by Saxon Andrew
Zheng stared at the group and said, “You will make him pay or you will pay it for him?” He stood and walked out of the room.
The Generals looked around the table at each other and Huang said, “I really don’t think it would be wise to go after the White Demon.”
“You’re just frightened of him. He scared you silly long ago.”
“Yes he did. You have no idea what you’re getting in to.”
“Since you do understand, you will go as second in command of this attack, General.” Huang started to protest but was silenced by Zheng’s second in command. The Second said, “How are we going to do this?”
“The only way to make it happen is to have a general offence across the country to prevent the Americans from supporting the Demon.”
“How will we do that?”
“We’ll use the Vietcong to attack every city in the south. While that is happening, we well move our regulars in and kill the Demon and his men.”
“When will we do this?”
“Tet.”
The group looked around the room and Huang knew that they were making a huge mistake. He didn’t give himself much of a chance of survival. Though he was Chinese and operating in an advisory position, he knew his commander in China would not stand up for him. He hoped the Demon would understand he was being forced to come and had tried to prevent the attack.
“We need to tell our agents in the south to back off moving the Demon. If he’s not there, then this will be a wasted plan.”
“I’ll make the necessary contacts.”
• • •
Col. Green had AG and Jerry standing at attention in front of his desk while he spoke to Omaha on the speaker, “Do you know what you two morons have done. The South Vietnamese are screaming at what you did with Van Bao.”
AG stared straight ahead and said, “It was the right thing to do, Sir.”
“You know the can of worms you were opening when you made that decision. I don’t see any way to save either of you.”
Omaha said, “I’m not real sure about that, Colonel.”
“What do you mean?”
“Our Liaison to South Vietnam Intel has been told that he would be notified when they decided what appropriate action needed to be taken over this. They said they had to take it to higher levels.”
AG said, “They’re going to come and teach us a lesson.”
Omaha said, “I see it the same way. You might want to move our lads to higher ground, Colonel.”
AG said, “Absolutely not, Sir.”
Brian snapped his head toward AG and said, “You will remain silent unless I address you, Major.”
Jerry said, “You know he’s right, Sir.” Brian looked sharply at Jerry and said, “You’re just as guilty as he is.”
“Tell that to the babies that were gutted by Phan.”
Brian was silent. Omaha said, “I hear that this Phan was the son of the commanding general in the North. I suspect that South Viet Intel has backed off so that our two Majors here can be punished for unacceptable behavior. Even if you send them away, they’ll be coming to punish their men.”
“When do you think they’ll be coming?”
AG said, “At the start of the monsoon season when there are low clouds to restrict our air support.” Brian stared at Ag and nodded for him to continue. “Sir, I think you and Omaha know that this is a losing game in this country. More than half of South Vietnam Command has been compromised by the North. Our leaders back home are looking for a way to pull the plug on this fiasco and the North knows it. We are going to lose this one and we’ll have to pay the price for that in the future. But this is now. Those who are coming to attack us need to learn that they can’t do it without paying a price that is too high. They are coming and this is what I’ve been working toward since I arrived here.”
Brian said, “And you think we’re going to win?”
“I have no idea; but one thing I know for sure; the price they will pay is going to stagger them.”
Omaha said, “Gardner, are you looking for a warrior’s death?”
“Absolutely not; I’m looking for a warrior’s life.”
“What do you need from me?”
“I need you to bring in twenty 155’s to hill 231 along with eight 50 caliber machine guns.”
“Why do you need that many 50s?”
“To teach the enemy wisdom. I’ll need enough ammo to hold out for an extended siege.”
Brian said, “Why are you moving it to that hill instead of here?”
“They’re coming after me, Sir. I need to be their focus and that hill is actually easier to defend than this base. We’ll have the high ground and we’ll keep their guns out of range. They’ll have to come with troops to dislodge us and the fifty caliber machine guns will make that task extremely difficult.”
Omaha said, “How are you going to get all the supplies you need up there without being seen?”
“Most if it is already there; we’ve been moving it in over the last year. It’s hidden in caves we’ve dug in the side of the hill facing the river.”
“What will we be doing while you’re having all the fun?”
“Jerry will be taking the Ghosts and doing some haunting in the rear of their lines. You will command base defense and make them pay for attempting to overrun you.”
“Omaha, can you spare any mini-guns?”
“I’ll send you two; you decide what to do with them.”
AG said, “Sir, you need to mount the guns securely and use them to hold off the enemy here.”
“Can you use them on the hill?”
Jerry said, “No, they’re too heavy to move around and our forward walls are not large enough to protect them.”
Brian looked at AG, “Will we be ready in time?”
AG smiled, “The real question is whether or not the enemy is ready for what they’re going to face.” AG paused, “Omaha, I hope you know they will do something to distract you from coming to assist us.”
“I do but no one will listen.”
