5 Years After (Book 2.5): Smoke & Mirrors

by Correll, Richard

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Where are you from?” Maggie felt a need to probe on. What was it that was said earlier about never knowing the new ones?

  “I grew up on the reservation just north of Timmins.” Trenton replied. He had a very calm, easy going tone to his voice. It occurred to Maggie that some stuck up CO’s might take it as almost disrespectful. Perhaps that’s’ why he’s here. He continued: “I speak Moose Cree. It’s similar to Plains Cree, which is what they speak.”

  “What did you say to them?” Maggie’s curiosity was piqued. It was like discovering a whole new world in her back yard.

  “It was a standard Cree greeting, loosely translated it means you are welcome here.” Trenton explained. Maggie found herself concentrating on his accent. “I hope it was okay to speak up.”

  “I like it when my people show initiative.” Maggie nodded her approval. “You did good.”

  “Thank you, ma’am,” He seemed to be sitting taller now.

  “Boy, they must hate us.” Maggie’s tone was introverted.

  “Please don’t take it personal, ma’am.” Trenton offered. “They are very suspicious of anyone in a uniform.”

  “…..and they have some very good reasons.” He added after a pause.

  “I just added to that list today, didn’t I?” She could feel her fingers forming into fists.

  “It was a bad accident,” Trenton tried to advise. “There is a lot of bad history out here.”

  “Really?” Maggie’s tone invited him to continue. “Like what?”

  “The sixties scoop for one.” Trenton continued, his tone was becoming reflective.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what that is.” Maggie’s tone shifted. “The sixties scoop?”

  “Police officer’s came into reservations in Canada and took the children from our families and placed them into foster care and orphanages, they forbid them to speak their native tongue.” Trenton paused. His voice had taken on a shade of gravitas. “My mom was taken from her family.”

  “You are kidding me.” Maggie knew her mouth was open in disbelief. Do you believe this? “How long did that go on for?”

  “About fifteen years.” Trenton’s voice was almost a whisper now.

  “Why?” Maggie matched his tone, was he telling the truth? If he was, where was the outrage and anger from media outlets? She decided to move cautiously.

  “We have never been told.” Trenton shrugged. It was an almost fatalistic action, what can I do about it?

  Maggie digested the information and watched the rising finger nail of a moon for a second as Trenton seemed lost in a memory. His outline in the darkness was curiously changed. His shoulders seemed to sag slightly from the weight of time. She was unsure what to believe at the moment. Maggie couldn’t help but shake the suspicion of such a large event being so lost and forgotten. But, what did she say to Finerman once? Canadians are so noble, but when it suits your situation you don’t ask questions. She decided to put the thought aside for now.

  “I’m glad you came along, private.” Maggie finally spoke and breeched the silence. “You’ve been a great help.”

  “Just doing my job, ma’am,’ it was a standard answer, but Maggie could tell he appreciated the positivity.

  “What do we do now?” Maggie sighed and let her eyes take in the night sky for a second.

  “We take them home.” His answer was given without a second thought.

  “That’s it?” Maggie had a hard time comprehending the thought.

  “If the Captain doesn’t mind,” Trenton offered. The casualness of his voice had diminished. Was it because someone was finally listening? “Perhaps I could stay with them for a while.”

  “That is a very good idea.” Maggie seized the thought instantly.

  *

  A side road revealed a gentle glow in the distance. On further inspection the light was a warm orange that was incomplete. Closer examination revealed the glow came from spaces between wooden boards and other diffuse materials that made up a century old barn. As her eyes became used to the darkness, Maggie could make out a second and perhaps third structure a distance away. Each had its own flickering fire. A warmth that held the heart close.

  Maggie kept her head down while moving from truck five to the cabin in truck one, the door was ajar from their guide leaving to join his comrades as they disembarked. Gurpreet entered first and slipped into the rear cabin so Maggie had a second to observe, from the corner of her eye, she watched them pass. At first there were embraces and smiles among sentries who were close by. Then, a conversation from Jordan, heads nodded sadly. They watched the body being brought in. She knew their eyes strayed to the eighteen wheeler and finally to her as she slipped into the cabin. Maggie could feel herself burning alive in shame. The door closed silently.

