“Do we have any casualties?”
“Not a one.”
Jon smiled as he began to believe that maybe they did have a chance.
Colonel James was standing outside of the APC that would transport him into battle. His APC was in the first group behind the first set of Bradleys. He was anxious to get a report on the flanking force as he wanted to get the operation underway. He radioed to Major Jeffers to try and get an update.
“Jeffers, what is the status of the flankers?”
“Sir, they are approaching the attack point. We should hear it any minute.”
“Great, when they are engaged we move the column forward.”
“Yes sir.” said Jeffers.
A moment later the air was filled with the sound of explosions and gunfire. With the sound James signaled to his commanders to mount up and proceed. He radioed back to Jeffers to try and get a status on the battle as the first Bradleys and APCs lurched ahead.
“Jeffers, what is the disposition of our forces?”
“Sir I can’t raise them but I would assume that they are busy taking out the side forces. I think we should head forward as all that will be left is the enemy’s forward position.”
“Well we are on our way.”
Moments later all was quiet except for the sounds of engines and treads moving down the valley road.
JT put down the radio transceiver and smiled at Jon and Doc.
“Great thing that we have these as we not only know when they are coming but what they think is the condition of their enemy.” said JT as he had just finished listening to the conversation that James and Jeffers had just finished. The sound of the approaching vehicles could now be heard as the Storm Trooper’s column was now about a quarter of a mile from the attack point.
JT picked up a radio and called to both Mort and Riley.
“Guys remember keep down and no firing unless they advance on your position. They think that you all have been wiped out so they will only come toward us. When we open up on the front tanks then begin to fire at them. Remember they will have Bradleys in the middle of the column that need taking out so use the RPGs on them.”
Both Mort and Riley acknowledged the call and dug in.
“Jon, I am going to take out both leading Bradleys so make sure you guys cover me.”
“We will cover you.” said Jon.
Jon peered forward through the trees to try and get a look at the advancing troops. He could here the rumble of the engines and knew that this would be the fight that would define the valley’s future. He looked over at Chris and then at Doc, he was surrounded by the people that he loved. Then his mind drifted and he thought of Catherine. He missed her at this moment, not sure why, but he did.
The lead Bradley turned a corner and the driver saw a large barricade across the road. The terrain spread a bit and allowed the Urban Troopers column to form up in side by side formation. The forward Bradley’s, seeing no sign of opposition proceeded toward the barricade with the intention of climbing over and then over running what was supposed to be the remaining position of the enemy force.
“Lead one to command, barricade in sight and proceeding to breach.”
“Roger that, proceed forward.”
The vehicle approached the barricade of logs and the treaded vehicle began to climb up and almost over.
JT scurried from the covered position with an RPG and sighted in the vehicle as it peaked over the logs. Letting go of a short breath he squeezed the trigger, sending a rocket speeding toward the armored vehicle. Jon looked on as he saw the sight of the rocket smashing into the treads and exploding. The tread of the Bradley snapped and rattled off leaving it immobilized. JT loaded a second rocket as the other Bradley started to make its climb over the barricade. As the bottom of the vehicle became exposed another rocket launched and struck the underside, passing through and exploding within the tank. The explosion created a muffled sound followed by smoke and fire coming out of the vehicle. The rear door opened and as the remaining passengers began to exit, Mort and Riley’s position opened up and cut them down.
“Jeffers, what the hell is happening up there? We have stopped and the forward Bradleys are smoking and look destroyed.”
Jeffers stumbled in his reply as he was not sure of the situation.
“Sir it seems the lead vehicles have been knocked out and are now blocking the road.”
“Knocked out, how the hell did they do that? Also it looks like both flanking sides of the enemy are still in place.” said James.
“Yes sir, it would seem so. I will have the middle and rear tanks open fire on their positions and knock them out.”
“Ok, Ok do so.”
Jon was looking at the smoking Bradley’s and smiling. He never dreamed that his purchase of the weapons could have such a result. As he smiled he heard the thunder of larger guns and then at once the trees and ground shattered around him. Heavy weapons fire was coming in from the enemy tanks. The next rounds came in and three men in his position were hit, blowing them back and sideways. He looked toward Mort and Riley’s potions and saw them taking fire as well. He crawled over toward JT as bullet fire landed all around him.
“JT”
“I got it I got it, I just told Mort and Riley to knock out the center Bradley’s. I am going to take some rockets and get around toward the back and hit those other two in the rear.”
“Are you sure you can get there?” asked Jon.
“I have got to.’
“Well get going and good luck.”
While the Bradley’s opened up heavy weapons on the Valley positions, the Storm Troopers stayed buttoned up in the vehicles. The commanders saw no point to exposing them to fire until the Bradley’s had suppressed the enemy. Mort and Riley took their commands as each grabbed an RPG and a few rockets. Crawling on their stomachs they advanced toward their indented targets. It was fate that protected them as they were able to get within twenty yards of the two Bradley’s. Mort took careful aim and placed the first rocket as a square hit against the turret. The next rocket he aimed toward the tracks and blew them away. The Bradley ceased firing as it was now out of action.
