by PP
* * * * *
Legionnaires arrived on the docks of New Memphis with the East Finisterra football team. They assisted in unloading football equipment.
Soon we were met by a couple of Longshoreman’s Union business agents. The human and spider union thugs confronted the legionnaires. “Only members of the Longshoreman’s Union are allowed to load or unload anything on these docks,” said the human business rep. “Because you are new to New Memphis, I will excuse you for what has been already unloaded. But the rest of your supplies will be unloaded by longshoremen.”
“We are the Legion,” I said. “Military matters are exempt from local regulations and contracts.”
“That is true,” said the union rep. “And I would never presume to interfere with Legion affairs. But you are unloading civilian goods, and scab work is not allowed in New Memphis. It’s a very nice day. Why not keep it that way?”
“What I unload is of Legion military concern if I say it is of Legion military concern,” I insisted. “Everything we are doing here is for security reasons.”
“Supplies you unload for the East Finisterra High School will be more secure if longshoremen unload it,” said the union rep. “We will do it, or it won’t be done. I repeat, leave a nice day alone.”
“Do you know who I am?” I asked. “I command Legion interests from here to Finisterra to New Disneyland.”
“You are Captain Czerinski, the Butcher of New Colorado,” said the spider union rep. “But you still will not be allowed to unload that ship with scabs.”
“Throw these two into the river,” I said to Sergeant Green. “Shoot anyone else who interferes with Legion business.”
Both union reps were thrown into the water. The commotion attracted more longshoremen who had been standing by. They approached the loading dock, led by a large spider thug. When Sergeant Green shot the spider’s arm off with an assault rifle, the rest of the longshoremen dispersed. More longshoremen, however, were attracted to the docks by the sound of gunfire. They dispersed too when our armored car rolled down the gangplank. I posted guards on our boat and the docks before going into town.
We escorted the East Finisterra football team to their hotel. Several bookies and reporters came by, asking for updates on the team. They also asked why the Legion was present at the hotel. They were told the Legion was present in response to threats from the insurgency. I granted one of the sports reporters an interview in hope that the rest of them would go away.
“How do you see East Finisterra High School’s chances in tomorrow’s game?” asked the reporter.
“I don’t follow football,” I replied. “I don’t know.”
“Isn’t it true that several East Finisterra football players were arrested?” asked the reporter. “Are they still in custody?”
“I don’t get down to the detention center much,” I said. “If the Legion arrested anyone, they are still in custody. No one gets out unless I say so. We have been fighting a pitched battle with the insurgency in East Finisterra, and we are not backing down from our responsibilities.”
“How true is it that there was a disturbance down by the docks this morning?”
“I know nothing about any disturbance by the docks. I have no interest in local criminal activity. If legionnaires come across criminal activity, we handle it on a case by case basis.”
“So you are saying that legionnaires did not shoot anyone at the docks today?” asked the reporter.
“Not that I know of. But our battle with the insurgency is ongoing. We shoot terrorists all the time. If we shot anyone today, they probably had it coming.”
“There was a report that legionnaires threw two Longshoreman’s Union business representatives into the river,” said the reporter. “Is that true?”
“Legionnaires might have broken up a scuffle,” I answered. “As you know, the docks are a rough and tumble place to do business. Please feel free to go down there and check things out for yourself if you have any doubts.”
“I’m a sports reporter,” said the reporter. “I try to stay out of dangerous places like the docks.”
“Unfortunately the Legion cannot pick and choose where we serve. I guarantee the Legion’s presence on the New Memphis docks makes your docks the safest place in the city. We don’t tolerate nonsense from criminals or insurgents.”
“Why is there a Legion armored car parked in front of the hotel?” asked the reporter.
“As I said, there were threats made by the insurgency. Also, that’s the only car we brought. Why pay for a cab when we already have an armored car?”
“Thank you for the interview, Captain Czerinski,” concluded the reporter. “Will you be at the game?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I said.
* * * * *
East Finisterra’s game with New Memphis was not marred by any incidents or terrorist activities. The East Finisterra quarterback repeatedly connected with speedy receivers to score almost at will. The final score was East Finisterra 56, New Memphis 21. The mayor spent all evening collecting from bookies. I sent Lieutenant Lopez and a squad of legionnaires with him for protection. I decided to leave that evening rather than spend another night in the hotel. At the docks we got a visit from three Mafia types.
“My name is Giuseppe Bonanno,” announced their leader. “If it turns out you hustled us on that game tonight, I am going to crack some heads. If you think you can run back to Finisterra and be safe, you are wrong.”
“What do you mean hustled?” I asked.
