Beyond the Checkpoint
Page 13
“Thanks. I love reading about the capture of bad guys and their weapons. I get satisfaction knowing I’ve helped. Even if it’s just getting you guys from point A to Z safely.”
“You make my job easier, and all the soldiers appreciate it.”
“Hey, why are you out here at the burn barrel? Who’s relegated you to this lowly job?”
“I like making sure classified is destroyed, but I also pissed off Major Ratcliffe. He gave me everyone’s classified. I’ve already been out here for about an hour.”
“Wow. How’d you do that?”
“You’re awful inquisitive today.” Dan narrowed his eyes, then cracked a smile seconds later.
Two other people who had been chatting nearby tossed their cigarette butts in the trashcan and walked back inside.
With no one else close by, Dan said, “Got anything for me today?”
“Cramer and I talked about Major Ratcliffe.” Ali turned up her nose. “He’s a spooky guy. Never smiles or says much. According to Cramer, he and Captain Dalton are evil twins.”
“Dalton brings back minor shit that could easily be collected sitting behind a desk. At least, that’s all he reports.” Dan threw up his hands, “Ratcliffe is Dalton’s field supervisor. Something’s not right. We’re looking into them but haven’t made a solid connection.”
“Dan, I know what Cramer has told you.”
“It’s being taken care of. Keep your eyes and ears open, but be careful. I’m not entirely convinced there aren’t others.”
“Good evening, Lieutenant Hernandez!” Ali called out to warn Dan and reached into the bag to help.
Hernandez walked around Dan, then towered over Ali. He barked, “What are you doing out here Clairmont? You have no business with the Engineers.”
“Oh, I beg to differ, Lieutenant. We have several projects that Ms. Clairmont is working on.” Dan piped up.
Hernandez ignored him and said to Ali, “Stop by my desk and brief me, Clairmont.”
Dan twisted the proverbial knife into Hernandez. “Oh, but she can’t do that. It’s top secret. You have the clearance, but the projects are strictly need to know. Oh,” Dan held up his index finger, “and I believe the new JETT leadership made it clear that Ali’s support has to go through Major Stewart.”
The lieutenant glared at Dan before turning back to Ali. “I expect you to inform me of what you can, simply out of professional courtesy.” He turned and walked away.
“Shit, Dan! You have a set of balls!”
He winked. “Like brass.”
“You know he reports every tidbit up the chain. I think he even takes notes on how each of us uses the porta potty.” She laughed.
“Okay Ali, no one else knows this. So, keep it quiet. The Brigade is being disbanded after this deployment. What’s interesting is the Army is going out of its way to send each member to an entirely different unit. In other words, this bullshit rodeo is about to end one way or another. I hope to clean out the barn before they leave because there is a lot of manure. I haven’t figured it all out yet, but I can smell it. So, anything else going on with Cramer that I need to report right away?”
Just as Ali was about to tell Dan about Dalton’s threats, Hernandez came back around. Dan dumped the rest of the papers in the pit and squirted some lighter fluid in the barrel, which shot flames into the air.
“Almost done, Lieutenant,” Dan said.
“Finish up and get back to work.”
They ignored Hernandez as he walked off in a pretentious huff, hands folded behind his back.
“So, how’s life under the new JETT leadership?”
“Okay.”
“Just okay?” Dan grinned.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, Evans is a little strange, but the new major is cute and seems to know her shit. I hear you used to work with her.”
Ali focused her eyes on the flames. “Yeah.”
“Are there tantalizing details you’re leaving out?”
Ali shot him a look. A helicopter flew overhead. In addition to the noise, dust swirled in the air.
“What’s your point?”
“I served twenty-two years in the Army, and I’ve been out on deployment most of the past six years as a civilian. I never married—didn’t want the bullshit.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Yeah, but the truth is I screwed up a few relationships. Listen. Life goes by fast. It’s not a game, Ali. Life doesn’t have an autosave. You can’t go back and do things over. You need to move beyond life’s checkpoints to progress.”
Ali’s pulse hitched. “You spend too much time playing video games.”