Riley had the same sort of luck if not better as his shot not only hit the Bradley but managed to penetrate the armor and caused the vehicle to begin to burn. The rear door opened up and the remaining passengers scurried out. As was the case before the Valley gunners cut them down with deadly accuracy.
JT had worked his way all the way around the column and had a free shot at both of the rear tanks. His first rocket hit the rear and penetrated the door. The explosion and screams meant that the entire vehicle and its occupants had been killed. The second Bradley he hit in roughly the same area but did not have the same result. The concussion of the shot though had silenced the passengers and caused them to evacuate. As the rear door opened, JT carefully aimed his last rocket which entered the open door, exploding and killing all within. The enemy tanks were now destroyed.
“Major Jeffers, Jeffers, why are the tanks not firing?” yelled Colonel James into his radio.
Major Jeffers muttered back. “Sir, it seems that they have all been knocked out of action.”
“Damn it, Damn it.”
Colonel James stopped for a moment and thought. He had been in tough battles before but this one had him befuddled. He wondered where these people had gotten the weapons to knockout heavy equipment. But in that moment it did not matter. He had a job to finish and he knew the only way was to disembark his troops and advance.
“Jeffers, have platoons one through four deploy and move toward the enemy’s right and left. I will have some machine gunners in the forward APCs hold down their forward position.”
“Yes sir.”
Moments later the APCs to the rear and center opened their rear doors and some two hundred men began to exit through the open do
ors. As they did three of the forward APCs began to fire machine guns into Jon’s forward position. Jon seeing what was happening turned to JT.
“They are getting ready to hit Mort and Riley’s position.”
“Yea I see that, well we got a solution to that problem.”
JT got both Mort and Riley on the radio and told them to get ready to put the last of the claymores into action. The road had been lined with four claymore mines on either side that were primed and ready to explode toward the enemy positions. JT looked at the enemy force and gave the command.
With the move of switches all eight claymore mines exploded, blowing back what seemed to be some one hundred of the Storm Troopers. At that point both of the valley forces on the right and left opened up with a withering fire from rifles, AR15s, and machine pistols.
The heavy fire was accurate and was ripping apart the Storm Troopers to the point that they had to take cover.
“Jeffers, what is the status of the assault force? Jeffers?”
“Sir, they have lost sixty percent and the rest are taking cover.”
Colonel James grimaced as he could not believe what was happening. His crack Regiment was being butchered by a bunch of scare crows. But then he thought and realized that his fears were absolutely correct. These people were fighting for their home land and a belief. They were also tough, grizzled mountain men that had some how acquired weapons beyond just hunting rifles. He then smiled as he began to admire his opponent.
“Jon Smith, you have quite a force here.”
Colonel James made a call to Major Jeffers.
“Jeffers, full deployment, every body out now.”
“Yes sir, will do.”
The last of the APCs opened their doors and the remaining Troops began to exit. As the APC with Major Jeffers opened it was met with a hail of bullets and then a rocket entered the vehicle. The explosion blew the men to pieces including Major Jeffers as his leg and head were blown off. Similar results were now happening to the rest of the troop. Colonel James’s APC was opened up as well and before the men could exit, a rocket hit the side of the vehicle blowing the men down with the force of the concussion. Colonel James was blown back where his head struck the side of the vehicle. He stumbled for a moment and then all went black.
The remainder of the Storm Troopers, about one hundred were jumping under vehicles and finding any cover that they could to escape the deadly accurate fire. As the battle continued the valley men dispatched with using the automatic weapons and began to zero in with hunting rifles and scopes. Any thing that moved or served as a target received a well placed 30-30 or 30-06 round. Jon, seeing that the enemy force had stopped firing and was for the most part finished radioed to all positions to cease firing.
At once the woods were quiet except for the groaning of wounded and dying men. Jon stood up and walked a few feet toward the enemy column. As he had before he spoke out to the enemy.
“We would like to speak to the commanding officer in regards to an end to this. What is your reply?”
The Urban troops looked around at their company commanders almost pleading to head the call. Lieutenant Davis, one of the last commanders tried to raise both Major Jeffers and Colonel James on the communicator but could not. He then looked around and saw no one else of rank to consult. He then looked at the forty or so living men around him as well as the fifty or so corpses that were also in proximity. He had decided that this battle was over.
“This is Lieutenant Davis, second platoon 501st regiment. I am coming out.”
The Lieutenant stood up and dropped is rifle as he proceeded toward Jon. The man had no more than sixty rifles trained on him in case he made a move. The Lieutenant stopped in front of Jon.
“Lieutenant, it would seem that we have the upper hand in this affair and in order to avoid further slaughter I would suggest that you and your men surrender.”
The Lieutenant looked back toward the column. Many vehicles were smoking and destroyed and the ground was strewn with dead soldiers as well as the few living that had seemed to have lost all of their fight. He knew this battle was over and the remaining troops had no desire to continue.
“Sir, it would seem that is the case.”
