by Cliff Deane
Gus started to speak, but Susan held up her hand saying, “Gus, don’t say a thing about your Marines, just don’t do it,” laughed Susan.
Levi asked, “Susan, are our newest Pilot Trainees ready, I mean, really ready for combat?”
“Sir, they are doing very well. The only concern I truly have is that there just is not enough tactical stick time with only five birds designated for training. Of course, that slows the whole process down, but I want to ensure the other gunships are always combat ready. As to actual combat, sir, no one knows it they are ready for combat until they experience combat.”
“I see, all right, let’s put all but two birds to training for the next couple of days, then when this Steiner thing is worked out, why don’t you plan on pairing one pilot with one trainee, fly them out to Davis-Monthan and scarf up a few Army Cobras. We might be able to pick up another six or so that way. Then, we’ll have them fly, under Pilot Command, back to Chalmers. It’ll be good experience for them. Say, what about Luke AFB, would they have any Super Cobras?”
“No, sir, I’m afraid not, but if we don’t find what we need at Davis-Monthan, we will surely find the Army version at Luke.”
“Good plan, Colonel, and thinking about Chalmers; Sergeant Major, what is the latest from our President?”
“I spoke with Adan this morning, sir, and he assures me that everything is going well. He is also most anxious for our return.”
“Yeppers,” smiled Levi, “Ya’ know, after this mess is resolved, I’m kinda’ looking forward to heading back to Chalmers, myself.” He snuck a glance at Susan who seemed pleased with his comment about going home.
Later, Levi and Gus were sitting in the Mess Tent over coffee. “Gus, what do you plan for yourself after this last battle is over?”
Gus’ eyes became dark as he said, “My friend, the last battle will only happen when this world blows itself to hell, and the next to last human is dead. It will never be over, oh, we may have some relative calm here and there, but over; not bloody likely.
Right now, the human population is lower than it was in 1800, by a lot, and with people so spread out, times may seem easy, but I promise, we will have no shortage of bad guys. Villains who will know how to use the abandoned equipment, just like we have, but I guarantee that most will not have the moral fiber or the training of the ROA,” said Gus.
“Oh, come on, Gus, you really think things are going to get worse?”
“Yes, Levi, much worse. How long do you think we can keep living on the technology of the past? With no 21st Century tech schools, we will lose ground. Shit, a hunnerd years from now and no one will know what any of this tech is for, weapons included. We won’t be back to stick and stones, but our progeny will be using bows, and our great, great grandchildren will be wearing animal skins and homespun cotton.
I’m sorry, Boss, but I guess I’m just in a crappy mood, today. Yeah, you’re right, everything will be fine, yeah, right.”
Levi looked thoughtful and said, “Gus, you are most likely right, but does that mean that we should just give up?”
“No, of course not, but all we’re doing is walling ourselves off and trying to hold on to something that I don’t believe can be saved. History tells us of the Great Roman Empire with all of its technology, but when they crashed, so did civilization in the known world. Again, throughout Western Europe, within one-hundred years, the Roman Empire was completely forgotten for a thousand years, and those thousand years were not happy times.
No, no matter what I foresee, you and I can never stop doing what is right, but I have to tell ya’, Boss, I need a vacation, and for the record, so do you.”
“Well, hell, Gus, now I’m depressed,” said Levi as he began to rise saying, “I’m gonna go find Susan and seek some comfort.
Oh, Gus, you need to get one of those, too.”
“One of what?”
“A woman, Gus, a woman, don’t you remember telling me, way back in September, I think it was, that you had decided to get one for yourself?”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
What the hell!
25 May 03, 1000 Hours
I-10 and I-17 Interchange
Steiner could not believe what his eyes beheld. He had not seen a traffic jam of this magnitude since DC.
He called is Staff together and ordered that the force be dispersed, then got out some teams to see if there was a way around this mess. He also admonished them to remind the recon teams to remain watchful for ambushes. In an attempt to lighten the mood, he said, “Let’s not forget we are in Indian Territory, nobody needs to die today.
Karl, let’s get the Stingers and security teams out.”
Sir, they are hidden in plain sight.
25 May 03, 1200 Hours
FTOC
20 Miles West of I-10
“Nomad 6. VR 1 4. Over.”
“VR 1 4: Nomad 6: Hear you 5 by 5. Over.”
“Nomad 6: VR 1 4: We have spotted two 5-Tons under the overpass near I-10 and I-17. Over.”
“1 4: 6: You only see two 5-tons. Over.”
“Roger 6: No other military vehicles in sight…MISSILE INBOUND! SHI…” shouted the Gunner.
Radio contact with Nomad 1 4 was lost to random static. Nomad was down, Steiner had used one of his Stingers.
Levi immediately ordered all flights to return to Davis-Monthan and grounded them until further notice. He then met with his staff and informed them of the ROA Air Corps grounding order. He made it clear that the Air Corps of the ROA was too fragile to risk in open combat with professional soldiers who obviously know how to use those Stingers from that Depot near San Antonio.
