37 Days In A Strange World

by Dave Hazel

  “Myk, what the hell is going on?” Sgt Kenny Hart demanded when Mykal’s vehicle pulled to a stop. “We received part of a warning from Denny to be on the lookout for an army of savage people. We didn’t get it all cuz his message kept breaking up.”

  “Was that some kind of prank?” Sr. Airman Terry Burns asked.

  “What did Edwards and Mansfield tell you guys?” Mykal asked and watched Jake and Sam exit Jake’s Bronco. Mykal felt he could smell Finn’s blood when they opened the doors of the Bronco.

  “That’s jus’ it man, we axed ‘em an’ they didn’t say a damned thang,” Sr. Airman Baby Hulk Jordan replied angrily. “And this big black man is ‘bout to go off on some people,” he threatened while jabbing his thumb into his own body builder chest.

  “They won’t talk,” Burns added. “They got into camp and hid themselves away from everyone. They won’t answer questions, and they won’t let anyone approach them. Are we in danger? Or what?”

  “Listen guys, we got food. I gotta go find Lt Light,” Mykal said. He walked away to avoid the mob that surrounded them.

  Jake and Towbar helped Kurt, Larry and Sam pass out skins of water, dried meats, and dried out bread that was more like large croutons. The camp came to life when food was mentioned. The majority of the people ran to them under the fear food would run out again. They didn’t ask questions. The top priority, momentarily, was filling their hungry bellies. Dried meat and crunchy bread wasn’t the ideal breakfast, but the recipients gladly accepted the food offered.

  Mykal saw Edwards’ Bronco on the edge of camp facing away from everyone. He caught sight of Edwards getting out of his vehicle to relieve himself and stretch. A fiery rage ignited when he watched the fainthearted officer rub his sleepy face and yawn as if he didn’t have a care in the world. After shaking off the morning chill Edwards climbed back into his Ford Bronco.

  Mykal couldn’t let it go and changed course. He approached the Bronco from behind. It clearly looked like it ran through a gauntlet. The vehicle had been marred with many dents and scratches. A large crack sliced the length of the windshield. “Nobody demanded answers from this dipshit?” He snarled.

  ‘Since they refused to talk that means the people don’t know about Finn and Miller’s death.’ He fueled his own percolating rage. ‘Those friggin bastards left us to die!’ He wanted to justify his actions should he say something that would be considered insubordination.

  Mykal yanked the driver’s door open. Edwards and Mansfield looked shocked and startled by the intrusion. Their shared expression of ‘how dare you?’ flipped to sudden terror. Mykal didn’t mask his hatred. The scratches and dried blood on his face added to his crazed stare.

  He lost control of his emotions. “Get the hell out here you spineless bastard,” Mykal growled between clenched teeth and grabbed Edwards by the front of his shirt and pulled him out. He didn’t think about possible consequences, he just reacted.

  Edwards struggled but hit the ground. “What are you doing?”

  “Why’d you leave us to die?” Mykal stood over Edwards and looked like a madman with his fists ready to pound. His rifle slung loosely over his shoulder. “Why didn’t you help us?”

  “Sgt Graves, I’m an officer,” Edwards said while he looked up in terror. “You can’t treat---uhhnnnn,” he groaned when Mykal kicked him in the side.

  Mansfield didn’t have the courage to get involved and he looked the other way when he grabbed the radio microphone. “This is Mansfield. We have a situation over here!”

  “I asked you a question, you friggin wimp. Why’d you leave us to die?” He hissed his emotional venom between clenched teeth and took his rifle from his shoulder.

  “Please, Sgt Graves. What are you doing?” He begged frantically with his hands before him in submissive surrender. “Please, we were frightened.” He cowered and his face went pale. “We thought you followed behind us,” he lied with whimpers.

  “Finn begged you guys to help him. If you woulda waited two seconds he’d be alive right now,” Mykal yelled and slammed the butt of his rifle into Edwards’ face, but Edwards’ forearm partly deflected the thrust. The blow jerked Edwards’ head back, split his lower lip and knocked two of his lower teeth loose. “That was for Finn! This is for Miller!” He drove the rifle butt into Edwards’ chest. “This is for leavin' us to die,” he growled as he raised the rifle again, but got pushed from the side and knocked to the ground by Lt Light.

