Techno Ranger

by Thomas Sewell

  No one could record them here.

  "Your plan to allow a minor crisis to occur and then solve that crisis failed. No, not failed . . . spiraled out of control.

  "My contacts within SOCOM's Ranger Company dealt with Seoul's predicament. Any legitimate review will find my promises were necessary to achieve that win."

  He leaned back at her attribution to him, "Perhaps. Investigations aren't always that straightforward."

  Did he believe her naïve?

  "If anyone knew the Agency contributed to the risk of Seoul's nuclear destruction . . ."

  His eyes widened. Pupils dilated. Took a deep breath before continuing, "All's well that ends well. We'll just bury it. Forget it ever happened."

  She gritted her teeth. Wouldn't get off that easy.

  "Perhaps. Best if I moved on to a new assignment. Something with more responsibility, so it doesn't look like a demotion." She paused, "Doesn't imply anything went wrong."

  He stepped back from the camera. The automatic tracking zoomed in on him anyway as he spoke.

  "An assignment in the Asia-Pacific Region. Those decisions are within my purview, no justifications needed."

  "The Philippines is hot lately, between Jihadists and the Chinese dispute over the Spratly Islands. Manila needs a new Station Chief."

  "Station Chief? Maybe I can swing you as chief deputy."

  "Oh, did you need me to stick around Seoul for a while? Testify at whatever inquiry they're sure to put together?"

  He sighed. "Station Chief. No problem. Don't piss the ambassador off."

  "I'll need military resources. Off the books. Covert commandos."

  She gave him her best cobra smile. Resisted pumping her arm. Concealed her excitement. "Maybe South Korea will negotiate an end to their war and the removal of North Korea's nuclear program, now that we've demonstrated they aren't in control of their own military.

  "That should free up some troops."

  "Of course. Whatever you need, subject to the Army's requirements."

  Would she rather have Harper or Schnier?

  Decisions, decisions.

  Sam was smart and loyal. She loved his naivete; how easily she could manipulate him. Besides, he needed to get into a new situation.

  On the other hand, Schnier had proven more of a challenge. They never did finish their date.

  Why not both? "Harper and Schnier's platoons worked well together. I'm sure you still have a few favors you could call in, especially if it's a reward for their excellent performance here in Seoul.

  "Let's get them to Manila."

  He paused. Considered. Made his choice.

  "Consider it done."

  Metcalf powered down the teleconference before she manged to assert additional demands.

  Brilliant man. Harvard smart.

  Not as astute as the new Manila Station Chief. At least, not this round.

  Chapter Forty-Seven: Black Granite Temple

  My chest ached to see our platoons united. Unified by grief.

  I hurried up and waited with Lee and Schnier on the tarmac at Seoul Air Base. Our platoons formed ranks behind us, equals in honoring the fallen.

  Our whole company wore class-A dress uniforms, tan berets draped over our right ears.

  Major Williams stood next to the base's main terminal. Near him, the HQ platoon's honor guard pierced the winter air with the Stars and Stripes and the 75th RRC's banner.

  The eaves on the main terminal building curved upward in the Korean architectural style, supported by wide pillars. This is where the President of South Korea, or similar dignitaries entitled to a military or diplomatic flight, flew in and out of Seoul.

  Civilian observers lined up opposite the honor guard.

  Bishop's wife in front, a daughter on either side of her, each with an arm tucked into their mother's to support her.

  They planned to see her family in American Samoa on their way back to Virginia, where they'd meet Bishop's parents for the internment.

  Hjo-jin and Michelle stood at the back of the crowd with the Korean contingent. Not sure those two will ever get along.

  Schnier had news from Captain Grant while we waited, "The crew of the patrol boat we picked up in the Yellow Sea all decided to stay in South Korea."

  Lee nodded. "With the two from Kwon's team and Pahk's six, that makes an even dozen. My government has a special program for defectors. They'll be fine."

  Schnier looked at the northern horizon. "What about Pahk?"

  I shrugged. "He thought the risk if he stayed, the risk to his parents and sister in Pyongyang, that is, was greater than if he returned without his men. Best case, he blames everything on Meon and Kwon. Maybe they'll hush it up to limit the embarrassment.

  "If not, maybe he can stay free long enough to get his family out to China. Ask for asylum."

  Lee's mouth shaped into a grim twist. "Intelligence reports Meon died in an unfortunate training accident while guiding a tank. No one will be around to dispute Pahk's account."