Brian sighed, “The more things remain the same…”
Omaha said, “The more they remain the same.”
• • •
January, 1968. AG stood on hill 231 and looked out across the vast landscape in front of him. The scouts had reported huge flocks of white birds across a massive front. He looked at his watch and saw that the Vietnamese New Year was two days away. It figures they would use it to make this assault. The clouds were still heavy overhead and he knew it wouldn’t be long before the forces moving toward them would arrive. They would have to come before the monsoon’s clouds ended. The hill looked exactly like every other hill in that mountainous country. But scattered on the slope was barbed wire and mines. The sand bags that formed the barrier at the front of the hill were covered with vines and were invisible outside a hundred yards. The 155s were covered with netting and vines. The eight fifty caliber machine guns were concealed behind the sandbags and they were distributed to cover any thing coming at the hill from the north, east, and south. The river that flowed behind the hill prevented any attack from that direction but AG had it covered with two fifty caliber machine guns and mortars. The real danger was in the big guns the enemy was moving in. He looked out and saw that there were no black lines leaving his position, so he knew the enemy was not in range yet. It wouldn’t take long. He wondered if his talents were going to save him against the massive force coming to attack his position. He felt his fear and smiled. If there were any other talents, they should reveal themselves in the coming fight.
“They’re making good time.”
“I can see that, Jerry. Do you have an idea of how many?”
There was a moment of silence and Jerry said, “At least a division. They’re also moving in missiles.”
AG took his eyes off the jungle and said, “Are you sure?”
“I’ve had three scouts report seeing them. They’re also bringing in Zu 74s.”
“Do y
ou think we can hit them before they setup?”
“No, they’re leapfrogging them across the border. They’ll set up a missile battery and then move one forward. They’ll set that one up and then move the others. They’re doing the same thing with the 74s.. The missiles will keep the B52s at bay.”
AG shook his head, “As well as the intruders and phantoms.”
“It appears air support is out of the question unless we’re willing to lose some aircraft.”
“I’m forced to agree. They’ll also set them up where we can’t get at them with the 155’s.” AG paused, “Do you wish we had gone home?”
“And miss all the Vietnamese cooking? Not a chance.”
“Jerry, when this is over, I want you to take a trip with me.”
“Where?”
“Boston.”
“Why?”
“I need you to help a friend of mine.”
“Ok, let’s hope we make it out of this.”
“There is that.” AG looked across the hill and yelled, “Lt. Blackwell!”
Larry came running over and AG said, “I want you to preload the cannon and have them ready.”
“That violates proper procedure, Sir.”
“I know, but when we need them we’ll have to use them immediately to prevent their guns from hitting the camp.”
Larry thought a moment, “Do you have an idea of the timeframe?”
“I’ll know within twenty minutes.”
“Then let me know and I’ll load em up and have them ready.”
AG smiled, “That’s good enough. I’ll give you the settings as soon as I make the determination.”
“We’ll be standing by, Sir.” Larry turned and ran back to his ten Howitzers. AG looked up and saw the black lines disappearing into the sky. That told him they were still a long way off but now in range of his artillery. He wasn’t going to start firing until the bulk of their forces were inside the valley and just before they started firing their artillery.
AG’s radioman said, “Message from HQ, Sir.”
AG took the microphone, “This is Gardner.”
“There have been massive attacks all across South Vietnam. Every major city and town is under attack by the Vietcong and there is house to house fighting in the streets.” Lt. Col. Green paused, “It appears we were caught totally off guard and though our response is slow, we are making progress. However, this means we will not have anyone to come to support us against the approaching enemy forces. I’m stunned the North would attack during their new year.”
“It makes sense, Sir. Even if they didn’t have a beef with us, they have to do something major in order to get America to write this whole thing off as a waste. The approaching units should be setup within the next twelve hours. I’ll start firing as soon as they begin artillery preparations.”
“You’ll give your location away if you do.”
“What good is this location if we don’t use it? Are you ready to hold the high ground?”
“I am. We have enough mortars to make it costly to even come close. I’m holding the Dragons back until they do.”
“I am as well, Sir. Good luck. When you hear the explosions, the party’s started and the band is playing.”
• • •
“General Huang, are the guns ready?”
“They will be within six hours. The anti-aircraft defenses are also in place behind our positions and to the north.”
“What about the ones on the other side of the river?”
“They were moved in earlier and can cover us from anything coming from Danang.”
“We’ll begin the bombardment when we have enough men in position to attack.”
Huang nodded and wondered why nothing had happened to prevent the buildup. He knew there was only an infantry regiment at the camp and there was more than a division here to eliminate them. Was this going to be the end of the Demon? He remembered his encounter and knew that he was told there would come a time where he was going to have to persuade his superiors not to attack the Demon’s location. He looked around and saw that these were not his people. His people were Chinese. The Demon had not been seen at the camp and perhaps this attack would succeed. Huang looked at the artillery position four hundred yards away and decided that it was time to go inspect the units moving toward the front. He tried not to worry but just couldn’t prevent it. This was going entirely too easy and things just didn’t happen this way when dealing with the White Demon Warriors.