  “What in heaven’s name--?” Lt Light gasped in shock as if the Pope had been attacked. “A junior NCO, assaulting an officer? Do you realize what you have done? He’s the ranking officer here,” Light shrieked as if a murder had just taken place. Others rushed to the scene of the physical assault.

  Mykal rolled over and jumped up, swinging his rifle around to defend himself. “Screw you! He left us to die,” Mykal yelled. “Because of him, both Finn and Miller are dead!” He continued to yell and could tell by the surprised looks that no one knew the two men had been killed. “D’ya hear me? They ran away leaving us to die. They were only saving their own asses.”

  “Th-that’s n-not true,” Edwards mumbled, holding his face.

  Light looked shocked. “Oh, my. Killed? Disregard that,” he responded to the grumbling of those gathered. “The fact is, he’s the ranking officer and you can’t assault him!”

  “I don’t care if he’s the ranking officer. He’s a friggin coward. He’s gonna get more people killed,” Mykal said. Suddenly, he felt isolated; he knew Light would side with them and not him.

  Flemour and some of Light’s armed men rushed to the scene. Light spoke calmly and used his hands to simulate pushing the tension down. “Alright Mykal, put the rifle down and we will discuss this. Let’s not allow this to escalate into something we’ll all regret later. Just put the rifle down.”

  Mykal gave a weak, pathetic laugh to show his disgust. “You guys kill me. You’re worried that I hit this coward, but don’t you care that he forced Finn and Miller to get killed, and left us to die? We had to fight our asses off back there. I told him this would happen. He didn’t wanna hear it. I tried to stop him, but he still sent Finn and Miller to their meaningless deaths. Miller got chopped into a hundred pieces,” he snapped evoking a round of gasps. “Sir, didn’t you ask him what happened?”

  “Yes I did. And yes, Mykal, I do care,” Light replied and swallowed hard. His voice quivered and his hands trembled. “But there must be a thorough investigation. Even if what you say is true, I can’t have you striking the senior officer. Anyone, for that matter! If he is in the wrong, there are proper procedures to resolve this. I will not allow you to be the accuser, judge, jury and executioner. I received a story, different from the one you’re telling me, so how do I remedy that?”

  “Wha’d he tell you?” Mykal asked and glanced over to Edwards who tried to move away from him.

  “He explained there was a little problem, but it was being resolved. He said he would brief me fully in the morning, meaning today. I had no reason to question him. It wasn’t until later in the evening that we finally received part of a message that warned of an impending attack. We busied ourselves through the night preparing for an attack. I’m still unaware to the full extent of our situation. Who’s going to attack us?”

  While Light kept Mykal busy talking, Mansfield and two loyal airmen cautiously approached Edwards to inspect his injuries. They scrutinized Mykal and his rifle with every step. Mykal shook his head showing his repugnance. He watched his friends join the crowd and he raised his rifle, signaling that he gave up on his standoff. He spat on the ground when Mansfield and the two airmen helped Edwards away. The power of the rank system no longer mattered to him and he didn’t care who knew it.

  Kurt, Sam and Larry moved past the crowd and joined Mykal showing their loyalties rest with him. Towbar stepped into the half circle. With his massive sword in hand he looked ready for battle. Larry held up his rifle giving the impression he would defend his friend. Jake eased int
o the group. Mykal saw fear in Jake’s face, and knew Jake would try to ride the fence.

  “Mykal, I’m going to ask you to hand over your weapons,” Lt Light said after Mansfield moved Edwards away from the threat.

  Mykal shook his head. “No-no-no-no-no-no,” he replied calmly. “No way Sir.” He laughed as if Light had gone crazy.

  His response generated stunned astonishment over the group.

  Light’s tenor stiffened. “Sgt Graves, I don’t want this to come down to taking your weapons by force. But I can’t have you threatening people and risking getting someone killed. This violent outburst you displayed, this demonstration of anger toward a superior, tells me I can’t trust you being armed.”