“Have your troops come out and drop their weapons, ammo belts, and kits. Make sure that none of them try anything funny as we have aimed rifles on you.” said Jon.
The Lieutenant signaled back to his men and gave the orders to surrender. The one hundred and twenty five or so remaining troops came out with weapons above their head and lined up. JT, Mort, Riley and some more of the valley men came out with pointed weapons to help line the prisoners up.
“Alright you men line up and deposit weapons, ammo, and kits right at this point and then form up over there.” said JT.
The Troopers did as told and when finished it created quite a pile.
“Now Lieutenant, take a radio and call back to your reserve and have them bring up trucks and Humvees. Then I want you to go about collecting your wounded and dead. Also let those fellows know that we expect no funny business or they will meet the same fate as the rest of your men lying dead here.” said Jon.
The Lieutenant got a radio and made the call back. Within thirty minutes some twenty trucks and ten Humvees arrived with about seventy five men. The Troopers and support group then began the process of taking stretchers and loading wounded and dead men into the vehicle. Jon walked toward one of the trucks and noticed numerous boxes. He jumped into the truck and opened one up to see what was in them. When he saw the contents he sat back and laughed. The box was filled with gray green clothes that were no doubt meant to be put on the valley people after they had lost.
“I guess they wanted to start indoctrination early.” he chuckled.
Jon got down and then walked through the column of knocked out Storm Trooper vehicles. The ground was covered in blood and there were still bodies everywhere. He stopped a moment to look at a private’s body that no longer had a head or left fore arm and hand. Jon shook his head while he thought that this was such a waste of humanity. He then approached one of the APCs and peered inside the open door. There were five bodies inside and at once heard one of them groan. He looked at the man and then noted the bird insignia on his jacket lapel.
“Hum, full bird Colonel.
Colonel James began to regain consciousness and slowly his senses began to return. He noted that it seemed quiet and that there were no signs of battle, only voices and men walking around. He grabbed his forehead and then opened his eyes to note the blood on his hands. He had a nice gash in the head but felt that he had been hit no where else. As he sat up he looked toward the opening of the APC and saw a tall broad man standing there. As his eyes came into focus he noted the features, gray hair, strong build, and intelligent eyes. He then addressed the man.
“Well Jon Smith if you are standing there then that means that your people have defeated mine.” said Colonel James.
Jon took a back a moment and wondered, how did this Trooper know who he was? Then it hit him that of course the Order had briefed all the officers on him.
“Well you know who I am but I am at a disadvantage Colonel.”
James stood to his feet and extended his hand.
“I am Colonel James commander of the 501st Regiment, and it would seem I am your prisoner.”
Jon took the man’s hand not really sure that he should be friendly considering what James’ Troopers had done to the valley.
“Well Smith, or can I call you Jon.”
“You may call me Jon Colonel James.”
“Well Jon, I would guess you have beaten us pretty good from the looks of it, and frankly I expected it and to some degree hoped for it.”
“What do you mean Colonel?” as Jon was quite confused.
Colonel James stopped for a moment and looked down, then directly at Jon.
&nb
sp; “Well to tell you the truth, I respect you folks a hell of a lot more than that Government I answer to. I mean you stand for more of what I believe in. Hell Jon I am a soldier and that is what I have been most of my life. As I soldier I have to take orders but frankly this assignment really bothered me. I mean I am an American just like you and Americans killing Americans, hell we haven’t done that since the Civil War, at least not on this scale. I am not one of those bleeding Socialist Order guys. I like drinking, and I like steak, hell if I had my druthers I would get my family out and live like you do.”
Jon stood back from this man and took a deep look at him. For the most part he looked like any of the other men in valley. He seemed like an honest guy and Jon began to think.
“Colonel, do you mean what you say I guess I am asking if you would like that chance? I would think that at this moment of confusion it would be a great time for you to disappear.”
“Well yes, however I would need to go back and get my wife and daughter.”
Jon thought a moment and began to formulate a plan.
“Colonel, give me all your insignia, tags and your coat.”
Colonel James removed his coat, ID tags, and all other forms that could identify him. Jon took them and headed out to the dead lying around the vehicles. As it was taking time for the Troopers to claim their dead, many at the front of the column were still lying where they fell. Jon came upon the private that was missing a left hand and head. He removed the coat, ID and other forms of marks from the body. He then put the Colonel’s coat on the man as well as the ID tags. Jon tucked the clothing and items he removed under his arm and headed back toward the APC where Colonel James was.
“Alright Colonel, here, slip on my coat and come with me.”
Colonel James stood up and was a bit shaky. Jon helped him along and soon the two were back at the front area of the valley men. Doc was busy treating some wounded as the two showed up. Jon looked at Doc and then looked over at a sight that disturbed him greatly. Nathan was kneeling in the snow and holding his father’s hand. It was apparent that the man was dead and Nathan was just holding on with hope. Jon looked at Doc and Doc just shook his head saying there was nothing that could have been done. Jon set the Colonel up against a tree and went over to Nathan.
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