  Schnier shook his head. "Risky, Pahk taking the bull by the horns like that. Speaking of which, Harper, while we're in Manila, I'll give you combatatives lessons. Train you right up."

  I chuckled. At least I had Schnier's acceptance. "Bringing my board. I'll teach you how to surf."

  "Anything like forkin' a bronc?"

  "Yep, dude, just like that. You'll see."

  "Anyhow, my hippie ex-girlfriend from college moved to the Philippines. Might could look her up fer you. She's hotter than a brandin' iron in Amarillo."

  Dude would never change. And that was fine. I had other plans.

  Just shook my head in response.

  A C-17 Globemaster III taxied up the runway toward us. Its four jet engines quashed further conversation.

  When it reached the terminal building, the pilot executed a 90-degree turn away. Stopped and killed the engines beneath its swept-back wings.

  Lowered the rear ramp with a whine.

  I double-checked my phone's sound was off. Lee returned to his position in front of our MI platoon. I took up my spot next to him.

  Schnier turned. Called the assembled men of the 75th RRC to attention.

  The honor guard snapped to at Major William's command.

  Civilians bowed their heads. Removed their hats. Placed them over their hearts.

  An Army ambulance, green camo pattern under a red cross on a white field emblazoned on the roof and sides, drove around the corner of the terminal building.

  When the ambulance reached the terminal, it stopped and backed up to where the honor guard stood. A soldier inside opened the rear doors.

  Exposed Bishop's flag-draped casket to view.

  The chaplain and part of the honor guard, the men who worked directly under Bishop's leadership, marched with precision to the rear of the ambulance.

  Slid out the casket two at a time until it rested between the eight of them.

  The 75th RRC saluted on command. The chaplain led the carry detachment toward the rear of the plane. Halted them between us and the civilians.

  The chaplain prayed for us all.

  Full military honors would wait until Bishop reached Virginia. The detachment marched his casket up the ramp. Into the cargo hold. Lowered it in the center.

  Snapped to attention.

  The detachment and the air crew joined our salute.

  A lone bugler marched from the terminal building. Played the mournful notes of "Taps".

  The honor detachment marched with precision out the rear ramp. Major Williams conducted the vigil.

  Ended it with, "As always, Rangers Lead the Way."

  The entire company responded, "ALL THE WAY!"

  The aircrew raised the plane's ramp.

  Four jet engines roared to life. His body began its final journey home.

  We released our salute to Mother Bishop.

  Most of the soldiers marched back through the terminal. Many of the civilians lingered.

  Schnier and I walked over
to Bishop's wife and daughters to pay our condolences.

  "Ma'am," Schnier saluted, "Sergeant Bishop's sacrifice, his spirit of humility and service, well, he was a courageous personal example to me. A man to ride the range with. Kept me on the straight and narrow every time I deviated from Ranger Standards."

  Bishop's wife held back tears. Nodded. Her daughters stayed strong for her as well.

  Schnier dropped his salute. Stepped to the side.

  I stepped up. Rendered my own salute.

  "I agree with everything Lieutenant Schnier just said. Wouldn't be here today without Top's leadership and cajoling."

  My eyes got some dust in them.

  "Best I can do is keep asking myself, 'What would Bishop do?' He out-shined us all. I'd never surf again if it'd bring him back, but he didn't die in vain. He'll always lead us in spirit.

  "Rangers everywhere will increase their devotion to the cause he shared with us."

  Couldn't say anything more, but also couldn't walk away. Legs were too weak to carry me.

  His wife saved me, just like Bishop would've. "I'm grateful his decision to volunteer as an Army Ranger brought him to men who became like brothers."

  Her voice broke, "It may appear our family of four is now a family of three, but our family has never been larger than today."

  Strength restored, I dropped my crispest salute ever and stepped to the side.

  Kwon Chol wheeled his nephew up to her. Bowed from the waist.

  "My family is ashamed at what our actions have cost you. We can never return your life to harmony."

  Jin-son inclined forward, as close to genuflecting as he could. "I, too, am filled with deep sadness and regret. Your husband sacrificed his life to save me from my own foolish mistakes.

  "His final words to me were a request to express his love to you and your daughters. To promise he will see you in eternity, when your, how did he say it? Your tour of duty in mortality is complete."

