by Unknown
“The Defense Minister is correct. We have lost many of our trucks in the conflict and the rest can only travel at night for fear of being targeted. Our train systems were hit on the first day, then repeatedly each day since. The trains have been cut off from our neighbors to the north and disrupted all along all the main corridors. As we make repairs, they are hit again the next day. I have ordered camouflage nets above the main line from China to Pyongyang and between Pyongyang and Wonsan. I am hoping this will prevent the enemy from accurately locating the lines and knowing when repairs are made. This will take time. I have people working around the clock. As far as the trucks are concerned, until we can travel in daylight, we will be restricted in our supply efforts,” said the Transportation Minister.
“I want those trucks moving twenty-four hours a day. Can we place antiaircraft units on some of the trucks or some machine guns?” asked the Chairman.
“We could, Comrade Chairman,” replied the Transportation Minister. “However, against the fast moving aircraft they would have little chance of getting a hit. We are procuring some larger guns to do just that; however, they have not yet arrived from China. Our trucking capacity is greatly reduced already. Any more and I could not guarantee our resupply efforts. I have made arrangement for a transfer of some military trucks from our Communist neighbors to increase capacity so that when we do run, we can deliver more.
Kim felt the frustration of the men around him. They wanted to do more, but if they did, it could get much worse. He plowed ahead. “What about ammunition?”
The Defense Minister answered again. “We lost our above-ground production facilities and four of our underground facilities. We are now getting our ammunition from our underground stockpiles and from the Chinese government. They have been very supportive in supplying munitions from their own stockpiles. Replacement antiaircraft missiles are being sent along with some radar units. However, we have been notified that because of the proximity of the Americans they are not able to provide everything from their own supplies because of the need to possibly counteract any American incursion. It is quite understandable. I have instructed our commanders to make sure we are not wasting what supplies we have. We have also placed our supplies in underground bunkers prior to dispersal so that they are impervious to bombing.”
“Very good. Agriculture, how about food deliveries?”
“Our food imports have increased by fifty percent. This is ten percent above our estimates. Much of this is due to the losses in the field. Most of our farm workers are now in the military. The older farmers are working, but cannot produce as much as the younger farmers. Since we allowed people to plant smaller gardens in parks and around apartment buildings, there has been a reduction in some needs in the cities. This has helped. As with my comrades, the transportation issues are of concern, but there are also problems obtaining fuel for farming. If we can solve these problems, the crops will be harvested on time.”
“What about the fuel situation for the military?”
“We are down to 40 percent of our normal stockpiles. We still have fourteen million gallons in our strategic stockpile. China is providing more fuel, but we have had to repair the pipelines twice. We currently have enough for operations, but not much for anything else unless we start using the reserves,” said another Minister. We are burying what pipeline is exposed. This should ensure continued flow. Most of our normal stockpile was lost on the first night. The supplies we get should increase what is available for both agriculture and the military.”
“I take it we cannot get ships in,” the Chairman said.
“No, Comrade Chairman. Enemy naval activity has effectively closed our harbors. I have initiated a plan to send out submarines to try and relieve this problem. The loss of a carrier, battleship, or other supply ships would greatly relieve the pressure we are experiencing from the sea. Because of the battleships cruising the shores we must keep our men and supplies inland. We don’t know how they find the units and equipment, but they have been very effective. We believe there are some hidden transmitters and spies who provide that information to them.”
“Can’t you intercept those radio transmissions?”
“We have not been able to do so as yet, Comrade Chairman. As a matter of fact, the enemy is not using much in radio transmissions. We have intercepted some static-like transmissions and occasionally some voice. But when we try and interfere, the frequency changes. We are doing our best.”
“It seems our intelligence arm was wrong when they told us the enemy’s technology would be devastated,” the Chairman said softly. “Comrades, we must regroup and counter this invasion immediately. We cannot let anyone stop us from reuniting this country and taking our place on the world stage. The first priority is the military; the second is transportation and then agriculture. All other efforts must be curtailed until victory is complete. From this moment on, everything must be geared to that victory,” he demanded.
“I want to make plans to have a massive thrust against our enemies right here!” he said pointing to a position on the map. “I want everything thrown at them no later than one week. The movement will be preceded by a massive missile attack by our rocket forces, heavy saturation by our artillery and then as many troops as possible all massed for attack. We will drive back down the peninsula and end this once and for all,” he demanded.
Then Kim seemed to gather his thoughts. He must appear enlightened even if he was angry and disgusted with the people around him. He said softly, “Comrades, I know you did not have a hand in getting our nation in this position. But I tell you now that I hold each of you responsible for what happens from here onwards. You all know that I will not tolerate any man who betrays his country either through purpose or through ineptitude. The people expect a victory and it is up to the Party to deliver that victory,” he said. Although his voice was calm, there was fire in his eyes as he spoke. Everyone knew exactly what would happen if they failed. “Now let us discuss other matters,” Kim said. The meeting lasted another two hours.