  Why can’t we just get it right………..just once?

  A figure in the distance and shadows gave one last look around before disappearing toward the barn. It was Trenton, he gave a wave and Maggie was she unsure how to reply. It was bizarre to be in control and feel like an outcast at the same time. You are not welcome here, move on.

  “We’ll just head over to the next main road and make our way back to the highway,” Roe’s voice sounded out of place in Maggie’s thoughts. “We might even catch up to the rest of the convoy before they get to Regina.”

  “Okay, let’s go.” Maggie’s voice was dry.

  The trees and slowly disintegrating fence lines seemed to disappear into the gloom. The moon was still wheeling through the sky. Maggie watched it rise through a few wisps of cloud cover. There were a few lost souls here and there on the road way. Yes, they were everywhere. They seemed hardly noticeable. Like single blades of grass blown to the wind in a summer storm. Maggie watched them become dazzled by the rigs’ headlights and disappear into the darkness.

  On their own they seemed almost disoriented. It was when they clung together in groups that you saw their feral side. Now, they almost seemed vulnerable, frightened. It was a strange train of thought to end a day that left a bad taste in her mouth. Gurpreet was gently snoring in the rear part of the cabin.

  “You ought to try and get some shut eye,” Roe offered, he turned toward her for a second as the wheel stayed rigid in his hands.

  “I just don’t feel like it right now.” Maggie avoided his eyes and watched the black tapestry take over from her passenger window. The moon was falling behind in her rear view mirror. The stars were answering the call of the darkness. But tonight, they seemed to keep their distance.

  Why can’t we get it right…….just once………

  She had been sitting upright in her chair, sleeping with her eyes wide open for at least a few hours before she noticed the dawn, it reminded her of the golden light in the barns just a few hours before. The sun started out as a ribbon of light on the horizon before expanding like a prairie fire. God, even the sun rises out here were endless. The landscape seemed strange until Maggie identified the source of her disorientation. There were a few structures here and there. They were more box-like, buildings instead of abandoned homes. There were street signs and other traffic meandering about, the gears of the transport switched down a few times as it adapted to the new landscape.

  There was a strange sense of austerity to Regina. It was a town that had seen the worst of economic times in the twentieth century and had survived. The hundred plus old grandiose Victorian mansions did not exist here. It was like the town was hunkered town in its clay and brick five story square buildings, waiting for the next storm, its shoulders already hunched against the stinging wind of time. Kingston celebrated its survival. Regina was stoic, grittily facing the next day.

  “Sorry, no tea,” Roe apologized and passed a thermos back to Gurpreet, “Just got coffee.”

  “Both are most welcome, thank you.” Gurpreet suppressed a yawn and accepted the thermos. After he poured a cup, Gurpreet passed the coffee to Maggie.

  “Thank you.” She nodded an
d found her coffee cup wedged in the passenger door. The taste was black hell. But Maggie remembered the time of day and their situation and recalibrated her attitude. Black hell beat nothing at all. Her senses reacted to the caffeine making its way into her system.

  A rusting chain link fence squealed open as they approached. The guy at the gate seemed to recognize the rig and came to attention as they passed. There is always something to do around a base. Bodies were moving here and there, from point A to point B. There was a collective pause for a moment as they watched the beat up tractor trailer with dashes and streaks of red on its grill. It had the feel of respect.

  “Word travels fast.” Roe had a grim smile on his face as he nodded to a work gang that had paused to watch them pass.

  “What?” Maggie inquired, as her nose dipped into the coffee cup, she tasted the thick grounds at the bottom and didn’t care.

  “If I may remind you, Ma’am,” Gurpreet spoke up. “We are the command unit of a force that opened the Trans-Canada highway by defeating an enemy many times our size.”

  Maggie stepped back and let the moment seep into her tired, exhausted system. Her heart suddenly found its wings and soared for a minute. A few civilians gave her a thumbs up. She nodded and returned the gesture. You had been inside yourself for so long. Maggie almost felt herself start to cry. You can’t let yourself do that. That thing inside you, that monster had taken over for a minute. You can’t let that happen.

