by Warren Ray
“That there girl, is a speed demon, let me tell ya.”
“Yes, she is,” said Amber remembering her own little run-in last night when she plowed into a Jiji face first. She won’t soon forget it, if ever. She was glad she came out tonight because she needed to get back-in-the-saddle and put it past her.
“You know, if ya didn’t know better, you’d think the Jijis have given up.”
“It is weird that they’re not in their usual places.”
Meeks looked at his watch. “We better get back to the border.”
“Are we racing or pacing.”
“C’mon now, we’re not in that big of a hurry.”
“Alright…wimp-dog,” laughed Amber as she started jogging back toward Pulaski Road.
Meeks wasn’t ready and took another sip of water before he started running to catch up to her. She set the pace for the next fifteen minutes faster than he would have liked but as soon as he saw the border up ahead, he took off in a sprint. He was feeling confident, as the empty road was not more than fifty yards ahead. As he got closer, he kicked it up a notch knowing she was doing the same. He was just about there when Amber pulled past him and reached the border first.
It took a couple of minutes for both of them to catch their breath and settle down. Meeks took the ribbing from Amber in stride having enjoyed the competition. It was the one thing he missed most from his football days, competing with others. He didn’t mind being beat by this particular girl, as she was younger and a former athlete like himself.
Meeks grabbed the radio and called out to Scar who had been waiting on Main Street in the small village of Hanover. Ten minutes later, the convoy arrived and started moving across the border, unimpeded.
The last short-bus crossed the border, and Meeks turned to Scar. “How many did we get across?”
“A hundred and twenty-five.”
“Nice.”
Nordell stood on the other side of Meeks. “How far away are those idiots?”
“About a half-mile on either side of us.”
Nordell turned to Scar. “Something’s going on. I think we should check them out.”
That notion had been gnawing on Scar too since earlier while he was out checking the borders with Reese. Add to it the western border guards had separated more than usual told him they should investigate. “Let’s do that then. Gunny, you and Badger, take half the guys to the south. Meeks and I will take the north.”
“C’mon Badger,” said Nordell.
“We jogging there?” asked Amber half-kidding.
Scar turned toward the SUV. “You can if you want, but I’m driving.”
“I’m with Scar,” said Meeks. “But hey if you want.”
“Wimp-dog,” whispered Amber as she passed Meeks before hopping into the front seat.
Scar looked at Amber and then back at Meeks. “I take it winners sit up front?”
“Ya darn right they do,” stated Amber.
Scar kept the speed at a snail’s pace through the empty fields not wanting to arouse any attention as they approached their enemy. It didn’t take too long before they were a hundred yards away from the Jiji border directly across from them. Scar got out of the truck and led his team of fifteen toward the Jijis.
He took out the Night Optics D-321B-AG binoculars and observed the Jijis leaning on cars. They were at ease and chatting with each other seemingly bored with guard duty. None of them were paying attention to the field in front of them. Scar could easily walk right up to them before they’d know he was there. The thought appealed to him and suggested it to Meeks.
“Don’t see why not,” whispered Meeks.
“What’s further up?” asked Scar.
“We didn’t go up that far.”
Scar thought about it for a minute before pulling his radio out to call Nordell. His main apprehension to attacking the Jijis was they had been using this area to bring convoys through and didn’t want them to post more men out this way. They’ve had much success in using this area and didn’t want to spoil it. However, his fear that something was amiss overrode the concern.
“I’m thinking the same thing,” said Nordell. “I want to see their response.”
“Roger that. I’m sending a squad north to cover our flank.”
“Will do the same. Call me when you’re ready. We’ll synchronize our attack.”
Scar sent a squad north and instructed them to only engage if they tried to flank them. He waited ten minutes before leading his team closer to the border. The crunching of grass underfoot was the only sound they made as they closed in on their prey. Sporadic clouds kept the light from a crescent moon to a minimum as the twelve Jijis stood in a couple of groups yakking and laughing oblivious to their impending doom. Scar sent Meeks and Amber around the north side of them while he lined up with the others. They were fifteen yards away and could hear the Jiji voices carry across the field.
Scar pulled his radio out and whispered into the mic. “We’re in position.”
“Copy. We’re ready,” said Nordell.
Scar looked to his left and right signaling his four men before he opened fire. Muzzle flashes lit up the darkness as gunfire rained in on the twenty Jijis. A group of eight leaning on the side of the car fell dead taking the brunt of the fire. Scar emptied his magazine and threw in another before aiming at the other group. They scrambled and took cover behind a car but by doing so exposed themselves to Meeks and Amber.
Meeks was in a kneeling position with Amber next to him waiting for them to make this very move. As soon as they did, they opened fire on the defenseless Jijis. There was an abject look of terror in the Jijis’ eyes as he and Amber swept their Colt M4’s back and forth. Bullets slammed into them and the cars behind them. It was over in under a minute. All twelve Jijis were dead or dying.
Scar began walking toward the carnage while listening to the echo of gunfire from Nordell’s men finishing their job. He didn’t detect any other type of weapons being fired, which meant these Jijis didn’t return a single round.