He laughed. “Guilty as charged. But seriously, think. Life is tough. Don’t pass up a chance to make things better.”
“She’s my direct supervisor.”
“On paper, but not on the project. Besides, making things better could be just strengthening a friendship,” Dan chuckled and winked, “or a roll in the hay. We’re all human.”
Hernandez rounded the corner again, leaned against the building and lit a cigarette.
“I’ll touch base with you later. But take it from an old man, end everything on a positive note. Don’t hang onto bitterness.”
Dan stirred the pit and put the lid on.
Chapter 22
November 2010 – Paktia Province, Afghanistan
Over the headset, Lynn said, “I won’t lie. We’re going to one of the more dangerous combat outposts.”
Ali arched her eyebrow, and smartass words popped into her brain. Yeah, the machine gun under the fuselage and four uploaded air-to-ground missiles are a sure clue. But she merely said, “We’ve got a job to do. Let’s roll.”
Some ten hours later, the new equipment, including a mobile satellite dish, and the software were installed and glitches corrected.
“Just in time. It looks like we’ve got an hour before the helo arrives.” Ali wiped the grime off her face with her bandana.
“They’re not coming tonight.”
“What?” Ali blinked her eyes. “Dan’s going to Kabul and Bagram for a week. I had to discuss a project with him.”
“Email him.”
This complicates things. And what am I going to use for night clothes?
“Ladies, follow me.” The platoon captain led them past the shower huts. “Thanks to solar panels, we have warm water, but the stalls are first come, first serve and on a short timer. That’s why some of the female soldiers choose to shave their head. Life on the front.”
Next, he led them down into an underground storage room. “Since the last mortar attack, we’re triple stacked in sleeping accommodations, and right now even officers are sharing with enlisted.”
They stepped into a dimly lit room with bedding between two storage shelves.
“Since the locked briefcase must always stay with you, we’ve rearranged supplies to make this a sleeping room.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Lynn said.
He waved his hand around. “There are a couple of thick foam mats and several blankets. The pillows are small but should do. Sorry, it’s cramped, but it’s all we can spare. The best part is it’s warm. Breakfast is from 0630 to 0830.” He grinned. “We pass out top-of-the-line MREs. Choice meals run out fast. Do you need anything?”
“We’re good. Thank you.”
He pointed to the plywood door. “There’s a latch. Best to lock it in case someone forgets. You don’t want someone coming in here for supplies when you’re sleeping or changing clothes.”
After locking up, Lynn unrolled her sleeping back on top of the makeshift bed. “If you want, we can split up, but we’d be a lot warmer sleeping next to one another.” Ali stood frozen with her arms crossed. Lynn took a deep breath and let it out. “Ali, I need rest and so do you. Get over it. They’ve given us the best they’ve got.”
Turning towards the wall, Lynn stripped down and put on gym shorts and a T-shirt, then crawled under the blankets a
nd pulled her sleeping bag up to her chin. “Are you going to sleep standing up?” Ali hastily crawled under. Lynn propped herself up on an elbow. “Wait. Don’t you have other clothes? Where’s your sleeping bag?”
“I only have this tactical uniform, and I’ve worn it for two days. Sorry if I stink.” Ali laid her arm over her eyes. “I’ll be okay.”
“Now, I understand why the captain gave us extra blankets. You should—”
“Evans said we were flying back tonight, and I…I only grabbed my personal day bag.”
Lynn flung her head back. “You should always bring your bug-out bag with at least three days of MREs, clothes, and a sleeping bag.”
“I know. I made a mistake.” Ali twisted her lips. “On the plus side, I have a tablet with games and contraband.”
“Contraband?”
“Lesbian romance novels.” Ali grinned as Lynn’s eyes widened.
“Jesus, Ali. You’re okay on a U.S. base, but when you leave for home, delete the material and reload it later,” Lynn said in low, annoyed tone.
“Why?”
“I can’t believe you asked that question. You were briefed before deploying.” Lynn got up, grabbed her bag, and tossed Ali a T-shirt and sweatpants.