  “Sir, I give you my word I won’t do anything like that again. But I was ticked off. He got two men killed and left us out there to die,” Mykal replied vehemently. “We’re all in great danger and I’m not giving up my weapons while we’re in danger. I’ve dealt with so much crap the past few days, I’m not gonna be unarmed for anyone. And Sir, I’m not trying to be a smart-aleck, but if you wanna try to take my weapons from me, c’mon, let’s get this over with now,” he challenged and stood ready to fight. “I’ve killed over a hundred Sosos the past couple of days,” he added to shock the onlookers and potential foes.

  Larry, Kurt and Sam took that as a cue, and repositioned their stances. They looked like they were not about to back down. They focused on potential threats, primarily Light’s men.

  Jake stepped in. “Sir, I would like to offer that you put Sgt Graves under my custody and I’ll be fully responsible for him. Sir, I am pleading with you to drop this matter for the time being. We have a very serious situation on our hands. Sir, I witnessed the danger we’re in. I was almost killed out there. We’ve got it bad,” he said as more joined the gathering.

  Lt Light paused and weighed his options. He eyed Mykal as if to consider how serious Mykal’s threat of a gun battle was should he be pressed to give up his weapons. Mykal had dried blood all over him. Towbar and the three standing with Mykal looked ready to fight. Light’s men seemed alarmed and tentative by the sudden showdown.

  Larry spoke when the silence neared uncomfortable. “Sir, Mykal’s speaking the truth. We need every man armed. Us four are standing here with him, cuz of how serious this is. If he goes down, we’ll go down fighting with him.” Larry’s Boston accent thickened the angrier he became. “I know what we’re up against and how vicious these savages are. These scumbags attacked us a couple times, and Mykal has proved himself to me over and over. I’ll fight to the death for him. And just keep in mind, Sir, Sosos already killed two of your people and the Marshal.”

  “What the hell is going on?” Someone yelled out.

  “Where are we? Where’s help at?” Another called out.

  “When are we going home?” A third shouted and then a chorus of questions and demands rained in on them.

  “Sgt Flemour, get everyone back to what they were doing,” Light directed. “Sgt Irwin, I am placing Graves under your custody and supervision. Don’t make me regret this decision,” he whispered and stabbed his index finger to Jake.

  “We wanna know what’s going on too,” Sgt Gary Rogers shouted. “What’s the deal Myk? Who’s dead?”

  “Gary, I’ll fill you guys in on everything after I’m done talking to Lt Light,” he said loudly to speak over protesting voices.

  MSgt Flemour and a couple of senior sergeants tried to disperse the crowd, but the people weren’t going to be chased away so easily. “This is bullshit,” an angry voice yelled.

  “There’s so much disinformation passed out,” another cried.

  “We wanna know what’s really going on,” another demanded.

  “We’re being controlled by them controlling the info,” one more hollered. “They ain’t telling us anything. What gives?”

  “Yeah, it ain’t right. It’s like we’re prisoners.”

  Mykal tried to calm the restless mob. “Honest guys, I’ll tell you everything once I’m done talking to the Lieutenant.”

  Mykal, Towbar and Jake followed Lt Light away from the camp into the open flatland. “I want to be away from prying ears,” Light said and watched Flemour handle the frustrated mob. “I need to know what you’re going to tell the people. These people are anxious and don’t need falsehoods.”

  Larry, Kurt and Sam broke away from the mass of anger and joined them out in the field.

  Mykal gave a graphic and detailed accounting of Miller and Finn’s deaths. He pointed to the dried blood on his uniform and described Jake’s Bronco being covered in Finn’s blood. Mykal emphasized their deaths occurred because of Edwards orders and gutless actions. Kurt and Sam agreed with puppet enthusiasm. Jake said nothing, but nodded to confirm Mykal’s charges. Larry wanted to speak, but hadn’t been there.

  “…and Sir, I’m not trying to be disrespectful, but as long as Edwards is the senior officer in charge, more people are going to die because of his stupidity. You should be in charge.”

  “I appreciate your concern, Mykal, but this was a single incident in which he responded incompetently. To take his command away, and to remove him from his position of authority, I just don’t have enough to go on.”

  “Sir, are you kidding me?”