“A lot of money changed hands tonight,” said Bonanno. “You know exactly what I mean. Star East Finisterra players were released from Legion custody to play in that game after the point spread was up past eight and a half. I will not be hustled. Do you hear me?”
“There was no hustle intended,” said Corporal Tonelli. “There were just a few bets made. Certainly no one intended any disrespect of the Bonanno family.”
“All of Finisterra bet on that game!” said Bonanno. “Who is responsible for this hustle?”
I drew my pistol and shot all three Mafioso in the head. Later, the sheriff of New Memphis called me up and asked me about the incident. He advised me the Bonanno family is very big and influential in New Memphis, and that they were demanding an inquiry. I told the sheriff that if he could not clean up his local organized crime problems, I would do it for him. I told the sheriff I had military jurisdiction in his area and that if I had to return to New Memphis to restore order again, he would be the first local official removed from office.
After slamming down the phone, I contacted the T. Roosevelt Space Weapons Platform. I told the space cannon specialist to access the data base and identify all homes in the New Memphis area belonging to anyone with the last name Bonanno. He found ten homes. I ordered the space cannon specialist to drop thousand pound cement blocks on all of the Bonanno family homes. The sheriff called later to inform me that Bonanno organized crime activities in New Memphis had ceased to exist.
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CHAPTER 14
At first Private George Rambo Washington avoided the brothel next to city hall. Now, all he could do was stare at the gaudy building. Private Washington knew Pam, Fran, and their sisters worked there. He knew brothel work was steady and honorable employment. But maybe his prolonged contact with humans had skewed his opinion of just what was acceptable behavior. Pam and Fran had both written him love letters and had visited Legion Headquarters looking for him. Private Washington did not answer the letters, and avoided the visits. Arthropodan culture did not frown on brothel work like human culture did, but it still grated on Private Washington that other spiders (and worse – human pestilence) could touch Pam and Fran. That thought filled Private Washington with rage.
He followed his loves when they left work. Pam and Fran walked arm in arm with a group of customers getting into a jeep. Private Washington had seen one customer in particular with Pam and Fran before.
He followed them across the Finisterra Bridge to a modest home in East Finisterra. There, a loud party was in progress. Private Washington listened to the music and the hissing laughter. He felt they were laughing at him, and it made him even angrier. Eventually the lights went out, and the party ended. Pam and Fran stayed the night.
Depressed, Private Washington walked back across the Finisterra Bridge. Corporal Tonelli and his dragon Spot were still on guard duty.
“What’s the matter?” asked Tonelli. “You look real down in the dumps. You take too much medication?”
“Guido, you’ve been around, and I value your worldly opinion,” said Private Washington. “What would you do if someone stole the two loves of your life?”
“I’m not clear on your question,” said Tonelli. “Are we talking about females? You lost two females one after another, or two at once?”
“He stole Pam and Fran from me,” said Private Washington. “He’s with them now.”
“Don’t those two work in the brothel next to City Hall?” asked Tonelli. “No offense, but aren’t they sluts?”
“Forget that they work in a brothel,” said Private Washington. “What would you do if someone stole what you love very much?”
“Put it that way,” said Tonelli thoughtfully, “we Italians do not tolerate the taking of what is ours. It would invoke the vendetta.”
“Tell me about this vendetta of yours,” demanded Private Washington.
“A vendetta lasts forever,” said Tonelli. “A widow points to the fetus she carries and vows it will exact revenge for her loss. Vendetta demands vengeance against whoever wrongs you or your family. Blood for blood.”
“So the Italian way is for blood to be spilled?” asked Private Washington. “I will take Pam and Fran back.”
“I didn’t say that. It’s not that simple,” said Tonelli. “I’m not saying Italians would invoke the vendetta every time we get upset. It must involve something really important. Honor must be at stake.”
“Pam and Fran are important to me,” said Private Washington.
“Yes, but are you as important to them? Sometimes you just need to let go. It’s a natural thing for some relationships to die.”
“I can’t let go,” said Private Washington. “I love Pam and Fran, and they said in their letters that they are in love with me, too.”
“Do you really believe that?” asked Tonelli. “After all, they do work in a brothel.”
“They still write me love letters,” said Private Washington. “They want to get married.”
“So what is your problem?” asked Tonelli. “Go take them away from the brothel and marry them both.”
“I don’t think they feel they can quit their jobs,” said Private Washington. “And what about the spider I saw them with tonight? He is always with them.”
“Nonsense. Everyone has free choice. Go get Pam and Fran and marry them.”
“But I still feel so much anger,” said Private Washington. “It’s not the Arthropodan way, but I cannot help myself. I will not share Pam and Fran with him or anyone else.”