The General watched him leave and sneered. Perhaps an unfortunate accident would happen to the coward. It would have to done carefully. The Chinese must not know what happened. He nodded to his aide and saw him move out behind Huang.
• • •
AG looked out over the jungle and saw the black lines were now visible below the low hanging clouds. He saw one black line that suddenly appeared and sensed that it was important. It was a small line no bigger than the thickness of a pencil. He walked over to a fifty caliber machine gun and looked out over the jungle. The small black line was now just in front of the 50’s barrel. He yelled to Blackwell, “Start firing when you hear the 50.” Blackwell nodded and issued the orders. AG sat down behind the 50 and turned the barrel up in the air.
• • •
Huang moved through the jungle toward the forward units when he suddenly heard one shot from a gun in the distance. He stopped and listened and then heard a loud thump behind him. He turned and went back and found the General’s aide on the ground with a large hole through the center of his forehead. He looked down and saw that the aide had been carrying a captured American AR-15 assault rifle. He immediately heard the distinctive sounds of American artillery going off to the west, followed by massive explosions in the direction of his base camp. The Firebase was south of him so he knew that there were heavy guns setup to the west. That single shot had come from the west so he knew where the Demon was located. He looked back down at the aide and knew that he was there to kill him. He looked off to the west and knew the Demon had allowed him to live…again. He turned and went back toward the General’s headquarters and knew he would not be able to get caught out in the open again. His anger grew but he also knew the General was about to learn what he already knew. This was going to be a nightmare.
• • •
General Van Phang watched the artillery unit go up in a huge explosion. He barely managed to hit the ground before shrapnel blew by over his head, taking out half of his headquarters’ unit. One of his majors came running over and said, “All of our forward guns and rocket launchers have been destroyed.”
He still had ringing in his ears but yelled, “Bring up the reserves.”
“We’ve tried, but they have also been hit as soon as they moved close to our location.”
“Where are those shells coming from?”
“It appears the Americans have an artillery unit on a hill to the west. That is the one that’s doing the most damage.”
“Get a battalion over there and remove it!”
The major turned and ran back toward the secondary base set up in the jungle to issue the orders.
AG yelled, “Cease fire. Save your rounds.” Lt. Blackwell gave the order and the guns were silenced. AG looked up and only saw small lines leaving the camp. The targets were barely in mortar range and he started adjusting the settings on the mortars. Soon, 81mm mortar rounds were leaving the hill and Vietcong mortar units began dying in the jungle below.
Colonel Jensen was on the radio with Brian, “We need to send in air support.”
“If you do, you’ll lose the planes, Sir”
“Why?”
“They’ve brought in surface-to-air missile batteries. They have the 75 and 75m’s here along with numerous Zu-74s. You’ll lose too many jets if you try to help us.”
Jensen thought about it and said, “It appears someone wants your firebase destroyed. How large a force are you facing?”
“My scouts tell me it’s a reinforced division of
NVA regulars.”
“Well they timed their attack well. The entire county is up in flames with the Tet offensive. I don’t have much I can send even if I wanted.”
“We’ll hold out, Colonel. Get them here when you can.”
“Do the best you can. I’ll try to get some weasels on it but it won’t happen quickly.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
Brian turned to the map on his desk and knew it was not going to be easy to hold out against that many enemy soldiers. He listened and didn’t hear any weapons. He hurried out of his bunker and Jerry said, “They know AG is on the hill. They’re moving the majority of their forces in that direction.”
“Is there anything we can do?”
Jerry shrugged, “We can’t move out of here without being hit. Even if we got Hueys inhere, the Zu’s would chop them up.”
“Can we help with our 155s?”
“They’re moving out of range and coming at the hill from the north. I’m going to start hitting the troops they’ve left here but I don’t see any way to breakout before they start operations at the hill.”
“Have you let Major Gardner know?”
“He knows, Sir. He can see them better than either of us.”
“Why did he insist going to that hill?”
“Because he knew the attack was done to get him for what he did to Van Bao. By removing himself from our location he made it more likely that most of our men will live.”
“But that decreases his chances of survival.”
“He did the right thing, Sir. He’s accepting the responsibility of his actions and protecting those in his care.” Jerry looked out at the hill in the distance and said, “He’ll give a lot more than he gets, Colonel.”
“Where are the Ghosts?”
“They’re on the other side of the river behind the hill; their job is to prevent the enemy from attacking from the rear. They’ve had four months to build their traps and mines in that jungle. The enemy will learn that the only way for them to take the White Demon is to go straight at him. This should be a very interesting fight.” Jerry started putting on his camouflage paint and Brian said, “Where are you going?”