“I know most of the Muslim countries consider any media with sexual content as pornographic—”
“Afghanistan never checks because you fly in and out through U.S.-controlled Bagram Air Base.” She went back to whispering. “In Qatar, all civilians transfer from the U.S. military through Qatari customs. They have strict Shari’a Law and randomly check magazines, movies, and computer files.” Lynn shook her head. “Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by lashings and/or imprisonment. And by lashings, we’re talking ripping into the skin on the back, blood, and scarring. Having a lesbian book puts you in their crosshairs.”
Ali’s mouth gaped. “I didn’t know it was that bad. I just thought it’d be a fine.”
Lynn put her arm around her and drew her near. “They might not be as harsh on you as a Westerner, but don’t take the chance.”
“I’m sorry.”
Lynn leaned back and closed her eyes. “It’s okay for now. Just don’t forget to delete it before you fly into Qatar. You can reload it when you get to Europe. We’ve both been under a lot of pressure. Let’s get some sleep.”
The next day, they passed the time by tweaking the computer systems and providing additional training. The computer chimed, and Ali clicked on the email. She hung her head.
“What’s wrong?”
“We have to wait another day for the helo pickup.”
“That’s okay Ms. Clairmont.” A young sergeant popped his head up over from the computer. “It’s Saturday. For those of us off duty, we play games after dinner and trade goodies from our care packages. It’d be fantastic for you to join us. New blood.” He smacked his hands together. “Unless you’re too chicken.” He chuckled. “My name’s Todd.”
Ali shook his hand. His hair—what was left from the crew cut—was light blond, and contrasted against his dark brown eyes.
When he left, Lynn leaned in and whispered, “With your long auburn hair, you have a lot of these young guys and a few gals stealing looks.”
“It’s in a ponytail.”
“Even sexier.”
Ali swatted her arm. “Behave. They’re too young.”
“Grrrr…they’d like a cougar.”
“Someone’s going to hear you.” Ali smiled at how relaxed Lynn appeared. I wish I’d see that more often.
At dinnertime, they sat around joking as the meals were passed out. Empty equipment boxes of different sizes were the tables, and chairs were well-worn and a mismatch of camp chairs and metal folding chairs. They pampered Ali by giving her one of the few padded chairs.
“Please take my chicken meal. You’ll regret it if you eat the pork one. It’s yuck.” Todd grinned at her from across the makeshift table.
“Thank you for your hospitality.” Ali took a bite. “Yum. This is really tasty.”
“It’s the best and has 1,200 calories to keep you going. And the lemon poppy pound cake is awesome.” Todd gestured, bringing his thumb and forefinger together, kissing them, and separating them like an Italian chef.
“Wow. You’re welcome to have my dessert.”
“Thanks. Do you have a boyfriend at home? I mean…it’d be nice to write to you or something every now and then.”
Ali almost choked on her water while Lynn smirked at her.
“Yeah, and he’s the jealous type.” Ali nodded. “Sorry about that.”
“Listen up folks,” the lieutenant yelled. “Poker’s going to be on that end, and Risk is on this end.” He handed Lynn and Ali some snacks. “We chipped in for you to make bets. But, it’s all for fun.”
While Lynn played cards, Ali plotted global domination strategy against the five other gamers. With her bandana loaded with peanuts, beef jerky, and cheese-flavored crackers, Ali was determined.
Halfway through, Lynn pulled up a chair and sat slightly behind Ali. “What’s going on?”
Ali leaned back. “Those two players are trying to dominate North America. The five bonus armies and only three points of entrance to defend made it a tempting target, I intend to gobble up Asia.”
Lynn threw up her hands. “Okay. That was crystal clear.”
Ali laughed, then whipped around toward Todd. “Hey.” She threw a cheese cracker at him. “I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to distract me, but it’s not going to work.”
He tossed out half of a candy bar. “How about we form an alliance and whip these guys?”
“Ah, chocolate! I accept the bribe.” They high-fived one another and chuckled.