Scar’s radio came alive from his squad in the north to report the Jijis piled in their cars and drove away from the gunfire. They weren’t going to help their friends. Scar put the radio away confused as to why they responded this way. He suspected something was going on, either that or they’ve gotten lazy.
Chapter 46
Grosse Pointe Michigan
Floodlights lit up the parking lot where fighters were preparing to board their assigned buses. There was an eerie ambiance as the men moved around maintaining a silence broken only by the occasional acknowledgment to a superior. The rustling of clothing and the clanging of weapons further added to the eeriness.
Off to the side was a table with a large map of Jackson. It was marked to show the areas of Mordulfah’s men and the National Police. Red lines had been drawn to indicate where they would enter the town.
Mordulfah watched with his arms crossed over his chest, and doing his best to control his natural instinct to be in command. He was heeding his uncles’ advice and allowed Colonel Khan to take charge of the invasion he had planned while in route to Grosse Pointe. It was a solid plan, and he was sure of success. By afternoon, he would have Winters and the rest of his rebels either dead or held prisoners. His one demand was to capture Winters, alive. A picture of him had been circulated to enable the request.
Khan signaled his captains to join him at the table and included Captain Vatter of the National Police.
“As you all know we have sent advance strike teams to sneak across the border and clear out a path for our main forces. Since Prince Mordulfah’s men were attacked here yesterday,” he said pointing to the Proving Grounds, “it is only natural that we would still have men in the area, which will camouflage our advance strike team and not raise an alarm. Those men will attack the rebels’ guard posts here and here, thus eliminating their ability to communicate any advanced warning.
They will then proceed to the hospital and start a covert attack
just as we are taking our positions. Khan looked up at Vatter. “This is the route Captain Vatter’s men took when they attacked the hospital, is that correct?.”
Vatter nodded. “As long as you come in from this field you’ll be alright.”
“The hospital is where their men sleep, and it will be our first target. A surprise assault will throw them into chaos and scatter their forces. Our second strike team will come down Lansing Road where the rebels have been using the men stationed there for target practice. We will take out that guard post and cut off the possibility of using that escape route. The third will come down Business 127. Once we hit the hospital, we will then flood the town with our men from the north and the west forcing them to the south where Captain Vatter will be waiting for them.”
All eyes turned to Vatter who forced himself to control his joy. He had hoped not to be included in the main assault but rather be waiting in the wings. He had already given his men strict instructions not to put themselves in any unnecessary danger. Despite his hatred for rebels, he had a profound respect for their capabilities, so had taken some precautions.
Too many of his men had already died at their hands, and he couldn’t risk losing too many more. He would rather have his men be in a defensive position than going house to house. That was risky for his untrained men. Besides, he could get first dibs on any women that came through there. He already had plans to move any captured women out of the area as quickly as possible.
Khan looked at his captains. “We strike hard and fast. Remember, we have superior numbers and with our grenade launchers, the day will be ours. Praise be Allah.”
“Praise be Allah,” they responded.
Thomas watched in vain, as the vehicles began pulling out of the parking lot to head to Jackson. His stomach turned in knots because he didn’t expect them to be leaving so soon. He had figured, incorrectly that he’d be able to sneak out today to warn the Shadow Patriots. As it was, Mordulfah needed him to be at his beckon call and he wasn’t able to slip away.
He turned and saw the prince had a slight smile on his face. He had never seen him smile before and it sent a shiver down his spine. The prince was confident of success. He wished he hadn’t waited and should have known that they’d leave right away. Colonel Khan had insisted because he wasn’t sure if the rebels were spying on them. Of course, he was right, but not in the way he thought he was. He was afraid that they had spies watching the grounds and would notice new fighters coming in. Little did he know there was a spy in their midst.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t a good spy because he had failed to raise the alarm. Perhaps, he could still help the Shadow Patriots if any of them became prisoners. For now, all he could do is pray for their safety.
Chapter 47
Jackson Michigan
Bassett rolled out of bed, ready to cross enemy lines once again. Only this time, he would take one of their police cruisers and plenty of gear. Yesterday’s fiasco was an embarrassment which unfortunately happens all too often in war. Not all missions can go your way. However, it was the second mission that had failed over the past few days. He could only laugh at himself. He’d make up for it with this next one. He and Burns were going to spend the day looking for those supply trucks and hijack them.
He headed to the cafeteria and found Burns sitting with Scar and a fresh pot of coffee.
“Didn’t think you’d be up,” said Bassett as he grabbed the coffee decanter
“Yeah, I didn’t think so either,” said a worried Scar.
Bassett sat down and took a sip of coffee before biting into a muffin. He washed it down with another sip. “How’d it go last night?”
Scar briefed them on the successful crossing and the taking down of the Jijis. Bassett nodded in satisfaction but had the same concerns about why the Jijis would take off like they did.
“They had no problems coming after us in the Proving Grounds,” said Bassett.
“Yeah, they were all over the place,” said Burns.