At the end of the meeting, Kim motioned for one man to stay. Jung Il Choi was the head of the country’s National Security Bureau or secret police. He was working very hard to ensure calm and support for the war. As a result, hundreds of people expressing the least opposition to the conflict were hastily carted off to prison. He also tightened the reins on the three government-recognized classes in the supposed “classless” society. His “Citizen Registration Groups” segregated the population into three classes - Basic, Chaotic, and Enemy. Only the Basic class could be politically trusted and, as a result, could have a few liberties.
Choi was thin and hard. His choker collared grey uniform was starched and pressed. Some even joked that he was not actually strong enough to cause a crease in them. He wore black glasses and his thin graying hair was short and brushed backward from his forehead. It was the eyes that had the biggest impact. They were black as coal and so cold it was like looking at death itself.
Choi discreetly remained behind as the others left. The doors closed and Kim asked him to sit down with him. Choi waited respectfully until Kim was seated, then eased carefully into his seat.
“How my I help you, Comrade Chairman?” he asked.
“I want an investigation into the upper levels of the military. I need to know who is politically trustworthy and who is not. I have been getting the feeling that some of the military leaders have been more interested in their own hides than in making sure the plan was followed,” Kim said.
“Comrade Chairman, we have files on each of the officers in your command. When we started seeing things go wrong I began a much more in-depth investigation into each of the senior officials. I have selected four to receive some special attention. Three of the ones killed were found to have used the computer facilities for their own personal gain. They also had been having liaisons with women who could be described at best as chaotic. They have sons in the military. I sent you a report recommending we arrest these officers a
nd detail their families as an example for others. I also recommended we relieve one other officer. I found a witness saying that the man made several trips to the People’s Republic and established relationships with people there. Clearly this is contrary to the needs of the People and the State.”
“I agree. Make an example of them all. What about Lu Chen?”
“Nothing on him personally; however, as you recall I made a report that his wife had come from an untrustworthy family. His son was reported missing just three days ago. Since there is no witness that he was killed I suspect he deserted to the enemy. His wife has not been found as yet. Therefore he is very suspect.”
“All around me are traitors and conspirators. It is good that you are adding to the investigations. Your reports have been enlightening and explain many of the problems we face.”
“Comrade Chairman, my reports will always look out for the best interests of the State. As you recall, these men were allowed to retain their ranks for expediency under your predecessor. They performed well under normal circumstances. However, they may have become compromised through other influences and held in wait until just the right time. My office has taken the steps to make sure this does not happen.”
“Very good. I must make sure our leadership is entirely trustworthy. I even had you checked out,” Kim said with a slight smile.
“Yes, Comrade Chairman, as I expected. No one should be above investigation, especially a senior security officer. I invite the State to know everything I do and everything I know at all times. Then you will know whom you can truly turn to,” Choi said calmly, although the thought of being investigated upset him.
“I do, Comrade. That is why I have you here now. I want you to personally step in whenever you find someone who betrays the State. As soon as you know, take action and report to me. You have full authority.”
“I will, Comrade Chairman.”
“Good. I will not detain you further,” Kim said.
Choi quietly stood up and left the room. He would order the arrest of several men within the hour, including several who were a threat to his position and authority. He would make sure order was carried out in a manner he saw fit.
Pusan, South Korea
Ricks opened the door of the small studio apartment and reached down to picked up Su Lynn. She looked at him questioningly.
“Why you do this?”
“It’s an old American custom for the husband to carry his new bride across the threshold of their first home,” he said. “Now that you’re with me, you’ll need to learn some of these things.”
She clung to his neck as he eased the door open and stepped inside. Setting her down again, he reached back and closed the door before bringing her into an embrace. “Welcome home, Mrs. Ricks,” he said after breaking away from their kiss.
She pulled him in and gave him a tight squeeze, hugging his strong chest. “This is wonderful, Dale,” she said.
After a mile of red tape, medical exams, licenses, and counseling, the chaplain pronounced them man and wife just four hours before. Kuan Jeu gave his sister away in the presence of Colonel Peterson, Master Sergeant Hufham, and nearly half the company. Almost everyone from the public shelter had been there as well. The old woman who befriended her cried like a baby during the whole ceremony. Afterwards everyone went to the shelter where the residents used up some of their meager rations to throw a big celebration.
Now they were alone. Colonel Peterson pulled some strings to get them access to a VIP suite at the BEQ for a few days. After that, Ricks and the rest would probably be returning to duty. Su Lynn decided she would go back to the shelter and run the kitchen.
Ricks turned on a light and led Su Lynn to one of the easy chairs. He sat down and pulled her into his lap. After snuggling a few minutes he looked at her. “Tired?” he asked.