  Don’t go walking in your soul alone, Maggie. It’s way too dangerous.

  “Yeah, we fucking did that, didn’t we?” She feigned surprise and let a pirate smile cut a path across her face. “We fucking did that.”

  “Indeed, Ma’am.” Gurpreets face broke out in a satisfied grin. She could sense the pride rising out of them. Exhaustion was put aside. The adrenal rush of accomplishment took over. “Do you have any orders?”

  “Yeah,” Maggie suddenly had a mental checklist in front of her. “Mr. Roe, could you please assemble the list of materials we have transported.”

  “You got it.” He nodded.

  “When we’re taking inventory, have one of your drivers with two of my platoon with you.” Maggie tried to articulate her new concerns. “I don’t want any of the supply people here thinking they can pull a fast one.”

  “Strength in numbers?” Roe inquired with a knowing raise of his eyebrow.

  “You bet.”

  *

  Re-assemble your forces and pick a new ambush location. Shadowman tapped away on the Blackberry keyboard. It was so much more reliable than a touch screen. They should be coming back your way.

  WHAT FUCKING FORCES? The all caps reply made Shadowman exhale in disgust. The man really was a fool.

  You still must have surprise to your advantage and some troops. Shadowman tried logic but he knew it was a lost cause. It was like trying to teach trigonometry to a gorilla. Our intelligence says they have only a half strength platoon.

  WHAT FUCKING FORCES? THEY HAVE FUCKING WIPED US OUT!!!! There was a pause before he added: DON’T YOU FUCKING UNDERSTAND? THEY WIPED US OUT!!!

  “You seem alive and well,” Shadowman spoke to an empty room with sarcasm. For a second, he thought about actually typing out that message. He paused to consider his next move.

  *

  “Purdee!” Maggie was crossing the parking lot and saw her freeze at the sound of her name. She turned and saluted. Consternation was more than a shadow on her face.

  “Ma’am.” She swallowed.

  “Why the long face?” Maggie stepped closer and tried to look friendly.

  “I just don’t feel I………”

  “You’re a good soldier, Private Purdee.” Maggie raised a finger to interrupt her. “More importantly, you’re a good person. That’s why you are feeling this way.”

  “I killed someone, ma’am.” Purdee’s eyes started to well up. Maggie reached out and touched her shoulder.

  “So did I, I killed a lot of people.” Maggie’s eyes grew wide as her voice softened. “The weird thing is I didn’t know them. But, I killed them.”

  “That’s different…..”

  “Don’t correct your CO.” Maggie said with a smile, it felt out of place considering the subject. “War is goddamned complicated and cruel, Purdee……”

  Purdee was listening now. A single tear had made its way down her cheek and she abruptly wiped it away. Maggie couldn’t begin to understand how she was feeling. A chance to prove herself ends up in blind side disaster. It was unfair, all of it was. For her and the two men who had died and even the countless figures they had passed on their way here who were wandering without souls. It was all ugly, gruesome.

  “Our enemy is the hostiles.” Maggie kept going. “But did we fight any hostiles on our way out here?”

  “No….’ Purdee managed a whisper.

  “It’s complicated, see?” Maggie nodded and watched Purdee mimic her motion. “I want you to do something, okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am….” The private was in full listening mode as she sniffed once.

  “I want you to talk to someone about what happened.” Maggie kept her voice low. This was still taboo, ridiculous as it was.

  “Someone, Ma’am?” Purdee searched for the meaning. “Like a doctor or a shrink?”

  “Yes, I do it all the time.” Maggie had long ago decided that the best way to command was set an example. She remembered how Brett had been so good at that. She was feeling better, warmer at the thought of his name and doing the right thing. “It really helps. You need to do it, okay?”

  Yes ma’am, I will.”

  *

  YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND! WE ARE DONE! The all caps continued. I’VE LOST 75 % OF MY STRENGTH IN ONE BATTLE, IF I TELL THEM TO ATTACK HUNTER AGAIN, THEY WILL SCRAG ME OR DESERT!