Lynn cupped her hand over Ali’s ear. “Be careful, or you’ll be married before dawn.” Snickering, she strutted back to the poker table.
BOOM.
A loud explosion was followed by the crackle of small arms fire. Everyone grabbed their weapons. The lights flickered out. Ali was pulled to her feet and pushed into a ditch behind the tent. The firefight echoed all around.
“Don’t move!” Todd pressed his forehead to hers and dashed out.
Her heart was pounding, and she was breathing too fast. Slow down before you hyperventilate. Soldiers darted around her, carrying ammo and weapons as she huddled down. She had no idea where Lynn was.
BOOM. BOOM.
She flinched, and her body shook. Don’t be a wimp. She readied her weapon just in case. Damn Beretta with its stupid safety. I wish I had a Sig Sauer.
Things gradually quieted down, then she heard several soldiers shout, “All Clear.” Ali closed her eyes. God, please don’t let Lynn be hurt. A foul smell assaulted her senses, and a hand was on her shoulder.
“It’s over. You okay?”
Ali slowly opened her eyes and scrunched her nose. She looked Lynn up and down. “What the hell happened to you?”
“I was carrying an ammo crate between firefights. When I ran past the latrines, a mortar hit. I miraculously went unscathed, but it splattered everywhere, then I slipped.”
Ali snickered. “I’ve always admired your gleaming white beautiful smile, but the brown splotches don’t add to your debonair style. Why are you stripped? Not that I mind the boy shorts and sports bra.”
“They checked me out, and trust me, my tactical clothes need to be burned. Now, let’s make sure you’re okay.”
“I am, and unlike you, I don’t have on decent underwear that passes for shorts.” Ali couldn’t help herself. “I wear black bikinis.”
A tall female sergeant thrust a bottle of lavender shampoo, body wash and a set of bath gloves into Lynn’s hands.
“They’re yours. Keep ‘em. We’re giving you a leisurely ten-minute shower time. You’ll need it.” Pointing to a bench with a folded uniform, she said, “There are only eighteen women on base, but we pulled together a set that should fit you. I salvaged your tapes and rank insignia, but it took a bit of scrubbing.”
The sergeant laughed. “Anything.” She snapped her fingers. “I love chocolate, but you know what trades well? Those hand warmer packets.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Lynn managed to get clean and scurried back to the storage room. Not knowing if Ali was awake, she quietly snuck in and found her reading. The glow of the tablet lit Ali’s face and caught Lynn’s breath. The cute reading glasses made Ali look innocent and sweet. I know there’s a lioness underneath who knows how to stalk and kill.
“You certainly smell better,” Ali said without looking up. “Why are you staring at me?”
“Ah…sorry. You look so…academic.” Did her lip curl slightly? Lynn stripped. Academic…yeah, hot for teacher. “The glasses and all. I just don’t see you wearing them in the Ops Center.”
Ali glanced at Lynn over her glasses. “By the way, nice undies. The boy shorts project strength, but the undies show more skin. More of your feminine side.”
I’m going to have a heart attack if she keeps this up. Lynn slipped on her nightshirt and settled under the covers. “Why are you reading? Aren’t you tired?”
“It relaxes me.”
She’s definitely trying to hide a grin.
Ali turned to Lynn. “Speaking of academic, did you know there’s a study that fiction readers scored higher in empathy toward others than nonfiction?”
“Huh? That came out of nowhere. What’s that supposed to mean? Do you consider me less empathetic?”
“No. It was just an interesting study.” She gave Lynn a gentle squeeze on her arm. “Reading lets your softer side shine through. It’d help with your blood pressure.”
“Uh-huh. And your glasses and comment show your geek side.” Right now, my blood pressure is going through the roof. I’ll burst if you touch me again. “What are you reading?”
“A sci-fi called Face of the Enemy. The characters are students in an interstellar military academy with a war about to break out. The author has woven social aspects of prejudice and justice into the plot with one of the protagonists hiding a big secret that could threaten their budding romance. The romance is sweet and doesn’t overpower the sci-fi. I highly recommend it.”