Uprising
Page 41
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Captain Redgick, at Gamma Base, slammed down the receiver of the radio and stormed out of the command building. "Get another machine gun set up here and make sure that building," he stabbed a finger at the place next door to the liquor store, "is clear inside and ready to house troops!" His barking tone was directed to no one in particular. Even so, several people started scurrying about to accomplish the orders. The tall apartment would hopefully be sufficient for temporary troop storage and regrouping.
He stormed back inside, cursing silently at his luck. "Severe casualties…" he muttered. "What the hell does that mean?! Someone get Bates back on the line!" he yelled, again to no one specific.
"Sorry sir," some apprehensive-looking man piped up. "He doesn't seem to be answering."
Redgick took a deep breath and sat down heavily into a wooden chair, shaking his head. Victory within grasp. Now we have to get settled in; so much for wrapping this up tonight, he thought. He slunk a little, trying to relax his nerves and taking several more deep breaths.
After a moment he stood. He was about to order the operator to update Alpha on the situation but decided to do it himself. He jogged over to the comm., relieved the man on duty, and switched over to Alpha Base. "Alpha, do you copy? This is Captain Redgick."
A male voice crackled through. "This is Alpha, go ahead, sir."
"What's your status, Alpha?" he asked.
"We're green here, sir. No sign of anyone or anything moving out there so far." There was a pause, and he thought he could hear whispering. "Were you guys going to come back through here anytime soon? It, uh... it stinks down here, sir."
Redgick grimaced but allowed a thin smile. "Doesn't look like it, soldier, unless it's with our tails between our legs." He stopped, wondering again how many casualties rated 'severe.' He spoke, "Any word from above?"
He heard what almost sounded like a nervous cough. "No, sir. Last transmission was twenty minutes ago with a report on the combat situation. Shall I contact them with another update?"
"No!" Redgick blurted before composing himself. "Ah, no. That is not necessary just yet. In the next scheduled transmission, tell them there are delays, but everything is running smoothly." He wiped the sweat out of his eyes. "If there's anything else, we'll keep you informed. Gamma out."
"Yes, sir," came the reply before the transmission ceased. He replaced the receiver, this time more gently, and sighed.
Over the next hour or so, his troops filtered in. They dragged and carried various wounded men as they came, grim and ragged looks in their eyes. Eventually, Bates, looking like a frightened yet sedated rabbit, staggered in, out of breath and favoring one leg.
Redgick watched his approach with a frown. He beckoned him over with a sharp gesture, and Bates obeyed, giving him a shaky salute when he arrived.
"What happened?" Redgick asked, calmly.
Bates, battered, exhausted, and only dimly aware of his surroundings, related most of the story. Once he got to the part about the ambush, the tale became twisted and confusing.
"Who attacked Olson's men? From where?" Redgick demanded, his blood pressure and irritation rising once more.
"I don't know sir," he mumbled half-coherently.
Redgick had a thought and grabbed a small flashlight from his belt, shining it in Bates' face, moving the light back and forth into his eyes. He sighed. "Get over to a medic; you might have a concussion."
Bates gave him another half-hearted salute and went off.
Redgick watched with growing apprehension as more of his soldiers continued to pour in. He was not entirely sure of what to do next.