  For a second, Shadowman wondered if he knew anyone he could trust enough to scrag or kill this commander and carry out his orders. He dismissed the idea with a sigh, they were terrified now. The bullies on the block had just been given a broken nose.

  YOU DIDN’T TELL ME HUNTER AND CREW WERE ELITE TROOPS, I WOULD HAVE APPROACHED THE ATTACK DIFFERENTLY…. The rant continued.

  “They weren’t,” Shadowman was already considering other options. Wait, this commander had an older brother, perhaps family ties were the answer. After all, never send a boy to do a man’s job. He found the number, helicopter recon unit. Perfect, they still had a few days.

  Your brother needs some help with his current assignment regarding our mutual adversary……… the fingers began to weave their web.

  *

  The clerk in the office walked slowly toward Maggie as she stepped into the office, he had been looking out the window with his shirt unbuttoned and overflowing from his pants. His attention was clearly divided between his new visitor and events transpiring outside. A Caucasian woman over sixty was busying herself at a desk, checking off endless rows of paper.

  “What’s going on?” Maggie could tell he hadn’t noticed her rank.

  “Just waiting on some bad assed dude named Captain Hunter.” The guy had a tooth pick in his mouth, between glances outside he kept talking: “The guy opened the Trans-Canada by ripping open a serious can of whoop ass on some poor bastards.”

  Maggie paused before continuing, oh, this should be fun…………

  “I’m Captain Hunter.” She took a step forward into the sunlight from the window. The first casualty of the conversation was the tooth pick. It fell out of the clerks’ mouth as his jaw went slack in surprise. “First off, I’m not a dude and second, we sure as HELL opened a can of whoop ass out there.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.” The smell of fear was awesome.

  “Are we having a bad day, Corporal?” Maggie let her eyes flare and the voice raise a few levels in volume. “Because you are not walking, talking or even dressed like a member of this army!”

  He was ram road straight now. The woman in the corner was still checking off facts and figures but had the whole scene in her
peripheral vision. A ceiling fan turned slowly as time stood still for the Corporal. Seriously, Maggie thought, I’d forgotten how much fun this was.

  “What you need to do right now is go to the little boys’ room and come back as a soldier!” Maggie pointed off to a pair of doors side by side. They may or may not have been the can, but that didn’t matter.

  “Yes, Ma’am,” His lower lip quivered.

  “You do not want to let me catch you like this again!” Maggie paused for effect. “Dismissed!”

  “Yes, ma’am, Thank you, ma’am,” He was gone. Maggie turned toward the woman. She had picked the appropriate time to look up. Maggie found her way over to a metal chair in front of her desk.

  “Sorry about that,” Maggie apologized as the chair scraped on the floor while she took a seat. “Sometimes I have to put the bitch hat on and let ‘em know who they’re dealing with.”

  “Not at all, honey.” The lady smiled, for a second her eyes glittered while she looked up. “It’s great to see a woman in command.”

  “There aren’t too many of us, are there?” Maggie had a moment of reality. The civilian was right. How many great leaders had been looked over in this army because of their birth by wrong chromosome? Chevalier came to mind. For a second, it was a strange feeling to be aware of gender this way.

  Maggie leaned forward and let eyes do the pleading, “Please tell me I don’t have a lot of paper work to do.”

  “You don’t.” She assured Maggie. “But we were told to have you make a long distance call as soon as you got in.”

  “To who?”

  “General Davidson,” The civilian opened a file folder and produced a memo before standing up. “C’mon Captain, let me find you a quiet room to make that call.”

  “Great, thanks.” Maggie rose to follow her. The Corporal was still hiding in the bathroom.

  *

  “We flew over the location a few hours ago,” The voice was gritty, professional. “Seventy five per cent casualties is about right. It’s wall to wall fucking carnage.”

  “So what do we do now?” Shadowman let himself listen to someone who had actually seen the combat area, wall to wall fucking carnage. This is one woman commanding a bunch of rejects. Are we that vulnerable? He thought about suggesting re-enforcements but instead listened for options.