She nodded. “Just let me sit here with you,” she said placing her head on his shoulder.
Ricks held her gently. When he had come to Korea he had been just a snot-nosed kid, barely able to hold the rifle he was issued. Now he betrothed himself to a woman he met only a little over two months before. He recalled seeing her for the first time, being held frightened and naked by the North Korean soldiers and fighting back as best she could. He actually enjoyed squeezing the trigger that brought it to an end. He remembered the look on her face as they came out of the bushes and pulled the dead men off her. He remembered the mixture of fear, defiance, and shame on her face as he helped her into the Jeep and took her away from her home and a dead family. He remembered the charge he got when she placed her hand on his shoulder when he was so tired. There were so many little things. The first time she smiled at him, her first words, the touch of her fingers in his and finally her kiss. Since then there had been no turning back.
“I’m going to have to get you a passport,” he said suddenly.
She looked at him like he was crazy. “Why I need passport?”
“To take you home to America. I need to let you meet my family,” he said.
She smiled at that. “Okay. Where they live?”
“A little place near Macon, Georgia. Mom is a teacher and Dad runs the farm. My brother is finishing up his degree from the University and Sis is with her husband in Savannah. I was the runt of the family,” he joked. Su Lynn didn’t understand what a runt was, but when he smiled it told her it was okay.
“Is Georgia nice place?”
Ricks eyes glossed over as he remembered home. “I think you’d like it. It’s a little like Korea. We have hills and mountains. But the weather’s nice and we have about 250 acres we farm. I guess that’s a little like your Mom and Dad,” he said.
“Yes. We grow things,” she sighed.
Ricks pulled her around. “Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up a bad memory.”
“It okay,” she said, the smile returning to her face. “Not your fault. I miss just a little.” She lay her head back on his shoulder.
“I’m sorry for all the terrible things you’ve gone through. I’m just glad I was there for you,” he said. “But in a way I’m glad all those things happened. If they hadn’t I wouldn’t have met you, and I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you,” he said slowly and gently. “And now I just want to make you happy.”
She squeezed him once more and held on tight. After a moment she looked at him through moist eyes. “You want make me happy?”
He smiled and nodded.
“Then let me give you baby.”
Ricks smiled and pulled her into a kiss. No other words were spoken that night.
Chapter 17
September 22 - Pressure Points
DMZ, Korea
The DMZ was just as Hufham and Ricks left it. Both men returned to the fighting two days before and were with the troops when they reached the Z near the east coast. Hufham was still a little sore and stiff, but it hadn’t slowed him down.
They had retaken the old motorpool the day before. It was a complete shambles due to their efforts. The buildings were burned and there were gaping holes in the ground where the fuel tanks had been. The North Koreans hadn’t tried to recover the bodies or bury the Americans who died there. Hufham called up a detail to collect the remains and ready them for their return home. He and Ricks took care of Old Charlie themselves. What pieces they found were carefully placed in a wooden foot locker Charlie used and buried beside his shack.
As they approached the Z, Hufham pulled the trusty Jeep into some brush just out of sight of the compound. “We walk from here,” he said grabbing his rifle.
Ricks nodded and jumped out as well. Small groups of soldiers were huddled across the area, staying out of the open areas of the compound. Occasionally the crack of rifle fire could be heard as someone on the other side decided to take a pot shot at some movement. Within a minute Hufham and Ricks stood beside the clearing looking in at the carnage. Two trucks were overturned and rusted. You could tell they had burned. Even the tires were missing. The tower was still bent over an
d resting on its top. Hufham could see the blasted area of concrete and rebar sticking out at the bend. The wooden door was open on what was the roof. The bullet-marked remains of the latrine were to the left. The small station house was still there, but the roof had collapsed where a grenade had gone off inside. There was evidence of looting. Boxes and cans from inside the station house littered the compound near the entrance. It appeared the soldiers had enjoyed the small cache of sodas the guard post maintained for their breaks. Even the small cook stove had been pulled into the yard.
Hufham turned to a sergeant standing next to them. “Did anybody get Corporal Masters out of there?” he asked.
The sergeant nodded. “Yesterday. We kept them busy while the team got him out.”
Hufham nodded. “Seems like a long time ago doesn’t it, Dale?”
“Speak for yourself, Paul. I still have nightmares about cowering behind that shithouse,” Ricks said.
Hufham grinned and looked at the sergeant. “He gets promoted and thinks he can just say anything. Where has the respect gone?” he moaned.
The sergeant chuckled and Ricks flipped Hufham off. Then he felt the new set of Staff Sergeant stripes Su Lynn had pinned onto his collar. “Yea, this arm does feel heavier,” he said.
Hufham chuckled and felt at his own new stripes as a Sergeant Major. “Me too,” he said as he turned back to the DMZ. “OK, back to business. You see any changes from before?” Hufham asked.