“Something has changed that’s for sure.”
Burns took a sip of coffee and said. “Pretend inferiority and encourage arrogance.”
“More Sun Tzu?” asked Bassett.
Burns nodded.
Scar leaned back in his chair. The quote made a lot of sense considering the way the Jijis ran away after they opened fire. Perhaps Mordulfah was using his defeats as a way to lull his enemy into arrogance and a lax attitude.
“You think Mordulfah has given up?” asked Bassett
“No, I don’t think so. This guy is too proud for that,” said Scar.
“He can’t be used to losing,” said Bassett.
“No, he can’t.”
“He’ll probably go and hire experienced fighters,” said Burns.
“Yeah, maybe. Hopefully, Thomas will be able to report in soon,” said Scar.
Bassett took the last sip of his coffee and stood up. “As soon as we cross over, we’ll radio in, but it’ll be hours before those supply trucks come by.”
Scar nodded. “Are you going to hit the drivers before they deliver or find out where they come from?”
“Not sure yet,” said Bassett.
Burns stood up. “I’d kinda like to see where they go to get more supplies. Could be a bigger score.”
Scar nodded in agreement. “Push come to shove you can at least hit the evening delivery.”
“Exactly,” said Burns.
“We need to get going,” said Bassett.
The three walked out to the parking lot where their cruiser was waiting for them. Bassett had packed it last night with everything they would need for their extended mission.
Bassett and Burns shook Scar’s hand.
“See you guys later tonight,” said Scar.
“Hopefully with a rack of lamb,” smiled Burns.
“Just don’t forget the mint jelly,” retorted Scar.
Bassett started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. They were at the border within ten minutes and checked in with Craig Robertson. He and his cousin, Rick, were the ones who told them about the supply deliver schedule. Usually, they kept watch on top of a building, but today they would be hiding out nearer the border.
Bassett parked the cruiser so they could reconnoiter Manchester Road. It had only been a day since their encounter with the Jijis, and they may very well have tightened their security.
They broke through the foliage and Bassett raised the night-vision binoculars and noted the Jijis hadn’t moved their guard post any closer together. Bassett shook his head and handed the glasses to Burns.
“You’d think they’d be changing their strategy,” said Burns.
“You’d think.”
They got back in the cruiser, crossed the Jiji border on Manchester Road, and headed to Parker Road in Dexter, Michigan. This road went over the interstate but didn’t have any access ramps to it. The area was an ideal place to keep an eye on the delivery trucks from a distance and still be able to leave in time to catch up with them down the road.
Bassett parked the squad car on top of the overpass not too worried about being spotted, seeing as how it was a cop car. Burns had been scanning the police radio band to see if he could pick up any chatter from the cops, but heard none. It wasn’t too unusual, as it was early in the morning and they didn’t start using the radios before the sun came up. Ever since they confiscated the squad cars, they had been monitoring the radios for any morsel of information. Every once in a while, they’d catch a gem, but for the most part, it was routine and boring stuff. The cops knew they had the radios and didn’t use them as they typically would.
They’d been sitting there for nearly an hour when Burns spotted a set of headlights coming from the east.
“Heads up,” said Burns.
“What do we have here?” asked Bassett lifting up the binoculars. “There’s just one.”
“Yep.”
It took a minute before a passenger van drove under the overpass. They immediately scooted ove
r to the other side to look at it.
“Whaddya think?” asked Burns.
“I don’t know. Maybe replacements.”
“Strange hour to be replacing men,” said Burns.
“Yes, it is.”
Bassett picked up the radio to call out to Craig Robertson but got no answer.
“We’re too far away,” said Burns.
“Yeah, I know. Just thought sitting this high up and the night air might improve our range.”
“It’s probably nothing.”
“Yeah, but still, I’ve never seen them moving around at this hour before.”
“Me either, but then maybe its because we got into the firefight with them.”
“Maybe,” said Bassett. He let go of the binoculars unsatisfied with guesses but had no other choice. They had a mission to complete and needed to concentrate on that. If all went well, they’d be able to bring back needed supplies.
Over the next hour, they watched the skies to the east begin to light up as the sun was breaking over the horizon. Bassett put away the night vision binoculars and broke out the regular ones. He handed Burns a pair and reached into his bag for a couple of power bars.
“Oh damn,” yelled Burns.
Bassett’s heart started racing when he raised the glasses and saw a convoy of vehicles coming toward them. Bus after bus came in his vision as well as pick up trucks filled with armed uniformed men. These men were different, and they were not coming to guard the town. They were going to attack it. Bassett’s mind flipped into hyper-drive thinking of his options. They were too far away to warn Scar. There was just one option left.
“Our mission has changed. Let’s get ‘em out,” ordered Bassett.
Chapter 48
Dexter Michigan
Bassett grabbed the M4’s sitting in the backseat and handed one to Burns. While he would have liked to give Scar a heads-up, it was more important to take out what they could to lighten the load on the town.
“Let’s take out what we can and get the hell out of here,” said Bassett.