“Screw the Arthropodan way,” said Tonelli. “This is America. Do what Americans would do.”
“You are right. I will invoke the vendetta. I will kill all who steal what is mine. I will not rest until I free Pam and Fran from his clutches.” And I will do it tonight, he thought to himself. “Thank you Guido. You have been very helpful.”
Private Washington then walked over to the armored car and started it up. He began checking weapons and ammo.
“Hey wait,” said Corporal Tonelli. “What do you think you are going to do with the armored car?”
“I’m taking it to East Finisterra,” said Private Washington. “I am invoking the vendetta.”
“You are not taking the armored car anywhere,” said Tonelli. “I’m signed for this car tonight. It cannot leave my sight. I’m responsible for it.”
“You cannot stop me,” said Private Washington, as he released the brake and started down the Finisterra Bridge.
“Then I’m going with you,” said Tonelli. “Where the armored car goes, I go.”
When they approached the checkpoint at the base of the bridge, Corporal Williams challenged them. “Where are you taking the armored car?” he asked.
“Into town to get some beer,” said Tonelli. “We’ll be right back.”
“Here!” said Corporal Williams, waving some money. “Get me some, too.”
“No problem.” Tonelli snatched the money.
“You better hope Sergeant Green doesn’t come back and see you and the armored car gone,” said Corporal Williams. “I don’t think he likes you anyway.”
“Sergeant Green does not like anyone,” said Tonelli.
“I hear you,” said Corporal Williams. “I know he hates me.”
Private Washington drove through East Finisterra at a high rate of speed. As he approached the party house, he accelerated, and turned on the overhead spot lights and siren. He crashed through the front wall of the home at sixty miles per hour. Spider bodies flew everywhere. Some were armed. Private Washington cut them down with the machine gun. Guido threw grenades. The Emperor of the North emerged from a side bedroom. A machine gun burst turned his chest into a bloody mist. Almost as soon as it started, it was all over. The spotlights lit up the wrecked home, but jagged shadows obscured some areas because of the debris.
“Don’t shoot!” shouted Pam from one of the bedrooms. She came out with her hands up. Fran followed her. “George? Is that you?”
“Yes,” said Private Washington. “I came here to take you away with me, my love.”
“How romantic,” gushed Pam. “It’s just like in the movies.”
“I came for you, too, Fran,” added Private Washington.
“How ambitious of you,” said Fran. “If this is just like in the movies, it must be a porno movie.”
“I want to marry you both,” said Private Washington, getting down on his knees. “The sooner the better.”
“Have you thought this out?” asked Fran, frowning. “Where are the rings? I’m not marrying anyone who won’t give me a ring.”
“Help!” said someone in the corner under debris. “I’m tied up and can’t get up. Please help me.”
Corporal Tonelli picked up bricks and dry wall pieces until he reached Ralph Singh. He cut the ropes and blindfold from Singh and helped him up.
“It is about time the Legion saved me,” said Singh. “Where are the others? I want to talk to your commanding officer.”
“It’s just us,” said Tonelli. “Are you that Singh dude? You can call me Guido.”
“Just you, Guido?” asked Singh, looking about at all the debris and dead bodies. “This is amazing. I am forever in your debt for saving me. Thank you very much for rescuing me.”
“Whatever,” said Tonelli, fending off Singh’s attempt to hug.
“I mean it,” said Singh. “I will make you two wealthy men. I promise it.” Sing hesitated when he got a better look at Private Washington. “You are a legionnaire too? That’s fine. Some of my best friends are spiders. I will make the two of you very wealthy. I will take care of you both for life.”
“How wealthy do you mean by very wealthy?” asked Pam, taking Private Washington by the arm.
“They will both be millionaires,” said Singh. “I take care of my friends.”
Fran sidled up to Tonelli. “Hear that, babe?” she asked. “You are going to be a millionaire, you cute little fur ball.”
“Get away from me,” said Tonelli, warding off the female spider by holding out the crucifix hanging from a chain around neck. “I said once before I’m Catholic. I don’t do the nasty spider thing.”
Fran pouted and went over to Private Washington and took his other arm. “I can’t wait to get married,” she announced. “Let’s do it as soon as possible.”
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CHAPTER 15
When the Legion ar
mored car smashed through the safe house wall, General Electric ducked out a window and never looked back. In his backpack G.E. had $700,000. Most of the insurgents and his Special Forces soldiers had deserted after they got their split of the money. A few die-hard types stayed at the safe house, hoping to get more ransom out of Singh. They were dead now, along with that fool Emperor of the North.
