him.”
“I will, babe. He needs to learn though” I say.
“I know and he’s in good hands but know that I’ll personally kick your ass if he gets hurt.”
“I love you!” I say chuckling in her ear.
“I love you too! Now go away and let me finish here!”
We release our hug. Robert and I start to the back with him stuffing the extra magazines in his pockets as best he can. At the back, Red Team has gathered around the ramp. “Everyone ready,” I say putting my hand to the ramp button.
“Yes, sir.”
“Lock and load,” I say followed by a rapid succession of clicks as rounds are chambered.
Gonzalez and McCafferty take positions along each side of the ramp door with their weapons pointed outward. Hydraulics kick in gear and the door slowly opens as I push the button. Light from the morning slowly fills the cargo compartment as the door pushes ever slowly open. A clang signals the ramp contacting the pavement outside followed immediately by the ringing of boots pounding down the ramp. Red Team immediately takes positions just outside of the aircraft covering different sectors, alert and ready as Robert and I step outside and look around.
“All clear, sir,” Gonzalez calls after they are assured nothing hostile awaits us.
“Roger that. Henderson and Denton, take position at the nose. Rogers, Bartel, stay here and cover the right and rear. Gonzalez and McCafferty, you have the left and rear.”
“Hooah, sir,” Henderson and Denton call out as they stand and trot toward the front of the aircraft. The propellers are turning slowly in the breeze as we didn’t have a chance to strap them down last night.
“Watch out for those,” I yell out to them and, once I get their attention, point to the big props.
The morning breeze flows across my body bringing a fresh sensation as if blowing away the staleness and bathing me. I want to just stand here and take it in. Pretend the world is nothing more than me resting here in the breeze as it refreshes me. Unfortunately, that is not to be. I notice a vehicle is approaching from the far side of the ramp.
“Sergeant Connell, company on the way,” I yell back into the aircraft. “Have everyone fall out in formation at the rear of the aircraft.”
“Yes, sir,” I hear her respond. This is followed by more yelling and sounds from inside.
“Nic, get Michelle and hook up the ground power unit but don’t start it,” I say seeing her standing on the edge of ramp.
“Okay, Dad,” she says and disappears into the aircraft.
I stroll a few steps further out onto the ramp to await the vehicle that is rapidly closing in. I am taking it as another good sign that there is only a single vehicle approaching as opposed to an armada of MP vehicles with flashing lights on. From the way I left, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the sky and ground filled with weaponry to insure I didn’t leave again. I had thoughts of seeing the end of my days in a darkened room somewhere. Of course, I am not entirely sure that doesn’t await me now. I continue to eye the vehicle amidst the clatter of boots on the pavement further behind me. A shadow falls over Robert and I and I turn to see Major Bannerman step up next to us. I give a mental shrug and look back to the vehicle.
The front doors of the Air Force blue staff car open as it comes to a stop a short distance away. I come to attention as Colonel Wilson and Sergeant Watkins step out and walk over. I hear Lynn call the formation to attention behind me. Yeah, I kind of forgot to do that or, more specifically, forgot that I should have done that. In all my years with the military, I had only been involved with one formation. I and those I played with tended to avoid those if at all possible. I remember having to see if I even had all of the bits and pieces that went with the dress uniform and the scramble to the uniform shop to buy those that I had lost or otherwise forgotten. Lynn has my back and I am ever grateful for that.
“Good morning, sir,” I say and salute as Colonel Wilson draws closer.
“Oh sure, he salutes him and calls him sir,” I hear Bannerman mumble under his breath behind me as he salutes as well.
“Good morning, Captain Walker,” Wilson says returning my salute. “Major. At ease, gentlemen.” I see a little hesitation by Colonel Wilson wondering why I was there in front rather than Major Bannerman.
I relax and turn toward Lynn, giving her a nod once I catch her eye. Seeing her standing in front of the formation, as the soldiers stand at attention in formation according to their teams, I realize just how much she has her shit together and how much I truly need her in so many ways. That aspect of professionalism just comes so naturally to her that it just happens. If it were left to me, it would look like a bunch of one-legged emus in a wind storm. Lynn calls the formation to parade rest as I direct my attention back at Colonel Wilson, noticing that Red Team is still holding its cover positions.
“Glad to see you back, Captain,” Wilson says extending his hand. “I see your mission was a success. At least I am assuming these are the troops you were sent to get.”
“Yes, sir. More successful than I anticipated,” I say shaking his hand. He then shakes Major Bannerman’s hand.
“Your troops Major?” Wilson asks with a sidelong glance at me.
“I asked the Major a question, Captain. Please let him answer,” Wilson says holding a hand up to forestall me.
“Yes, they were, sir,” Bannerman answers.
“They were Major? Something doesn’t seem quite right here. If I didn’t know better, I would say Captain Walker here is in charge.”
“He is, sir,” Bannerman responds.
Colonel Wilson tilts his head, looks at me, and says, “Now, Captain, you can have that word.”
Before heading off with Wilson, I ask Bannerman to have Lynn release the troops. Standing in formation is not a pleasant thing let alone for extended periods of time. I remember the one formation I had to stand in for an afternoon. I thought I was going to pass out. It took days for me to get any feeling back. People just are not meant to stand straight up for that long.
Colonel Wilson and I step a few paces away. I look back toward the aircraft. It’s another of those scenes that imprints on the mind. The large olive drab HC-130 squats on the ramp in the rays of the morning sun. Behind it, the formation of troops are lined up neatly on the ramp, Nic and Michelle stand next to the ground unit and stare in our direction, and Red Team is squatting in their positions at the front and rear. The old Chinese curse comes to mind — may you live in interesting times.
“Troops! At ease!” I hear Lynn bark. I chuckle softly. She has no intention of releasing the troops but at least she is letting them relax some. She really has my back and I wonder who is really in charge.
“Sir, you mentioned General Collins left yesterday,” I say opening the conversation.
“That’s right, Captain. The General found an old time pilot but hadn’t flown in years. He didn’t figure you’d make it back. With our low supplies, he thought he needed to take the risk to get into contact with the mainland and find supplies. He loaded up what was left of the base personnel and took off yesterday. I was left here with a skeleton crew until they get back and we lost containment. I think my staying here was punishment for letting you go without letting him know.”
“So how many are left here, sir?”
“We’ll talk about that later, Captain. Would you mind telling me how and why you are in charge of an Army unit?”
“Well, sir, I’m the best qualified,” I answer.
“What exactly does that mean?” He asks.
“I wasn’t absolutely truthful with you on my previous visit, sir. I was involved with special operations for quite a few years.”
“I’m aware that you are in special operations, Captain. Your patch says it loud and clear.”
“No, sir, not just flying. I was involved with the actual ground teams.”