  “No, I’m not, Sgt Graves!” Light’s harsh response and change of attitude made it clear that he couldn’t be coaxed or pushed into the top position. “I would be in danger of facing charges of mutiny. I don’t want to hear this talk again. Lt Edwards is the senior officer and you will treat him with the respect that his rank and position require. Until we are rescued, each of you,” he pointed to each one, “will show the proper respect his rank is warranted! Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes Sir. Loud and clear.” Mykal sighed. He feared he made it too obvious he was out to get Edwards dethroned. He knew he would have to be careful in word and deed. “Is it okay if I go tell the people what’s really going on here?”

  “That’s fine. The people feel information has been withheld from them. The truth of the matter is we haven’t had any info to withhold from them. But,” he stopped to get their attention. “I want to be perfectly clear, be careful in what you say to the others about Lt Edwards. He is going to need the support of everyone if he is going to lead us out of this bizarre situation we’re in. Mykal, you’re on a short leash with me,” he added and looked to Jake who nodded his acceptance. “If everyone pulls together and unites behind one leader, I’m sure we can make this work until we go back home,” Light said and sounded like a politician running for office.

  “Yes Sir,” Mykal agreed and felt defeated. His plan to have Light take over blew up in his face. The five left but Jake stayed with Light to discuss their situation further.

  “Well, that’s one person we can’t count on,” Kurt whispered from the corner of his mouth as they walked away. “He’s a spineless butter bar wimp just like Edwards. What’s in those little gold lieutenant bars that turned them into girlie wimps?”

  “This really sucks.” Mykal shook his head with disgusted incredulity. “If it gets ugly around here and if we have a split, we can’t count on any of Light’s men. His men don’t know us so they’d probably be afraid to make a move against him.”

  “We need their big firepower on our side though,” Sam said.

  “True. So we gotta be cool for a while then,” Mykal said.

  “We? We gotta be cool for a while?” Kurt laughed out loud. “Who was the one who attacked our commanding officer?”

  “It was an accident,” Mykal joked and smiled shyly. “When we get back to the world, I’m in trouble. I’m so screwed.”

  “My friend, I do not understand your concern,” Towbar said.

  “I wanted Light to take control from Edwards, but he’s afraid and won’t do it. He’s actually going to support Edwards. Now Light knows I’m against Edwards and he’s gonna be watching everything I do that conflicts with Edwards. Plus I hit Edwards, so I will probably
go to prison when we go back home.”

  “Does that mean we gotta follow that yellow coward’s orders?” Sam asked. “Like you said, people will die under him.”

  “Yes, we’ll obey for appearance sake.” Mykal smirked. “If push comes to shove, we’ll leave and go with Towbar. Then all these people can drop dead and go to hell.”

  “It’s about survival, Myk,” Larry said. “We have a handful of people that will follow us. If we have to split, we’ll just steal a bunch of weapons and ammo.” Larry laughed and ran his hand over the stubble of his returning hair.

  Kurt looked around to ensure no one could hear him. “Just remember, if they screw with us, accidents can, and will, happen.”

  “I’m glad I can count on you guys,” Mykal said. “But the one thing that pisses me off the most about this whole thing is the fact that he left us there to die, and now we’re the bad guys. We’re the outcasts. And as much as I hate to say it, we need these friggin people. So for now, we’ll play their game.”

  Larry chuckled. “But once these idiots realize they do in fact need us, then we’ll lay the law down on them. Right? Cuz remember all roads of survival lead back through Towbar.”

  “That’s right,” Mykal agreed. “Towbar, we’re gonna make sure these people help you. Then when things get settled, you can help us like we agreed before.”

  “Thank you, my friend. I am beholden to you. All of you.”

  Mykal sighed again. “Let’s tell everyone what’s going on around here and fill them in on what we gotta do to survive.”

  “Have fun,” Larry chuckled. “You know some of these people aren’t gonna wanna hear from you just cuz of our reputation.”

  “Forget them,” Mykal huffed. “They’d be the same ones who kiss up to the E and M Wimp Brothers anyway. But we have an opportunity to win some people over to our side.”

  “The civilians,” Sam said. “The LT doesn’t care for them.”

  Anxiousness tightened Mykal’s gut as they made their way toward the little groups spread throughout the camp. “Damn,” he whispered to Larry. “I’m not the press conference type.”