“All right,” said Levi, we know where they are and where they’re going. Let’s continue the chase and catch them in the New River Trap, but we will use limited air power. Susan, I want you to honcho the Davis-Monthan repairs then send all but the two Dust-Offs and four Snakes back to Chalmers.
Now, will someone tell me why the pilot only saw two 5-ton trucks? Where are Steiner’s LAVs and other vehicles?”
Gus said that he was sure the others had been sufficiently camouflaged and dispersed before Nomad could use his Infra-Red or even get a good look.
“Levi, they are surely stuck in the Phoenix traffic lash-up at the I-17 turnoff. It is actually several miles through streets heavily cluttered with stalled cars, pickups, and semi-trucks. My guess is that Steiner has recon patrols out looking for a way around that traffic snarl, even though he won’t find one. We probably have a window of forty-eight Hours before they can get everyone through that bottleneck and begin moving up into the Central Highlands.”
Everyone around the table agreed that Gus’ scenario was probably the most likely one.
Levi said, “Stingers. If they had used RPGs, then we could stand off, out of range and watch their movement, but now we know without a doubt that they have the Stingers from Camp Stanley, and since they apparently know how to use them. That simply makes the risk too great. There is no question in my mind that we could overwhelm them once they begin the climb up into the mountains. That belief, however, does not justify the loss of life that could befall our Air power, except in the perfect scenario.”
The planning group decided to just continue the chase until Levi’s perfect scenario presented itself. Susan was not thrilled with the grounding of her Air Corps, but she knew the odds of a chopper dodging a Stinger was just about slim to none.
25 May 03, 1210 Hours
I-17 Turn off
Phoenix
Steiner directed the Company Commander to bring the Missileman that shot down the Cobra to him. When the Captain, and the somewhat anxious Sergeant reported to Colonel Steiner, the Commander rose and walked around his field desk.
“Sergeant,” said Steiner, “I want you to know how impressed and pleased I am with your prompt action in downing that Cobra Gunship before it could unleash its own missiles. Your actions demonstrate to me that you are worthy of praise and promotion. Therefore, I have
decided to create a new Stinger section which will be attached to the Headquarters element of Alpha Company. My friend, you are, as of this moment promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. You will lead this new section which will be run with the direct coordination with your Company Commander. Again, Lieutenant Franks, thank you for a job well done.” Steiner then pinned Franks rank insignia of a 2nd Lieutenant, along with the Branch Insignia of Air Defense Artillery to his collar points.
25 May 03
Hospital
Chalmers, ROA
Doctor Faith Monroe took the call from Levi concerning Colonel Smith’s progress following the surgeries incurred by the Huey crash. She informed him that the Colonel would require a minimum of twelve weeks, and possibly even as much as four months of Physical Rehab following a long healing portion of his recovery.
“General, Colonel Smith suffered extensive leg trauma, and his bones were broken in so many places I considered removing them. I can only monitor and hope that the bones will knit over time, though that is not to be taken as a guarantee. It is fortunate that Ben’s wife, Cynthia is a top Nurse. She’s with him now. Over.”
“Thank you, Doctor, I know his care will be the best in the world. Now, , if there is nothing else, please let me speak with Colonel Guyardo. Over.”
The Doctor handed the mike to Colonel Guyardo, who asked, “Yes, sir, what can I do on this end? Over.”
“Mike, we lost a Snake to a Stinger at the I-10 and I-17 interchange. I intend to send the Air Corps back to Chalmers, less a flight of five Snakes and two Dust-Offs. Get the Maintenance section to swap out the engines and rotors, if you think it best, then tear them down and replace them, but not until Maintenance has done the exchanges; they need the practice. Over.
“Roger, sir, I’ll Coordinate with Susan about manning the refueling stations between your location and Chalmers. When may I expect their arrival? Over.”
“Look for them to contact you in the next couple of days for their E.T.A.
Right now, Steiner’s bunch is stuck in Phoenix traffic, but slowly they are making their way around, through side streets and such. I am happy to say that they are having a very rough time of it. Our Apache friends are now staying well ahead of them and pushing cars and trucks into blocking positions anywhere there is open road. Otherwise they are just observing them and keeping us informed of their progress. I’ll bet Steiner is so pissed he doesn’t know a beak from a duck’s ass. Over.”
“Roger, sir, good hunting. Is there anything else, sir? Over.”
“No, that’s it for now. Out.”
As Levi turned to Gus, he heard the Sergeant Major mutter something about radio procedure being gone straight to hell.
Levi and Gus laughed and returned to their vehicle to get the convoy back in the race to New River.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
26 May 03, 1300 Hours
Tribal War Council
Camp Verde, AZ
All the War Chiefs and their Medicine Men, from the Central Highlands, to include the four Prepper Communities from New River, Black Canyon City, Prescott Valley, and Chino Valley were in attendance. The Tribal Leaders had drifted in throughout the morning and spent the time leading up to the Council meeting by visiting with, and greeting old friends.
