spun around and shook away.

  “Don’t touch me!” Ali said through gritted teeth, then continued to march off.

  “Please, Ali!” This was not the conversation Lynn wanted in her front yard. “I made a horrible mistake. I’m sorry.”

  Ali stopped so suddenly that Lynn almost ran into her. She twirled around and grabbed Lynn by the shirt, inches from her face.

  “You’re sorry? Kisses and promises all that time because of the rules? I agreed to wait, but you…” Ali’s jaw tightened, and she pointed her finger into Lynn’s chest. “You get home and fuck the first ho that comes along to drown away your sorrows. Gee, fucking great therapy, Lynn. Or was she always there waiting for your return?” Ali shoved her. “I wanted to build a relationship, but you obviously like to play the field at home.”

  “Please—” Lynn reached towards her again.

  “Don’t touch me!”

  She watched Ali drive away, then dredged back to the house. As she passed the neighbor watering his lawn, he offered, “Sorry, looks like a tough day.” She gave a shrug. The friend of a friend from the bar now stood on the porch. Lynn wished for the earth to open up and take her.