  She smiled wistfully. "Sounds like my husband. You're not to worry. God sealed our family together forever. No matter what this life brings, we'll see him again. You may pay your debt with a hug."

  Twice the size of the Koreans, she gathered them together and squeezed. After a moment, her daughters joined her.

  When released, Kwon Chol's eyes blinked rapidly. His eyebrows squished together.

  Jin-son recovered faster, "Are you sure?"

  "My husband wasn't one to hold a grudge. He'd forgive you. Even better, demand you go on with your lives. What are your plans?"

  "My Uncle received permission from your government to accompany my mother and I to the United States. He'll be safer there. I'm to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology."

  Kwon Chol smiled. "His mother wasn't happy with his choice of schools, but she'll go along. Wanted to be here, but she's finalizing the paperwork to sell her seamstress business. We fly out tonight."

  "Perhaps we'll be on the same flight. Thank you for your kind words. Let her know we missed her."

  Yang Hyo-jin and Michelle walked over to our group. Hyo-jin pulled me out of earshot while Michelle led the two Koreans away.

  As Michelle walked away she told them, "Let's leave his widow alone."

  Could use lessons in grace from Bishop's wife.

  For once, Hyo-jin had replaced her lab coat with a black dress. "Your friend told me you are off the hook for the court martial. They're even overlooking your trip to the mountains in the North."

  She put her hands on her hips. "The trip you failed to tell me about."

  "Major Williams was happy to get rid of me, although he fought and lost to keep Schnier's platoon here. Sergeant Lee is staying. He was just on loan, anyway. I've survived the bureaucracy with a little help from my friends."

  She leaned forward. "What about us?"

  I struggled to find the right words.

  "We have to honor Bishop's example of duty and sacrifice. Now that I'm getting good at the language, now that my emotional stingray poison, as you called it, has been burned out of me . . ."

  Sighed. "I'd love to stay here with you, but my duty as a Ranger requires me to leave Korea. I have my orders. They'll be a sacrifice, but . . . you can show me your work over video chat."

  She frowned. "Bishop honored his duty. Sacrificed for others, but also kept a family."

  "He's a better man than I am. Someday, I hope to be more like him. Started drinking Cherry 7-UP to remind myself."

  I put my arms around her waist. "Losing Bishop got me over my fear of losing anyone I love all over again. It sucks, but it's not worse than not having a family in the first place. We'll have to be in a long distance relationship, for now.

  "Do you have anything for me?" I leaned forward.

  "Such assumptions from a foreign barbarian. As it happens, I do." She broke out of my arms.

  Reached into her delicate black handbag. Removed a blue velvet jewelry case. Opened it to reveal a red ribbon with blue stripes. Red and blue yin-yang symbols surrounded by white cloth flowers decorated the attached medal and pin.

  "The Taeguk Order of Military Merit, Grand Cordon. One of South Korea's highest awards. You're only the sixth American to receive one."

  Not what I expected. My jaw dropped open. "They're giving Bishop a Silver Star for saving Jin-son." I accepted the case from her.

  Stared at the medal.

  Didn't deserve this. Not after all my screw-ups and wipe outs in Korea.

  She smiled. "My country is grateful. I'm grateful. Normally, you'd receive this in a nationally televised ceremony, but the government won't allow anyone to tell how you earned it. Now I'm not the only Korean national hero." She paused. "I'll miss you."

  "Thank you. For everything." I grinned back. "Our jobs keep us busy, but I hope we can talk frequently enough I won't miss you too badly."

  "We've never even been on a date!"

  I did my best to look wounded, "What do you mean? I arranged for us to visit the most romantic spot in Seoul together, Namsan tower at night. We even watched the sunrise from the observation deck!"

  Her pale Korean skin flushed, "Now that I'm in sole charge of the lab and Rhee is in prison for treason, maybe I'll hire you as our security chief."

  "Conflict of interest."

  "What do you mean?"

  "I don't think they let you do this with your security chief."

  I kissed her a lingering goodbye. Hunting assassins in the Philippines could wait a little longer.

  For series updates and to read free bonus stories such as the tale of Sam's Ranger Selection, email TR@catallaxymedia.com or visit SharperSecurity.com.

  Covert Commando is next in this series.

  Acknowledgements

  Special thanks to those who gave pre-release feedback on Techno Ranger - Christi Sewell, David Parker, Belle Scharf, Victoria Watson, Lije Sewell, and Larry Kowallis.