Pete Williams, the blue-eyed Tribal Chief from the Prescott Valley Prepper Tribe was somewhat surprised to discover the great variety of dress. Several of the representatives had gone to traditional Apache attire, while others, including the Prepper Tribes, and Chief Daniel Two-Dogs wore western rancher styled clothing. No one appeared concerned about this seeming anomaly as everyone stood around discussing the coming battle against the Evil Ones.
As a scheduled speaker, Levi arrived in one of the Dust-Offs at 1245 Hours, where he was met by Daniel. “My friend, it is good to see you again,” said the Chief to Levi.
“And you, also, Chief Daniel. Do we have a good turnout for today’s Tribal Council?”
Daniel smiled broadly and said, “Yes, Levi, every invited Chief and his staff have made it here. I must say that for many of them, the trip was long and difficult. Still, they are here and are anxious to hear what you have to tell us about the upcoming battle.”
At 1300 Hours Chief Daniel Two-Dogs called the meeting to order and said, “My friends, you come from Apache, Navajo, Hopi, and many other Tribes, yet we are, now and forever, all one tribe; the tribe of The People.”
Several of the Tribal Leaders mumbled their approval, but quickly refocused their attention on their Chief; Chief Daniel Two-Dogs, the only known living direct adult descendant of the War Leader Geronimo, and the Medicine Man Taza Geronimo.
“Chiefs, we have come here on this day to keep you informed on the preparations for the coming battle against the evil men and their iron beasts. The men who come to take our lands and destroy our people. Just as it was foretold to us by my Grandfather Taza Geronimo. Preparations for our first, and final battle with the Evil Ones are now complete. All that remains for us to do is to demonstrate patience and await the arrival of our enemy so that we may complete their destruction.
I have also asked the leader of our friends from the Republic of America, who have agreed to attack our common enemy from their rear, immediately following our initial assault upon the Evil Ones. I would now ask that General Levi Levins, of the Army of the Republic of America, speak on his progress. General Levins?”
Levi arose from his chair which sat directly to Daniel’s right. The two men shook hands, then embraced in the fashion of The People. As Daniel sat, Levi turned to his audience and told them that the ROA was most pleased to become friends and trading partners with The People. He commended them all for contributing contingents to combat their mutual enemy who, even now, climbs the mountains along the I-17, between New River and Black Canyon City.
Earlier, Chief Daniel had informed Levi that the training, in both use and maintenance of the radios provided to the various tribes was proceeding well. Training in the use of both the M4-A1 assault rifle and the 40-mm auto-grenade launcher was also completed, and the Braves assigned to the attack were now in position and anxiously awaiting the battle that must surely come.
Levi, once again, reiterated to the Chiefs that the ROA would withdraw from the borders identified by Chief Daniel and with the agreement by the ROA. Levi could, of course, not make any final treaties with The People, but he felt sure that all would go well. Their discussions did fall short of an outright alliance as the standing rule of the ROA was only to agree to protect other members of the ROA. The two young nations would remain close friends and trading partners.
The area outlined as the nation of The People included the Pacific coastal area in Northern Mexico, north to the Canadian Border, the eastern border would be a north-south line beginning just west of the Texas/New Mexico border, and running from northern Mexico to the area of the old Canadian border. This boundary gave huge oil reserves to The People, which could become important to them in a hundred years or so, yet the tentative agreement also left the oil riches of Texas, Oklahoma, and the Gulf of Mexico to the Republic of America.
While there was to be no outright alliance, the borders established by the ROA as described by Levi would act as a buffer against incursion into the nation of The People from the east.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
27 May 03, 0700 Hours
I-10 and I-17 Intersection
ROA
Levi’s Legion was now only Hours behind Steiner’s Knights and were following in the path of the mercs as they were guided by the scouts of The People who were serving as Traffic Cops.
Everyone in the ROA Force knew that this day, 27 May of aught three, would see the end of the chase. Nervous energy filled the air as the troopers of Levi’s Legion drew ever closer to their prey. Weapons were checked and rechecked, cleaned and oiled. Ammunition was wiped clean for there would be only one opportunity to get this battle right. Every Trooper knew this was the time to make history and the world a safer place.
27 May 03, 0700 Hours
I-17 North, Happy Valley
Black Knights
Colonel Steiner was thrilled to be out of the winding residential streets that his scouts had been forced to painstakingly lead them through. Now, back on the I-17 North, his goal of the Verde Valley was within reach within only another two days. The end of the journey. A new home and finally an end to the chase. This realization filled the Knights with euphoria. Yes, 29 May of aught three, would see the Knights at their destination. On that day, the Knights would stop running.
They would prepare to stand and fight. Just another fifty miles; just fifty miles, after a journey of two-thousand seven-hundred miles. Yes, thought Steiner, the end is finally within our reach.
Steiner knew nothing of The People who had already laid claim to the Verde Valley and beyond. He was also confident that his pursuers were far enough behind to allow the Knights to create ambush positions that would destroy these ever-present ghosts which seemed to always be just out of sight as they chased his mercs from White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, across the mighty Mississippi River and finally to the Verde Valley of Arizona.
29 May 03, 0700
I-17 four miles north of
